Spotlight on the French Riviera
Alternative
Uncover the chic resorts, sun-soaked beaches and elegant allure that attracts the rich and famous to the exquisite French Riviera. Unpack for a leisurely multi-night stay, embracing the luxury and breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur. Spend time in the fairy-tale principality of Monaco. Attend one of the world’s oldest and most famous carnivals in Nice. Discover the opulence of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and Gardens. Watch artisans create fragrant perfumes. Get a glimpse into the lives of the rich and famous in Cannes. Enjoy leisure time to explore on your own. It’s time you lived a little bit of the good life.
- Unpack Once
Nice
Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.
Food Tour & Tasting
Nice Flower Market
In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), amongst old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses; take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers; sample seasonal fruits and fresh baked breads; be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays; sip and savor a hot cappuccino; take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.
Menton Lemon Festival
Monaco
At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.
Monte Carlo
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, hugs the stunning Mediterranean Sea. The affluent principality is only three miles long by one-half miles wide but boasts the region's most elegant address – the Monte Carlo District. The district’s Golden Square is the heart of its elegance with elaborate gardens and fountains, high-end fashion boutiques, prestigious jewelers, and is frequently lined with luxurious cars. The most remarkable building in the square is the famous Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1863 and designed by Charles Garnier. This architectural work of art features astonishing frescoes and sculptures, and is adorned in gold and marble. The opulent gaming rooms are decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. Attached to the casino is the extraordinary opera house that features world-class performances of opera and ballet throughout the year.
Choice on Tour: Monte Carlo Panoramic Tour or Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum
In Monaco, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to explore the tiny principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino. Your second choice is to visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.Panoramic Tour of Monte Carlo - NEO Day 3Activity Level: 1Panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo by tourist train. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and takes guests through the highlights of this tiny country including some of the sites in Monaco they will have seen in the morning with the Tour Manager. Highlight of the tour is the panoramic drive to Monte Carlo. The tourist train will make a stop for a few minutes to allow people to take photos of the famous casino. There is no walking involved.Monaco's Oceanographic Museum - NEO Day 3Activity Level: 2Collection is explored at leisure. The museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I. Its most prominent director was French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (1957 to 1988) who is also world-renowned as the author of The Silent World, which is both a successful book and an award-winning documentary film (won a Palme d'or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival).
Grasse
Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.
Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop
Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.
Nice Carnival Parades
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.
Saint Paul de Vence
One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Hotel Radisson Blu
223 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every moment of travel is important to us.
Whether it’s helping you select your perfect dream destination, giving you a ride to and from the airport in a sleek black sedan, offering the security of our unrivalled Travel Protection plan or 24-7 support, we are with you every step of the way to make sure everything is perfect.
We don’t think of guided travel as a business. We think of it as a great honor and privilege to be able to share what’s so wonderful about the world with our guests. Since it’s so personal for us, we treat each and every traveler as a valued friend. We want you to sit back and let us handle all the details so you can have the time of your life.
Guaranteed to Go
We have guaranteed thousands of tour departure dates across over 170 of our tours. This means that you can book your tour with peace of mind knowing that it will depart as planned and your departure date will not change.
Travel Protection
We understand that life happens and sometimes plans change, so we don’t want you to book with us only to be socked with fees if you have to cancel your trip. That just adds insult to injury! That’s why we offer an industry leading travel protection plan that offers you a full refund, less the cost of the plan. Cancel for any reason right up to the day before your departure.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
COMMUNITY
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
TRAVEL
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
PEOPLE
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
PLANET
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family memers have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
Nice
Nice is the second largest resort on the French Mediterranean Coast and the country's fifth largest city. It has the country's second busiest airport welcoming the world's rich and famous as well as millions of sun and fun-seeking tourists. Beachfront hotels along the famous Promenade des Anglais, pleasant parks and gardens, a picturesque historic quarter as well as a lively commercial center are some of its many attractions. The Chagall Museum of the Biblical Message and the Henri Matisse Museum are located here. An ancient Roman arena and a remarkable Franciscan Church are found in Cimiez, an exclusive residential district. Nice is the gateway to affluent and exclusive coastal communities as well as the Principality of Monaco.
