Group bus excursions will be offered on three afternoons during the Feast. We have not planned an excursion on Thursday to allow for everyone to join in the family day activities that are being organized. Further details on the family day will be shared as the Feast approaches. There will also be no excursion on Sunday, so please feel free to use the suggestions we have included below to take advantage of the activities in the region, including the Cap Estérel Village, as your time permits.

Payment for excursions must be made online via Shopify by Wednesday, July 31st. Excursion buses must be reserved ahead of time, so unfortunately, your reservation is not refundable in case of cancellation. However, once at the Feast, you may be able to find someone willing to exchange or purchase your excursion tickets.

Please note:

• Costs listed are per person and cover the cost of the tour buses and guides
• Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus
• Payment deadline: Wednesday, July 31st
   

1. ST. PAUL DE VENCE

Date: Tuesday, October 15th
Cost: €29 per person
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

St. Paul de Vence is a charming fortified hilltop village in Provence, filled with art galleries, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. A walk through its winding streets reveals elegant fountains, vine-covered stonewalls and statues tucked into nooks in the walls. You can find a variety of Provencal fabrics on sale, as well as local gourmet delicacies such as olive oil, wine and fruit liquors. The custom jewelry on sale at many of the shops is quite affordable and unique. Even the ground offers an attractive sight, as you’ll discover cobblestone pathways laid in the shapes of flowers. The fortified village itself is a site, with its medieval fortress walls surrounding the city. The entrance was erected in the 1400s and features a cannon muzzle, which was a trophy from the 1544 Battle of Cerisoles in Italy. You will have the opportunity to visit a chapel, and the Old St Paul Wax Museum. In Saint Paul, you can see the snow-covered Alps to one side, and the glistening Mediterranean Sea to the other. The following website will give you a nice idea of the different sights to be seen in St. Paul de Vence: http://www.saint-pauldevence.com/en

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from St. Paul de Vence, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way. They will also be a resource for us in the village to answer questions and to provide a 1-hour guided tour.
 

2. MONACO

Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Cost: €32 per person
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Not actually a part of France, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, with only the Vatican City sizing smaller. As such, Monaco is also the world's smallest monarchy (a principality, to be exact). Monaco is not part of the EU, but because of its close ties with France, it participates in the EU customs territory. However, there are no border formalities crossing between France and Monaco. French is the official language of Monaco.

Monaco-Ville, also known locally as "le rocher" or "the rock," is an old fortified town and is situated on a rocky promontory, which extends into the Mediterranean Sea. You can take a guided tour through the Prince's Palace or the world-famous Oceanographic Museum, which was established in 1910 by Prince Albert I, and was once under the direction of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Next-door to the Prince’s Palace is the Cathédrale de Monaco, a Romanesque-Byzantine church where Grace Kelly, Princess Grace of Monaco, is buried. There are many other interesting sites to visit including the world famous Japanese gardens, Casino and Opera House. Despite being located in the world's most densely populated country, Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart, made up almost entirely of quiet pedestrian streets. Though innumerable people visit Monaco-Ville and the palace square, only local vehicles are allowed up to the rock. In addition to walking through the downtown shops, gardens and museums, you can also visit the Palace with an English-language audio-guide.

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from Monaco, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way. They will also be a resource for us in the city to answer questions and to provide a 1-hour guided tour.

There is certainly more to see in Monaco than one afternoon affords, so we recommend you consider your interests and plan your afternoon there. There are many websites available that provide information on the sites and activities that Monaco has to offer. This website offers a nice overview of things to visit in Monaco: http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/
 

3. CANNES

Date: Friday, October 18th
Cost: €25 per person
Infants two and under are free if they do not take up a seat on the bus.

Cannes is famous for its prestigious film festival, beautiful sandy beaches, stylish boutiques, marinas filled with luxury yachts, classic hotels, and even a palace or two. Enjoy a stroll down the fashionable Boulevard de la Croisette and step into the InterContinental Carlton Cannes for tea and enjoy the grand art nouveau architecture. Walk up the hill to the Le Suquet district and visit the pedestrian-only streets of the old city for shopping or to visit the 11th century Tour du Mont Chevalier, 16th century Notre Dame de l’Espérance Cathedral or Castre Museum in the former medieval castle and monastery. Enjoy a sidewalk café taking in the sites of the Old Port as the yachts come and go. The Malmaison Art Museum is a very interesting visit as well. There are also two guided tours by “little train,” each lasting 30-40 minutes and departing every hour. The tours are available in eight languages and provide a wonderful introduction to the city. Sunbathing is possible on the many sandy beaches weather permitting.

An English-speaking tour guide will accompany us on the tour bus to and from Cannes, providing us with information about our visit and commentary on points of interest along the way. They will also be a resource for us in the city to answer questions and to provide a 1-hour guided tour.
 

EXPLORE CAP ESTEREL VILLAGE

Date: Anytime
Cost: Varied

Take advantage of the enjoyable activities offered in the village where you’ll be spending the Feast of Tabernacles with family and friends! The Pierre & Vacances Cap Estérel Village offers a 4,100 square-foot heated swimming pool with lifeguard supervision, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, driving range, hiking trails and a full-service spa, and more. Many recreational activities are also available within a short drive, including scuba diving, kayaking, horseback riding and jet skiing. More information on horseback riding, tennis, golf, Segway rentals, the spa, and other activities can be downloaded on our Activity Brochures page at: https://www.ucg.org/members/feast/sites/2019/saint-raphael-france/posts/activity-brochures-645591