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Provence & the French Riviera Walking Tour

with Annecy extension

Duration: 10 or 13 days
Group size: 14-28
Reviews: 81

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Stroll through the French countryside at its purest and prettiest.

Slow your pace. Breathe in the fresh air. On this Walking Tour, retrace the footsteps of painters and pilgrims who have long been inspired by France’s natural splendor. From the fields of fragrant lavender to the cliffs of the Côte d’Azur, discover a Provence that delights all the senses.

Your tour package includes

8 nights in handpicked hotels
8 breakfasts
1 lunch
3 dinners with beer or wine
6 guided walks

Included highlights

Côte d’Azur walk
Nice’s Old Town
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Avignon’s Papal Palace
Pont du Gard

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Nice today.

French Riviera2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in the French Riviera

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to France! Transfer to your hotel on the French Riviera. Then, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Côte d'Azur cliffside walk & Nice

Included meal: Breakfast

Set out for a series of activities along the scenic French Riviera today.

Take a cliffside walk along the Côte d'Azur, admiring views of the Mediterranean as you go
Drive along the famed Promenade des Anglais en route to Nice
Discover the narrow streets of Nice’s charming Old Town

Avignon3 nights

Day 4: Avignon via Moustiers-Sainte-Marie & Roussillon

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Get to know the Provence region with several visits en route to Avignon.

Walk through the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known for its blue-and-white ceramics, and see the Notre-Dame de Beauvoir chapel
Continue on to Roussillon for an hour-long walk past the colorful red rocks of the town’s open-air ochre mines

Continue on to Avignon and sit down for an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of the Papal Palace & Pont du Gard

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide and step inside the opulent Papal Palace, from which Pope Clement V reigned during the 14th century. Then, explore Avignon's Old Town during free time before visiting the Pont du Gard, the region’s famed Roman aqueduct.

Enjoy a free evening in Avignon or add an excursion.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 6: Arles & the Camargue Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Take a walking tour of Arles, the adopted hometown of Vincent van Gogh. Then, journey to the Camargue region where you'll enjoy an included lunch and uncover its charms this afternoon.

Stop in the fishing village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, the region's capital
Enter the Camargue National Reserve to stroll through the bird park, keeping your eyes peeled for flamingos, herons, and more

Aix-en-Provence Region3 nights

Day 7: Aix-en-Provence Region via Isle sur la Sorgue & Menerbes

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to the Aix-en-Provence region through the picturesque landscapes that influenced the French masters.

Take a short stroll at the Fontaine-de-Vaucluse spring
Enjoy free time in the Provençal town of Isle sur la Sorgue
Make a photo stop in Gordes, known as one of most beautiful villages in France
Walk through the walled village of Ménerbes, located on a hilltop in the Luberon Valley

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Aix-en-Provence

Included meal: Breakfast

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Aix-en-Provence.

Pass Aix Cathedral, built on the site of the first-century Roman forum
Enter Paul Cézanne’s studio
Stroll the beautiful boulevards

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

Coastal Cassis: Calanques Cruise & Walk

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 9: Sainte-Baume walk

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Travel outside of the Aix-en-Provence region into the Provençal countryside today. You’ll enjoy an invigorating uphill walk to the pilgrimage site of Sainte-Baume, where Mary Magdalene is said to have lived.

Later, celebrate your trip with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 10: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to Marseille airport for your flight home or continue on to explore Annecy.

Extension to Annecy

Annecy’s got Alpine splendor, medieval charm, and even a little Venetian feel. In short, it’s amazing. Continue your trip to explore this picture-perfect town along Lake Annecy, and enjoy sightseeing at the famous Mont Blanc.

Annecy3 nights

Day 10: Transfer to Annecy

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel north to Annecy today. Then, get to know the lakeside town surrounded by stunning Alpine scenery with your Tour Director leading the way.

Walk through Annecy’s historic Old Town
Stroll the cobblestone streets, passing the open-air market
Take in the surrounding views of the Alps

Spend a free evening in Annecy or add an excursion.

Scenic Lake Annecy: Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 11: Free day in Annecy

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Annecy or add an excursion.

Haute-Savoie: Gorges du Fier & Château de Menthon

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Chamonix walk

Included meal: Breakfast

Make your way to Chamonix, a picture-perfect village at the base of Mont Blanc.

Take the famous Montenvers cog railway up the mountain
Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Alps and Mer de Glace, a massive glacier, during an hour-long walk
Take time to explore the village on your own

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

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the Geneva airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Walking Provence

01/16/2020 by 2nd time traveler Chris M.

This tour was excellent, but is not a leisurely stroll through fields of lavender. The hikes are rigorous. People with physical infirmities should not consider this tour. I particularly enjoyed the small towns we visited. Our guide was superb.

A wonderful French experience

10/04/2019 by 4th time traveler Eileen M.

This walking tour exceeded all expectations. It was very diverse including cultural walks through towns, nature walks, walks by the sea and in the mountains. There was plenty of time to experience the French hillside villages, and to enjoy a meal. The food in southern France is to die for and the...

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Provence Tour is Exceptional

09/30/2019 by 3rd time traveler Steven H.

We took the Provence walking tour during the last half of September 2019. Overall, we had a great time. The group got along well throughout the trip. It was informative, fun, picturesque and provided a fair amount of exercise. Food was good overall, but the dinner in Aix, lunch at the farm (OM...

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Perfect 10

09/29/2019 by 5th time traveler Susan M.

The variety of experiences offered by this tour made each day a new and exciting adventure. From history to food to wildlife; from city to beaches to mountains- never a dull moment. I could hardly imagine a more fulfilling experience in such a short time. I would be remiss if I didn't mention t...

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A Taste of Provence

07/15/2019 by 11th time traveler Suzan G.

Once again this trip did not disappoint! Beginning in Cannes with a added stop at the Russian Orthodox Church , Nice, Avignon, Arles and Aix en Provence. The walks were of various difficulty, with beautiful views. The most difficult was the last to the site of Sainte-Baume. A visit to Moustiers sai...

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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.

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...

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Mercure Pont d'Avignon

Located in the heart of Provence, the Mercure Pont d'Avignon has 87 fully-appointed rooms. The hotel is close to the famous Pont d’Avignon and the Pal...

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Best Western Plus Hotel Carlton

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Annecy. Guests enjoy a bar, lounge, and free WiFi. Nearby you’ll find Lake Annecy, Gardens of Europe, a...

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Clarion Suites Cannes Croisette

This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Cannes. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool. Nearby, you’ll find Musée de la Castre, Palais...

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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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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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AC Hotel by Marriott Ambassadeur Antibes

This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Juan-les-Pins. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find...

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Hotel Novotel Annecy Centre Atria

This modern hotel is located in Annecy’s city center. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and lounge. Nearby, you’ll find Lake Annecy, the old town, and C...

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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
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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

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FAQ

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Passport & visa requirements

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.

Tour pace

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 on this tour

Depending on local weather conditions, seasons, and trail closures, the activities and sequence of your included walks may change.
Cote d'Azur – 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.
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 – .9 mile / 1.5 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.
Ménerbes– 1 mile / 1 hour. A moderately challenging walk with some hills and steps through the walled village of Ménerbes in the Luberon Mountains, where you can take in views of the lowlands stretching toward the French Alps.
Sainte-Baume – 2.5 miles / 2 hours. A difficult climb up a rocky mountain path to see the Mary Magdalene Grotto at the peak.

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.
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

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France.
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.

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 this 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.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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