Food Tour & Tasting
Nice Flower Market
In the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Town), amongst old-world boutiques and petite cafés, you will find the vibrant Nice Flower Market. This bustling market is located on Cours Saleya, the famous promenade in the old city. This favorite daily (except on Monday) stopover for locals and tourists alike features much more than flowers. Vendors tout an array of produce, flowers and various other delicacies. It is a feast for the senses; take in the fragrant aroma of fresh-cut flowers; sample seasonal fruits and fresh baked breads; be dazzled by the bountiful colorful displays; sip and savor a hot cappuccino; take a moment to pause and chat with the locals, or simply listen to the romantic sounds of the French language being spoken all around you.
Menton Lemon Festival
Monaco
At 370 acres or three-quarters of a square mile, the Principality of Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state. It sits in a scenic cliff-side location on the Mediterranean completely surrounded by French territory. This fairy tale of a country is headed by the Prince Sovereign, currently, Albert II, son of Rainier III and American actress Grace Kelly. Highlights of a visit include the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince's Palace as well as the Cathedral, the final resting place of the Principality's monarchs.
Monte Carlo
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world, hugs the stunning Mediterranean Sea. The affluent principality is only three miles long by one-half miles wide but boasts the region's most elegant address – the Monte Carlo District. The district’s Golden Square is the heart of its elegance with elaborate gardens and fountains, high-end fashion boutiques, prestigious jewelers, and is frequently lined with luxurious cars. The most remarkable building in the square is the famous Monte Carlo Casino, built in 1863 and designed by Charles Garnier. This architectural work of art features astonishing frescoes and sculptures, and is adorned in gold and marble. The opulent gaming rooms are decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures and paintings. Attached to the casino is the extraordinary opera house that features world-class performances of opera and ballet throughout the year.
Choice on Tour: Monte Carlo Panoramic Tour or Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum
In Monaco, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to explore the tiny principality on a panoramic Little Train tour taking you across to Monte Carlo for views of its famous casino. Your second choice is to visit the Oceanographic Museum, perusing its aquarium and the collection of fossils and skeletons amassed by the great researcher Jacques Cousteau.Panoramic Tour of Monte Carlo - NEO Day 3Activity Level: 1Panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo by tourist train. The tour lasts about 30 minutes and takes guests through the highlights of this tiny country including some of the sites in Monaco they will have seen in the morning with the Tour Manager. Highlight of the tour is the panoramic drive to Monte Carlo. The tourist train will make a stop for a few minutes to allow people to take photos of the famous casino. There is no walking involved.Monaco's Oceanographic Museum - NEO Day 3Activity Level: 2Collection is explored at leisure. The museum was inaugurated in 1910 by Monaco's modernist reformer, Prince Albert I. Its most prominent director was French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau (1957 to 1988) who is also world-renowned as the author of The Silent World, which is both a successful book and an award-winning documentary film (won a Palme d'or at the 1956 Cannes Film Festival).
Grasse
Grasse is an aristocratic town in the foothills surrounding the Mediterranean coast. Its 12th century Cathedral dominates the cobblestoned streets and intimate squares and courtyards. The town is recognized as the center of French perfumery. Several noble houses that pioneered the art of perfume-making welcome visitors to their laboratories, museums, and gift shops.
Fragonard Perfumerie Workshop
Learn the secrets of perfume making and hone your skills with a hands-on workshop and tour of the Fragonard Perfumerie. Since 1782, this perfumery has been preparing noteworthy creations that capture your senses.
Nice Carnival Parades
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
Take in the impressive splendor of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, home to lush gardens, iconic rose-colored siding, and immaculate views of the Mediterranean. Enjoy lunch in the tea room, overlooking the Bay of Villefrance.
Saint Paul de Vence
One of the most famous villages on the Nice hinterland, this heavily restored 16th-century village became a magnet for both aspiring and established artists during the 20th century. It was home to French actors Yves Montand and Simone Signoret and a favorite haunt for Hollywood celebrities. Today, galleries and studios dominate the village's narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.
Hotel Radisson Blu
223 Promenade des Anglais, Nice, France
We consider everyone who travels with us to be our personal guest.
Every moment matters to us because we know it matters to you. This may be because at heart we are a family owned company that has been in business for over 100 years. It may be because our team are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries.
Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Our inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
The Benefits of Collette Guided Travel
- Value of Guided Travel
- Easy & Convenient Booking
- Expert Tour Managers
- Private Airport Transfers
- Carefully Selected Accommodations
- All the Iconic Must-Sees
- Immersive Cultural Experiences
- Authentic Culinary Experiences
Every moment of travel is important to us.
