Art & The Circus in Monaco and the South of France
Artful Jaunts invites you to the South of France for the 47th International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo and an arts and culture journey through Monaco and Nice. Our four day trip will include diverse programming as we immerse ourselves in the rich, cultural heritage of Provence, a region beloved by generations of artists, literary figures, and cultural patrons. Our time in Monaco will focus on exclusive events surrounding the Circus Festival, including premium seats to the gala evening in the presence of the Princely family of Monaco. We will enjoy the show and awards ceremony, overseen by an exceptional international jury who award the ultimate prizes in the world of Circus, and we will also have the opportunity to meet the circus professionals over drinks and dinners.
Highlights from our South of France tour will include guided museum and garden visits along the Mediterranean, including those in Monaco, Nice, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. We will visit museums dedicated to modern masters, Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Francis Bacon, as well as the famed Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a stunning French seaside villa located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. When we are not taking in these sites, we will engage our other senses, as we experience some of the finest dining the region offers throughout the trip.
The accommodations for the trip are at the Fairmont Monte Carlo, ranked among Europe's grandest hotels nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo. An exclusive paradise, the hotel mirrors the charms of Monaco: an exceptional blend of unparalleled luxury and the languid, carefree atmosphere of a seaside destination. Enjoy the relaxed spirit of the Côte d'Azur, the panoramic views and the blue of the Mediterranean and the soothing tranquility of the gardens.
The trip starts in the afternoon of January 19th in Monaco (a flight from the US would leave on January 18th to Nice) and ends on January 23rd with departures at your leisure from Nice. We kindly request your registration by December 6, 2024
Your Artful tour contact is Latasha Thomas (latasha@artfuljaunts.com or 781-658-2270, office phone).
Day 1
Sunday, January 19, 2025
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ArrivalsIndividual arrivals throughout the morning. |
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Check-inCheck-in to the Fairmont Monte Carlo. |
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CircusAfternoon visit to the famous 47th International Circus of Monte Carlo. |
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DinnerAperitif and dinner at the hotel. |
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is ranked among Europe's grandest hotels. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and legendary Casino de Monte-Carlo, it offers an exclusive paradise that mirrors the charms of Monaco - an exceptional blend of unparalleled luxury and the languid, carefree atmosphere of a seaside destination. Panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur, the blue of the Mediterranean, and the soothing tranquility of the gardens await every guest.
Day 2
Monday, January 20, 2025
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Casino VisitA morning visit to the famed Monte Carlo Casino in the historic Monte Carlo city center. |
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Guided TourA guided, art historical tour of the Old Town of Monaco known as Le Rocher, "The Rock". |
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Museum VisitGuided tour of the Oceanography Museum to experience immersive and interactive activities related to marine life. |
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RestRelax and rest at the hotel before evening programming. |
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Gallery VisitGather for a pre-dinner gallery visit and drinks at Hauser + Wirth. |
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DinnerDinner at Zeffrino, a restaurant renowned for its Genoese cuisine. |
François Blanc, founder of the Monte Carlo Casino, once said, "we should do nothing here as it is done elsewhere". The casino was conceived in the mid-19th century as a solution to the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi. Princess Caroline, the wife of Prince Florestan I, spearheaded the initiative to create a casino to attract wealthy visitors and generate revenue for Monaco. Since then, it has transformed Monte Carlo into an international tourist destination. The image of James Bond has become inseparable from the Casino de Monte-Carlo, which, with its Belle Époque architecture, is a reference for gaming and entertainment, not just in Europe but around the world.
Day 3
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
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Museum VisitA morning visit to the collection Circus Museum of Dr. Alan Frère in Tourrette-Levens, 30 min from Monaco. Dr. Frère co-founded the International Circus Festival in 1974. |
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LunchScenic outdoor lunch along the coast. |
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Museum VisitGuided visit to the Francis Bacon Foundation. The collection encompasses over 3,500 items, including the largest collection of the artist's early paintings and furniture. |
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DinnerAn early dinner of French cuisine. |
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GalaExclusive access to the 47th International Circus Festival's Gala with the Princely family of Monaco. |
The International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, established in 1974 by Prince Rainier III, is one of the most prestigious circus events globally founded to support and promote circus families and traditions. Held annually in January, it showcases a diverse array of international circus acts, including acrobats, clowns, and animal performances, all vying for the coveted Gold Clown award. This festival not only celebrates traditional circus arts but also promotes new talent through its associated New Generation festival. Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has been actively involved since 2005, continuing her father's legacy by overseeing the festival's operations and ensuring a blend of classic and innovative performances.
Day 4
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
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Museum VisitVisit to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, one of the most beautiful monuments in France. |
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Private CollectionA private collection visit. |
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LunchLunch at the African Queen restaurant. |
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Museum VisitVisit the Marc Chagall Museum in Nice. Chagall distinguished himself in many arenas: as a painter, book illustrator, ceramicist, stained-glass painter, stage set designer and tapestry maker. |
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Museum VisitVisit to the Matisse Museum. Opened in Nice in 1963, the Matisse Museum contains one of the world's largest collections of works by Henri Matisse, a French artist of world renown. |
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Final DinnerA wonderful dinner in Monaco to close the trip. |
Located between Nice and Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean, the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a magnificent palace surrounded by nine themed gardens: French garden, Spanish garden, Florentine garden, stone garden, Japanese garden, exotic garden, Provençal garden and rose garden. Evocative of an Italian palazzo, the façades of the Villa are rich in references to the Florence and Venice schools, among others.
Day 5
Thursday, January 23, 2025
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DeparturesCheck-out time is at 12 pm. Depart at your leisure. |
Price
- $7,155 per person for double occupancy
- $7,925 per person for single occupancy
Inclusions
- Private arrival pick-up at Nice International Airport
- Accommodations at the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
- Breakfast each day at our hotel
- Entry to all museums, events, galas, and collector homes
- All meals and cocktail programs from dinner, featuring dining inspired by local flavors and specialities
- Transportation throughout the trip in a luxury coach
- All fees and gratuities, including baggage porter services
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Nice are not included in trip price
- Travel and medical insurance (recommended)
