Daniel’s French getaway
Paris & Côte d'Azur
August 10-21, 2022
“In France we have a saying, ‘Joie de vivre,’ which actually doesn’t exist in the English language. It means looking at your life as something that is to be taken with great pleasure and enjoy it.”
Daily printed itinerary:
Aug 10:
DEPARTURE
Today you embark on your journey to France!
Aug 11:
Arrive in Paris
You'll arrive in Paris this morning and take a taxi to your hotel.
Your hotel accommodation will allow you to check in right away and get a nap in, if you’d like.
Your hotel is situated perfectly to be within walking distance of many of the sights, cafes and museums in Paris!
M Social Hotel Paris Opera
Step back in time to 1920s elegance as soon as you walk through the revolving door into the hotel's Art Deco foyer, made of marble surfaces, ornate chandeliers and a glass-roofed cupola. StudioCaid, the creative architects behind the newly renovated areas, describes the design concept as an exchange of styles that emphasises the contrast between classic and modern.
They have incorporated into the design the artistic styles of the surrounding iconic infrastructures such as the Opera Garnier and the Louvre to create the "Hotel of Today". Each room holds the history of Les Années Folles (in English "The Roaring Twenties") and the future of M Social Paris. The newly renovated rooms allow guests to have an authentic Parisian experience within the comforts of today's modern world.
Enjoy your escape!
You are no stranger to Paris, so enjoy the next few days at your leisure!
We are available if you need restaurant reservations or if you decide you want an impromptu tour/cooking class/perfume making class.
Hotel confirmation: 349801967
Aug 12:
Free Day-
Explore Cafes
The café culture in Paris began in the late nineteenth century. Artists, intellects, philosophers, writers, and political figures convened at Paris coffeeshops to discuss pretty much anything and everything.
Most of the famous cafes in Paris have extraordinary histories. They boast the birth place of books, philosophies, art movements, and even war treaties. And, of course, the most famous Paris cafes have a red-carpet list of emblematic clientele. It’s hard to imagine that the people watching in those days was even better than it is today!
We are sure that you have your favorite haunts- but if you need any suggestions, check out the article(s) above for some fun ideas.
Aug 13:
Travel to Germany
We know that the Ingolstadt Refugee Kamp is especially important to you.
Today is your day to visit this area firsthand.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help make this a memorable experience - or if you need any assistance with transportation.
This is a day trip only, no hotels have been booked in Germany. The expectation is that you will travel back to Paris this evening. If that changes and you need assistance with a hotel, please let us know. We will be happy to assist.
Aug 14:
Free Day-
Relax in Paris
Ah, Paris. There’s nothing like a getaway in one of Europe’s most visited cities– and if you’re in the market for a luxurious spa treatment, there’s perhaps no better place in the world to get one.
The best spas in Paris, moreover, are playgrounds of the well-heeled, showcasing a world-class variety of soothing, mind-body relaxation innovations. From New Age crystal work to ancient East-meets-West massage, the city really does have something cool to offer everyone.
In recent years, Turkish baths or “hammams” have also become a popular facet of the city’s spa culture, giving visitors and locals unique opportunities to explore the roots of Mid-East culture in Paris– a fusion influence that runs deep through the city’s food, art, and wellness scenes.
Please let us know in advance if you would like to arrange any spa services for you. These experiences typically sell out well in advance; however, we would be glad to find something to your liking.
OR
If you prefer a more intimate connection with nature on your trip, perhaps some time at Parc des Buttes Chaumont would help!
Buttes Chaumont is one of the city’s largest green spaces, with landscaped slopes hiding grottoes, waterfalls, a lake and even an island topped with a temple to Sibylle. Once a gypsum quarry and rubbish dump, it was given its present form by Baron Haussmann in time for the opening of the 1867 Exposition Universelle. The tracks of the abandoned 19th-century Petite Ceinture railway line, which once circled Paris, run through the park.
It’s a favourite with Parisians, who come here to practise tai chi, take the kids to a puppet show, grab a sundowner and pizza at trendy Le Pavillon Puebla or simply to relax with a bottle of wine and a sundown picnic.