Whether it’s helping you select your perfect dream destination, giving you a ride to and from the airport in a sleek black sedan, offering the security of our unrivalled Travel Protection plan or 24-7 support, we are with you every step of the way to make sure everything is perfect.
We don’t think of guided travel as a business. We think of it as a great honor and privilege to be able to share what’s so wonderful about the world with our guests. Since it’s so personal for us, we treat each and every traveler as a valued friend. We want you to sit back and let us handle all the details so you can have the time of your life.
Guaranteed to Go
We have guaranteed thousands of tour departure dates across over 170 of our tours. This means that you can book your tour with peace of mind knowing that it will depart as planned and your departure date will not change.
Travel Protection
We understand that life happens and sometimes plans change, so we don’t want you to book with us only to be socked with fees if you have to cancel your trip. That just adds insult to injury! That’s why we offer an industry leading travel protection plan that offers you a full refund, less the cost of the plan. Cancel for any reason right up to the day before your departure.
Sedan Service
Getting to and from the airport can be the most stressful and difficult part of any trip. Start and end your adventure in hassle-free luxury with our private sedan that comes straight to your door, loads your bags and whisks you off to the airport and back home again when you return. Now that’s how to start and end a trip the right way.
Social Responsibility: It's a way of life
It’s at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. We believe that travel should be a force for good and by uniting with our employees, partners and travelers, we can make a positive impact in our local and global communities.
Our Mission
Social Responsibility at Collette means working together to take care of the places we live, work and travel. We focus on four key areas – Community, People, Travel and Planet – taking a holistic approach by striving to do good in every area of our business.
COMMUNITY
Our nonprofit, the Collette Foundation, supports worldwide communities in need through hunger and education initiatives. Each year, employees volunteer more than 4,500 hours of their time to efforts in their own communities and across the world.
TRAVEL
We strive to create an experience our guests not only enjoy, but also feel good about. We work to sustain and preserve communities, cultures, and traditions through tourism, and positively impact the places we come to know as travelers.
PEOPLE
We couldn’t deliver the amazing travel experiences that we do without our incredible team. We offer our employees a variety of tools to be happy, healthy, and successful including learning and growth opportunities.
PLANET
Our world is filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders. That’s why we are actively making responsible decisions to reduce our carbon footprint and care for our planet, the place we all call home.
Focus on family. We’ll handle the rest.
There are countless benefits to family travel. Experiencing new things together. Taking time to enjoy each other’s company without life’s typical distractions. Connecting with loved ones who don’t live near us.
No matter why you decide to travel together, or where you choose to go, spending quality time with family should be the only thing that matters. That’s why families book Collette tours – to let experts take care of all the details.
Why Book Your Multigenerational Family Trip with Collette?
Making Memories Together
Unique experiences are made richer with family by your side. And the journey lives on through memories retold. Do you remember that game drive with Grandma? We came so close to the elephants!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Planning a trip is hard work. Organizing the Blarney Stone visit? Finding a ride to the river cruise in Costa Rica? That stuff takes away from your time to focus on each other. Let us handle the logistics.
Learning From Each Other
Traveling with family is the best game of trivia. From architectural features to history, the facts your family memers have tucked away may surprise you. (And your Tour Manager can fill in any gaps!)
Exploring Your Ancestry
Cultural heritage forms our family traditions and beliefs. Tracing your family's roots is powerful. There's no better way to discover these countries than with your family. Go together, with an expert by your side.
Less is More on a Low-Season Tour
Explore popular destinations with more flexibility and fewer crowds. Whether you're searching for tranquility or a deeper connection with the locals, off season travel is one of the best ways to experience a destination.
6 Reasons to Love the Low Season
More Affordable
Off-season travel offers significant cost savings on flights, accommodations, and day-to-day activities.
Better Service
Smaller crowds mean more personalized service and shorter wait times at restaurants, museums, and attractions.
More Peace
Peak season can be crowded and overwhelming, while the low season offers opportunities for quieter, more serene travel experiences.
Authentic Experiences
Experience destinations like the locals do - with less hustle and more room to appreciate the beauty around you.
More Sustainable
Low season travel reduces the strain on a destination’s resources, meaning less waste and lower pollution levels.
Support Local Economies
Low season tourism brings vital income to local economies during quieter periods, helping to sustain businesses and livelihoods year-round.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
About Collette
With Collette, the World is Within Your Reach
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
