Enjoy a as it comes alive during this nine day rail program of sophisticated Paris, pastoral Provence, and the luxurious French Riviera. With three nights in Paris, three nights in Avignon, and three nights in Nice – plus plenty of exciting sites to see, included hotels and first class rail between cities – all of the key arrangements are made for you, but you set the pace to delve into each city on your own. Begin in Paris, "The City of Light", where the Arc de Triomphe, the Opera House, Champs-Elysees, and Notre Dame Cathedral reveal Paris exquisite artistry. Your features three days in Paris where you can take your time to fully absorb French culture; if you want opt to venture beyond the city limits with an optional day excursion to the Palace of Versailles. A scenic journey by rail to Avignon brings you to the heart of Provence. Avignon is home to the largest gothic palace in the world where in the winter months, visitors sample wine from famous Rhone Valley vineyards. In warmer months, a one-hour cruise along the Rhone River guides travelers past scenic farmhouses and lush lavender fields. A train trip to the southern coast introduces visitors to France's mild climate-here lies Nice in the Cote d'Azur, a land of romantic hillside towns, grand chateaux, and white beaches. This will leave you mesmerized!