French Riviera & Provence: Nice, Avignon & Aix-en-Provence
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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
Included highlights
- Cap Ferrat walk
- Nice markets
- Verdon Gorge walk
- Rousillon walk
- Pont du Gard
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Nice today.
Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.
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 $135 per person
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.
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.
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 $139 per person
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.
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.
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.
- Enter the Musée Granet and take time to view the impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and archeological pieces—including masterpieces by Cézanne.
- 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 $135 per person
Coastal Cassis: Calanques Cruise & Walk
From $85 per person
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.
Transfer to the Marseille airport for your flight home or continue on to explore the French Alps.
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.
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.
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 $115 per person
Transfer to the Geneva airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
Overall rating 4.6 out of 5
5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed every aspect of this trip from the hikes, the city tours, and the most spectacular landscapes with surprises everywhere. Our tour director, Jamil, was wonderful all around.
5 out of 5 stars
I’ve gone on several EF Go Ahead trips and this is definitely one of my favorites. I really enjoyed the walks/hikes , culture, and scenery of this trip. The hotels we stayed were centrally located, which was very convenient. Our guide ,Jamil , was extremely accommodating and attentive to our needs....
4 out of 5 stars
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.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 ...
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...
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...
This upscale hotel is located in the Cours Mirabeau neighborhood. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, restaurant, and fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the...
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...
Flights
- 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
Print FAQ- 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.
- Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 $10USD to $12USD 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.
- 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.