go ahead tours provence

A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris with Donna Priest-Brown

9 days   |   12 days with Normandy & Paris extension

Follow in the footsteps of artists and authors seduced by la belle France.

Find your own inspiration amidst the history and artistry of France. Don your designer shades on the Côte d’Azur, longtime playground for the rich and famous. Explore the spectacular scenery and tempting cuisine of Provence, a favorite setting for painters like Vincent van Gogh and writers like Peter Mayle. Then push on to Paris, the City of Light, to relive the golden days of the Belle Époque.

Your tour package includes

• 7 nights in handpicked hotels
• 7 breakfasts
• 3 dinners with beer or wine
• 3 sightseeing tours
• Expert Tour Director & local guides
• Private deluxe motor coach
• 1 train ride

Included highlights

• French Riviera
• Calanques of Cassis
• Avignon’s Papal Palace
• High-speed TGV train ride
• Eiffel Tower photo stop
• Place de la Concorde

Overnight Flight 1 night

Day 1: travel day.

Board your overnight flight to Nice today.

Nice 2 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.

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.

Hôtel Mercure Nice Centre Notre-Dame

This vibrant hotel is located in the heart of Nice’s city center. Guests enjoy the rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city, rooftop bar, fitness center. Nearby you’ll find the Promenade des Anglais, the Notre-Dame...

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'Avignon, the Papal Palace, and Jardin des Doms.

Novotel Paris Porte de Versailles

This stylish hotel is located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. Guests enjoy the rooftop restaurant with views of the Eiffel Tower, in room digital library, and fitness center. Nearby you'll find Parc Georges-Brassens...

Hotel Mercure Cabourg Hippodrome

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Cabourg. Guests enjoy a fitness center, pool, and bar. Nearby you’ll find the Hippodrome de Cabourg, Plage de Cabourg, and Pavillon Charles Bertrand.

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 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

• 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 PPR.
• You will walk for at least 1 hour daily across flat terrain on mostly paved roads.
• 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, as well as getting in and out of trains and boats.
• 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.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Nice and depart from Paris. 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.
• A high-speed TGV train ride from Avignon to Paris is included in the price of your tour.
• 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 personal item 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.
• Porterage is not included for the train transfers. Travelers must be comfortable lifting and carrying all luggage over steps, onto platforms, and into luggage storage. The storage space on the train is extremely limited, so we recommended traveling with only one suitcase per person (and a personal item such, as a backpack or purse).
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 your tour.
• Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional 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.

*Restrictions apply:

Prices are per person based on double occupancy, before flights, and vary by departure date. Select your preferred departure date and departure city to view your tour price with flights and hotel transfers included. Changes or cancellation will result in a fee of up to the total tour price. Last-minute specials are not combinable with any other promotional discount. Promotional discounts not combinable with any other promotional offer, including Group Coordinator and Group Benefit programs. Applicable airline baggage fees are not included. Please contact the airline for more information. Some countries may require aircraft insecticide treatment for inbound foreign flights. Such countries can be found at groups.goaheadtours.com/insecticide. To view Go Ahead's complete Terms & Conditions, visit groups.goaheadtours.com/terms. The tour operator for your trip is EF Education First International Ltd. CST 2060043-20.

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Provence Tours & Trips

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10 best Provence tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Provence travel expert at TourRadar

Basque Country, Lourdes, Provence and Barcelona

Cycle provence, paris, lourdes, côte d azur, provence and barcelona with madrid, lyon to the tip of provence on the rhône and saône rivers (port-to-port cruise), bicycling the best of provence, best of provence plus the luberon and aix-en-provence, provence velo vin voyage, bike tour, provence, france (guided groups), a trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the rhône valley (port-to-port cruise).

“All hotels were very good and breakfast was also good. Overall the trip was very enjoyable and memorable.” Teresita Robles, traveled in May 2024

• Explore Segovia's Alcazar and Roman Aqueduct
• Admire the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct
• Visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

“Beautiful scenery, wonderful riding.” liz mccarthy, traveled in May 2024

• Sightseeing
• Wine tasting
• Visit Châteauneuf du Pape and sip on fine wine
• Discover the beautiful 8th-century village of Gordes
• Cycle beneath the alpine foothills of the Rhône Valley

• Walk through Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
• Ascend the Eiffel Tower and cruise the Seine
• Tour Barcelona and dine by the Mediterranean

“Good choice of locations, they went out of there way to make the trip inclusive and fun.” Matthew M, traveled in April 2019

• Explore the Roman Theatre in Orange
• Tour Les Baux and its medieval castle
• Visit Van Gogh's asylum in Saint Remy

“All of the crew aboard Croisie's Van Gogh were delightfully helpful, the food excellent, and the scenery captivating.” Robert Smith, traveled in October 2023

• River Cruise
• Experience a Camargue horse show or safari
• Taste vibrant Beaujolais wines in Lyon
• Board and enjoy a welcome cocktail on our ship

“Amazing tour with every detail carefully handled. Highly recommend!!” Catherine Doctor, traveled in October 2023

• Explore Arles' ancient Roman sites
• Stroll through France's large outdoor market
• Taste olive oil at a local Provençal press

“Routes, equipment and accommodations are great. Highly recommended.” Alexander Gilbert, traveled in September 2023

• Cycle through vineyards to Châteauneuf
• Taste olive oil at a traditional press
• Stroll through medieval Uzès and its markets

• Visit Avignon's UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes
• Canoe down the scenic River Sorgue
• Cycle to Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery

“The meals were all great, and the hotels were solid. I'd highly recommend this trip to anyone.” Danielle Sills, traveled in August 2019

• Tour the historic Papal Palace in Avignon
• Cycle through the scenic Alpilles region
• Taste wines from Provence's top appellations

“the food was outstanding, and the land based tours were interesting.” Gregory Coombs, traveled in October 2023

• Explore Avignon and the Papal Palace
• Experience a safari or visit a bull farm in Camargue
• Board our ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail

Other Regions in Provence

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One Week in Provence – A 7-Day South of France Itinerary

Are you thinking about spending one week in Provence?  In my opinion, seven days is the perfect amount of time to be introduced to this region in the South of France.

Of course you can’t see everything in Provence in just one week, but after spending almost two months in the region I’ve developed a one-week Provence itinerary that will allow you to see a little bit of everything that the region has to offer, from perfume workshops to turquoise beaches to medieval palaces and more.  I would describe this itinerary as full, but not rushed.  There’s enough to do to keep you busy each day, but you’ll always have time to pause to enjoy the view (with an optional glass of local rosé wine!).

My recommended itinerary for one week in Provence is a multi-city itinerary, also known as an open-jaw, itinerary.  This means that you’ll start in one city and end in another.  Both Nice (your starting point) and Marseille (your ending point) have busy international airports, so you should be able to find flights that accommodate this route.  However, high speed trains connect the two cities in about two and a half hours, so it’s easy to double back to your starting point if necessary.

As with almost all my travel guides, no car is required for this itinerary.  You can follow my one-week Provence itinerary by using the efficient intercity bus and train network, and by exploring each of the towns and cities on foot.  All of the hotels that I recommend are within walking distance of the main attractions, and can be reached easily either by walking or using the tram or metro when you arrive in each destination.  I spent  two months in France without getting in a car even once, so trust me on this one!

Day 1 – Get to Know Nice

With France’s second-busiest airport, Nice is the main arrival point for most travelers flying into the south of France.  You’ll want to start your Provence itinerary here, in this coastal city with its own unique culture and history.

In the morning, start by visiting one of the cafes that line Cours Saleya for a quick coffee and pastry before browsing the market stalls that are set up each morning (except Mondays).  Before it gets too hot, follow the waterfront towards the hill (Colline de Chateau) and walk up to the panoramic viewpoint, where you’ll get the best views of the city and the beach.

Spend the rest of the morning strolling through the Old Town ( Vieux Nice) , stopping at the cathedral, the Chapelle de la Misericorde and Palais Lascaris.  Make sure to stop at one of the street food vendors selling socca , a chickpea flatbread that is a specialty of the region.

There are a few different options for your afternoon in Nice.  If you’re a sun worshipper, you could rent a beach chair or just lay your towel down on the sandy beach to catch some rays.  If you want to swim, the east end of the beach (Plage Castel) is relatively calm and has showers where you can rinse off afterwards.

If you don’t want to spend the afternoon at the beach, you could stroll along the waterfront Promenade des Anglais to the famous Hotel Negresco. If contemporary art is more your thing, Nice’s Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is just a few blocks away from the Old Town, and there are also museums dedicated to both Chagall and Matisse on the outskirts of the historic center.

Try to get to bed at a relatively decent hour tonight, though, as you’ll need an early start tomorrow in order to visit not just another city, but another country entirely!

🏨 Stay Here:

The two hotels I’m recommending have a central location, within easy walking distance of the Old Town, the tram network  and the bus stop to Monaco.

• Hotel Rossetti – An intimate, affordable hotel in a historic building.  Rooms are spacious and modernized, and service is spot-on.
• Palais Saleya Boutique Hotel – For a more luxurious stay, this boutique hotel in Nice’s Old Town has suites and apartments with modern, well-equipped rooms.

🍽️ Eat Here:

• Rue Bonaparte – This is a street, not a restaurant. However, it’s off the tourist radar enough that it mainly attracts locals and in-the-know French tourists.  Check out Clay for healthy brunch fare, and Magnolia Cafe for inspired tapas.
• Lou Pilha Leva – Nice has its own distinct history and culinary traditions. This busy restaurant in Vieux Nice celebrates Niçoise cuisine with socca, pissaladiere (anchovy flatbread) and pan bagnat (basically, salade niçoise on a sandwich).

Day 2 – A Can’t-Miss Day Trip to Monaco and Eze

On Day Two of your one-week Provence itinerary you’re going to get some of the best views of Provence… and then promptly leave France entirely!

Your first stop today is going to be Èze, a hilltop medieval town that is about thirty minutes outside Nice by bus. At press time both Bus #82 and Bus #112 go from Nice to Èze Village.  Do not take a bus or train that goes to Èze-sur-Mer, as that will leave you at the lower beach when you want to be waaaay up the hill in the village.  I recommend catching a 9:00 am bus, which should have you in the village by 9:30.

Two hours will give you enough time to explore the medieval village in Èze (shown in the photo at the top of this article) and ascend to the highest viewing point in the Exotic Garden.  If you finish your visit early, there are two perfume factories near the bus stop where you can shop for locally-produced French perfumes.

Read more about exploring Èze here.

After spending two hours in Èze you should be able to catch either Bus #602 or Bus #112 further down the coast to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Bus routes and schedules vary with the season, so ask about onward schedules at the Tourist Information office in  Èze when you first arrive.

Although you’re leaving France and entering an independent principality, you won’t need to stop for any customs or immigration when you cross the border into Monaco!

With half a day in Monaco, you might want to choose between exploring the area around the Casino (Monte Carlo) or going up “The Rock” to Monaco City (Monacoville).  The area around the casino is much more expensive, but it’s the best place to be to see the supercars and, of course, to try your luck in the casino.  The upper part of the principality is more similar to  Vieux Nice , and it’s where you’ll find the Prince’s Palace, Saint Nicholas Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum.

The easiest way to return to your hotel in Nice is by train, with the last departure usually leaving the station around 9:00 pm (but check the schedule online as it changes seasonally).

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Day 3 – Say “Au Revoir” to Nice & Travel to Avignon

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Nice before traveling to Avignon around noon (pick up a sandwich, a pastry and a drink from a bakery so you can enjoy lunch on the train, like the locals do).

The trip should take about four and a half hours, and will likely require a change of trains.  Your destination is Avignon Centre, the main train station in the heart of Avignon.  You might need to change trains in Marseille, or you might find a route that takes you directly to Avignon TGV (the high-speed rail station outside Avignon), where slower regional trains depart every thirty minutes from the Avignon Centre station.

Drop off your bags at your accommodation and begin exploring Avignon before the sun goes down. This is the perfect time to walk through the historic center to Le Pont d’Avignon , which looks even prettier at sunset (see the photo below).  You can also take the free ferry from the bridge over to L’Ile de la Barthelasse and walk through the park to the bridge that will return you to the mainland.

If you’re in Avignon for a short visit, I recommend staying somewhere within the historic city walls, towards the south end of the city.  This puts you within easy walking distance of both the bus and train stations, so you won’t need to take any taxis during your stay.

• Hotel Bouquier – My top recommendation for an affordable hotel in Avignon is in the perfect location for exploring the city on foot. I love the charming, eclectic decor and the delicious breakfasts.
• Les Jardins de Baracane – This four-star hotel has a crystalline outdoor pool in the courtyard of a 17th-century townhouse. Room here are spacious, sunny and decorated in a beautiful Provençal style.
• Restaurant L’Épicerie Avignon – I had one of my Top 5 meals in France at this restaurant in the plaza in front of the Saint-Pierre Basilica.  I highly recommend the vegetarian plate, but I’m sure that their other dishes are amazing too.
• Le Goût de Jour – Word on the street is that it won’t be long before this restaurant earns its first Michelin star, so visit now while you can still experience haute cuisine at reasonable prices. Every day they have a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a vegetarian menu. Reservations (including deposit) are essential – you can book on their website .

Day 4 – Explore Avignon

I’ve got a complete guide to the best things to do in Avignon , so have a look at the list to see what piques your interest.  The good thing is that all of Avignon’s attractions are very close to one another, and within easy walking distance of the hotels I recommended, but the bad news is that just with one day you won’t be able to fit everything in.

It makes sense to start your day at the Palace of Popes, whether you choose to buy a ticket and go inside or just check it out from the outside.  If you’re here early in the day, you can probably pop into the free Musee du Petit Palais, at the back of the courtyard in front of the Pope’s Palace, to see Botticelli’s Virgin and Child (and hundreds of other Renaissance paintings).

Personally, I would then wander through the historic center towards Les Halles d’Avignon, the city’s greenery-covered indoor food market, and pick up some items for a picnic lunch.  Walk with your purchases towards Rue des Teinturiers, where you can sit on a shady bench beside the ancient canals and waterwheels to enjoy your meal.

If you’re a contemporary art fan now is a great time to continue on to Collection Lambert, an expansive museum housed in an opulent hotel particulier , whereas history lovers will want to visit some more of the city’s free regional museums (a full list is in the linked article above).

End your day with dinner at one of the recommended restaurants (see above) and a stroll around the city center with a cup of ice cream.

🪻 If you’ll be in the area in August, I highly recommend spending a day at the Sault Lavender Festival . This could replace one of the day trips from Day 5 or Day 6. 🪻

Day 5 – Spend the Day in Nearby Arles

Avignon is only seventeen minutes by train from Arles, making it an ideal day trip from Avignon.  From the train station it’s a ten-minute walk to the ancient Roman arena and the historical city center.

Skip the breakfast at Le Cafe Van Gogh (yes, it inspired his famous painting, but no, the food won’t inspire your palate… especially at those prices) and consider nearby Lapostrope or Cafe Factory Republique instead.

Once you’ve had your coffee and a pastry (or two) you can explore the historic center of Arles, including the St. Trophieme church and cloister, the Theatre Antique and the Cryptoportiques.  Read more about these Arles attractions (and how to save money visiting them with an Arles City Pass) in my guide to the best things to do in Arles .

For a light lunch, I recommend Creperie Chez Mam Goz, just a block from the Roman arena.

If you’ve never been to a Roman arena before, head to Arles’ arena after lunch.  Take your time circling, climbing and exploring this monumental arena, which dates back almost two thousand years and once held almost 20,000 spectators.

However, if you’ve visited a Roman arena before (maybe in Rome, or even in nearby Nimes), you might want to spend your afternoon exploring LUMA Arles, a new contemporary art complex just a few blocks outside the historic center. The focal point here is the tower designed by Frank Gehry (free to visit at press time), as well as the collection of contemporary art exhibits spread across various buildings on the site.

You can stay in Arles for dinner (I recommend dining at La Caravelle, and then walking back to the train station along the riverfront that inspired Van Gogh) or head back to Avignon in the early evening.

Day 6 – Enjoy a Day Trip to Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Another day, another day trip!  Avignon really is the perfect location for day tripping around Provence (I actually have a guide to ten of the best day trips from Avignon – of course Arles and Saint-Remy-de-Provence are included!).  You won’t want to miss a day trip to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, a quaint Provencal town with more history than can fit inside its fortified walls.

On Wednesday mornings, the town hosts their weekly market in the historic center.  It’s similar to the market you saw in Nice on Cours Saleya, but with a bit more small-town charm. If you can time your visit for a Wednesday that’s great, but don’t worry if you miss the market – there’s lots more to see here!

The bus journey from Avignon to Saint-Remy-de-Provence takes about one hour.  You’ll arrive in the historic city center, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with art galleries, independent shops, cafes and creperies.  The historic center also houses a number of museums, with the most famous being the Musée Estrine. Located inside a former private mansion, this museum features a Vincent Van Gogh interpretive center and various temporary exhibits.

After enjoying the city center (including lunch on the terrace of one of the many restaurants you’ll find in Saint-Remy), it’s an easy two-kilometer walk south of the city center (past the Tourist Information Office) to two of the town’s most important attractions : Glanum, a well-preserved Ancient Roman town, and the Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole, where Vincent Van Gogh spent a year in the psychiatric hospital watching the seasons pass him by (and painting them).