Tour the vibrant Belleville neighborhood
A stroll along the streets of Belleville, a district with a history of rebellion and multicultural flair, is certain to fire the imagination. Belleville’s bustling Chinatown and artist residents make it a lively place to explore. Wander up rue de Belleville to see where tragic chanteuse (female singer) Edith Piaf is said to have been born under a street lamp, then turn right onto pedestrian rue Dénoyez where you'll find Paris’ most dazzling street art.
End your Belleville encounter with a meander through leafy Parc de Belleville, offering first-class views over the city.
Check out the article above to explore some of the most relaxing- scenic- and FREE ways to relax in Paris!
Aug 15:
Free Day-
Walk the gardens
Compared to London, Madrid, and other European capitals, Paris isn’t an especially “green” city. Only 9.5% of the capital is currently consecrated to parks and other green spaces— against 33% for London and an astounding 45% for Vienna.
Luckily, the Parisian government has been working hard to change all that, with ambitious plans in the works to add more ecologically friendly “corridors” and green spaces in the coming decade. And there are, of course, already several stunning, historic Paris parks that offer plenty of refuge from the urban bustle.
Check out some of the most notable and impressive gardens in the article above!
Aug 16:
Free Day-
See the museums
Paris is a city of museums. Renowned for her cultural contributions to the world, the city hosts hundreds of them (about 130 at last count!), from the world-class artifacts of the Louvre to the priceless artworks of the Musée d’Orsay.
Check out the article above for some lesser known- but truly unique and interesting museums!
Aug 17:
Travel to Nice
Today, you will check out of your hotel and travel to the south of France!
The Jay Hotel
Rewind the clock to the golden age of the French Riviera at the Jay Hotel, just a few streets from the Promenade des Anglais.
Studios rather than guest rooms feature in this boutique hotel, where jewel tones set the backdrop to the Roaring Twenties feel, aided by walnut furniture with gilded accents.
Complimentary refreshments are available throughout the day and the Jay Bar has a cocktail hour from 6pm to 8pm every night.
The only thing that might wake from your 1920s reverie is the slick digital system for everything, from check in and room service to payment and check out.
Let us know if we can assist!
Whether you’d like to taste the wine and cheese of Provence or a cooking class or even some relaxing spa treatments, we’re here to help! Just let us know if you would like us to arrange something for you.
Hotel Confirmation: 9600
Aug 18:
Free Day-
Explore the Côte d'Azur
10:30am- pickup rental car
Vendor: Sixt Rental Car
Confirmation: 9921575266
Location: Nice Train Station (12 Avenue Thiers, 06000, Nice)
(see daily itinerary above, or printed version for map and walking directions)
The stylish and scenic strip of coastline called the Côte d'Azur stretches from Saint-Tropez to Menton near the border with Italy. Also known as the French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur translates to "Coast of Blue," taking its name from the deep azure-blue color of the Mediterranean Sea.
This glamorous vacation destination buzzes with energy during the tourist season and is known as a playground for the rich and famous who have lavish villas on the coast and impressive yachts docked in the harbors. Private beaches, high-end restaurants, and five-star hotels reinforce the image of seaside elegance and prestige.
Whether basking under a cabana in Cannes, setting sail from the port of Monaco, or people-watching on the boulevards of Nice, you’ll be delighted in the pleasures and the beauty of the French Riviera.
Consider visiting Grasse
Grasse is a quiet, pretty medieval village that also holds the distinction of being the world’s perfume capital. While famous perfumeries like Fragonard offer free tours of their factories, the real reason to come here is to take in the near-endless fields of lavender that dominate the area’s hilly landscape.
Grasse is conveniently located between Cannes and Nice, so a quick stop here is worth your while, if only to pick up a few bottles of perfume and stop to smell the lavender.
(The first weekend in August, the town plays host to the Jasmine Festival, a three-day celebration of jasmine, one of the two flowers to have dominated local perfume production (the other is Damascus rose). Expect homes to be draped in garlands, people dancing in the streets, parades, and jasmine petals everywhere.)
