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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 hike
Nice markets
Verdon Gorge hike
Roussillon walk
Pont du Gard
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3: Walking tour of Cap Ferrat & Nice
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Hike along Cap Ferrat with your Tour Director this morning.
Walk along a promenade on the rocky coastline to a lighthouse on the Cap 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 $155 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, sit down for an included dinner with your group.
Avignon3 nights
Day 5: Avignon via Roussillon
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
En route to Avignon, stop to explore Roussillon 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.
Day 6: Walking 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 on a trail 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 $169 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 Roman Theatre of Arles and Arles Arena, a two-story Roman amphitheater
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
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.
Stop at Cézanne’s birthplace and enter 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
Try calisson, a candy made from candied fruit and ground almonds
Enjoy a free afternoon in the Aix-en-Provence region or add an excursion.
Coastal Cassis: Calanques Cruise & Walk
From $95 per person
Day 10: Market tour, Sainte-Victoire hike & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Wine tasting, Farewell dinner
Browse the stalls at the Aix-en-Provence farmers market this morning. You’ll sample local specialties such as honey, fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.
Then, head out to explore the Provence region’s sites and flavors.
Hike on a trail around Sainte-Victoire mountain, the inspiration for many of Cézanne’s paintings
Walk through a vineyard and sample wine as you hear about the famous varieties from the area
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 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.
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.
AC Hotel Nice
This contemporary hotel is located in Promenade des Anglais. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Promenade des A...
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Hotel Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes
This contemporary hotel is located in central Avignon. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find Pont d’Avignon, Palais de...
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Best Western Hotel le Galice
This modern hotel is located near the Aix-en-Provence city center. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find the historic...
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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
In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PVN.
Tour pacing & mobility
You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads, unpaved trails, and sandy paths, with some steep hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Walks & hikes on this tour
Depending on local weather conditions, seasons, and trail closures, the activities and sequence of your included walks may change.
Cape Ferrat – 3.5 miles / 1.5 hours. A challenging trek along the rocky peninsula’s promenade, past beaches and extravagant villas to the lighthouse. Depending on the season, bring a swimsuit to take a dip in the harbor.
Verden Gorge – 1.5 miles / 2 hours. A rocky, sometimes steep hike through the Verdon Gorge Area.
Rousillon Ochre Mines – 1 mile / 45 minutes. A sunny walk on packed sand paths with some uphill walking and stairs, and little or no shade, through the Martian-like landscape of the red and yellow ochre mines.
Pont du Gard – 2 miles / 3 hours. An easy walk past the first-century Roman aqueduct and through the surrounding forests, plus free time for a picnic.
Camargue National Reserve – 1.5 miles / 1 hour. An easy stroll through flat marshlands with lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Sainte Victoire – 1.5 hours. A traced path that is mostly flat with a few pebbles and low incline around the mountain.
Transportation & arrival information
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Nice and depart from Marseilles (or Geneva on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Baggage allowance
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
Clothing & packing tips
We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
Light hiking boots or sturdy sneakers are recommended for the cobbled stones and uneven terrain.
You may want to consider packing a collapsible walking stick for more challenging walks.
Pack a travel water bottle to stay hydrated on hotter, sunnier days.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
Health
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code PVN.
Cuisine
For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and fruit. In the cities, sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crepes, while mouthwatering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from cafes. In restaurants, the prix fixe option is a popular way to enjoy a set three- or four-course menu for a good price.
Although lunch is generally served from noon until 2pm in France, dinner is served from 7:30pm onward. Those wishing to eat earlier can stop at a cafe, where light entrées and sandwiches are available throughout the afternoon and evening.
Electricity & air conditioning
France operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
The majority of the hotels on this tour will have air conditioning. The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
Time zones
France is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
Currency
You will use the euro on tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.
Purchasing excursions on tour
Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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