Once you’ve explored the attractions south of the center, you can either catch a bus back to Avignon from the Glanum bus stop (they’re infrequent, so check the schedule at Tourist Information on your way there) or walk back to town and catch a return bus from there.

Day 7 – See the Highlights of Marseille

Your week in Provence will end in Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a cosmopolitan hub for European, Asian and North African cultures. I have a complete guide to visiting Marseille in one or two days , so click through to see my complete recommendations for the city.

As I mention in that post, with one day in Marseille you’ll want to focus your sightseeing on the area around the Old Port ( Vieux Port ), which is shown above.  Drop off your bags at one of the hotels I mention below, and then set out on foot to explore the waterfront!

The attractions in this area include the new Cosquer Méditerranée , a museum built around a 30-minute underwater ride that takes you through a full-sized reproduction of the Cosquer Cave and its paleolithic cave art.  As well, the Marseille Cathedral, with its striped stone facade, is just minutes away.

Your last stop should be the historic Le Panier district (which was recently featured in Netflix’s Transatlantic series – definitely worth watching before you visit!). It’s a bit of an uphill walk, but you’ll be rewarded with some of Marseille’s best street art, independent shops and innovative restaurants. Don’t leave without buying some locally-made Marseille soap at Bazaar Caesar Soap or at 72% Pétanque (olive oil and lavender are the most popular scents, and both make perfect souvenirs!).

With only one full day in Marseille, you’ll want to stay in a central hotel that has easy transportation connections to the train station (where you can catch the bus to the airport or a train to and from the rest of France) and that is within easy walking distance of all of the city’s must-see attractions.  These two highly-rated hotels will be perfect:

• La Residence de Vieux Port – A popular waterfront hotel located right on the Old Port. The rooms here are as cool as the street art in nearby Le Panier, and it’s worth splurging on a room with a balcony that overlooks the harbour.
• NH Collection Marseille – I stayed in Le Panier, but I get that not everybody wants to hike uphill to their hotel every evening!  NH hotels are always great, and this bright and breezy property has an ideal location just behind Le Panier. You can walk uphill to explore the district or circumvent it entirely on a ten-minute flat walk to the Vieux Port. You’ve also got easy tram and metro access here.
• Matza – There are a lot of great restaurants on Cours Julien and Place de Notre Dame de Mont, but the meal I ate here was definitely a standout. They have a rotating menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, made with elevated flavors and techniques but served in a casual environment.
• Café l’Écomotive – A vegetarian and vegan cafe beside Marseille-Saint-Charles train station. They have great lunch specials that change with the seasons. (If you eat on the sidewalk terrace, note that the stairs across from you were featured in the classic music video for Bingo Player’s “Cry (Just a Little) ” – watching it will make you want to dramatically quit your job and move to the South of France!).

Do you have questions about traveling in the South of France?  Leave your questions about Provence (and beyond!) below and I’ll answer them ASAP.

In the meantime, check out my France archives for all my posts about the region (and a few spots further north too).

Planning a trip?  Pin this post for later!

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Vita, vino, e viaggio!

Review of EF Go Ahead Tours

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to how they travel and one of my favorites is with tour groups. I love that they coordinate transportation, hotels, and the agenda and I just get to enjoy the ride. I’ve done a couple of tours with EF Ultimate Break and this summer I brought Rick on his first group tour with EF Go Ahead Tours on their Barcelona, Southern France, and the Italian Riviera tour .

It was a whirlwind adventure and an unforgettable getaway that spanned four countries. After reviewing our countless photos, adding in our new souvenirs to our decor at home, and finally catching up on the right time zone, it’s time to write up how our experience went.

If you’re looking at doing a tour with them, here’s our review of Go Ahead and our first tour experience with them!

Go Ahead’s customer service

From our booking to our bon voyage email, Go Ahead’s customer service staff is excellent. We booked using one of their seasonal promotions and when it didn’t take right away, a customer support rep quickly made sure our discount was added to our invoice. We had a rep, Ashley, who was in frequent contact with us via email to make sure we had all of our questions answered, ensured we were ready for our trip, and wishing us a good time on our tour.

I can think of only one incident where I called to ask about something regarding our tour and the guy on the phone was curt and seemed eager to get off the phone. But for just one not great conversation compared to the other quality reps, I’ll take it.

Another fun surprise was the Go Kit they send prior to your tour which includes good info for your tour and a fun keepsake – that we’re definitely making use of at home!

Tour Director

I’ve loved all my tour directors that are part of the EF family and our TD for this trip, Valentina, was no exception. She was friendly, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and always around if you needed her. Valentina was awesome at providing recommendations for things to do during our free time or tips for shopping and dining in each city.

She was great at making sure we all knew what was on the schedule for the day, the timing of the activities, and picking easy to find meeting spots to regroup after our free time in various cities. She made sure to check in with everyone in our group to make sure they were having a good time and enjoyed what was on the day’s agenda.

Accommodations

Since Go Ahead targets an adult and family demographic, it stands that their hotel choices should be a step above the ones we used on Ultimate Break that are designed for budget-friendly 18 – 28 year olds. My assumption was correct and all the hotels we stayed at were great.

The rooms were spacious, the furnishings comfortable, and they all had AC – which was pretty strong for Europe’s standards. The hotels ranged from charming boutiques to well-known brands. Some were older and had beautiful decor and older furnishings and some were more modern with upgraded in-room amenities. Most of the hotels had on-site gyms and a few even had pools – our hotel in Cannes used the pool area for breakfast each morning which had a nice ambiance to it and the hotel in Barcelona had a pool on the rooftop with a bar.

Each hotel stay included breakfast each morning and each hotel had a nice spread of cereals, pastries and breads, cold cuts and cheeses, hot items like fried eggs, potatoes, and pancakes, as well as coffee, tea, juice, and water. I think our hotel in Barcelona had the best food at breakfast but our hotel in Rome had the best view at breakfast.

Some of the hotels we stayed at on our trip include:

• Hotel Catalonia Eixample 1864
• Crowne Plaza Montpellier – Corum
• Clarion Suites Cannes Croisette
• Starhotels Michelangelo
• Hotel Romanico Palace

Transportation

We used a coach bus for most of our transportation around the city and to the next stop on our itinerary. The bus was comfortable, the seats leaned back, there was overhead space for smaller day bags, and backseat pockets to hold books or water bottles. We had the same bus and bus driver from Barcelona to Florence and he was friendly, welcoming, and got us to our locations in good time and safely. We were all sad to say goodbye to Massimo in Florence but Peter, who drove us from Florence to Rome was also nice and a great driver.

Airport transfers

We added on airport transfers for an affordable rate so we’d be picked up at the start of our tour and dropped off at the end. If you buy flights with them, this is included in the price.

I will note that we can’t comment on how they organize flights for their tours as we opted to book our own flights. We were able to use credit card points and the affordable Norwegian Airlines to get over there and added a few days in London to our Europe getaway. I had no issues with having Ultimate Break coordinate flights on my other trips so I can only assume it was the same way for Go Ahead.

Local tours

At the major cities of our tour, we would meet with a certified local guide to take us on our sightseeing tours – like when we were in Barcelona, Nimes, Florence, and Rome. Some of them would be with us for two days or for our included city tour and an optional excursion.

All of our local tour guides were fantastic. They were all passionate about the cities they live in, they were knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. I love that they use headsets for our local tours so you can listen to the tour guide but you’re able to wander off a bit and take some photos or admire a landmark or point of interest without a giant crowd.

The local tour guides knew how to share their stories and keep our group moving through the city at a decent pace. Our tour guide in Rome was exceptional at finding the shady spots in the Coliseum for us to stand in (and avoid the boiling heat) as she shared fun facts! I think Go Ahead has a good handle on finding the right local tour companies with great guides.

Itinerary & inclusions

The itinerary is what pulled me in and the inclusions are what pulled Rick in. I loved the idea of spending my golden birthday exploring the Mediterranean and discovering a variety of places we probably wouldn’t get to otherwise.

Our Barcelona, Southern France, and the Italian Riviera trip was 14 days, including our Rome extension – though more like 17 for us since we added in London on our own. The first and last day of the tour don’t really count as they’re travel days, but it was still a pretty decently long trip.

We started in Barcelona and had the most time there with three days total (really about two and a half after arriving and getting to the hotel). There were three optional excursions to add on to our time in Barcelona and we booked two of them – we decided to skip Montserrat. Then, it was off to France with a one-night stay in Montpellier before making our way to Cannes for a two-night stay.

After the French Riviera or Cote d’Azur, we had a few hours in Monaco before making our way into Italy to stay in Rapallo so we were near Cinque Terre. After two nights in Rapallo, we went off to Florence for two nights before finally making it to Rome.

I love the inclusions that come with Go Ahead’s tours! They include quite a bit in their rate like:

• Full-time Tour Director
• Hotels with breakfast
• Local tours of cities
• A few group dinners (multi-course and served with wine, one of my favorite meals on the whole trip was one of these group dinners)
• Entry to select attractions (on our tour: Sagrada Familia, Carcassonne, the Arena of Nimes, Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild, Pont du Gard, and the Coliseum)

Pace of Go Ahead’s tours

This was a fast-paced tour, but we went into that expecting it. If you’re really looking to explore a city, this itinerary might not be the best for you and they do offer tours that spend more time in dedicated cities. I wanted to to see a ton of places, which is why we picked a fast-paced tour that covered a lot of ground.

Overall, I think the pace was good and there was a balance of days that were go, go, go and days that were more relaxed and you could spend how you pleased. There was also a bit of downtime as we drove to our next location or back to our hotel after a day’s excursion.

Go Ahead Tours’ excursions

We really enjoyed many of the excursions offered on our European group tour! I think we booked almost all of the optional excursions and I’m glad we did. While the excursions do cut into your free time, I like to look at as we’re getting to see even more of the region while we’re there and why not spend a morning going out to another city we may not have the opportunity to get to again?

The excursions on Go Ahead are a bit pricier than similar excursions through Ultimate Break, but not outrageous. The excursions we booked on our tour included:

Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Park Guell – Barcelona

This tour was in the afternoon after our guided tour of the city with a local guide. We started at La Pedrera, an apartment complex redone by Gaudi. It was cool getting up-close to his work and learning about the influences behind his designs and seeing into the past.

I thought I knew what to expect at Park Guell but I was still blown away by the tiny details and design of this park and intended residential complex. Unfortunately, part of the main part of the park (read where everyone takes that iconic Barcelona shot) was closed due to repairs so it was a bit more crowded than I think it normally would be.

It was still cool checking out the benches, seeing the unique buildings from above, and taking a few photos ourselves. I’d guess we had about an hour in the park to walk around, learn more about its design, and just enjoy some time wandering around on our own.

Flamenco dinner show – Barcelona

This was an amazing experience that I think we’d definitely book again if we go back to Barcelona with Go Ahead. The evening started with a buffet dinner, where everything was excellent, and sangria and wine at the table. I wished we hadn’t had some late tapas and had come a bit more hungry as the food was so good. Then, we moved into an intimate theater for the show where we were greeted with some cava.

The flamenco performance was incredible and very moving. You see how passionate the performers are and how much of themselves they give to their dance. The guitar players were just as talented as the dancers and it made for an unforgettable live entertainment performance in Barcelona.

St-Paul-de-Vence – Provence (hotel in Cannes)

After exploring Nice, we took off to visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence and explore its little alleyways, shops (purchased a great bottle of French wine), and enjoy a three-course dinner.

We popped into a shop to sample some tapenade and then our dinner included pastis – an interesting aperitif. The dinner was good and the servers were good about making sure our wine glasses were always full. It was a fun excursion to a cute town, making for a fun evening getaway. The pace was very relaxed and if I had a bigger travel budget I probably would have gone into the many art galleries that were full of amazing pieces.

San Gimignano and winery tour – Florence

This was another favorite excursion where we got to explore the town of San Gimignano which was fun and we even had some great gelato while there. Afterward, we went to Torciano Winery for some wine tasting and a lasagna lunch (with their truffle oil drizzled on top)! On my last group tour, I did a visit to a winery which was awesome and this one was right up there in quality. We sampled a white, several reds, and a decadent dessert wine. We’re looking forward to when our shipment from the winery arrives 🙂

I enjoyed all the excursions we did but I’d say our top picks were the flamenco show and the day in San Gimignano.

Price of Go Ahead Tours

We booked our tour with a Columbus Day sale and got $250 off our tour and with our Rome extension, excursions, and airport transfers, it came out to almost $7,500 or $266 per person per day. I think the value for the tour is excellent when you take into account all that’s included and not having to organize some of the finer details of the trip.

Overall, we had an excellent time on our tour with Go Ahead and are already looking at trips for future travel, perhaps somewhere a bit cooler and known for their beer for Rick (ahem, Germany, ahem). We had quite the group of people, from teens to older adults, and it’s always fun to get to know people on tours like these where travel brings you together and I’m sure the next group we get paired with will be just as fun as this group.

Create your own Go Ahead account and start browsing their amazing tours to find the right one for your next getaway to Europe, Asia, Africa, or anywhere in the world.

Hey, I'm Stephanie! I'm a copywriter living in beautiful Denver with my husband Rick, and our dog Rocco. I love traveling, writing, reading, and being outside as much as possible - unless I'm on the couch binge watching Stranger Things with a glass of wine! Thanks for reading and being a part of the adventure with Back to the Passport! ❤️

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Hi, Stephanie,

I read your review right after I’d read several negative reviews of Go ahead tours. So now I’m confused. The negative ones were such that I was deciding to ditch my plans for a tour to Oaxaca.

Can you help me out? Did the company know, for instance, that you are a travel blogger? Why is there such a dramatic difference?

I’ve been home bound for way too long and itch to get going again but how do I know what to believe. Any comments?

They did not know I was a travel blogger and I’ve done several tours with EF, both their Ultimate Break (formerly College Break), and Go Ahead. I don’t know what the negative reviews were pointing out, but our experience with them was good and we’ll be doing two tours with them in 2023, that we’ll be sure to recap and review on the blog. I do not get compensated for these reviews.

Our experience with Go Ahead was good and they were flexible in accommodating some changes to our itinerary, such as us doing London on our own and then meeting the group in Barcelona.

Again since I don’t know what the specific negative comments were talking about it’s hard to say why there’s a dramatic difference but I do know that group tours aren’t for every type of traveler. We like doing them when we’re doing multiple cities or countries as we like not having to worry about booking transportation between all of these cities. You are also on the group’s schedule, minus free days, which I know can also be frustrating for some travelers. We didn’t mind as the itinerary included things we wanted to see anyway and then we always had some free time in each place to explore on our own. So, if you prefer no structure or want a lot of flexibility with your travel plans, Go Ahead might not be right for you. But if you want a guided tour and the smaller details taken care of, then I’d recommend them.

I traveled with Go Ahead in Oct 2018 Venice, Florence, Rome, and had a great experience. Finally going again this month to Barcelona, Southern France, and the Italian Riviera.

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13 Best Provence Wine Tours From Nice & Beyond (2024)

When crafting an unforgettable itinerary in France, indulging in the exquisite flavors of wine and gastronomy inevitably tops the list. And if you’re on the French Riviera, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of French viticulture than by embarking on one of the lovely Provence wine tours! Renowned for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional wines, Provence beckons wine enthusiasts and lovers to discover its terroir and taste its liquid treasures. T his post details the top Provence wine tours from Nice and other destinations along the French Riviera.

🍷 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Provence Wine Tour

Provence Wine Tour — On this full-day private wine tour from Nice, you’ll visit 3 wineries, cover 2,000+ years of wine-making history, and sample 15+ wines! Plus, round-trip transportation directly from your housing is included.

Provence Wine Region France

Before I explain the best tours, I want to explain some background information on the famed Provence wine region. That way, you have a little foundation and better understand what you have to look forward to! 🤠 First, France’s Provence wine region has been making wine for over 2,600 years. This makes it the oldest viticultural (wine-producing) area in all of France, eclipsing the well-known Bordeaux wine region by about 600 years! With such a long-standing history, there are understandably quite a few wineries in the region… as in over 400 of them! Talk about being a vineyard-rich countryside. 😅

This region of France can produce so much wine because of its favorable climate, which is largely thanks to the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea regulates the weather such that there are plenty of sunny days and a few rainy days. In addition, the region has something called the “Mistral” wind, which also helps to keep the vineyards dry and free of pesky bugs. Add the unique geography and soils infused with limestone and crystalline schist (granite); the region has perfect conditions for growing an assortment of grapes! As a result, there are a total of 9 regions or AOC (Appellation de’Origin Contrôlée) in Provence. I won’t dive into all 9 as you’ll learn about them on the tours, but there are about 450 AOCs in all of France!

Which Wine Is Provence Most Famous For?

The Provence wine region is renowned worldwide for its exquisite rosé wines. That’s right, 88% of Provence’s wine production is the beloved, delicate pink-hued wine! There’s even a one-of-a-kind research institute dedicated to studying and perfecting the art of crafting rosé.

Currently, a rosé from Provence is usually a harmonious blend of Grenache, Counoise, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvedre. And while rosé may steal the spotlight, it’s important to note that Provence is also home to exceptional red and white wines. Thus, you can expect to taste a good mixture of rosés, reds, and whites in your wine-tasting experience.

Map of Provence Wine Region

If geography isn’t your strong suit, here’s a little map to give you an idea of the general Provence area in relation to a few popular cities along the French Riviera. As you can see, Nice is located near the Italian border with the rightmost pin. About 30 minutes from Nice is Cannes, which is renowned for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival.

