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French Riviera &...
 

French Riviera & Provence: Nice, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence

11 days |  14 days with French Alps extension
11 days |  14 days with French Alps extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

34
Physical activity
Old town street of Aix en Provence France on Summer day
Beekeeper at apiary working to collect honey
Close up of blue and white striped umbrellas on beach
Pont du Gard France
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Lace up your walking shoes and step into the scenery of southern France.

Provence is so pretty, it left an impression on the Impressionists—and it’s a place you want to savor with every step. So, set out on this small group Adventure Tour to explore some of France’s most swoon-worthy scenery on foot, walking your way along ocean cliffs and across pastoral (sometimes lavender-filled) fields.

Your tour package includes

  • 9 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 9 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 4 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
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Included highlights

  • Cap Ferrat walk
  • Nice markets
  • Verdon Gorge walk
  • Rousillon walk
  • Pont du Gard
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Nice today.

Nice2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Nice
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Walking tour of Cape Ferrat & Nice
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Hike along Cape Ferrat with your Tour Director this morning.

  • Walk along a promenade on the rocky coastline to a lighthouse on the Cape Ferrat peninsula.
  • Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of the French Riviera.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and cicadas.
  • End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water.

This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice.

  • Visit the colorful markets along the Cours Saleya in Nice’s Old Town.
  • Pass stalls bursting with fresh produce, flowers, and handcrafted artwork.
  • Sample local produce like cheeses, olives, pissaladière pizza, and zucchini flower fritters.

Please note: The order of the hike and market visit may change based on seasonality and weather.

Enjoy a free evening in Nice or add an excursion.

Evening in Monaco

From $179 per person

Verdon Gorge Region1 night
Day 4: Verdon Gorge Region via Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie this morning. You’ll have free time to explore the medieval streets, see the vaulted passages, and eat lunch.

Travel to the Verdon Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Europe, and set off on a hike with your Tour Director.

  • Start in La Palud-sur-Verdon and hike along the dramatic Verdon Gorge.
  • Take in views of the turquoise-hued water of the Verdon River below.
  • Admire the green foliage cascading down the towering, limestone canyon walls.

Tonight, indulge in a gastronomic experience at La Table de Pauline where you’ll dine on a curated menu. As you dine, you’ll be introduced to the quintessential flavors, scents, and colors of Provencal cuisine.

Avignon3 nights
Day 5: Avignon via Roussillon
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

En route to Avignon, stop to explore Rousillon with your Tour Director. You’ll take an hour-long walk past the colorful red and yellow sandstone rocks of the town’s open-air ochre mines.

Continue on to Avignon and set off on a walking tour led by your Tour Director.

  • See the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge that inspired the French folk tune On the Bridge of Avignon.
  • Pass the Papal Palace to see where Pope Clement V reigned during the 14th century.
  • Stroll through the historic Old Town, surrounded by the city’s original medieval walls.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Please note: Travelers should feel comfortable walking through some steep areas and some stairs with little to no shade. We recommend proper footwear with good grip and clothing to protect from the sun.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Pont du Gard & Uzès
Included meal: Breakfast

Head to Vers-Pont-du-Gard and explore the area with your Tour Director

  • See artifacts, virtual renderings, and life-sized displays at the Pont du Gard Museum.
  • Walk along the Pont du Gard, the region’s famed, UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct.
  • View the Esplanade and the prehistoric Saltpeter Cave.

Then, make your way to the small, quiet town of Uzès. This town is one of southern France’s hidden gems, and you’ll have time to explore at your leisure.

Enjoy a free evening in Avignon or add an excursion.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting & Dinner

From $189 per person

Day 7: Walking tour of the Camargue Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Head toward the coast and spend the day exploring sites in the Camargue region.

  • Walk through the bird park in Camargue National Reserve with a naturalist guide.
  • Hear about the park’s wildlife and wetland conservation.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos, herons, and more.
  • Stop in the fishing village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the region’s capital, and sit down for an included lunch.
  • Take a walking tour of Arles, the adopted hometown of Vincent van Gogh, with your Tour Director.
  • Stroll along beautiful boulevards and view the city’s old hospital, where Van Gogh stayed.
  • Enter the Arles Arena, a two-story Roman amphitheater.

Please note: Departures during late-May may experience heavier crowds due to the annual Romani pilgrimage.

Aix-en-Provence Region3 nights
Day 8: Aix-en-Provence Region via Sénanque Abbey & Gordes
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Admire stunning landscapes as you transfer through Luberon Regional Nature Park en route to the Aix-en-Provence region.

