Our favorite city of all. We began our tour a week early in order to soak-up the Parisian atmosphere.

We began by seeking out our favorite spot in the Tuileries Garden for charcuterie; it seems to help us get over our jet-lag. Our strategy for the first day was to do as much as possible as long as we felt up to it. 

We wanted to see the large dome in the Galeries Lafayette which is spectacular.

Lyon has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city is home to a Roman theater and Vieux Lyon (Old Town), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lyon was located in the unoccupied "free zone" of France after the 1940 armistice, making it a vital base for the French Resistance. The city's industrial infrastructure and dense network of secret passages (known as traboules) provided the Resistance with cover and support..

Viviers is located on the banks of the Rhône River, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. The city offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It's a medieval city with a well-preserved old town. We wandered the narrow streets and admired the ancient buildings, including the Romanesque cathedral.

Avignon has been the Papal seat for many years, before moving to Rome. The Palais des Papes is a stunning Gothic palace that served as the residence of the popes during the 14th century. It is one of the largest palaces in the world and is considered to be one of the most important medieval buildings in Europe.

Arles is a charming city with a relaxed atmosphere. The city's narrow cobbled streets and lively squares are perfect for strolling and people-watching. 

It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history dating back to Roman times. The city is has the Arles Amphitheatre, a 2nd-century Roman structure that is still used for events today. Arles is also known for its Romanesque architecture, including the Cloître Saint-Trophime, a beautiful 12th-century cloister.

Arles has been a magnet for artists for centuries, and the city's vibrant arts scene continues to attract visitors today. Arles is home to several world-class museums, including the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles, which houses a large collection of the artist's work.

Nice is a favorite vacation spot for thousands of visitors a year. 

It's known for stunning coastline, and turquoise waters. There are palm-lined streets, pastel-colored buildings, and a vibrant waterfront with plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures year-round.

Nice has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. The city is home to a number of museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, including the Promenade des Anglais, the Cours Saleya market, and the Old Town.

It's is also a great base for exploring the rest of the French Riviera. Visitors can take day trips to nearby towns and cities such as Cannes, Monaco, and the charming hilltop villages of the Côte d'Azur.