The pin that is almost directly beneath the purple pin is Toulon, which is a much smaller port city. Thus, you’ll find a lot of ships, warships, and maritime-related activities in the city if you visit. To the left of Toulon, about 1.25 hours west via train, is Marseille. This is the second most populous French city and one of the oldest cities to be established in France. It functions as one of the most important port cities and as you explore the city, you’ll notice distinct Brutalist architecture! Finally, the leftmost pin is Avignon, which is a quaint medieval town, much like the historic city of Carcassonne . This small city was once the center of Christianity with 7 generations of popes residing in the Palace of the Popes!

13 Best Provence Wine Tours (2024)

Alright, now that you have a bit of background knowledge on the prolific and famous Provence wine region, it’s time to dive into the best Provence Wine Tours! Just as a heads up, I’ve broken the tours up by location, this way you can easily find a tour that fits your itinerary based on where you’re based. I’ll start with Nice in this first section. But, if you’re staying somewhere else, feel free to click below to jump to that section of the post.

• Provence Wine Tours from Marseille — jump to section
• Provence Wine Tours from Avignon — jump to section
• Provence Wine Tours from Cannes — jump to section
• Provence Wine Tours from Toulon — jump to section

Provence Wine Tours from Nice

🍷 PRO TIP: I know we’re all super busy people, so if you’re short on time and want a quick overview of the Provence wine tours from Nice I’ll be discussing, jump to the recap section .

Provence Wine Tour From Nice

1. provence wine tour – private day tour from nice.

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 70+ 50-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour From Nice includes:

• Touring through 3 top-notch & picturesque wineries in Provence
• Discovering 2,000 years worth of wine-making history
• Enjoying a wine-tasting masterclass with an expert
• Tasting 15 different rosés, reds & whites
• Round-trip transport from your hotel in Nice
• Personalized, private tour

🍷 Looking for an exclusive and very personalized wine tour? During this full-day experience, you’ll tour 3 highly-rated wineries, including an 18th-century château with a countess still in residence, learn about the terroir, and appellations, and get to taste some of the finest vintage wines! In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a family-owned vineyard that’s the first vineyard in Provence to be fully certified organic! And, to ensure your day is completely hassle-free, this is one of the few wine tours that include direct pick-up from your housing in Nice! So, if you’re ready to make your way to the picturesque countryside and learn about the world-renowned wines of Provence, be sure to check out this tour !

“Wine tasting trough Provence: our driver and tour host, Peter, could not have been better. Extremely knowledgeable! We learned about the wines but also the long history of each of the vineyards. Would highly recommend this tour – especially with Peter!” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

2. Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour From Nice With Tastings & Lunch

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Provence Wine Small Group Day Tour includes:

• Visiting 3 wineries & learning about all aspects of the wine-making process
• Sampling a nice mix of 15+ rosés, red, & white varietals
• 2-course lunch in the garden of a lovely local bistro
• Round-trip transport from an easy meeting point
• Small group limited to 8 guests

🍷 In search of a wine tour that includes a tasty multi-course meal? On this small-group full-day tour, you’ll meet at a pre-determined meeting location in Nice’s city center and make your way to the village of Les Arcs Sur Argens. Along the way, your guide will provide live on-board commentary about the region’s long-standing history and background. Once in the quaint village, you’ll visit 3 different wineries, including one of Provence’s oldest and largest wine estates! As you tour through each winery, you’ll not only sip on the finest wines but also gain an in-depth understanding of each wine’s flavor profile and how they are produced. And to give you the full experience, you’ll also indulge in an excellent 2-course meal in the gardens of a lovely local bistro! Thus, if you’re looking for a delightful and educational tour, this Provence wine tour from Nice is worth considering !

“Cedric was a wonderful, professional and very knowledgeable guide, with an engaging style. The tour was great value and a lot of fun; the lunch was most enjoyable. We would strongly recommend this tour.” – Warren a. ( See More Reviews )

3. Côtes De Provence Small Group Day Trip From Nice

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 55+ 5-star reviews | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  8 hours

The  Côtes De Provence Small Group Day Trip From Nice includes:

• Explore 3 wineries in the wine region of Côtes de Provence
• Guided wine tastings of various rosés, reds, and whites
• Free time for lunch (at your expense) in a small village
• Learning about the full wine-making process
• Round-trip transport in a comfortable minivan
• Can accommodate up to 8 people

🍷 Seeking a more affordable small-group full-day wine tour? On this full-day, comprehensive wine adventure, you’ll have the chance to go behind the scenes at 3 marvelous wineries. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through every step of the wine-making process, from grape picking to the aging process while explaining the soil, climate, grape varieties, and more. In addition, at each winery, you’ll get to enjoy expert-led wine tastings of the region’s famous, rosés as well as aromatic reds and whites. So, if you’re traveling with a smaller budget but still want an educational and immersive wine tour that will level up your wine knowledge, this is it!

“This wine tour was excellent. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it fun. We visited 3 wineries and then had lunch in a small town. The food was very good and everyone had a good time. I would recommend this tour to anyone who loves wine.” – Fernando P. ( See More Reviews )

4. Nice: Provence Village Tour With Wine and Produce Tasting

⭐️  RATING : 4.5 out of 5 – taken by 275+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  9 hours

The  Nice: Provence Village Tour With Wine and Produce Tasting includes:

• Tasting regional products and French olive oil in a historic oil mill
• Admiring the scenic views from the medieval village of Gourdon
• Exploring the gorgeous village of Tourette-sur-Loup
• Sampling 6 wines at a wine estate in Saint Jeannet
• Visiting the 40-meter-high Gorges du Loup waterfall
• Transport from accommodations in Nice

💐 Want to sip regional wines & explore the region’s beautiful villages? For those looking to see a bit more of the surrounding area, this full-day tour takes you to several idyllic villages! First, you’ll go to Opio, where you’ll taste the rich nuances of locally produced Olive oil in the ambiance of a functioning oil mill dating back to the 15th century. Afterward, you’ll witness the panoramic views of the French Riviera and see a 9th-century château in the beautiful hilltop village of Gourdon! Finally, you’ll see the enchanting village of Tourette-sur-Loup, visit the Gorges du Loup waterfall, and cap the day off with a wine-tasting session in the charming village of Saint Jeanne! Thus, if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path and get in a mixture of sightseeing and wine tasting, this is a fun, comprehensive tour worth checking out!

“Very enjoyable trip with our guide Matt. He is very knowledgeable and friendly, passionate about the area and what he does. We saw some spectacular views and villages, and had a comfortable, informative visit to a small vineyard. Would definitely recommend.” – Tour Guest ( See More Reviews )

5. Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour

⭐️  RATING : 5 out of 5 – 375+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  5 hours

THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY NOT BOOKABLE! BUT I WILL UPDATE IT AGAIN WHEN IT IS!

The  Nice Local Vineyards Small Group Half Day E-Bike Tour includes:

• Riding an electric bike around Nice and to the local countryside
• Learning about the Nice’s history & thriving culinary scene
• Discovering the vineyards & estate of a family-run winery
• A guided wine-tasting session of the estate’s fine wines
• A picnic lunch (at your own expense)
• Tour limited to 10 guests

🚴‍♀️ Don’t have time for a full-day tour? Embark on this wildly popular and affordable e-bike tour through Nice and its nearby vineyards. Over 5 hours, you’ll get a little tour of Nice and then make your way to the beautiful countryside. Once there, you’ll stop by a small family-run winery, where you’ll meet the winemakers, learn about their unique wine-making process, and get to try the estate’s signature wine, Collet de Bovis. Afterward, you’ll have time to eat lunch before taking the scenic route back to Nice’s city center! Therefore, if you’re looking for an affordable and less time-intensive experience that still provides excellent value, I’d recommend this Provence wine tour!

“Fantastic experience with an amazing guide. Cycling on the e-bikes was great and they made cycling up the hills really easy. The wine tastings and tour around the vineyard was really nice and the wine maker was very passionate and friendly. Probably the best thing I did whilst visiting France.” – Joshua M. ( See More Reviews )

Other Provence Wine Tours

If you recall, in the beginning, I said that I would be covering Provence wine tours from Nice and beyond. Well, if you aren’t staying in Nice and are instead vacationing in some other cities and towns along the French Riviera, which 10/10 recommend because there’s more to see than just the big cities… Here are some other Provence wine tours to check out that may be leaving from where you’re staying.

Provence Wine Tours from Marseille

Châteauneuf Du Pape Intensive Vineyard & Fine Wine Experience ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours

• Private tour of 3 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wineries for wine tastings
• Visit a wonderful artisanal chocolate manufacturer for chocolate tastings
• Enjoy lunch at a traditional bistro (price not included)
• Includes hotel pick up and drop off

Full-Day Wine and Cheese Tour Around Aix-en-Provence From Marseille ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 7.5 hours

• Full tour of 2 wineries with a specialist wine guide
• Participate in cheese tasting at an authentic, local goat farm
• Free time to explore the charming city of Aix-en-Provence!

Provence Tours from Avignon

Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tour ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 – 330+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 hours

• Explore at least 3 châteaux vineyards & participate in multiple wine-tasting sessions
• The tour is led by Roman, who is an extremely passionate and knowledgeable guide
• Can accommodate up to 7 guests

Provence Cru Wine Small-Group Half-Day Tour From Avignon ⭐️  RATING : 4.5 / 5 – 190+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 hours

• Visit 3 wineries in Vacqueyras, Gigondas, & Chateauneuf du Pape
• Learn the intricacies of French winemaking & wine appellations
• 3 tasting sessions of Provence’s prestigious Cru wines
• Includes direct hotel pickup
• Limited to 8 guests

Provence Wine Tours from Cannes

Provence Wine Tour – Private Day Tour From Cannes ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 – all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours

• Personalized private tour of 3 award-winning wineries
• Chatting with the local winemakers & learning about their unique techniques
• Wine-tasting masterclass with an expert on Provençal wines
• Easy, round-trip transport from your housing in Cannes

Provence Wine Tour – Small Group Tour From Cannes ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 – 20+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8 – 9 hours

• Visit 3 top-notch vineyards & with tours by the wine-makers
• Guided wine-tasting sessions with an expert

Provence Wine Tours from Toulon

Vineyard Visit in Gyropode ⭐️  RATING: 5 / 5 – nearly all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR : 1.25 hours

• Guided tour of estate & cellars, learning about the wine-making process
• Tour of the vineyard on an all-terrain segway
• Enjoy beautiful views of nearby villages
• Tasting the local wines, Mont Caume & Bandol
• Max of 4 guests

Bandol Wine Tour and Tasting ⭐️  RATING : 5 / 5 | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 hour

• Visit a boutique winery in Bandol (near Toulon)
• Discover the production process on a guided tour
• Taste 6 different wines (mix of red, whites, and rosé)
• Max of 12 guests

Provence Wine Tours Comparison

Whew! Yeah made it! Alright, I’m someone who likes visuals to quickly tell the differences between my options. So, if you’re like me or have simply forgotten the nuances of each of the Provence wine tours that leave from Nice, here’s a little table summarizing them. If any of the tours interests you, simply click the name and you’ll be linked to the full page that contains the fine details.

🇫🇷 PRO TIP: Oh and if you’re viewing this on your mobile, consider turning your phone sideways such that the words are reading across the long side. I find that this enhances the chart’s readability.

Is a Wine Tour in Provence Worth It?

My very biased two cents is yes, a wine tour in Provence is worth it. Let me explain from a broke adult perspective lol… because I wouldn’t know what it’s like to be a financially stable adult — yet. 🤠 First, these tours take you directly to la crème de la crème Provence wineries where you get to sip on the region’s renowned wines and indulge in local gastronomic delights. And, as mentioned previously, there are hundreds of wineries in the region, so finding the best ones can be difficult. Not to mention, if you aren’t planning a road trip through the region, transportation to the wineries is quite challenging.

Moreover, a wine tour allows you to embark on this journey with a knowledgeable guide who possesses an intimate understanding of the region, its vineyards, and its cultural heritage. When I first solo traveled, I wouldn’t do tours because I was so broke (typical college student vibes I know 🥲). However, I now often prioritize these incredible experiences over staying in super nice hotels. I’ve realized how tours grant you the valuable opportunity to deeply explore the local culture, which is way better than reading from your phone. Finally, these tours provide a chance to connect with fellow wine enthusiasts from around the world. One of my favorite bits about traveling is just getting to meet new people. These tours create an easy outlet for swapping stories and making lasting connections with people who share a common appreciation for wine, culture, and exploration! So, if you have the means (because I am not trying to endorse going into debt lol) I wholeheartedly believe in embarking on a cultural experience through the breathtaking region of Provence!

Tips for Planning Your Provence Wine Tours

• ✅ Book ahead of time: Whether you’re traveling through Paris or Toulouse, drinking wine is like the national pastime in France…okay, maybe next to protesting. 😅 Regardless, I recommend booking ahead of time to ensure you get your preferred time slot and experience. Some of these small group tours may even be canceled if you wait until the last minute because the tour operators don’t think there’s any interest and have a minimum requirement to run.
• 🍴  Have dietary restrictions? : If your food tour includes lunch, make sure to inform the guide beforehand about any dietary restrictions or allergies you have. They are usually able to make accommodations as long as you give them advance notice.
• 🍷 Don’t drink on an empty stomach: The golden rule of drinking is always to eat beforehand! I didn’t know that my first time and had to learn the hard way… 🥲

• 💧  Water Bottle  — Similarly, although you will be consuming a lot of wine, it is crucial to still drink some water.
• 🌞  Check the weather:  Check the weather before you leave and plan accordingly. I.E. Don’t forget to sunscreen!
• 🚗  Check departure points and times:  Please ensure that you verify the meeting location for your tour and consider the travel time from your accommodation. Note that only a few tours offer hotel pick-up.
• 📸  Bring your Camera:  Make sure to document your experience by taking lots of pictures so that you can share the story with your loved ones when you return home!
• 🤠  Enjoy the experience:  And of course, remember to have a fabulous time fully immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Provence wine region.

Where to Stay in Nice

If you are staying in Nice, here are a few recommendations on where to stay based on where I’ve stayed and the research I’ve done for my multiple visits to Nice!

Low-Cost Stays

• Hostel Ozz & Bar — Lively hostel that I loved staying at! | ⭐️  8.6 / 10
• Villa Bougainville by Happyculture  — Stylish and fun 4-star hotel | ⭐️  8.2 / 10

Mid-Range Stays

• La Pérouse  — Upscale 4-star hotel next to Castle Hill & with pool | ⭐️  8.8 / 10
• Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur  — Beautiful 4-star hotel w/ beautiful terraces | ⭐️  9 / 10

Luxury Stays

• Hotel Palais Saleya  — Excellent 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️  9.6 / 10
• Le Negresco  — Historic 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️  9.2 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options.

Provence Wine Tours: FAQ

Yes! You can visit wineries in Provence even if you decide to not go on a tour. You would just need to make a reservation for touring. If you go this route, I recommend renting a car as public transportation is very limited outside the city.

Depending on the experience, a Provence wine tour can range from about $100 USD to $500+ USD for the more exclusive, private tours.

Although summer is when people are usually available to travel, I’d argue the best time of the year for a wine tour in France is April – June or September to October . I’ve been to France during both of these times of the year and it’s so much more enjoyable. You don’t have to deal with throngs of crowds, hotels cost half the price, and some of the tours will even provide small discounts! Additionally, it’s worth noting that harvesting season typically runs from August until October . Thus, vintners are often busy in the fields, so you’ll want to be sure to book in advance as supply tends to dip.

Most people will argue that Bordeaux is the region of France with the best wine. However, I’d argue that it depends on the type of wine you prefer. Other wine regions in France include the Rhône Valley & Beaujolais wine region , Loire Valley, Burgundy, Champagne, and Saint Émilion to name a few.

From my experience, this is the one French stereotype that always holds true. The French love their wine and they will drink it every chance they get!

Wrap-Up: 13 Best Provence Wine Tours (2024)

Provence’s most famous wine is undoubtedly its exquisite rosé. With its iconic pale hues, delightful aromas, and refreshing character, Provence rosé embodies the essence of the region’s winemaking tradition. That said, the region also offers elegant reds and vibrant whites that reflect the unique terroir and passion of the winemakers, making Provence a true paradise for wine lovers. So, if you’re keen on delving into the rich wine culture of the South of France, be sure to take a fabulous Provence wine tour during your stay on the French Riviera !

Explore More of France

• 🏰 Toulouse: Thinking of visiting Toulouse , the capital of France’s Occitanie department? Don’t miss out on these fun excursions !
• 🏖️ Nice: Planning your trip to Nice and looking for things to do around the French Riviera ? Be sure to explore Nice’s thriving food scene and taste all the traditional Niçose dishes! Or, do a short tri p to Monaco , the land of the wealthy. It’s less expensive to visit than you would think.
• 🏄‍♀️ Biarritz: Planning a trip along France’s west coast? Here’s what to know about visiting Biarritz and all that it has to offer !
• 🌸 Paris: Looking for things to do in Paris? I loved visiting the grandiose Opera House , walking around the museum in Tuiluries Gardens , attending the iconic Roland Garros Tournament, and seeing the original landscapes that originally inspired Monet’s famous paintings.

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!