  • Enter the 12th-century Sénanque Abbey with a local guide.
  • Learn how the monks cultivate the lavender that grows around the abbey (seasonal).
  • Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping in the hilltop village of Gordes, one of most beautiful villages in France.
  • Tour a family-owned olive oil mill and sample some olive oil.
  • Visit a local apiary for a tour and try the honey produced on-site.

Please note: On some departures where the honey farm is unavailable, travelers will visit the Lavender Museum instead.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Aix-en-Provence
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Set off on a guided walking tour of Aix-en-Provence, a Roman-influenced city and hometown of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne.

  • Browse the stalls at the farmers market this morning and sample local specialties such as honey, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
  • Pass by Cézanne’s birthplace and see the studio where he painted many of his famous works.
  • Snap a photo of Aix Cathedral, built on the site of a 1st-century Roman forum.

Enjoy a free afternoon in the Aix-en-Provence region or add excursions.

Provençal Dinner & Wine Tasting

From $185 per person

Coastal Cassis: Calanques Cruise & Walk

From $119 per person

Day 10: Sainte-Victoire hike & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Farewell dinner

Head out to explore the Provence region’s sites and flavors this morning.

  • Hike on a trail around St. Victoire mountain, the inspiration for many of Cézanne’s paintings.
  • Walk through a vineyard and sample wine as you hear how about the famous varieties from the area.

Please note: The St. Victoire hike is weather-dependent.

Celebrate your trip with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner tonight.

Flight Home
Day 11: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Marseille airport for your flight home or continue on to explore the French Alps.

Extension to French Alps
The French Alps are home to snowcapped mountain vistas, medieval charm, and even a little Venetian feel. In short, it’s amazing. Continue your trip to explore this picture-perfect region with your Tour Director, as you visit Annecy and Chamonix.
French Alps3 nights
Day 11: French Alps via Annecy
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the Alps today, taking in stunning scenery as you pass lakes, mountains, and charming villages.

  • Stop in the lakeside town of Annecy for a Tour Director-led walk through the historic Old Town.
  • Stroll through the cobblestone streets, passing the open-air market.
  • Take in the surrounding views of the Alps.

After, continue on to your hotel in the French Alps.

Day 12: Walking tour of Chamonix
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director and spend your day day exploring Chamonix, a picture-perfect village at the base of Mont Blanc.

  • Ride up a nearby mountain on the famous Montenvers cog railway.
  • Admire views of Mer de Glace, the longest and largest glacier in France.
  • Disembark the railway and take an hour-long, round-trip walk to soak in the panoramic view of the Alps.
  • Enjoy free time to explore Chamonix at your leisure.
Day 13: Free day in the French Alps
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in the French Alps or add an excursion.

This evening, sip a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Haute-Savoie: Gorges du Fier & Château de Menthon

From $149 per person

Flight Home
Day 14: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Geneva airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 34 authentic traveler reviews
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    4 out of 5 stars

    9/28/23 by 1st-time traveler Judy

    4 out of 5 stars

    Rural France and the French Alps
    9/28/23 by 18th-time traveler John

    The tour was well planned. We had the opportunity to see and photograph a beautiful part of France with a small group of cordial co-travelers. Our guide did a good job of handling the problems that arose that were not his fault. This, our 18th tour with GoAhead, again met, and exceeded, our expe...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/17/23

    Congratulations on completing your 18th tour with ...

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    3 out of 5 stars

    9/28/23 by 2nd-time traveler Anonymous

    On a whole this tour was enjoyable and we visited amazing sites, however, there are areas which I feel could be improved on. Generally it was an issue of scheduling too many activities into each day. It seems we got behind on our schedule every day and didn't return to our hotel until 6 to 7 pm, ...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you for leaving a review! We are always look...

    Read more +
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame
    Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame

    The Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame is located in a beautiful garden in the heart of the city. Close to the beaches, convention center and the railway ...

    Read more +
    The Villa Borghese
    The Villa Borghese

    This charming hotel is located in Gréoux-les-Bains, near the Gorges du Verdon. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site gastronomic restaurant, and beau...

    Read more +
    Mercure Pont d'Avignon
    Mercure Pont d'Avignon

    This charming hotel is located in Avignon. Guests enjoy the fitness center, on-site restaurant, and outdoor terrace. Nearby you'll find Pont d'Avigno...

    Read more +
    Grand Hotel Roi René Aix-en-Provence Centre MGallery
    Grand Hotel Roi René Aix-en-Provence Centre MGallery

    This upscale hotel is located in the Cours Mirabeau neighborhood. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the...

    Read more +
    Mercure Chamonix Centre Hotel
    Mercure Chamonix Centre Hotel

    This contemporary mountain hotel is located in the center of Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. Guests enjoy views of Mont Blanc and the Alps, roofto...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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