A 9 day pilgrimage to the most iconic works of pioneering Modernist architect Charles-Édouard Jeanneret in France. From Paris to Lyon, and from Marseille along the the Côte d’Azur, we will be traversing the length of the country by road and rail, exploring the grandeur, utopia and controversy of Le Corbusier’s sublime vision
Next Departures :
14 to 22 September 2026
What we will see
Travelling from Paris to the south of France, we will experience no less than 14 of Le Corbusier’s major works, including sites as the Villa Savoye, the Couvent De La Tourette, the city centre of Firminy, the Cite Radieuse in Marseille, Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp, as well as his Le Cabanon retreat in the Mediterranean coast. The tour includes several guided tours led by local architecture and urban planning experts, offering us in-depth insight into the philosophy and concepts pioneered by the great Modernist architect, as well as his single-minded, perfectionist, and often controversial character.
Not least, the trip will be a memorable journey through one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in Europe. There will be ample sights to behold beyond the architecture of Le Corbusier – great food, fantastic nightlife and beautiful urban and coastal locations with ample time worked into the trip for you to explore each place we will be at ! Read on
Day 1 : Paris
Arrive at any time and check in at our hotel. You could take some time to explore the fabulous vibes of the Parisian capital. In the evening, we will gather together for our first meetup and group dinner.
Day 2 : Paris
After breakfast, we will visit two sites managed by Fondation Le Corbusier : Maison La Roche, a stunning 1925 house and Le Corbusier’s 1934 Apartement- Studio nearby, the site where the architect lived and worked for several years. A local expert will provide an in-depth introduction to the life and work of the great master.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Maison du Bresil and the Fondation Suisse, two buildings Le Corbusier built for the University of Paris.
The evening will be free. You can choose your own dinner, enjoy the Parisian nightlife, and take in the sights of the City of Light by night
Day 3 : Paris
In the morning, we will travel to the outskirts of Paris to visit the 1931 Villa Savoye, a glass and concrete marvel and one of the most important masterpieces of the Modernist Movement. An audio guide will be provided as we wander around the house and its gardens.
In the afternoon, we will be travelling towards Lyon and the majestic Couvent De La Tourette
Hotel : Couvent De La Tourette (please note : shared facilities), or similar
Day 4 : Couvent De La Tourette
In the morning, we will explore Couvent De La Tourette, Le Corbusier’s 1961 Dominican Priory outside Lyon. It is a Brutalist masterpiece of renown, and we will gain access via tour guided by a local expert.
We will then drive to Marseille, where we will spend the night at the famous Cité Radieuse – a masterful high rise which became the global blueprint for mass housing during the post-war years.
Hotel : Le Corbusier Hotel 3* or similar
Day 5 : Marseille
In the morning, we will explore the astonishing Unite D’Habitation, and became familiar with the history of the site as well as Le Corbusier’s concept of “the Radiant City”
The afternoon will be free to explore this fabulous city, and perhaps enjoy its famous Bouillabaise fish soup next to Marseille’s busy port
Hotel : Le Corbusier Hotel 3* or similar
Day 6 : Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
In the morning, we will depart from Marseille and head for a memorable drive along the glamorous Cote’D Azur, including a stopover at fabulous Cannes, home to the international film festival.
We will be at at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, to visit Le Corbusier’s Le Cabanon, the humble holiday home he built for himself, as well as Eileen Gray’s adjacent villa E-1027. A local expert will explain the eccentricities, passions and acrimony among the eccentric artistic and architectural community which gathered there post-war. Our last stop will be the architect’s final resting place, overlooking the Mediterranean sea.
In the afternoon, we will begin our return journey towards Marseille, where we will spend a third night.
Hotel : Le Corbusier Hotel 3* or similar
Day 7 : Lyon & Firminy
In the morning, we will head back towards Lyon, to visit the extensive Le Corbusier site in Firminy, with its Cultural Centre, Stadium, Church and Housing Unit. We will spend several hours taking in this well-designed urban space. A local expert will provide context about its history.
In the afternoon, we will get the chance to explore the city of Lyon, possibly including a visit to Bernard Zehrfuss’ Brutalist Gallo-Roman Museum.
Hotel : Ibis Styles Lyon Centre 3* or Similar
Day 8 : Ronchamp
We will travel to Ronchamp to visit the exquisite Notre Dame du Haut, one of Le Corbusier’s most iconic buildings.
We will stay in this quaint area for the night, enjoying the French countryside
Hotel : La Maison D’hôtes du Parc 3* or similar
Day 9 : Paris
In the morning, we will head back to Paris. After a surprise final activity in the afternoon, we will enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner and a final night in the City of Light.
Where will we stay ?
We will be residing mostly in 3* accommodations. Some stays may include shared facilities
Perhaps the most memorable overnights will be at the famous Unite d’Habitation in Marseille, where we will be able to experience the amazing space as residents.
There is also possibility to overnight at Couvent De La Tourette outside Lyon.
Where will we dine ?
French cuisine hardly needs an introduction.. we will wine and dine in a variety of bistros and local restaurants, mostly as a group, and occasionally on our own. We will sample regional recipes such as the famous bouillabaise, Marseille’s signature dish. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included on all days except on the two free evenings in Paris and Marseille, as described in the itinerary section.
Outside breakfast, we will be having a snack-style lunch – be it a baguette, a croquette, or similar – followed by a more substantial sit down dinner in the evenings.
Important notes – please read before booking
Please note that the stays at the Unite in Marseille and the Couvent outside Lyon are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. I will inform you well in advance in case a particular stay is not possible
Please note that besides the architectural and historic context I will be providing throughout the trip, not all sites we will visit offer guided tours exclusively in English, private or otherwise. The site-specific guided tours provided will be either with an English speaking guide where applicable, or as part of a larger mixed group where information will be relayed in multiple languages (including English), or self-guided (audio-guide in English).
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Pricing
The price of the tour is £4000/$5000/€4800 per person.
The price includes :
- 9 nights accommodation in 3* hotels (including breakfast & taxes)
- All meals and your first drink with each meal (beer/ house wine/ refreshments) except for two free evenings in Paris and Marseille
- An air conditioned and fully insured mini bus with an expert English speaking driver, or a car hired from a reputable supplier (depending on the number of participants)
- Any private or public transport to and from certain locations we will visit
- All entrance fees and tickets
- All guided tours
- An experienced, passionate, knowledgeable, tireless, and fun leader (that’s ME !!)
The price does not include
- Flights to and from Paris
- Airport or Station Transfers (can be arranged for a fee)
- Meals and drinks for the two free evenings in Paris and Marseille
- Any private or public transport which is not part of the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as additional services, shopping, gifts or souvenirs
We will travel as a small group of 6 persons max. The aim is to keep it small, and personalised.