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EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

SMALL GROUP DEPARTURES averaging no more than 22 Tauck guests. A small group size means a more personal travel experience highlighted by stays at chic smaller hotels in fabulous locations

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Explore Château la Coste's outdoor sculpture park during your time in Aix

Go to a market in Avignon to select fresh ingredients for a chef-hosted cooking class

Visit the Roman ruins of Glanum

Learn the finer points of wine tasting with a local sommelier

Meet Vincent van Gogh through the eyes of a learned scholar

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Designed for fit, vigorous travelers capable of easily walking three miles or more. Many days might include active pursuits such as hiking, bicycling or sea kayaking for one to three hours at a time. Guests should be capable of walking three or more miles over terrain including hills and rocky or uneven terrain.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Combine a chef, a food expert, a sommelier, trips to local markets, a cooking class and a wine tasting in one of the world's great wine regions – and what follows is an in-depth portrait of Provence.

Food and art are passions in Southern France and key ingredients for the culturally curious. An idyllic walk down lanes that inspired Cézanne in Aix, contemporary art on the grounds of a classic Provençal château, an insider tour with a van Gogh art scholar in St. Rémy, a picnic in a lavender meadow, exploring the Roman ruins of Glanum, soft landscapes changing hues in the waning sun, and a farewell at a private, family-owned winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape... and the palette of our Provence tours becomes richer still.

A hands-on culinary experience with an Avignon chef

Shop avignon's markets with a local chef, and help prepare lunch in a hands-on cooking lesson.

In the medieval walled town of Avignon, past and present meet in a parade of sensory delights. On a culinary experience you won't soon forget, you'll accompany our chef on a buying trip to a local market, where you can see, feel, smell, and taste farm-fresh produce, freshly baked baguettes, fragrant herbs and a host of seasonal specialties. After picking up your fresh ingredients, you'll then pick up some of the chef's treasured secrets in a hands-on cooking lesson, as you help prepare a traditional meal for lunch.

Wine pairing with a sommelier in Avignon

In avignon, a professional sommelier guides you through a tasting and pairing of rhône wines.

The popes who reigned over the Roman Catholic Church in Avignon during the 14th century enjoyed not only their formidable lodgings in the fortress-like Palais des Papes, but also the fruit of the vine; they are credited with cultivating the local wine industry widely recognized today by the appellation, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today the life of this region still centers around growing, producing and enjoying wine – as you'll see for yourself when a professional sommelier guides you through a tasting and pairing of fine Rhône Valley wines that go perfectly with the unforgettable midday meal you helped prepare… truly an Avignon experience to remember!

In van Gogh's Provençal footsteps with an expert

Explore provençal sites where van gogh lived and painted with scholar mathilde duvilliers.

Picturesque Saint Rémy-de-Provence is forever entwined with the legacy of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, whose paintings have immortalized such local places as Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the asylum where he received treatment… and produced more than 150 works, including the legendary Starry Night. The van Gogh scholar Mathilde Duvilliers offers a look inside the artist's troubled mind, discussing the meanings and symbolism of his work and his letters on a tour of the asylum grounds. "I am in love with van Gogh for his talent and his sensitivity," says Mathilde. "I'll share my insights on his complicated life when we walk in his footsteps in Saint Rémy-de-Provence."

Auberge de Cassagne & Spa

Nights 5, 6 and 7

All the charm of a beautiful family home at the gate to Avignon

A former Provençal farmhouse built in 1850 on the estate belonging to Cassagne Castle, Auberge de Cassagne & Spa grew quickly from a small six-room hotel-restaurant in the 1960s to the lovely property you see today. Its restaurant was first awarded a Michelin star in 1985; it now holds five. Today, the outbuildings of the 1850 Cassagne Castle have been converted and incorporated into the farmhouse, with a beautiful park at its heart. Here, day after day, friendships and the art of small, everyday gestures are nurtured and practiced.

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Grand hôtel roi rené aix-en-provence ctr-mgallery.

Aix-en-Provence, France

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Gordes, France

Auberge de Cassagne & Spa

Le Pontet-Avignon, France

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into France. You are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a French consulate or embassy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $449  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

90 days or more before departure = $600 per person

89-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for mini coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing mini coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the mini coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the mini coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Certain activities on the tour will require a liability waiver signature before participation. This liability waiver will include an assumption of risk, release and indemnification by you.

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you are a resident of the U.S. traveling internationally, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to France. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information about vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also access CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally , please contact a French embassy or consulate to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this tour, you should be in reasonably good health. Our journeys are active adventures that may include considerable walking on uneven terrain, involve stairs and steep inclines, touring at high elevations and visiting remote areas in newly developing ecotourism destinations, frequently in warm weather. It is important that you have sturdy, comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in for our walking excursions.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as the "mistral", can occur on the Côte d'Azur, Provence, particularly in the winter and spring. From April through October, average high temperatures in Provence range from 65 °F (18 °C) to 85 °F (29 °C) and the average low temperatures range from 55 °F (13 °C) to 75 °F (24 °C).

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you access by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, the custom is to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. Avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, although a sports jacket is not required for men.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Provence:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Optional: jacket and tie for men
• Optional: casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or boots that you have already broken-in and a walking stick if you use one
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of travel documents that should be secured in your hotel safe while traveling

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Days in Provence Itinerary

Last Updated on February 19, 2024

by Neota Langley

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Creating a 5 to 7 days in Provence itinerary may seem daunting but with so much on offer, it would be easy to miss out on some hidden gems. Provence is one of the most enchanting regions in France. Located in the country’s southeast, this picturesque region is known for its stunning landscapes, hilltop villages, and rich cultural heritage.

From the rolling hills of the Luberon to the dramatic coastlines of the Mediterranean, Provence is home to incredible natural beauty, history and charm and is a delightful region of Southern France.

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How Many Days in Provence?

While you can explore some of Provence’s towns and cities, such as Aix-en-Provence, in just 1-3 days, the best way to see this varied region is by taking 5-7 days to discover more of the natural beauty and hidden villages.

With 5 days in Provence, you can explore some of the region’s main attractions, tour the famous lavender fields and sample local cuisine in the charming towns.

If you have a little longer, spending 7 days in the area is the best way to get a natural feel for the area without feeling rushed. This way, you can enjoy the main attractions whilst taking your time to live the ‘joie de vivre’ in the Provençal sunshine.

Getting To & Around Provence

Getting to Provence is relatively easy, with a wide range of public transport options that serve the region’s towns and cities.

The main airports for accessing Provence are Marseille Provence Airport and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. These are both major airports with a plethora of international flights available. 

Several smaller airports serve Provence, including Avignon-Provence Airport, Nîmes-Alès-Camargue-Cévennes Airport, and Toulon-Hyères Airport. Depending on where you’re flying from, one of these airports may be a more convenient option.

The region’s buses and trains are efficient and affordable, connecting the major cities and towns. The high-speed TGV train is an excellent option for travelling between Provence and Paris or other parts of France. You can view train schedules here.

Once you have arrived in Provence, the best way to get around is by car and have a bit of a Provence road trip. If you need to hire a car, selecting a small vehicle is best, as the roads through the hills are narrow and winding. You can browse car hire options here.

Buses and smaller rail lines are available between connecting towns, but many villages and natural areas are only accessible by car, so public transport is not always a viable option.

However, that doesn’t mean hiring a car is a complete necessity. A wide range of full and half-day tours from the main towns allow you to hit the road and see the sights.

5 to 7-Day Provence Itinerary

Whether you are visiting Provence to explore the medieval towns and hilltop villages, see the iconic lavender fields or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding national parks, this itinerary is your complete guide to making the most out of this spectacular region. 

We have taken you on a journey of discovery from east to west, starting in Aix-en-Provence and ending in Avignon. Alternatively, depending on your preferred route, this itinerary can be followed backwards from west to east. 

Whether you want to see Provence in 5 days or have an entire week to spend in this scenic region, there is something here for everyone. The summer is the best time to visit Provence, especially if you want to see the rolling hills covered in blankets of lavender.

Visit in the spring or autumn to avoid the crowds, but bear in mind, the main attractions are usually only open from April-October.

Day 1 – Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is the perfect place to start on our journey through the region. Founded by the Romans in 123 BCE, Aix is incredibly charming, with bags of history and culture to discover alongside the beautiful natural surroundings. Although we will be based out of Aix-en-Provence for a few nights, it’s best to dedicate an entire day to this varied city.

The central hub of Aix is the Cours Mirabeau and the old town (Vieil Aix). Wander down the Cours Mirabeau to soak in this bustling town’s atmosphere.

This tree-lined avenue is home to some beautiful architecture, several iconic water fountains and classic Provencal cafes and bars where you can stop off for coffee, baked goods or regional wine. You can also take a walking tour  of the Old Town.

The old town is just a stone’s throw from Cours Mirabeau. Wander through the cobbled streets in the morning (8 am-1 pm) to browse the local produce markets. From antiques to charcuterie, fresh fruits and vegetables to tablecloths and crafts. 

Aix-en-Provence is recognised worldwide as the home of Paul Cezanne, a famous 20th-century post-impressionist artist. Here you can tour his last studio, Atelier de Cézanne, which is now a museum dedicated to Cezanne and his works. 

Rising behind Aix, you can’t miss the towering Mont Sainte Victoire. An iconic landscape that inspired some of Cezanne’s most famous works. If you are an avid hiker, 250km of varied trails through the pine and eucalyptus forests surround the peak, or you can summit the mountain in around 2-3 hours. 

This city is full of vibrant cafes, bars and restaurants. Try some of the regional cuisine in one of the many restaurants in the old town. Provencal cuisine blends classic French with other Mediterranean influences from Italy and Spain. You can also  take a food tour  to learn more about the city’s cuisine.

Choose between mouth-watering pizza and fresh pasta, delectable Spanish-style tapas, and traditional Niçoise dishes like the comforting ratatouille or the refreshing Niçoise salad. After dark, the city transforms, with late-night entertainment available in theatres, clubs and bars across the city.  

Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence

Hôtel Le Mozart – Mid-range visitors will love this 3-star hote in Aix. There are a number of comfy rooms to choose from, there’s a great breakfast on offer each morning and they have a great location for exploring the city and the Provence region as a whole.

Hôtel Cézanne – A design hotel in the centre of Provence, this is a lovely place to stay. There are several double and king rooms along with some suites to choose from. Breakfast is also available daily.

Aparthotel Adagio – Offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, this is a great option for those after their own flat. They also have private parking, a good breakfast and a lovely garden to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Aix-en-Provence hotels!

Day 2 – Verdon & Lavender Fields

Day 2, and it’s time for a day trip from Aix. Weave up through the hills, sprawling vineyards and lavender fields in full bloom. 

If you are looking for the perfect opportunity to photograph the iconic lavender fields, the area around the Valensole Plateau has the highest concentration of purple blooms with stunning backdrops of crumbling stone huts, gnarled trees and rolling hills.

Follow the D6 through the plateau, and you are guaranteed to stumble across some of the best photo locations. Keep an eye out for clusters of cars pulled over in laybys – it’s usually a sign that the perfect capture is a short walk away.

Stop off in Valensole for lunch, followed by a sample of some lavender gelato before continuing to the Verdon Gorge.  

If you don’t have a car or want to discover the most famous lavender fields without hunting for them, several tours are available from Aix-en-Provence such as  this half-day tour  or  this full-day tour .

The Verdon Gorge is a natural wonder known for its towering cliffs that fall into the turquoise waters of the Verdon River. It is the deepest gorge in France, and its stunning landscapes make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.

Park your car beside the Pont du Galetas. Standing up on this tall bridge, you can catch a glimpse of the gorge, but the best way to explore the winding river is on the water. Vendors offer kayaks, paddleboards, and pedalos. Bear in mind during the summer months, the water can get low, so you may only be able to traverse part of the length.  

Whilst the Verdon Gorge is not accessible via public transport, you can take a full-day tour from Aix. Spend the morning discovering the lavender fields, then enjoy an afternoon on the sparkling turquoise waters. 

Day 3 – Calanques and Cassis

A trip to Provence would only be complete with a trip to the stunning Mediterranean coast. The Calanques National Park stretches for 20km along the rugged coastline, with plenty of hikes and secluded beaches to discover along the way.

Start your day in Cassis, a traditional fishing port town on the eastern edge of the Calanques. You can explore this quaint town on foot within an hour, so arrive early and stroll along the marina, coffee and croissant in hand, before heading out into the national park.

There are endless trails to explore with towering cliffs, crystal clear waters and hidden villages. Head out on the Calanques de Cassis trail to see the best bits of this varied landscape in a day hike.

Starting in Port Pin, the trail meanders along the coast, eventually reaching the Calanque d’En Vau. Famously known as one of the best beaches in France, you will be treated to idyllic white sands, turquoise waters and towering cliffs with deep caves.

Allow around 3 hours to complete this hike, with added time to enjoy a picnic and take a dip in the azure sea. You can also take an organised hike if you prefer to go with a guide.

Day 4 – Luberon Valley Villages

The Luberon Valley lies to the west of Aix-en-Provence on the way to our next destination, Avignon. However, this stunning valley with its hilltop villages is more than just a through road.

Made up of three mountain ranges, this ancient valley is surrounded by sprawling vineyards, lavender fields, historical sites and charming hilltop villages. Five of these villages have official’ Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ status (most beautiful villages in France), and it’s not hard to see why.

You could easily spend more than one day exploring these hidden gems, but for this Provence itinerary, we will visit the top 3 villages in one day en route to Avignon.

Our first stop is the Bonnieux, with panoramic views across the valley. Wander through the cobbled streets to reach the church, offering some of the best views across Mount Ventoux and beyond.

Stop in on the various art galleries that line the streets, or, for the baking fanatics, Bonnieux is home to the fascinating Boulangerie Museum, housed in a 17th-century building. There is no doubt that this is one of the most charming villages in Provence.

Next is the ‘Orange Town’, Roussillon. Nestled in an ochre ridge, this charming town is built using the surrounding stone, giving it a remarkable orange tint. Wander through the picturesque streets to discover the local crafts, galleries and cafes.

If you want to get a closer look at the vibrant rock surrounding this town, the ochre trail hiking path is a great way to get up close and personal with the quarries towering orange cliffs and deep canyons. There are two options for this walk, one 50 minutes and the other just 30 minutes. Just don’t wear any white as the minerals tend to stain.

The final village on our whistle-stop Luberon Valley tour is Gordes. The crown jewel of Luberon, we’ve saved the best for last. The cobbled streets are often used as film sets as they ooze classic Provencal charm. Discover a fortified castle, top-end restaurants and wine terraces, the local produce market (Tuesdays) and a contemporary art museum. 

Don’t miss the Sénanque Abbey, situated on the town’s outskirts. This 12th-century Abbey is still home to a community of Cistercian monks. Famous for its picture postcard setting, surrounded by blooms of purple lavender, it’s more than just a photo opportunity. Head into the Abbey to discover the ancient history and various lavender-based produce available in the shop.  

We end the day in Avignon, the perfect base for exploring the western side of Provence. Head out to dinner in the town centre to get a feel for this charming settlement before we discover more in tomorrow’s itinerary. 

Where to Stay in Avignon

Hotel Boquier – This cosy hotel is perfect for mid-range visitors to Avignon. Located in the centre of the city, they have a number of lovely rooms to choose from, on-site parking and a great breakfast available each morning.

Hotel De Cambis – Those looking for a little luxury during their Provence itinerary will love this plush hotel. Well-located for exploring Avignon, they have a range of wonderful rooms to choose from, daily breakfast and amenities like a restaurant, bar and room service to enjoy.

Chapelle du Miracle – For travellers after a private flat in Avignon, then these apartments are a good option. There are a number of flats to choose from, all fully furnished with everything you may need and they’re located in an excellent location for exploring the city.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Avignon hotels!

Day 5 – Avignon

Surrounded by towering mediaeval ramparts, Avignon is steeped in history. The town centre of Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is an essential stop on any trip through Provence.

The city is best known for the Palais des Papes. This imposing Gothic palace served as the residence of several popes during the 14th century. Today, the Palais des Papes offers visitors daily tours providing a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the region.

Another iconic landmark in Avignon is the Pont d’Avignon, the remains of a picturesque bridge spanning the Rhône River.

Made famous by a catchy French song, ‘Sur le Pont d’Avignon’ (dancing on the Pont d’Avignon), only 4 of the original 22 arches remain. Washed away by the force of the Rhone, several attempts were made to rebuild the bridge, but it was abandoned in the 17th century.

Avignon is a foodie’s dream, with several Michelin-starred restaurants and high-quality budget-friendly options available. Showcasing the best of French cuisine, for a special treat, try La Mirande, holders of a regular Michelin star alongside a ‘green’ star for sustainability efforts.

For a more budget-friendly option, try EAT, a modest restaurant offering local cuisine just a short walk from the Pont d’Avignon. 

If you only have 5 days in Provence, Avignon is the perfect place to round off your trip with several onward travel options available from the nearby high-speed TGV train station.

Day 6 – Arles & Camargue National Park

Day 6 begins in Arles , a historic city known for its Roman ruins and artistic heritage. Begin with a visit to the Amphitheatre, an ancient Roman arena that once held up to 20,000 spectators.

From there, you can head up to the nearby Roman Theatre, which features stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Vincent Van Gogh is arguably one of France’s most famous artists. He produced several of his most famous works while living in Arles. Here you will find a museum dedicated to his works, including a self-portrait and a Provencal landscape scene.

