Paris to Provence: A 15-Day Family-Friendly France Itinerary

Supporting contemporary art in many luxurious ways

Confront your artistic sensibilities, or maybe just luxuriate at the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, a cornerstone of contemporary art. Housed in an architectural masterpiece by Jean Nouvel that blends verdant surroundings with glass and steel, it showcases diverse  exhibitions of both renowned and emerging global artists, alongside commissioned site-specific works. Contemplate today's masterpieces in the foundation's lush garden, designed by Lothar Baumgarten, that acts as a living art installation, complementing cultural programs like concerts, lectures, and the unique "Nomadic Nights" series.

Get a different perspective from Paris' modern skyscraper

The Montparnasse Tower remains one of Paris' few traditional skyscrapers and with its rare standing offers an unparalleled vantage point from its 56th floor and rooftop terrace. Rising to a height of 210 meters, it punctuates the Parisian skyline and provides breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch out over the city, from the winding Seine to the majestic Eiffel Tower and beyond. Visitors can ascend this towering skyscraper to witness the beauty of Paris from above, capturing the essence of the city's layout and landmarks in a single glance.

Wander the corridors of this eerie but matter-of-fact underground filled with skeletal remains.

The Catacombs of Paris offer a disturbing journey beneath the city, where millions of Parisians' remains line the ancient corridors. From the stark warning at the entrance hall, inviting visitors into the Empire of Death, to the dark depths where the Crypt of the Sepulchral Lamp casts a solemn glow, each highlight contributes to the macabre atmosphere. Notable curiosities include the artistic Barrel of Passion, and the intricately carved Sculpture of Port-Mahon, both testaments to the catacombs' dual function as a burial site and a monument to humanity's strangeness.

Immerse yourself in this a hidden treasure of Parisian art, the original atelier of celebrated sculptor, Antoine Bourdelle.

The Antoine Bourdelle Museum, set in the artist's former studio in Montparnasse, showcases an impressive collection of his sculptures, paintings, and drawings. Here, visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of Bourdelle's creative space and enjoy the serene garden, which displays his monumental works in bronze and marble. This intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic process of one of France's great sculptors.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

This 11th-century tapestry visually recounts the details of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This battle led to the Norman conquest of England and changed the course of British history and by proxy, the history of much of the world. But that is a much longer story than the t wo-hundred and twenty-four feet (68,3m) of the tapestry, filled with incredible, and sometimes blood-curdling, details.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

Step foot upon Mont-Saint-Michel, a stunning village and UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors the world over for its dramatic setting on a rocky islet surrounded by powerful tides. The highlight, the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, stands as a testament to medieval architecture, and withstood both seiges of the Hundred Years' War. Adored by the French for centuries,Mont-St. Micheletrances visitors with its natural beauty, historical richesse , and architecture, its winding streets and panoramic views transporting you to another era.

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...

This Bridge Doesn't Work, but Millions Have Walked upon It All the Same

The St. Bénézet Bridge, known affectionately as the Pont d' Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) has spent much of its existence a ruin. From the 1200s until the 1700s, when the Rhone River flooded, it often destroyed the bridge, originally 900m (nearly 3000 feet).  The city finally had enough and left it.  And then it became a symbol of the city and started drawing people from around the world. Brilliant!  There is something romantic to it, to walk out along it's narrow width at dusk towards the middle of the Rhone.  It's so beautiful it might make you want to danse... Sur le pont d' Avignon L'on y danse, l'on y danse... 

Admire the living wall outside before tasting the best of Provence within.

Spend some time to assemble your own lunch or dinner with help from the sumptuous stalls at Avignon's Halles.  Fruits, vegetables, cheeses and meats will all come and go with the seasons.  An early spring visit here can proffer the delicious strawberries from nearrby Carpentras, and a midsummer exploration will deliver you the incomparable melon d' Cavaillon.  Pair those with some jambon or a fresh Provençal goat cheese, pick up a bottle of rose from Tavel, and you are well on your way to gourmet heaven!

This Cathedral Provides Shelter From the Heat of the Day and Many Other Respites...

... Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque cathedral is renowned for its striking architectural features, including a beautifully decorated facade and a prominent gold-leaf statue of the Virgin Mary that crowns its bell tower. Inside, the cathedral houses an array of religious art, significant ecclesiastical items, and the tombs of several Avignon popes, reflecting its central role in the history of the Avignon Papacy.  But given that history, a simplicity remains, a elegance hard-won through trials and tribulations.

Take Aristocratic Views of Provence and the Papal Palace

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Le Jardin des Doms overlooks The Palais des Papes and Notre Dame (of Avignon, mind you) on one side and panoramas of the Provençal countryside on the other. Established in the 19th century, this verdant park is a welcomed retreat within the walled city with its limestone pathways, majestic trees, and tranquil ponds.  These elements add to the cool and restful atmosphere of the park.

This wasn't a home-away-from-home; this was home!

From 1305-1378 the Roman Catholic Church was ruled from... Avignon.  Theocratic intrigue in Rome led to the move, and the popes here enjoyed relative safety, and a view of a better river (The Rhone River of Avignon is much prettier than Rome's Tiber).  After St. Catherine of Siena convinced a pope to return to Rome, and the inevitable disputes ended, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and the palace was even used as a barracks for Napoleon's armies. Today, one can marvel at the architecture, and learn a thing or two about the dramas of centuries past.  A visit is a beautiful education...

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.

Take a Short Pilgrimage, If Just for the Views!

The basillica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as "La Bonne Mère," keeps its protective watch over the city. This iconic symbol, situated on a limestone outcrop, offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the basilica boasts intricate mosaics and a prominent golden statue of the Virgin Mary on its bell tower. It is a place of pilgrimage and reflection.

Dive into the Cultures of the Mediterranean Sea

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) in Marseille stands as a monumental celebration of Mediterranean cultures, seamlessly blending contemporary architecture with centuries-old heritage. Situated at the waterfront, this striking museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti, connected to the historic Fort Saint-Jean by an elegant footbridge, invites exploration into the diverse and complex tapestry of Mediterranean civilizations. Through its innovative exhibitions, the MuCEM profoundly investigates the historical, cultural, and social dynamics of the Mediterranean region through a rich collection that spans from ancient artifacts to modern art. The museum offers breathtaking views of its very subject, the Mediterranean Sea.

Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Greeks at This 2600-year-old Port

The Vieux Port of Marseille is, in a sense, where France began its long march through Western Civilization, as Greek settlers arrived here in 600BC.  Since that time at least, it has been a port, with countless ships arriving and countless feet stepping upon its piers. Surrounded by historic fortifications, such as Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean, the port today is as it has often been, a lively area filled with fishing boats, yachts, and vessels of all sizes. Visitors can stroll along the quayside, indulge in seafood at the numerous restaurants, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The daily fish market on the Quai des Belges offers a glimpse into the port's bustling trade activities.