Singapore, 17 Oct 2017 – What’s not to love about a glamorous holiday in the Southern France with breath-taking scenery, gourmet cuisine and beautiful beaches? Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Provence and Monaco draw European aristocrats and well-heeled holidaymakers with the promise of a luxurious time. From art events, floral and gastronomic festivals, Roman remains and picturesque coastal villages, Southern France has lots to offer. The Travel Corporation (TTC) has partnered with Atout France, the France tourism office to promote French Riviera and Provence holidays to South East Asia travellers. A company with a family of brands, TTC has 4 brands: Trafalgar, CostSaver, Insight Vacations, and Luxury Gold with itineraries visiting Southern France. Many of these itineraries include gastronomic experiences and introduce guests to the art, history, landscapes, people and culture of the region.

The French Riviera (“Cote d’Azur” in French) is well known for its stylish and scenic strip of coastline, charming towns and sunny beaches. Well-known personalities like Bill Gates, Sir Alex Ferguson, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Elton John, Bono, Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie are some of the rich and famous that own holiday homes in this region. The French Riviera attracts celebrities from all over the world to its annual Cannes film festival in May. Combine star power with luxury yachts docked at marinas along the Mediterreanean coast, the French Riviera has gained a reputation as a travel destination that offers visitors the chance to enjoy the glamourous lifestyle of the rich and famous. 

For those seeking a romantic escapade,  love is literally in the air. Located between Nice and Monaco, Grasse is a hilltop town with 'parfumeries' creating world-famous fragances. Hermès, Chanel, and Dior, are a few of the companies that create fragances from roses and jasmine picked from fields of flowers grown for their heavenly scents. The awe-inspiring beauty of the south of France will definitely impress loved ones, as they have even inspired great artists including Cézanne, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso and Matisse who all produced some of their best works while living in the region. 

“The allure of the French Riviera is what makes it so special as a travel destination. Our guests know when they choose to travel with Trafalgar, they will be able to enjoy the good life – where holidays are fun,authentic and effortless. With one of the widest range of more than 160 itineraries to Europe, we have 4 different itineraries that visit Southern France, and our travel directors take care of all the logistics to ensure you have a great holiday. Memorable experiences is what Trafalgar is all about and we take extra steps to ensure our guests experience the finer things in life in the destination.  From moments like enjoying a boat cruise on the Côte d’Azur to the glamorous Saint-Tropez or a truly unique opportunity to dine in a converted historic mill on the banks of the River Sorgue with Ms Poppy Salinger, who will share stories about her former husband, Pierre Salinger, who was the special advisor to John F. Kennedy,” said Nicholas Lim, President of Trafalgar, Asia.

For 2018, guests looking for a holiday that go above and beyond expectations should consider Luxury Gold’s NEW French Vogue itinerary. Guests will journey from Paris to the heart of romantic Provence and on to the dazzling French Riviera. Along the way, expect to travel in VIP comfort, stay in luxurious hotels and be introduced to passionate foodies and historians. 

Guests’ experiences are further enhanced with the introduction of Luxury Gold’s exclusive Chairman’s Collection, which is curated by the Travel Corporation’s Chairman, Mr. Stanley Tollman. A special extra exclusive experience has been included on select departure dates (12 May and 15 September 2018) for French Vogue where guests will join a French Count for dinner at Paris’s oldest café Le Procope. 

Insight Vacations Asia has two special premium journey departures for its 10-day Splendours of Southern France itinerary (17 April and 18 September 2018) for guests from South East Asia. With 3 nights each in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Nice, the itinerary is carefully planned to introduce the best of the Riviera and Provence. The itinerary includes an option for guests to visit the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Provence that just opened in April 2017. The village-style centre will feature over 80 stores offering the most sought-after luxury and premium names in fashion.  Over one third of the stores are French brands like L'Oréal, Maje, Sandro, The Kooples and Zadig & Voltaire and O, with French department store Printemps opening its first outlet location in the south of France by end November 2017.  

“We are excited to partner with Atout France to introduce our Southern France distinctive experiences to our clients. For 40 years, it has been our personal mission to create magical experiences for travellers and our knowledgeable travel directors and local experts help bring each destination to life. Our Splendours of Southern France itinerary was carefully planned with relaxed starts (with start times of 9:00 a.m. or later) and three-nights stay in each city, ensuring our guests can enjoy a leisurely holiday while discovering the Riviera and Provence,” said Evon Ler, President of Insight Vacations, Asia.

People from all around the world are drawn to the region for its luxurious spas and treatments, romantic hideaways and star-rated Michelin restaurants. Provence and the Riviera enjoy France's sunniest weather, with more than 300 days of sunshine per year, hence it’s a great place to visit anytime of the year. Temperate climates make it an attractive place for different flora species to grow and many visit Provence for truffle hunting experiences, or to capture a photograph of the fields of flowers ranging from red poppies in May, Lavender in June and July, Sunflowers in August and September. 2018 floral festivities include a Mandelieu-La-Napoule Mimosa Festival to celebrate the emblematic flower and Tourrettes-sur-Loup celebrating a Violet Festival with a procession of flora floats, and a Rose Expo in Grasse where the city becomes a true showcase for the rose with over 50,000 roses exhibited in bouquests of 60 to 300 flowers.