After spending the morning exploring Arles, make your way to the nearby Camargue National Park, a unique natural area known for its wildlife and beautiful natural marshlands. This region is home to one of the most ancient horse breeds, the Camargue pony and the iconic horned Camargue cows.

Spend the afternoon exploring the sandbanks, one of the only places in Europe you can see wild Flamingos. There are plenty of laybys and wildlife hides where you can stop and watch these pink birds resting on one leg.

You can explore the narrow roads by car, but the best way to fully immerse yourself in the wilderness is by bike. There are several hire locations on the edges of the National Park, and the roads often have dedicated cycle lanes. There are also some day tours from Avignon such as this half-day tour.

Day 7 – L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue

To round off the perfect one week in Provence, our last stop is the ‘Venice of Provence’, L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Located just 30 minutes from Avignon, this charming market town is technically an island in the middle of the River Sorgue, connected by scenic bridges lined with brightly coloured blooms.

L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue is often referred to as Europe’s antique capital. Along with the temporary brocants, there are plenty of antique and vintage stores down every alley. You could easily spend the entire day hunting for vintage treasures.

If you can, visit on a Sunday (which is market day) to experience one of Provence’s best markets, with over 300 vendors selling everything from local produce to antiques, pottery, and baked goods. 

Just outside of L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue, on the road back towards Avignon, there is a little hidden gem worth a stop. The Grottes de Thouzon is a dramatic cave full of incredible stalactites and stalagmites. You can enter the cave on the 45-minute guided tour, where you will learn more about the geology and the accidental discovery of the cave.

If you are heading back towards Aix-en-Provence instead of Avignon , stop off at the Fontaine de Vaucluse. Here you will discover the source of the Sorgue, a mysterious natural spring.

No one knows exactly how deep this spring is, but during heavy rainfall, up to 200,000 litres of water rushes out every second making it one of the largest springs in the world.

You can rent a kayak from the village to paddle up the river or walk on one of the many trails that snake up through the woods.  

Have More Time?

7 days is plenty of time to soak in the golden sunshine, fill your camera roll with photos of ancient buildings, lavender fields and hilltop villages and enjoy some of the South of France’s finest cuisine. However, if you have more time to enjoy this magnificent region, keep reading to find out what else you can see and do in the surrounding area of Provence.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Located just 20km north of Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous wine regions, known for its bold Grenache-based reds. Protected by AOC status, 3,000 acres of vineyards across the scenic valley produce this iconic wine.

Of course, the most popular activity in this area is a vineyard tour and wine tasting. There are several options available to discover the wine for yourself. You can opt for a self-guided tour or book a comprehensive, organised tour. If you want to visit just one shop, head to the central Vinadéa.

This wine shop offers free tastings with over 250 variations to choose from. Or, wander through the vineyards surrounding the village, stopping off at tastings along the way.

Pont Du Gard & Nimes

Provence is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. The Pont du Gard is a stunning Roman aqueduct just outside of Nîmes. Built over 2,000 years ago, it is one of the world’s most impressive and well-preserved examples of ancient Roman engineering.

The aqueduct was constructed in the 1st century CE to carry water over 50 kilometres from the Eure River to Nîmes. Today, Pont du Gard is a popular tourist destination. You can walk across the top of the aqueduct, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and engineering. 

Inside the city of Nimes, there are plenty of Roman ruins to discover. One of the most famous landmarks in Nîmes is the Arena of Nîmes. This Roman amphitheatre was built in the first century CE. The arena’s exterior showcases a series of arches and columns, typical of Roman architecture. You would be forgiven for thinking you had teleported to Rome!

To learn more about Provence’s ancient Roman history, head across the street to the Maison Carrée. This temple is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the world and is now home to a museum showcasing the city’s history.

If city hopping is your thing, Marseille is the third-largest city in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, this city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and stunning coastal landscapes.

One of Marseille’s most iconic landmarks is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a stunning Catholic basilica perched on a hill above the city. Other must-see sights include the Old Port, a bustling harbour that has been a centre of commerce and culture for centuries, and the historic Panier neighbourhood, known for its colourful streets and arts scene.

Marseille’s trade history has heavily influenced its vibrant food scene, an eclectic mix of traditional French cuisine and North African and Middle Eastern flavours. Marseille also is poised as a good jumping-off point if you want to explore the French Riviera .

Provence is a must-visit destination in the South of France. Whether you are a nature lover, wine enthusiast, city hopper, history buff or all of the above, this region has something for everyone. Visit Provence in 7 days to make the most of the sights and activities, but don’t worry if you only have 5 days to spend. You can easily adapt this itinerary to suit any schedule.   

Are you planning to visit Provence? Have any questions bout this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

Your article on the perfect 7 day itinerary in Provence sounds magical and the perfect way to see a region. We plan on visiting in Dec ’23 with 2 kids (4 years and 9 years old). Would you still recommend it?

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PROVENCE WALKING TOUR : 6 Day Tour

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What makes Our Provence Tour Exceptional?

• True Small Group Tours – Maximum 16 guests per tour date
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• One Centrally Located Boutique Hotel (Unpack Once, No Hotel Hopping)
• Provence is our home…We live locally!

Join our highly sought-after small group tour, Best Adventures in Provence®. This unique tour is named for its exceptional, adventurous, and active itinerary. It takes you off the beaten path to explore the best of France’s sun-drenched and culturally rich southern region. Our award-winning 6-day/5-night small group tour will allow you to discover this colorful region’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets. Our Provence Tour is not just a guided gourmet foodie journey but also includes a couple of easy and exceptionally scenic walks along the back roads of the beautiful countryside of southern France. What makes this tour truly special is our UNESCO award-winning guiding team and our deep connection to the region, ensuring an unforgettable trip.

Who Are Our Provence Tours Designed For?

No Experience Necessary – At France Off the Beaten Path Tours, we designed our southern France Provence Walking Tour to appeal to discerning, English-speaking travelers on the hunt for an active and authentic, personalized, small group southern France travel experience.

Our southern France Provence Walking Tours feature unmatched flexibility, diverse, engaging activities and excursions, and daily options for BOTH walkers and NON-walkers. We’ve also ensured to build leisure time into the itinerary to pursue independent interests. As accredited tour guides and experts in French history, language, and culture, we treasure our time with you and pride ourselves on our exceptional storytelling. We share information that you won’t hear anywhere else; anecdotes, gossip, and juicy stories.

We maximize your tour time by NEVER HOTEL HOPPING! We’ve selected one exceptional, centrally located boutique hotel to serve as our base camp for your six-day tour. We’re also known for our sumptuous gourmet meals accompanied by classified regional wines. Our closest friends are the chefs who prepare your gourmet meals throughout your tour. Every day offers a new, Provence gourmet experience for “foodies” and “wine lovers.” It’s vacation, and France Off the Beaten Path™ tours are all about taking the slow road, having fun, enjoying new experiences, exquisite local cuisine and wines, having options, and being active!

Click here to read the detailed Itinerary for our Best Provence Walking Tour by France Off the Beaten Path Tours…

How do we do it?

• For 30 years, our focus and travel specialty has been active tour travel in France.
• France is our home, and we know it best!
• Owner & Founder Christy Destremau and her team of guides are Americans who also have French citizenship, are married into French families, and live and work locally in France for three decades.
• Thanks to our personal relationships and unparalleled connections with French artisans, professionals, hotels, and chefs that we’ve developed and maintained during nearly three decades of living “true French life” in France, we create experiences for our guests that are available ONLY to us!
• Through friendships and family, we’ve developed a very exclusive network of professional friends. These exclusive and personal relationships serve as the foundation of our tours and upon which we’ve built France Off the Beaten Path tour itineraries.
• We take travelers “beyond the obvious tourist hotspots” to discover the true essence and “non-touristy”, authentic side of Provence in southern France with our local professional friends!
• We preserve the true small group and personalized France experience with a maximum of 16 tour guests per Provence tour departure.
• Dietary Requests & Food Allergies — We accommodate ALL dietary requests and preferences (including vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, etc) and ALL food allergies (gluten, shellfish, etc) while ensuring an amazing foodie experience for all tour guests with restrictions and/or allergies.
• Click here to read the detailed Best Adventures in Provence Tour Itinerary…

The Best Tour Guides!

• Our guided, small group Provence tours are led by UNESCO award-winning tour guides who are major contributors to Provence tour guidebooks, such as,  The Intoxicating France   Travel series and Rick Steves Provence Tour Guidebook.
• Our Provence France Off the Beaten Path tours are led by Professional accredited France Off the Beaten Path tour guides who work exclusively for us, and also hold distinctions and cultural positions in Provence;  in St. Remy-de-Provence and Avignon.
• Our Provence France Off the Beaten Path tour guides are professional culinary, wine, Provence history and France walking tour specialists who use their “savoir-faire” to blend the Anglophone service expectation with the French cultural experience to create a memorable and fun Provence tour experience for every tour guest!

Exceptional Itineraries Based on Decades of Experience in France!

Thanks to our long-standing presence in Provence, France, and established relationships with the region’s most highly recognized professionals, tour guests are welcomed as a group of friends traveling together. We concentrate on ensuring that our focus on travel exclusively in France remains our priority!  During this award-winning 6-day/5-night small group Provence Walking Tour, discover the hidden gems and best kept secrets of this colorful southern France region that we call home, Provence. Our local Provence friends look forward to welcoming tour guests to their family homes, restaurants, and workshops to share the pride and joy of their trades and cultural traditions with you.

EMAIL US or CALL/message us on WhatsApp at +1-717-683-2827 with your requests, or Book A Provence Walking Tour Now!

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Exceeded our expectations.

“This trip to the Loire Valley exceeded our expectations! Christy planned unique and interesting excursions and activities that highlighted the beauty of the area and provided in-depth background knowledge about the various chateaux we visited. The cooking classes with renowned chefs, held in their restaurants and homes, were never-to-be forgotten experiences, and the visit to the winery was a highlight. The hotel was delightful and charming, and staying in one location for the entire time was a treat. Every meal or cocktail hour was planned to highlight the delicious specialties of the region. Christy is extremely knowledgeable about the various places we visited and imparted that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining manner. She and Remi took great care to ensure that we were always comfortable and well-looked after. We could not have asked for a better trip!” — Ron Rose & Sharon Matsumoto (Have done Provence tour and Loire Valley tour)

This was my third trip in the same number of years

“This was my third trip in the same number of years with Christy and Off the Beaten Path. While on her trips you can tell how much effort there is on the off season to make every single week perfect. From the pick up at the train station to the teary goodbye at the airport, everything is perfectly planned and executed. The hotel in St. Remy is magical, and the tour guides Philippe and David are exceptional. If you are considering a trip with OTBP, go for it and come home with new friends, a love of Provence and a longing to return as soon as you can!” — Beth Bower (Has done Provence tour twice and Loire Valley tour)

The Best Tour Company!

“I have done two tours – Provence and Loire Valley – and I am already looking forward to booking another. The tours are all perfectly curated and Christy is a wealth of knowledge. She is so kind and takes all of your needs and wants into consideration. I cannot recommend Off the Beaten Path enough!” — Madison Carl (Has done Provence and Loire Valley tours)

“We did the Provence tour. 8/2019. I had taken the tour 2017 & this time my husband came with me. It was just as fabulous this time as it was in 2017. Restaurants, picnic, sights, wine, all of it just delightful, but the frosting on the cake is a the knowledge, insight, humor, & attention to detail from David & Philippe. To us, they make a great trip soooo much fun. (also, 3 of our neighbors joined us this tour). Don’t hesitate, take this tour & enjoy!!!!!” — Jim & Carol Dean (Carol has done Provence tour twice)

Returning to Provence with France Off the Beaten Path

“I wanted to return to Provence as soon as it was open. I had toured with Christy in Loire Valley in 2019 and knew I wanted to travel with her again. For the second time, everything was well organized, personal and definitely off the beaten path. Christy and Phillippe have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to share. The hotel was perfectly located in St Remy, the tours to the lavender and sunflower fields are my favorite memory. The lunches and dinners were like visiting friends. The boat tour in Cassis was another highlight. Even though I had visited Provence, this trip with France Off the Beaten Path brought a new appreciation for the area.” — Susan Gage (Has done Loire Valley tour, Provence tour, Champagne tour)

“We had an excellent tour with Christie and her crew in the Loire valley. We did things that only a true insider would have access to-dinner at a Michelin chefs house, helping/learning to cook at a highly rated restaurant in their kitchen. This was in addition to seeing the sights and touring the castles. A truly unique experience that is off the beaten path. We will use her again when going back to France.” — Karen Berner (Has done Loire Valley tour)

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What travelers are saying about our France tours

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Tangie

We were apprehensive of the tour when our airline accommodations were not what we expected. Wrong airline and we couldn’t sit together and were giving mixed information frôm the... Read more of Tour Guide Whisper of France 🇫🇷

Traveled in Jun 2024 on A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris

1st-time traveler Patricia

Joanna, the tour director did an amazing job. She wove together the history of France as we traveled from sea, countryside and city. And I fell in love…she had me at”Bonjour”.... Read more of Romance with France

5th-time traveler Katrina

This tour provided a comprehensive "tasting" of France. From Nice, to Avignon to Paris. The added excursion to Normandy was one of the most memoriable excursions of my 5 trips... Read more of A Taste of France

2nd-time traveler Jeanette

The trip to France was fantastic! Our guide, Joanna was professional, knowledgeable fun and very considerate. We had a great group. We did things together and apart, but what I... Read more of Sister Sister🤗

1st-time traveler Roberta

This entire tour from Nice to Avignon to Paris was amazing! Our tour director Joanna was the best as well as the additional tour guides that she enlisted in Avignon & on the Paris... Read more of An Amazing Tour Through South of France & Paris

1st-time traveler Larry

This was my first time to Europe and France. The star of the trip was Joanna. We benefited from having a guide from another country give a history and perspective of France. It... Read more of First Time In Europe

2nd-time traveler Janice

My sister and I had an amazing time in France! To visit places and see historical structures that we have only read about or seen on TV was an unforgettable experience! What... Read more of Two Sisters in France

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The Riviera

Normandy Coast

Travel tips for France trips

While it's a relatively temperate country, France's weather ranges significantly from region to region. Many consider the best times to travel to France to be spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. In Paris for example, spring and fall temperatures are in the 50s, 60s, and 70s F, perfect for walking around sites like the Tuileries, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and Versailles. The comfortable weather paired with smaller crowds, more relaxed locals, and seasonal festivals and flavors make these in-between seasons particularly lovely times for a trip to France.

In the warmer summer months, parks, picnics, farmers markets, and outdoor festivals are especially lively. In winter, the weather gets colder and wetter (though there's not much snow in major cities like Paris), but there's still lots to do! You'll find festive holiday decorations, great museums, and more.

France is a diverse country, from the historic beaches in Normandy and Brittany on the northern coast, to the foodie-favored wine regions of Champagne and Burgundy, to the lavish châteaux of the Loire Valley. Plus, as you travel east, the influence of Switzerland and Germany can be felt in the food, architecture, and history in Alsace.

When picking which of our France guided tours is right for you, let your interests help drive your destination selection.

• Want to experience art, romance, and culture? Paris should be on your itinerary, so you can take in the icons like Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens, and more.
• If you’re a foodie who counts food and wine as a top traveling priority, check out our guided tours that visit Burgundy, Lyon, or Bordeaux.
• History buffs, your must-visits include Normandy and Paris.
• For those who love to be outdoors soaking in the scenery, be sure to check out Provence in the south, where medieval towns and artistic cities are sandwiched between the mountains of the Alps and the sea breeze of the Mediterranean.

In France, eating is an art form. Meals are meant to savored—shared among friends, enjoyed with local wines, and made up of fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the cuisine ranges throughout the country, you’ll always find a focus on local, in-season ingredients. Here are a couple of things to know when sitting down for a meal during your trip to France.

• Breakfast, called le petit déjeuner, is generally light, like a croissant or bread with jam and coffee.
• Lunch, or le déjeuner, was traditionally a two-hour, several-course affair where people took time to relax and unwind with friends. In today’s society, something quicker and more casual—like soup, salad, or sandwiches at a cafe—is very commonplace.
• Dinner, or le diner, is served around eight or later and can be made up of several courses. Typically, it starts with the appetizer, or l**’entrée**, followed by the main course, or l e plat principal , followed by a cheese course and dessert. And remember, be sure to ask for your check when you're done—it's considered rude for wait staff to bring it to your table unrequested. Bon appétit!

The French are famous for their style, so deciding what to pack for a trip to France requires some consideration. Our escorted tours to France incorporate a fair amount of walking as local guides take you around their hometowns, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

For the building blocks of your France vacation wardrobe, pack easy-to-layer pieces that can be mixed and matched in various ways—neutrals or a cohesive color palette helps a lot! Add in a versatile scarf—perfect for staying warm on flights and afternoon walks, as well as adding a pop of color to simple outfits. Beyond that, we’d recommend your camera, a notebook to jot down any fun facts or book recommendations your Tour Director might share, and a sense of adventure. Once you book one of our France guided tours, you can find a packing list for that specific trip in our easy Tour Companion App .

5.0 538 reviews

• Brittany By Bike
• The Dordogne and The Lot Valley
• Coast and Castles
• Highland 500

A Week in Provence

• French Alps Classic Cols
• Scottish End to End
• Land’s End to John O’Groats
• Channel to Med

Munich to Rome

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C elebrating 14 Years  of  Land's End to John O'Groats  tours in  2024!