Aug 19:
Catamaran Cruise
Today, you’ll embark on a gorgeous coastal sightseeing tour of Côte d'Azur!
Travel to the Riviera Lines ticket office at Quai Laubeuf (see map above) by 9:45 am to get your tickets and boarding!
Be sure to bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and a bit of cash if you’d like to buy extra drinks on board.
10:15- Welcome drink upon your arrival onboard and presentation of the ship and crew. Departure from the old Port of Cannes. Sailing in the Bay of Cannes towards the pointe Croisette.
Cruise towards the Lérins Islands. Moorage between the islands or under the Royal Fort of Ste Marguerite Island. Swimming, snorkeling (masks and snorkels provided) Kayak, Paddle or relaxation and lazing around aboard the catamaran.
12:30p- Cold lunch buffet served on board.
2:30p- Sail towards the Massif de l'Esterel. Moorage in a cove: swimming, snorkeling, kayak, paddle.
5:15p- Return to the old Port of Cannes and passenger disembarkation.
Aug 20:
Free Day-
Explore Monaco
10:30am- return rental car
Vendor: Sixt Rental Car
Confirmation: 9921575266
Location: Nice Train Station (12 Avenue Thiers, 06000, Nice)
(see daily itinerary above, or printed version for map and walking directions)
While not technically part of France, Monaco is still one of the major highlights to hit while touring the south.
Just a 10-minute drive from the Italian border town of Ventimiglia, the petite principality of Monaco—it measures roughly three times the size of the National Mall in Washington D.C.—offers plenty of pursuits that can be as decadent or demure as you’d like.
Lounge by the sea in Cap d’Ail at beach bar Eden Plage Mala, or treat yourself to a day of pampering at the iconic Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, whose alfresco Jacuzzis overlook the port and Prince’s Palace.
Make sure to pause for a cocktail at the iconic Bar Américain or take pre-dinner drinks down to the water at Wine Palace, whose plush couches sit along the port.
If you want to keep the party going, dance to live music at port-side Rascasse or head to high-energy Jimmy’z, dubbed Monaco’s “temple of clubbing.”
Other sites to see in Monaco:
One of the best known areas of the principality is The Rock or Le Rocher which is a large rocky bluff which is also the home of the main part of the city called Monaco-Ville. Easily accessible from neighboring Nice in France, this is the place to come for glitz and glamour, and if you fancy trying your luck then you can spend time in the casinos here and cultivate your inner James Bond.
The Monte Carlo Casino (and Casino Square)
The Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world, particularly as it was built in the flamboyant Beaux Arts style in 1893. The marble atrium is similarly lavish in style and you will find 28 onyx columns that welcome you to the Gaming Rooms.
Fans of James Bond are certain to enjoy the scenery, as this is said to have been the setting for the James Bond novel Casino Royale.
There are different gaming rooms here that are decorated in a variety of themes, but make sure you look up and take in the chandeliers and the stunning artwork as you try your luck.
The square is the home of the Casino of Monte Carlo, but if you don’t have the cash to gamble the night away, then a visit to the square is probably the next best thing.
The buildings here are all illuminated at night and include the world-famous casino as well as the Hotel de Paris and the opera house.
Aug 21:
Depart for Home
Today, you'll transfer to the airport and board your plane for home.
TRAVEL DETAILS
FLIGHT/TRAIN INFO:
All flights and trains are self arranged
DEPARTING August 10, 2022:
YYZ to CDG
ARRIVING August 11, 2022:
CDG
Day Trip (no overnight stay) Aug 13, 2022:
Paris to Munich to Paris
DEPARTING and ARRIVING August 17, 2022:
Paris to Nice
DEPARTING and ARRIVING August 21, 2022:
NCE to YYZ
CAR RENTAL
Vendor: Sixt Rental Car
Pickup location: Nice Train Station
Address: 12 Avenue Thiers, 06000, Nice
Type of car: Peugeot 308 or similar
Payment: 366,55 EUR
This is due at the pick up counter. This has not been collected yet.