Book before February 28, 2018 to enjoy 10% early bird savings. Guests who wish to book their holidays to Southern France can contact their preferred travel agent or visit www.trafalgar.com or www.insightvacations.com . 

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About The Travel Corporation

The Travel Corporation is a highly successful international travel group of 30 award-winning brands including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki Holidays, Red Carnation Hotels and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. The Travel Corporation’s guiding principle is one of providing the most enjoyable, enriching, high quality travel experiences for its travellers across the globe.

About Trafalgar

With 70 years’ experience, more than five million guests, 230 itineraries to six continents a completely transparent and genuine 97% satisfaction rate and 52% year on year repeat travellers, Trafalgar is committed to delivering nothing but the best for its guests. To find out more, visit www.trafalgar.com

About CostSaver

CostSaver tours are operated by Trafalgar and offers guests all the inclusions they would expect on a quality European tour, at an unbeatable price. Consisting of airport transfers, a Trafalgar-trained expert Travel Director, quality hand-picked hotels, sightseeing in all major cities, Local Specialists to bring locations alive, carefully-crafted itineraries that incorporate free time, a choice of optional experiences, all breakfasts and many dinners, luxury air-conditioned coaches, all baggage handling, hotel charges and local taxes, CostSaver guarantees value tours without compromise for any guests travelling with the brand. To find out more, visit www.costsaver.trafalgar.com

About Insight Vacations

As a global leader in premium escorted travel, Insight Vacations has been crafting magical journeys for almost 40 years that embody the “Art of Travelling in Style”. Through meticulous planning, detailed preparation and boundless passion, Insight’s collection of award-winning itineraries showcases the most outstanding destinations in Europe and North America. Guided by a highly-skilled Travel Director, guests can look forward to travelling in smaller groups, savouring authentic dining and enjoying a range of immersive Insight Experiences. To find out more, visit insightvacations.com.

About Luxury GoldL

uxury Gold sets an unmatched standard with its collection of award-winning journeys. Guided by a Travelling Concierge, Luxury Gold is a journey beyond the ordinary, where guests enjoy exclusive VIP Experiences, savour exceptional dining and relax in luxury hotels on every curated itinerary. As global leaders in luxury travel with expertise accumulated over nearly 100 years, Luxury Gold epitomises extraordinary exploration to some the world’s most spectacular destinations. To find out more, visit www.luxurygoldvacations.com

About Atout France 

Atout France is the France Tourism Development Agency, responsible for promoting France worldwide & developing France’s tourism economy. As the French government's sole operator regarding the promotion of all aspects of tourism in France, we provide services and events for tourism professionals (press, tour operators and travel agents as well as event planners) and information to the general public. We work in partnership with public and private organizations and companies involved in the tourism industry, i.e. over 1,200 members representing the whole spectrum of France's tourism sector, as well as with local partners all over the world. Atout France is the official government agency whose mission is to develop travel and tourism to France. It specialties cover:  Tourism, Travel, Marketing, Advertising, Media Relations / PR, Partnerships, Event Planning, Social Media, Advice, Sales missions, Branding, Strategy.

Overview of The Travel Corporation Itineraries visiting Southern FranceT

Trafalgar Itineraries 
Wonderful France

9-day trip visiting Paris, Lyon and the French Riviera. Embark on a gastronomic adventure and discover the beauiful scenery of Southern France, along with history, art and culture of the towns. Top Highlights include:• View the Palace of the Popes at Avignon• A Be My Guest dinner with the widow of Pierre Salinger, special advisor to John F. Kennedy • Sightseeing in Arles with a Local Specialist, a city where Vincent Van Gogh lived for a time• View the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the cathedral where the late Princess Grace and Prince Rainier were married. • A Regional Meal in Monaco 

Best of France

On this 13 day trip, visit 7 cities and enjoy France à la carte- ch'teaux, chic beach resorts and delicious cuisine served with a dash of French Riviera, medieval Bastide villages and a healthy helping of Bordeaux. Journey through the romantic Loire Valley to the beaches of Biarritz and Carcassonne with its enchanting city walls. 
Top Highlights include:• Marvel at Avignon's famous bridge, In Nice,visit Place Massena and in• Admire Monaco’s Promenade des Anglais.  • Orientation of Paris, Beaune, Lyon, Avignon, Monaco, Nice, Arles, Lourdes and Bordeaux• See the Roman Ampitheatre and the Cathedral in Arles 

Highlights of France & Barcelona

A 16-day regional trip visiting the cities of France and Spain that inspired artists like Van Gogh , Picasso. From the Champs Élysées in Paris to Barcelona's Las Ramblas, weave through the alluring Loire Valley, sun-kissed French Riviera and medieval Citadel of Carcassonne.
Top Highlights include:• Enjoy a Cultural Insight into local wine production and indulge in a glass of the local vintage on a Provençal terrace with beautiful views. • Discover Nice with an orientation tour and learn why it is a favourite among aristocrats for centuries.• Visit Monaco and Monte Carlo to see the exquisite casino built by Charles Garnier in the 19th century.