Description

• Additional Info

Booking Conditions

Testimonials.

Provence is a perfect place for a relaxing cycling holiday. We start the week with beautifully quiet roads, which wind their way around rocky outcrops up to ancient hilltop villages. We continue through vineyards and charming villages of the Rhône Valley, famed for its wine. Smooth and steady climbs lead us past towns such as Gourdes and Roussillon, perched on limestone cliffs, and into the Luberon Valley, also known as the ‘Colorado Provencal,’ after the amazing ochre towers and cliffs that dominate the area. The fragrant lavender in full bloom gently wafts around the serene valleys as we make our way to a real highlight of the tour: the Gorges de la Nesque. This stunning road, hewn into the rock face, cuts a path through a dramatic landscape. The final day sees us following in the pedal strokes of cycling heroes, in tackling ‘Le Géant de Provence,’ Mont Ventoux. Superb local food and wine top off the fantastic riding and memories made throughout the week.

Highlights – Cycle the unforgettable Gorges de la Nesque – Conquer the iconic Mont Ventoux – Visit the incredible Roman aqueduct at the Pont Du Gard – a UNESCO world heritage site – Cycle through the vineyards of the Rhône – maybe stopping to sample some of the local vin – See some fantastic ancient hilltop towns – Enjoy the historic centres of Arles and Avignon

Duration 7 nights / 6 days cycling

Total distance 242 – 303 miles / 390 km – 488 km (depending on the options you choose)

Total elevation 13880 ft – 21506 ft / 4230 m – 6555m (depending on the options you choose)

Practicalities We will transfer you from Marseille airport to Arles at the start of the tour and also from Sault to Marseille airport at the end of the tour on Saturday morning. Arles is also accessible directly by train.

Please see the Itinerary page for a more detailed description of the route and the Additional Information page for more information on the logistics.

Many riders combine this holiday with the Classic Cols of the French Alps tour. If you book both of these tours together so that they are done back to back then you will receive a 10% discount off both tours. If you do this then we will move your bike from the end of one tour to the start of the other and also arrange transport between the two tours.

You can download the trip notes for the tour here: A Week in Provence Trip Notes

To see some of the latest pictures from this fantastic tour just click here

2024 Dates:

Sat 7th – Sat 14th September 2024 1 female twin sharing place available

Sat 21st – Sat 28th September 2024 2 places now available

Prices for 2024 are £1495 for a shared twin or double, £1845 for a single and £1995 for sole occ of a double.

2025 Dates:

Sat 17th – Sat 24th May 2025 Places available

Sat 24th – Sat 31st May 2025 Only 10 places left

Sat 7th – Sat 14th June 2025 Tour Full

Sat 6th – Sat 13th September 2025 Only 5 places left

Sat 20th – Sat 27th September 2025 Places available

Prices for 2025 are £1595 for a shared twin or double, £1945 for a single and £2095 for sole occ of a double.

To go ahead and book this tour please complete the booking form below or if you have any queries then please call us on 01457 851462 or email [email protected].

Go To Booking Form

A Week in Provence Route

This week-long tour, with 6 days of cycling, with some optional shorter or rest days, has been designed to take in many of Provence’s highlights whilst also allowing time for relaxation and exploration if desired.

We stay in the same hotel for two nights in Avignon, Apt and Sault, so there are some shorter and longer day loop options on those days. It should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. There will not be a riding guide on the shorter options. We will of course be on hand and just a phone call away if riders encounter any issues. Alternatively, if you didn’t want to cycle on those days then you can take it easy, enjoy some tourism and cycle every other day if you prefer.

Saturday : Arrival Day Non-riding day Arrive at Marseille and transfer to Arles. Our guides will set off from our base in Glossop on Thursday with all the bikes and stop a couple of times en route to Dover to pick up bikes. A coach will depart from Marseille airport at 17:30 to arrive in Arles for 18:30 to allow time to settle in before the first evening meal. Founded by the ancient Greeks, Arles also has a weath of Roman architecture and the well preserved amphitheatre in the centre of town is a particular highlight. Arles is also well known as a place where Van Gogh resided and the intense light and colours of the region inspired many af his landscape paintings.

Sunday : Arles to Avignon Shorter route (supported until 32 miles / 51 km) Distance: 43 miles / 70 km. Elevation Gain: 1306ft / 398m Longer route via the Roman Aqueduct Pont-du-Gard Distance: 69 miles / 111 km. Elevation Gain: 1922ft / 585m. A stunning ride takes us northwards away from Arles and into the Alpilles National Park wedged between the Camargue and the Luberon. This rugged countryside of limestone rocks, vineyards and olive groves is perfect cycling country and we visit a number of attractive villages such as Le Beaux-de-Provence and St Remy de Provence. After lunch you could choose to cycle directly to Avignon, spending the rest of the afternoon exploring the city, which has a wealth of magnificent art and architecture and is also home to the worlds largest Gothic palace. Alternatively you can opt for the longer route which takes in one of France’s most famous landmarks at the Roman aqueduct of the Pont du Gard, before heading to Avignon.

Monday : Avignon Loop – The Rhone, Vaucluse and Chateauneuf-du-Pape Short loop (unsupported after 23 miles / 37 km) Distance: Elevation Gain: 38 miles / 61 km. Elevation Gain: 650ft / 198m. Long loop (supported) Distance: 78 miles / 125km. Elevation Gain: 2880ft / 853m. Covering the area north and east of Avignon we cycle along side the mighty Rhone and through numerous vineyards and charming little hamlets and villages of the Cotes du Rhone. We will pass through the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape where you may wish to sample a glass of the local vino before returning to Avignon. If you want to take it easy then you can do a shorter ride to Chateauneuf-du-Pape and back or if you didn’t ride to the Pont du Gard then you may wish to do that instead.

Tuesday : Avignon to Apt Distance: 53 miles / 85km. Elevation Gain: 3895ft / 1187m. Leaving Avignon behind you venture deeper into Provence across the Plateau de Vaucluse and into the Luberon. After an easy start the route soon gives way to hillier countryside with a number of breathtaking views. Further along the scenery becomes more and more spectacular as you pass through stunning limestone gorges dotted with pretty villages built into the rock. You will pass by the some France’s most picturesque hill villages such as Gordes and Roussillon before arriving at the sleepy little town of Apt.

Wednesday : Apt Loop – The Luberon Valley Short loop (unsupported) Distance: 20 miles / 32 km. Elevation Gain: 1824ft / 556m. Long loop (supported) Distance: 60 miles / 96km. Elevation Gain: 4430ft / 1350m. The Luberon is named after the mountains that dominate the area and many unusual plant and animal species can be found here such as Egyptian vultures, eagle owls and Bonelli’s eagles which you may spot if you are lucky. The area is also known as the place where the author Peter Mayle wrote many books chronicling his life as an English expatriate including ‘A Year in Provence’. Another fabulous ride takes in many of the regions best routes along quiet narrow country lanes visiting villages such as Bonnieux and Lourmarin. Travelling by bike has to be the best way to explore this simply stunning region. For those that don’t fancy cycling 60 miles there are many options for shorter rides which you could choose to do independently of the group.

Thursday : Apt to Sault via the Gorges de la Nesque Distance: 51 miles / 82km. Elevation Gain: 5770ft / 1758m. The day begins with some lovely roads through scenic limestone gorge and then through a mixture of grassland and low woodland and pastureland and vineyards. Following this, the route takes us through the Gorge de Nesque, arguably the most spectacular gorge in Provence, after the Gorge du Verdon. An incredibly scenic road climbs gradually through this majestic gorge revealing ever more stunning views. Due to the many short but low tunnels along the road that clings to the cliff side the route is gloriously free of traffic. After a rewarding day in the saddle you’ll be able to put your feet up in the town of Sault where you’ll be able to look out to Mont Ventoux – the Giant of Provence!

Friday : The ascent of Mont Ventoux Up and down the same way Distance: 32 miles / 52km. Elevation Gain: 4330ft / 1319m. Up Ventoux, descending to Bedoin and cycling along the valley back to Sault Distance: 48 miles / 77km. Elevation Gain: 7039ft / 2145m. We finish this tour with the ascent of Mont Ventoux. We will tackle the hill from the ‘easiest’ side from Sault, however this is still a difficult climb whichever way you do it. For those who want to relax after the ride then you can come back down the long sweeping road back into Sault or you may wish to drop down to Bedoin to complete a loop around.  In the evening we will have our final celebratory group meal together (conga and group hug optional).

Saturday : Transfer to Marseille Airport and Tour Ends Non-riding day A coach will pick you up at 8.00 to arrive at Marseille airport for 10.00, for your trains or flights home. Meanwhile your bikes will start their journey back home in our back up van and will stop of a couple of times en-route to Derbyshire.

Additional Information

What’s included.

The tour price includes 7 nights accommodation, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, snacks from the back up van, tea, coffee, & hot chocolate, full trip support including a tour leader that cycles with the group (on smaller groups there will just be back up vehicles). It should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. There will not be a riding guide on the shorter options. A back up van with spare parts and a few spare bikes, detailed route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, a Peak Tours cycle shirt, certificate, cycle shirt, luggage transfer each day, lots of fun!

What’s Not Included?

Evening meals, cycle hire (available for a fee), Garmin hire (available for a fee), transport to and from France.

The group will be a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 people. We feel that this size of group works best as there will always be enough in the group for some good company but there won’t be so many people that it becomes overcrowded.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in clean and comfortable 3 star hotels or top end 2 star hotels when 3 star aren’t available (France has an unusual rating system). Either sharing a twin or a double room or, if you would like your own space then you can choose the single room option (single or double bed, mostly ensuite but with some shared bathrooms), or sole occupancy of a double (all rooms en-suite). Please see the Booking Conditions section ’14. Accommodation Provisions’ for further information.

This route is easier than many of our other tours however there are still a number of hills throughout the tour. There are a few days with options for shorter or longer rides so there should be something to suit everyone. Generally you can cycle 45-50 miles each day or up to 75 miles a day if you wish to explore more of the region. We will have back up vans to support the group, however it should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. It should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. There will not be a riding guide on the shorter options. We will of course be on hand and just a phone call away if riders encounter any issues. We stay in the same hotel for two nights in Avignon, Apt and Sault so if you didn’t want to cycle on those days then you can take it easy and cycle every other day if you prefer. Take a look at the Itinerary section, and if you need any advice please contact us and we will be happy to discuss any questions and concerns that you may have.

All of your breakfasts and lunches are included in the price of the trip. Lunches will be provided each day in a cafe or restaurant or picnic lunches provided by the guides when the weather is good. Evening meals can be bought at your accommodation or in a nearby restaurant. We also have tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits, cake, nuts etc in the back up van that you are welcome to fill your pockets with at the morning and afternoon ‘brew stops’. We don’t provide gels or powders – only real food.

An experienced tour leader will cycle with you each day and be on hand to help with any bike problems that may occur. You will have detailed route notes so that you can go slower or faster than the leader if you prefer or you can cycle with the tour guide at the back so that you don’t have to navigate at all.

A back up van will leap frog the group a number of times each day so that help is never far away. We carry a range of spare parts so that repairs can be made en-route and we will have a couple of spare bikes available in the event that your bike has a serious breakdown. It should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. There will not be a riding guide on the shorter options.

We highly recommend that you use a bike that you are used to and feel comfortable riding. Your bike should be fully serviced and in good condition before you start, this will reduce the risk of mechanical problems and unnecessary stoppages along the way. It should be noted that if you have your bike serviced before the tour then it is a good idea to ride it a few times to allow things to ‘bed in’ before joining the tour. Either a road bike or a touring bike is preferable. We have a range of road and touring bikes available for hire if you don’t have your own bike. We will take your bike over for you if you bring it to us before hand and we will take it back for you at the end of the tour as well – there is a small fee of £60 per bike to cover the post Brexit paperwork (ATA carnet) that is required. If we take your bike for you then we would also need to bring it back. We can’t take bikes one way unfortunately. This is due to the post Brexit paperwork that needs to be completed.

Please note that Peak Tours will not be held responsible for any damage caused in the transportation of the bikes, problems are very rare indeed and we have a very safe, tried and tested system. Any bikes with DI gears need to bring their chargers with them for the trip and riders also need to be aware that it may be necessary to remove the saddle and in some cases with DI gears, unplug the cable (although we try to avoid this). We also remove the front wheel of most bikes being transported and place them in wheel bags, if anyone has a wheel that requires a specific tool you would need to provide that too please.

This tour is suitable for someone with a good level of fitness and who wants a challenge. If you do plenty of training beforehand you should have no problem completing the ride. We will have a training day in the Peak District available if you would like to join the group before the main event.

It must be stressed that a good amount of training before the ride will make your tour much more enjoyable and ensure that you finish your ride. We are always happy to advise you about training plans in preparation for the ride.

Clothing & Equipment

Clothing for all weathers is recommended so waterproofs are recommended however it is expected that the weather will be hot and sunny on the whole so please pack accordingly. A full recommended kit list is provided and we are always happy to answer any questions that you may have.

It is compulsory that you take out adequate insurance to cover against personal accident, loss of belongings and cancellation cover. This should cover you in the event that you have to cancel the tour anytime after the final payment has been made as we may be unable to fill your place. If you don’t already have a policy in place then you can try Yellow Jersey who specialise in providing insurance for cyclists. You can see further details here: Yellow Jersey

What happens at the start of the tour?

The tour starts in Arles on the first Saturday. There are two main options for arriving into Arles:

Train : Arles is accessible by train, taking around 8hrs 15 minutes (including 3 changes) from London St Pancras. Paris to Arles direct on the train takes just over 4hrs.

Alternatively, you could get the train to Marseille Airport, which takes between 7-8hrs, usually with 3 changes (including one in Marseille). Paris to Marseille direct on the train takes around 3hrs 20 minutes.

Some customers choose to arrive in Marseille a day before the tour starts and have a day to explore, before taking the train directly to Arles (50-60 minutes). This can be a great way to extend your holiday at either end to combine tourism with your cycling.

Plane : There are direct flights to Marseille from various different UK airports. However, from some airports you will need to fly via other hubs such as Amsterdam.

Whether you arrive at Marseille Airport by train or by plane, we will have a guide to meet you and a coach booked for 17.30, Marseille to Arles which takes around 1hr by road. If you are arriving earlier then you can leave your bags with our guides if you want to have a look around Marseille (you would need to get from the airport to the city) before the coach arrives at 17.30. If you arrive after 17.30 then you will need to arrange your own transport from the airport to your accommodation in Arles. There is a taxi rank immediately outside the airport should you need to use this option.

We have a group meal on Saturday night and then the cycling starts on Sunday . We will take your bikes over for you so that you don’t have to take them on the train or plane. You can either drop them off with us in Glossop, Derbyshire beforehand or meet us on the Thursday before the tour starts as we drive down to Dover. We will stop near Birmingham and at South Mimms services on the M25 (this may change according to the requirements of each individual group). Alternatively you can post your bike to us and we will take it over for you.

What happens at the end?

The final days riding is on Friday and a coach will arrive on Saturday morning at 8.00 to take you back to Marseille airport for approx 10.00 for your trains or flight home. One of the guides will drive a van with all of your bikes in back to England and you can either meet them on Sunday as they are driving north, pick up your bike from us in Glossop at some point (no charge) or alternatively we can box your bike and post it back to you – The price for this courier service is available on request.

How do I transport my bike?

As always, if you can get your bike to Peak Tours HQ in Derbyshire then we can take it and bring it back for you. There is a charge of £60 for this service, to cover post-Brexit paperwork.

If you are flying with your bike then you will need to box your bike or put it in a bike bag before you board the plane. If you choose to do this then please be aware that there is only room in the vans for a limited number of soft cases that will fold down. Hard cases are not generally taken as they take up too much room but we have made exceptions for people in the past in mitigating circumstances. If you use a cardboard box for your bike we can easily fold that down and lay it flat on the floor of the van.

If you would like us to post the bike back for you after the trip to your home address the way it works is that the bikes will be boxed (this usually means that they will remove the front wheel, pedals, saddle & turn the handlebars) and posted to your address. The price for this service is available on request. If you would like to use this service please let us know & we will book it in for you.

Whatever arrangements you make we will be happy to help.

How difficult is the tour?

The fitter you are and the more training that you do beforehand will add to the enjoyment of your tour and improve your chances of succeeding the challenge. The tour is slightly easier than most of our tours, as there are options for rest days, although there are many options for longer days in the saddle if you prefer. Take a look at the Itinerary section, and if you need any advice about fitness please contact us and we will be happy to discuss any questions and concerns that you may have.

What mechanical knowledge do I need?

We don’t expect you to be an expert bike mechanic but there are a few simple skills that will be a great benefit to you. The most important skill you need to know is how to fix a puncture. It is possible that at some point you will have a puncture or two so it is essential that you carry a puncture repair kit & a spare tube or two with you. It is also helpful if you know how to change your brake pads and adjust your brakes and gears however this isn’t essential. Our guides will help you with any repairs and adjustments en-route.

What are the lunches like?

Lunches will be a mostly picnic lunches with a truly spectacular restaurant on Day 5 of the tour. We will source local specialities and provide plenty of delicious French food every day of your tour, you certainly won’t go hungry. We will have plenty of food available and will cater for any special dietary requirements.

Will I be left behind?