Third party insurance is included
Rate includes 500 kms (0.83 -EUR per excess kilometers excl taxes)
Make sure you return the car with a full tank of gas
HOTELS
Paris, France
August 11-17:
M Social Hotel Paris Opera
Hotel confirmation: 349801967
Nice, France
August 17-21:
The Jay Hotel
Hotel Confirmation: 9600
Registration form
(If you are waiting for an updated passport number please provide this as soon as you receive it.)
Please type Carefully! Inaccurate information will result in travel delays and/or airline change fees.
Pricing details
package price:
$3485 (USD)*
$4498 (CAD) °- we will have to collect USD via the invoice.
*All pricing & availability is subject to change until completed through the booking process. If your vacation package includes airfare, baggage fees may be an additional cost. For international travel, a passport book is required. Most locations require at least 6 months before expiration on your passport, as well as 2 blank visa pages. Please make sure to have the correct and updated documents if applicable. If you have a criminal background, you are responsible for knowing the travel restrictions pertaining to the offense.
INCLUDED IN THE QUOTE
Hotels
M Social Hotel (Paris)**
The Jay Hotel (Nice)**
Dinners/Tours/Shows/Passes
Nice Coastal Cruise
Most taxes and fees
Tour taxes and fees
Service fees and commissions
**Most hotel reservations require you to pay taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Local taxis
Most meals/beverages (unless included in hotel and/or tour)
Some hotels may require payment of city taxes, VAT and resort fees onsite
Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff
Optional Travel Insurance
SUGGESTED PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Due to the quickly approaching timeline for this trip, no payment schedules are available. Payment in full is due as soon as possible to ensure prices stay the same and availability for tours, trains transfers, etc. remains.
REGISTRATION
A completed registration form (per person)
Photo copy of picture/information page of each traveler passport emailed to: christian@zone-travel.com
FINAL PAYMENT
Payments not received on time will result in reservation cancellation without refund.
Additional bookings after the final payment deadline may result in higher prices, less availability and additional administrative fees.
Fee amounts imposed are at the discretion of Zone Travel.
CANCELLATION
Cancellation in writing must be received by Zone Travel prior to departure for appropriate refund on the land tour cost minus the following fees.
Commissions and Travel insurance are non-refundable.
F.A.Q.
When is the deadline to sign up?
We recommend booking as soon as possible.
Prices and availability are always subject to change and are never guaranteed until completed through the booking process.
Can I pay by Zelle?
Yes!
Please use our email address: christian@zone-travel.com
(payments will not go through when using our phone number)
We started taking Zelle payments last month and we found this to be a fast and FREE way to pay!
For those who don’t know what Zelle is… it is very much like a wire transfer (but it is not a wire transfer).
Everyone’s bank is different, though, so you may want to call/go in to your local bank and ask to have the maximum amount available to transfer every day.
Example: Some banks only allow $500/day transfer. Other banks will allow $1200/day.
Always be careful when making payments through Zelle to people that you do not know. There is no protection guarantee provided and you cannot reverse the fee.
The Pros for using Zelle:
It is FREE (no processing fees)!
It is instantaneous (funds will go directly to Zone Travel- so this is the absolute fastest way to make a payment)
The Cons for using Zelle:
Every bank is different when it comes to maximum amount available to be transferred every day. So, this may mean that you need to make multiple payments to Zone Travel, multiple days in a row.
It does require an app download onto your phone, and you need to set up your account with your bank information.
Can I pay by check?
Yes!
If you would like to avoid the 4%processing fees, you may pay by check.
It is very important that you pay in advance of the deadlines and allow ample time for delivery.
You can make checks payable to “Zone Travel”
Please mail your checks (allowing 3-5 business days for delivery - PRIOR to deadline) to:
Zone Travel
PO Box 12052
Columbus, OH 43212
Payments received after the deadline could result in cancelation of your reservation or increased fees.
Can I pay by PayPal?
Yes!
You may even be able to apply your Credit Card rewards points to your purchase! (this is unverified)
We would ask that you pay with the “Friends and Family” option in PayPal as opposed to the “Goods and Services” option. This keeps the fees lower; however, if you feel that you need to pay with the “Goods and Services” option, please add 4% to cover the required fees from PayPal.