CostSaver – Highlights of France

The French Riviera is a highlight  on this 13-day leisurely sojourn through France. Guests will stay 2 nights in Cannes while exploring the region. 
Included Sightseeing Highlights• View St. Bénezet Bridge and the Papal Palace in Avignon• Visit the home of the annual film festival in Cannes• Visit to Monaco• Viewing Pont Du Gard, the Roman aqueduct

Insight Vacations Itineraries visiting Southern France

Splendours of Southern France

(Special Departure: 17 April and 18 September 2018)

10-day journey with 3 nights each in Paris, Aix-en-Provence and Nice. Enjoy the floral blooms of the season and taste the wines and flavours of the region. Discover the beautiful beaches and consider booking a luxurious spa treatment or visiting the region’s only luxury premium outlet, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Provence.
Top Highlights include• Exploring the medieval hillside village of Ch'teauneuf-du-Pape and savouring some of the world’s best wines during a winetasting hosted at a renowned vineyard.• A guided exploration of the Avignon, City of Popes,. See the medieval fortified city walls and the immense Gothic Papal Palace.• Visit Pont du Gard, the  masterpiece of ancient architecture and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site.• Guided sightseeing of glamourous Monaco. 

Country Roads of France

Discover France in detail by exploring hidden retreats and tasting local produce at its best. This 16-day journey visits local vineyards, majestic mountains, Riviera sunshine, Roman remains and fortified towns, combined with great food and wine, make for an engaging ‘Tour de France'.
Top Highlights include• Visiting a perfumery in Grasse to learn about the French perfume industry and discover your signature scent.• Enjoy a drive along part of Monaco’s Grand Prix circuit. Wander the old town to see the Royal Palace, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral to see the Tomb of Princess Grace.• Discover the beauty of the hilltop town of St-Paul de Vence: and why it became a refuge for artists.

French Heritage

This 22-day journey is a quintessential French experience, showcasing award-winning wines, fashionable ski resorts, medieval villages and famous cities. Discover the French Riviera with 2 nights stay in Nice, before enjoying time in Avignon, which is the heart of Provence. It was once the papal seat for the Roman Catholic world in the early 14th Century. It is  well-known for its annual arts festival in July, also the largest in France, and has an impressive medieval wall that encircles the old city.  Top Highlights include• Learning about the various grape varieties that are allowed into the final blend of the prestigious Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine. • See the greatest of the Roman remains, the incredible three-tiered Pont du Gard.• Visit an Olive Mill and sample some of the finest olive oil in France

Mediterranean Journey

This 16-day journey visits France, Spain and Italy and takes guests from Europe’s most prestigious locales to its quietest corners. Discover the excitement of Europe’s big cities with perfect relaxation. This is a culinary journey fit for every palate. Guests will spend two nights in Paris, one day in Avignon and one day in Nice. Top Highlights include• Join a foodie walking tour through Paris in a group small enough to fit into the tiniest (and most delicious!) of patisseries. • Dining with locals in Avignon, the heart of Provence• See the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palais des Papes. 
 
Luxury Gold’s French Vogue

10-day journey staying 3 nights each in Paris, Arles and Monaco. In Provence, guests will dine at Michelin-starred La Maison Domaine de Bournissac for Provençal culinary specialities and delights. Chef and owner, Christian Peyre, uses local produce that he frequently sources from his own garden.
Top Highlights include• Skipping the line with fast-tracked, VIP access to the Eiffel Tower, the classic icon of France. Ascend to its second story and take in spectacular views of Paris.• A visit to Maison de Bournissac, a family-owned olive oil mill in the heart of Provence, to learn about the traditional production process and savour a taste of award-winning olive oil served beneath a fig tree.• Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh on an Expert-led walk through the city that inspired many of the artist’s paintings. Along the way, visit the famous Arles Amphitheatre and a collection of structures dating back to when the city was a capital during Roman rule.• Join a Local Expert for a visit to the luxurious Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild along the French Riviera and marvel at its extensive art collection, wonderful gardens and panoramic vistas.
Chairman's Collection Guests travelling on Chairman's Collection departure will join Count Remy de Scitivaux for a dazzling dinner at Le Procope, the legendary Parisian café where luminaries who have frequented it include Voltaire, Rousseau, Beaumarchais, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Napolean Bonaparte.