No, a tour leader cycles at the back of the group so that you won’t be left behind if you are worried about cycling too slowly. Throughout the group there will be a mix of abilities and cycling speeds so you will usually be able to cycle with others that cycle at a similar pace. Some people like to cycle fast whilst others prefer to take their time, stop for coffee & cake or stop to take photos etc so whether you are a ‘speed demon’ or more of a ‘tourer’ there usually will be someone to cycle with each day. It should be noted that it will not always be possible to support those doing the shorter routes with brew and lunch stops – those doing the longer routes will take priority. There will not be a riding guide on the shorter options.

What are the groups like?

Obviously each group is different but generally they are a fun, friendly, helpful & adventurous bunch. There will be people of all ages and from all walks of life. We tend to get quite a few older riders although there will always be a few younger riders as well. The average age for our riders is people in their 50’s and 60’s. We think that a group of 20-25 is ideal as there will be plenty of people with similar interests & character without being such a big group that it becomes too much.

Generally the group will be split 50/50 between people travelling alone and people that travel as a pair such as two brothers, two friends, two partners. There will be plenty of people to socialise with throughout the day and in the evening.

Many of the people on this tour will have cycled on a tour with us previously so you may even bump into someone you know!

What happens in the evenings?

Once you have arrived at your accommodation you should have chance for some time to relax, have a shower etc before the evening meal. We usually arrange somewhere to eat for the evening meal so that we can all get together & you won’t be left alone if you would like to eat with others. Quite often will simply arrange a certain pub to meet up & just drift in when you are ready whilst at other places we have a set time to eat – it just depends on the location.

Does the support vehicle follow the group?

No, the back up van doesn’t drive behind the group at all times but the van shouldn’t be too far away if you require assistance. Usually we have two vans on each tour. This way we can ensure that the luggage is delivered in time for the faster riders whilst another van stays out to provide refreshments and assistance for riders who prefer to take their time.

How much luggage can I take?

There is limited space in the back up van to store luggage. We therefore request that you try to keep your luggage size to a minimum and try not to bring too much with you. Washing clothes can be done en-route so you shouldn’t need to bring a clean set of clothes for every day. The ideal size for luggage is 70 x 50 x 30 cm and a weight of 15-18kg (or less).

What training should I do?

The more the better. We will provide a training guide for you so that you can build up your cycling strength and prepare for the ride in the correct way. It is important that you cycle two long days back to back whilst training & also that you cycle on some hills. We hold training weekends at the start of the season so that you can meet with others in the group, ask any questions you may have & also test yourselves amongst the hills of the Peak District.

What bike should I use?

The most suitable bike for this trip is a road bike, however it is entirely up to you what type of bike you use.

Please ensure that your bike is fully serviced and in good working order before the start of the trip.

Tyre inflation & rubber composition is important & a tyre width of 25mm is recommended for this tour. Please ensure that you have hard wearing tyres with plenty of tread.

You are going to cycle over 300 miles so it is important that your bike won’t let you down. You may want to fit new brake blocks, tyres & inner tubes before you start the ride and also bring 3-4 spare inner tubes, pump, puncture repair kit and multi-tool to carry with you each day. It is essential that you are able to fix a puncture.

It is also advisable to have lights from & rear lights on your bikes and try to be a visible as possible.

Can I hire a bike from you?

It is advisable to use your own bike if possible however we realise that it is not always possible to use your own steed so you may wish to hire one. Our road bikes are Cannondale Synapse bikes and our touring bikes are Dawes Galaxy. Details of these bikes can be found by clicking on the ‘Tour Extras’ tab.

All of our hire bikes come fitted with pump, 2 water bottle cages, 2 water bottles, bell and front and rear lights. There is also a small saddle bag with a spare tube, multi-tool, puncture repair kit & tyre leavers. We can also provide a helmet for you at no extra cost (if you would like a helmet providing then please mention this on the booking form).

What gear should I take?

We provide a suggested kit list so please contact us if you would like a copy sending to you.

What is the male / female ratio?

This varies with each group. There are usually more guys than gals but an average would be about 1/3 ladies & 2/3rds gents.

Why France?

France is a wide and diverse country which contains a variety of different and changing landscapes. France is also 1/4 as densely populated as the UK and much more rural so the roads are quieter and cyclists are treated with much more respect.

France is the cultural home of cycling and everyone has heard of the Tour de France. We will cycle through some of the iconic landscapes that you will have seen whilst watching the tour.

France enjoys much better weather than the UK so chances of a dry and sunny tour is much more likely than if tackling LEJOG although it must also be noted that it can get very hot in the summer months.

France is also well known for it’s gastronomy and also fine wines and we will do out best to ensure that you sample plenty of the delights on offer. Added to that a rich culture, medieval villages and stunning architecture all of which makes France an ideal place for a long distance cycle tour.

These Booking Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and where your holiday is booked via our website or over the phone, our Website Terms of Use , together with any other written information we brought to your attention before we confirmed your booking, form the basis of your contract with Peak Tours Ltd, company number 07992506, of 38 Storth Meadow Road, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6UZ ("we", "us", "our"). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations. In these Booking Conditions references to "you" and "your" include the first named person on the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made or any other person to whom a booking is added or transferred.

By making a booking, the first named person on the booking agrees on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking that:

• he/she has read these Booking Conditions and has the authority to and does agree to be bound by them;
• he/she consents to our use of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and is authorised on behalf of all persons named on the booking to disclose their personal details to us, including where applicable special categories of data (such as information on health conditions or disabilities and dietary requirements);
• he/she is over 18 years of age and, where placing an order for services with age restrictions, declares that he/she and all members of the party are of the appropriate age to purchase those services;
• he/she accepts financial responsibility for payment of the booking on behalf of all persons detailed on the booking.
• he/she has key rights under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 - Standard Information Form on Travellers Rights when Booking a Package Holiday .

1. Booking & Paying For Your Arrangements

A booking is made with us when you pay us a deposit (or full payment if you are booking within 60 days of departure) and we issue you with a booking confirmation. All bookings are made subject to the eligibility requirements listed at section 2 below. We reserve the right to return your deposit and decline to issue a booking confirmation at our absolute discretion. A binding contract will come into existence between you and us as soon as we have issued you with a booking confirmation that will confirm the details of your booking and will be sent to you. The accommodation provisions included at section 14 will also apply to your booking.

Upon receipt, if you believe that any details on booking confirmation or any other document are wrong you must advise us immediately as changes cannot be made later and it may harm your rights if we are not notified of any inaccuracies in any document within ten days of our sending it out.

The balance of the cost of your arrangements (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 60 days prior to scheduled departure. You will receive a payment reminder from us prior to your balance becoming due. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.

2. Eligibility Requirements

In booking with Peak Tours you understand that there are certain risks and dangers inherent in taking part in a cycling holiday and that by the very nature of the activities you will participate in these may be hazardous to you, including cycling on uneven surfaces, cycling in inclement weather, cycling in close proximity to vehicular traffic and any other activities involving inherently dangerous risks, and you acknowledge that you will be exposed to an element of personal risk. These include the risk of personal injury and death and loss of or damage to your property. You are under a duty to mitigate any risks to yourself as far as is practicable, by taking all reasonable steps to comply with all instructions of your tour leader and the instructions included in your route map, and taking all reasonable steps to ensure your own safety whilst taking part in the holiday.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are at a sufficient level of fitness to take part in your chosen holiday (please also see section 13 - Disabilities and Medical Problems). You will generally be at a sufficient level of fitness if you are able to complete your day's cycling within a reasonable timescale (which shall be set by your tour leader, and in respect of most holidays shall mean completing the day's cycling by 18:30 hours local time at the latest). If you finish your day's cycling beyond this time period, it shall be at the tour leader's absolute discretion as to whether you are at a sufficient level of fitness to continue with your chosen holiday. You are required to follow any safety advice or other instructions provided to you by your tour leader, and wear a cycle helmet and appropriate clothing at all times whilst cycling.

If you are using your own bike, it must be suitable for use for the duration of the route of your chosen holiday. It is your responsibility to arrange for your bike to be transported to the holiday. Your bike must be insured for the duration of your holiday, and your insurance should cover loss or damage to your bike that may occur during your holiday. Peak Tours take great care to ensure that your bike is safe at all times. However, Peak Tours cannot accept any responsibility for any damage to your bike or loss of your bike, including if your bike is stolen during the holiday. This includes times when your bikes are being transported in one of the vans. If a van was stolen containing your bike then you would need to have an adequate insurance policy in place to cover this.

Bike hire is available to be booked at any time up to the start of your holiday, subject to availability. If you choose the bike hire option, your bike will be provided at the beginning of the holiday and returned to ground staff at the end of your holiday.

3. Accuracy

We endeavour to ensure that all the information and prices contained in our advertising material are accurate, however occasionally changes and errors occur and we reserve the right to correct prices and other details in such circumstances. You must check the current price and all other details relating to the arrangements that you wish to book before you make your booking.

4.Insurance

Adequate travel insurance is a condition of your contract with us. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. If you choose to travel without adequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available.

We reserve the right to amend the price of unsold holidays at any time and correct errors in the prices of confirmed holidays. We also reserve the right to increase the price of confirmed holidays solely to allow for increases which are a direct consequence of changes in:

• the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from the cost of fuel or other power sources;
• the level of taxes or fees chargeable for services applicable to the holiday imposed by third parties not directly involved in the performance of the holiday, including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports; and
• the exchange rates relevant to the package.

Such variations could include but are not limited to cost changes which are part of our contracts with accommodation suppliers (and their agents), transfer operators and any other transport providers.

You will be charged for the amount of any increase in accordance with this clause. However, if this means that you have to pay an increase of more than 8% of the price of your confirmed holiday (excluding any insurance premiums, amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements), you will have the option of accepting a change to another holiday if we are able to offer one (if this is of lower price you will be refunded the difference in price), or cancelling and receiving a full refund of all monies paid to us, except for any insurance premiums and any amendment charges and/or additional services or travel arrangements. Should you decide to cancel for this reason, you must exercise your right to do so within 7 days from the issue date printed on your final invoice. We will consider an appropriate refund of insurance premiums paid if you can show that you are unable to transfer or reuse your policy.

Should the price of your holiday go down due to the changes mentioned above, then any refund due will be paid to you less an administrative fee of £10. However, please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place.

There will be no change made to the price of your confirmed holiday within 20 days of your departure nor will refunds be paid during this period.

6. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with by the Courts of England and Wales only. You may however, choose the law and jurisdiction of Scotland or Northern Ireland if you live in those places and if you wish to do so.

7.Cutting your holiday short

If you are forced to return home early, we cannot refund the cost of any travel arrangements you have not used. If you cut short your holiday and return home early in circumstances where you have no reasonable cause for complaint about the standard of accommodation and services provided, we will not offer you any refund for that part of your holiday not completed, or be liable for any associated costs you may incur. Depending on the circumstances, your travel insurance may offer cover for curtailment and we suggest that any claim is made directly with them.

8. If You Change Your Booking & Transfers of Bookings

If you wish to change any part of your booking after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you must inform us in writing (which includes by email) as soon as possible. This should be done by the first named person on the booking. Whilst we will do our best to assist, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet your requested change. Where we can meet a request, all changes will be subject to payment of any costs and charges incurred by us and/or incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers in making this change. You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Where we are unable to assist you and you do not wish to proceed with the original booking we will treat this as a cancellation by you. A cancellation fee may be payable in accordance with clause 9.

Transfer of Booking:

If you or any member of your party is prevented from travelling, that person(s) may transfer their place to someone else, subject to the following conditions:

• that person is introduced by you and satisfies all the conditions applicable to the holiday;
• we are notified not less than 7 days before departure;
• you pay any fees, charges or other costs arising from the transfer; and
• the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us.

You and the transferee remain jointly and severally liable for payment of all sums. If you are unable to find a replacement, cancellation charges as set out in clause 9 will apply in order to cover our estimated costs. Otherwise, no refunds will be given for passengers not travelling or for unused services.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed and any alteration could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

9. If You Cancel Your Booking Before Departure

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us in writing (which includes by email). Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us at our offices and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the cancellation charges as follows:

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

10. If We Change or Cancel

As we plan your holiday arrangements many months in advance we may occasionally have to make changes or cancel your booking and we reserve the right to do so at any time.

Changes: If we make a minor change to your holiday, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you as soon as reasonably possible if there is time before your departure but we will have no liability to you. An example of a minor change would include change of accommodation to another of the same or higher standard.

Occasionally we may have to make a significant change to your confirmed arrangements. Examples of "significant changes" include the following, when made before departure:

• A change of accommodation area for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
• A change of accommodation to that of a lower standard or classification for the whole or a significant part of your time away.
• A change of outward departure time or overall length of your arrangements by more than 12 hours.
• A significant change to your itinerary, missing out one or more destination entirely.

Cancellation: We will not cancel your travel arrangements less than 60 days before your departure date, except for reasons of Events Beyond Our Control or failure by you to pay the final balance. We may cancel your holiday before this date if, e.g., the minimum number of clients required for a particular travel arrangement is not reached.

If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible and if there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of:

• (for significant major changes) accepting the changed arrangements; or
• having a refund of all monies paid; or
• if available and where we offer one, accepting an offer of an alternative holiday (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value).

You must notify us of your choice within 7 days of our offer. If we do not hear from you within 7 days, we will contact you again to request notification of your choice. If you fail to respond again, we will assume that you have chosen to accept the change or alternative booking arrangements.

Compensation

In addition to a full refund of all monies paid by you, we will pay you compensation as detailed below, in the following circumstances:

• If, where we make a significant change, you do not accept the changed arrangements and cancel your booking;
• If we cancel your booking and no alternative arrangements are available and/or we do not offer one.

The compensation that we offer does not exclude you from claiming more if you are entitled to do so.

*IMPORTANT NOTE: We will not pay you compensation in the following circumstances:

• where we make a minor change;
• where we make a significant change or cancel your arrangements more than 60 days before departure;
• where we make a significant change and you accept those changed arrangements or you accept an offer of alternative travel arrangements;
• where we have to cancel your arrangements as a result of your failure to make full payment on time;
• where the change or cancellation by us arises out of alterations to the confirmed booking requested by you;
• where we are forced to cancel or change your arrangements due to Events Beyond Our Control (see clause 11).

If we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the arrangements that you have booked with us after you have departed, we will, if possible, make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge and where those alternative arrangements are of a lower standard, provide you with an appropriate price reduction.

11. Events Beyond Our Control

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Conditions we will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by "Events Beyond Our Control". For the purposes of these Booking Conditions, Events Beyond Our Control means any event beyond our or our supplier's control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, labour strikes, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar events outside our or the supplier(s) concerned's control.

Brexit Implications: please note that certain travel arrangements may be affected as a result of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union. Please rest assured that this is something we will continue to monitor and will advise our customers as soon as possible if we become aware of any confirmed bookings that will be affected. However, since this is something which is completely unprecedented and outside our control, we would treat any such changes as Events Beyond Our Control, and whilst we will endeavour to provide suitable alternative arrangements or refunds where possible, we will not be liable to pay you any compensation.

12. Special Requests

Any special requests must be advised to us at the time of booking e.g. diet, room location, a particular facility at a hotel etc. You should then confirm your requests in writing. Whilst every effort will be made by us to try and arrange your reasonable special requests, we cannot guarantee that they will be fulfilled. The fact that a special request has been noted on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation or that it has been passed on to the supplier is not confirmation that the request will be met. Failure to meet any special request will not be a breach of contract on our part unless the request has been specifically confirmed by us. We do not accept bookings that are conditional upon any special request being met.

13. Disabilities and Medical Problems

We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. If you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your booking, please provide us with full details before you make your booking so that we can try to advise you as to the suitability of your chosen arrangements. We may require you to produce a doctor's certificate certifying that you are fit to participate. Acting reasonably, if we are unable to properly accommodate the needs of the person(s) concerned, we will not confirm your booking or if you did not give us full details at the time of booking, we will cancel it and impose applicable cancellation charges when we become aware of these details. If, during your holiday, we become aware of a medical problem or disability which may affect your health and safety or the health and safety of others, which you did not disclose at the time of booking, we reserve the right to postpone, restrict or cancel your involvement in any cycling activities, at the tour leader's sole discretion.

14. Accommodation Provisions

B&b option & double or twin/triple.

If you choose the B&B only option you will stay in a mixture of B&B's, hotels and country pubs. If you are travelling with a friend then you will be roomed together in a twin or if you're with your partner then you will be in a double room (or a twin if you prefer). If you are travelling alone then you will be roomed with another member of the group in a twin or triple room (same sex). The actual stopovers may change from the advertised accommodation providers, if this happens then an equivalent standard of accommodation will be used nearby. The majority of the rooms you stay in will be en-suite however you may stay in a couple of rooms that are not en-suite.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION

If you choose the single room option, you will have your own room for the duration of the holiday. This will be in either a single room or single occupancy of a double room in a mixture of en-suite and non en-suite rooms.

SOLE USE OF A DOUBLE ROOM OPTION

If you choose this option, you will have a guaranteed double room to yourself throughout the tour. You will always have an en-suite each night of your holiday. There may be an exceptionally rare occasion when you have a separate bathroom but this is very unlikely. Occasionally you may have a twin room to yourself if a double room isn't available but again, this is rare.

YHA (YOUTH HOSTEL) OPTION

This option is only available for the fourteen day LEJOG tour. If you choose the YHA option you will stay in a mixture of hostels, hotels & B&B's staying in dormitory rooms, single rooms, twin rooms & triples.

15. Complaints

We make every effort to ensure that your holiday arrangements run smoothly but if you do have a problem during your holiday, please inform the relevant supplier (e.g. your hotelier) and your tour leader immediately who will endeavour to put things right. If your complaint is not resolved locally, please contact 07495 023 022 or 01457851462.

If the problem cannot be resolved and you wish to complain further, you must send formal written notice of your complaint to us at our office, ideally within 28 days of the end of your stay, giving your booking reference and all other relevant information. Please keep your letter concise and to the point. This will assist us to quickly identify your concerns and speed up our response to you. Failure to follow the procedure set out in this clause may affect ours and the applicable supplier's ability to investigate your complaint, and will affect your rights under this contract.

You can access the European Commission Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform at http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ . This ODR platform is a means of registering your complaint with us; it will not determine how your complaint should be resolved. Please Note: the ODR platform is unlikely to be available for use by UK consumers at such a point that the UK ceases to be a member of the European Union.

16. Your Behaviour

All our customers are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and acceptable manner and not to disrupt the enjoyment of others. If in our opinion or in the opinion of any hotel manager, tour leader or any other person in authority, your behaviour or that of any member of your party is causing or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to any other customers or any third party, or damage to property, or to cause a delay or diversion to transportation, we reserve the right to terminate your booking with us immediately. In the event of such termination our liability to you and/or your party will cease and you and/or your party will be required to leave your accommodation or other arrangements immediately. We will have no further obligations to you and/or your party. No refunds for lost accommodation or any other arrangements will be made and we will not pay any expenses or costs incurred as a result of termination. You and/or your party may also be required to pay for loss and/or damage caused by your actions and we will hold you and each member of your party jointly and individually liable for any damage or losses caused by you or any member of your party. Full payment for any such damage or losses must be paid directly to the hotel manager or other supplier prior to departure. If you fail to make payment, you will be responsible for meeting any claims (including legal costs) subsequently made against us as a result of your actions together with all costs we incur in pursuing any claim against you. We cannot be held responsible for the actions or behaviour of other guests or individuals who have no connection with your booking arrangements or with us.

17. Our Responsibilities

• We will accept responsibility for the arrangements we agree to provide or arrange for you as an "organiser" under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, as set out below and as such, we are responsible for the proper provision of all travel services included in your package, as set out in your confirmation invoice. Subject to these Booking Conditions, if we or our suppliers negligently perform or arrange those services and we don't remedy or resolve your complaint within a reasonable period of time, and this has affected the enjoyment of your package holiday you may be entitled to an appropriate price reduction or compensation or both. You must inform us without undue delay of any failure to perform or improper performance of the travel services included in this package. The level of any such price reduction or compensation will be calculated taking into consideration all relevant factors such as but not limited to: following the complaints procedure as described in these Booking Conditions and the extent to which ours or our employees' or suppliers' negligence affected the overall enjoyment of your holiday. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.
• the acts and/or omissions of the person affected; or
• the acts and/or omissions of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or
• Events Beyond Our Control (as defined in clause 11).
• loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions and money: the maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is an amount equivalent to the excess on your insurance policy which applies to this type of loss per person in total because you are required to have adequate insurance in place to cover any losses of this kind.
• Claims not falling under (a) above and which don't involve injury, illness or death: the maximum amount we will have to pay you in respect of these claims is up to three times the price paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you or your party has not received any benefit at all from your booking.
• The extent of our liability will in all cases be limited as if we were carriers under the appropriate Conventions, which include The Athens Convention (with respect to sea travel); The Berne/Cotif Convention (with respect to rail travel) and The Paris Convention (with respect to hotel arrangements). You can ask for copies of these Conventions from our offices. Please contact us. In addition, you agree that the operating carrier or transport company's own 'Conditions of Carriage' will apply to you on that journey. When arranging transportation for you, we rely on the terms and conditions contained within these international conventions and those 'Conditions of Carriage'. You acknowledge that all of the terms and conditions contained in those 'Conditions of Carriage' form part of your contract with us, as well as with the transport company and that those 'Conditions of Carriage' shall be deemed to be included by reference into this contract.
• When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question.
• It is a condition of our acceptance of liability under this clause that you notify any claim to us and our supplier(s) strictly in accordance with the complaints procedure set out in these conditions.
• Where any payment is made, the person(s) receiving it (and their parent or guardian if under 18 years) must also assign to us or our insurers any rights they may have to pursue any third party and must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require.
• which on the basis of the information given to us by you concerning your booking prior to our accepting it, we could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if we breached our contract with you;
• relate to any business;
• indirect or consequential loss of any kind.
• We will not accept responsibility for services or facilities which do not form part of our agreement or where they are not advertised on our website. . For example any excursion you book whilst away, or any service or facility which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you.
• Where it is impossible for you to return to your departure point as per the agreed return date of your package, due to "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances", we shall provide you with any necessary accommodation (where possible, of a comparable standard) for a period not exceeding three nights per person. Please note that the 3 night cap does not apply to persons with reduced mobility, pregnant women or unaccompanied minors, nor to persons needing specific medical assistance, provided we have been notified of these particular needs at least 48 hours before the start of your holiday. For the purposes of this clause, "unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances" mean warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely back to your departure point.

18. Excursions

Excursions or other tours that you may choose to book or pay for whilst you are on holiday are not part of your contracted arrangements with us. For any excursion or other tour that you book, your contract will be with the operator of the excursion or tour and not with us. We are not responsible for the provision of the excursion or tour or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the operator.

19. Insolvency Protection

In accordance with the requirements of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, we provide full financial protection for all package holidays that we sell, by way of a separate account held by HSBC.

If you book arrangements other than package holiday from us, your monies will not be financially protected. Please ask us for further details.

20. Passport, Visa and Immigration Requirements & Health Formalities

It is your responsibility to check and fulfill the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We can only provide general information about this. You must check requirements for your own specific circumstances with the relevant Embassies and/or Consulates and your own doctor as applicable. Requirements do change and you must check the up to date position in good time before departure.

Most countries now require passports to be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If your passport is in its final year, you should check with the Embassy of the country you are visiting. For further information contact the Passport Office on 0870 5210410 or visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/citizenship/passports .

Special conditions apply for travel to the USA, and all passengers must have individual machine readable passports. Please check https://uk.usembassy.gov . For European holidays you should obtain a completed and issued form EHIC prior to departure.

Up to date travel advice can be obtained from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, visit https://www.gov.uk/travelaware .

Non British passport holders, including other EU nationals, should obtain up to date advice on passport and visa requirements from the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of your destination or country(ies) through which you are travelling.

We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.

21. Conditions of Suppliers

Many of the services which make up your holiday are provided by independent suppliers. Those suppliers provide these services in accordance with their own terms and conditions which will form part of your contract with us. Some of these terms and conditions may limit or exclude the supplier's liability to you, usually in accordance with applicable International Conventions. Copies of the relevant parts of these terms and conditions are available on request from us or the supplier concerned.

22. Prompt Assistance

If, whilst you are on holiday, you find yourself in difficulty for any reason, we will offer you such prompt assistance as is appropriate in the circumstances. In particular, we will provide you with appropriate information on health services, local authorities and consular assistance, and assistance with distance communications and finding alternative travel arrangements. Where you require assistance which is not owing to any failure by us, our employees or sub-contractors we will not be liable for the costs of any alternative travel arrangements or other such assistance you require. Any supplier or transport supplier may however pay for or provide refreshments and/or appropriate accommodation and you should make a claim directly to them. Subject to the other terms of these Booking Conditions, we will not be liable for any costs, fees or charges you incur in the above circumstances, if you fail to obtain our prior authorisation before making your own travel arrangements. Furthermore, we reserve the right to charge you a fee for our assistance in the event that the difficulty is caused intentionally by you or a member of your party, or otherwise through your or your party's negligence.

23. Delays, Missed Transport Arrangements and other Travel Information

If you or any member of your party misses a transport arrangement, it is cancelled or you are subject to a delay of over 3 hours for any reason, you must contact us and the transport supplier concerned immediately.

We cannot accept liability for any delay which is due to any of the reasons set out in clause 11 of these Booking Conditions.

24. Foreign Office Advice

You are responsible for making yourself aware of Foreign Office advice in regard to the safety of the countries and areas in which you will be travelling and to make your decisions accordingly. Advice from the Foreign Office to avoid or leave a particular country may constitute Events Beyond Our Control. (See clause 11).

Company Details

Peak Tours Limited 38 Storth Meadow Road, Glossop, Derbyshire, SK13 6UZ. Registered in England 7992506 VAT No 130935822

Thoroughly enjoyed it – lovely mix of routes, great accommodation, food and crew. Ed, Liz and Sam were all great. They were friendly, supportive, encouraging but also firm which is needed. I think the mix of ages and genders made it a really dynamic team and they are great ambassadors for PT.

Loved all the info and pre tour emails. Good comms for the Bike drop off and pick ups Very well organised. Fab tour – can’t wait to do another one.

10/10. It was obvious that the aim was to give us the best cycling experience possible, regardless of ability level.

The pre-tour communication/joining information  could not be faulted. From the first email of what we could expect through the route notes, GPX files, accommodation list to the very comprehensive logistics sheet.   All three tour leaders were unselfish in the attention and ability to make sure all riders in the groups had a happy tour.

Found the first couple of days a bit of a slog at times, but every day was better than the day before. Although I rode full distances every day the option of shorter routes was a good idea .  Everyone did a great job on the pre-tour communication/ joining information. Our tour guides worked really hard, to ensure whole group got maximum enjoyment.

Loved the variety , cleanliness and quaintness of the accommodation.  You choose well. The tour organisation can’t be faulted. I don’t think we know the half that goes on behind the scenes!  My third trip so I suppose that tells all!

We used the turn by turn notes, backed up by Garmin and Wahoo – belt and braces approach to navigation.  Enjoyed the larger group. We naturally had our own group of six that cycled together at a similar pace, and joined in with others at other times.   Tony, Steve and Sam ( our guides) were great, nothing was too much trouble, all we had to do was ride, eat and sleep. Just need to decide which tour next…    

Beautiful scenic routes especially the latter half of the week.  Picnic lunches were fabulous and lovely venues were much appreciated.  The group size gave you the opportunity to cycle with lots of different people throughout the week.  First time with Peak Tours so was a little unsure what to expect. Trip was a fantastic experience and was just the right level for us.

Route, tour team, and fellow riders all brilliant; why would you take a cycling holiday with any one but Peak Tours!?  

Another well thought out Peak Tour

The following extras are available for this tour:

Bike Transfer and Return – UK to Europe

Garmin Hire – 7 Days

Dawes Galaxy Plus Touring Bike – 7 Days Hire

Dawes Galaxy Super Touring Bike – 7 Days Hire

Cannondale Synapse Road Bike – 7 Days Hire

Training Weekend for difficulty level 5-7 tours

Cycle Servicing

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Channel to the Med – 14 Day Tour

7 great places for solo travelers in Europe

Aug 26, 2024 • 8 min read

Sicily, with its many incredible historic sites, is great for solo travelers © Giovenda / Shutterstock

Europe, with its  compact size, captivating cities and endless outdoor pursuits, has long been a top solo travel destination for people of all ages. But with so much continent to explore, narrowing down exactly where to take your solo sojourn can be tough. Luckily, the benefit of traveling alone is not compromising on the destination, so you can follow your heart to some of Europe ’s most unique and intriguing places.

To find those spots, we asked our expert writers to share their recommendations for the best places to fly solo in Europe. Here's where to go. 

1. Sicily, Italy 

Recommended by Nicola Williams

On an island where kaleidoscopic cultural and historical riches are all-consuming, travel companions can risk becoming a tiresome distraction. Solo Sicily is unfettered joy. Its sparky combo of seaside, mountains, sassy food, sun-filled wine and spitting volcanoes means you never "get bored". Indeed, there is a deeply moving aura to this sun-scorched island lapped by three seas that inspires quiet contemplation and a reassuring ease with one’s own company.

Start your journey on the Ionian Coast in Sicily’s hypnotic east: join a guide up the explosive slopes of Mt Etna and locals at Catania ’s chaotic fish market . Savor vino bursting with sunshine in volcanic vineyards. If you’re a drama queen, star-lit performances at ancient Greek theaters in Syracuse and Taormina will leave you spellbound for days – as will the paradise-on-earth Aeolian archipelago , with cobalt-blue waters and clandestine coves to match every mood and moment. In the west , capital city Palermo weaves captivating stories in glittering gold mosaics in the Cappella Palatina at Palazzo dei Normanni , while Stanze al Genio – the unusual palazzo home and majolica tile museum of an art collector – is one of Italy’s loveliest solo B&B stays. Ditto for the oddly romantic, evocative quarry garden Giardino dell’Impossible with enchanting rooms on butterfly-shaped Favignana.

2. Naxos, Greece

Recommended by Helen Iatro

With its white sand beaches and shallow seas, you’d be forgiven for thinking Naxos is exclusively for families. But the Cyclades’ largest isle has set its sights on drawing solo travelers to experience its myriad attractions, from a fortified capital and farm-to-table cuisine to dopamine-spiking watersports. Start with a walk through medieval main town Hora and admire the Venetian-era Glezos and Della Rocca Barozzi towers . Next, try your hand at wind surfing with an expert instructor at Flisvos Sport Club on Agios Georgios beach. If two wheels are more your style, join a Naxos Bikes e-bike and hike tour through olive groves to Mt Zeus, the island’s highest point at 1,003m (3,290 ft).

Afterwards, you’ll make a stop at Halki village to sample Naxos’ aromatic PDO citron liqueur at a small distillery. Immerse yourself further in the island’s culinary traditions with a visit to a dairy farm hosted by Philema Food Tours. You’ll chat with farmers, feed the animals and assist in making Naxos’ hallmark arseniko cheese. With tummy sated, center yourself with sunset yoga at Kite beach in Mikri Vigla. Soul in Motion’s Melina Rigopoulos leads sessions between June and September, along with occasional retreats.

3. Aix-en-Provence, France

Navigating the notoriously feisty metropolis of Marseille in France ’s hot south solo is not for everyone. Meandering the graceful boulevards of its cleaner, safer, slower-paced little sister, a 45-minute bus or train ride away, most definitely is. Open your foray in chichi Aix-en-Provence with a café crème and croissant beneath emerald-leafed plane trees at Le Forbin , footsteps from fountain-stitched main avenue Cours Mirabeau. Time slows at the town’s Musée Granet in Quartier Mazarin, packed with pieces by Picasso, Matisse, Monet and local lad Paul Cézanne who painted nearby Montagne Ste-Victoire numerous times (following in his footsteps by e-bike is an inspirational day trip, either solo or with a group tour).

Don’t miss 13th-century Église St-Jean de Malte next to the art museum and the flower gardens of palatial art gallery Hôtel de Caumont (1742), a five-minute walk away. Grab a smoothie, shake or chai latte afterwards at Book In Bar ; this English-language bookshop-cafe is a honeypot for students from Aix’s prestigious university, should you fancy mingling. Come dusk, take a people-watching pew on a cafe terrace on buzzing rue de la Verrerie, place Richelme or Forum des Cardeurs. For a more intimate scale and vibe, gravitate to place de l’Hôtel de Ville.

4. Palma de Mallorca, Spain 

Recommended by Chloe Braithwaite 

Palma de Mallorca is a welcoming city, with its well-lit public spaces, beautiful beaches and glut of restaurants, markets and historic sites. That means solo travelers won’t struggle to have the perfect relaxed day alone. Start your visit at Mercat de Santa Catalina, the oldest food market in the city, brimming with tapas and local produce. Nearby, Lluís Pérez Pastisser is a delightful pastry cafe known for its croissant ibérico con tomatitos : a flaky croissant filled with ibérico ham and tart cherry tomatoes. Excellent coffee can be found at Café Riu Tort, while Mistral Coffee prides itself on beans roasted locally.

Spend your day strolling along Passeig des Borne , a tree-lined boulevard dotted with both luxury and mainstream shops. For a satisfying lunch, El Toque de Queda offers a range of charcuterie boards with local cheeses, or try La Vasca for authentic Basque flavors. Spend your afternoon exploring cultural landmarks like the Catedral de Mallorca with its tranquil Bishop’s Garden and the historic Banys Àrabs (Arab Baths). In the evening, head to Cineciutat, a non-profit cinema that showcases films in their original languages. Then end the day with a visit Bar La Sang for natural wines, or reserve a spot at Vermutería La Rosa for a traditional vermouth tasting.

5. Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Recommended by Monica Suma

Bohemian, slower-paced Cluj-Napoca in northwestern Romania, is everything that the much larger, rowdy (and often chaotic) capital of Bucharest is not. Despite being Transylvania ’s biggest city and the country’s second-largest, Cluj (as it’s more commonly referred to as) exudes a different feel that is more relaxed ⁠– perfect for solo travelers. And that’s in part due to the thousands of students studying here, as well as the compact layout of the city. The city dates to pre-Roman times ("Napoca" originates from the Dacians), but its superb Baroque architecture, stemming from the Austro-Hungarian era, stands out. Easy to explore and becoming increasingly in demand as the tech sector flourishes, modern Cluj is artsy, heaps of fun, and delightfully cosmopolitan.

It hosts the fêted Transylvania Film Festival and the massive crowd-pulling Electric Castle and Untold festivals (stay away in late July and early August unless you book months ahead or can pay exorbitant accommodation prices). These days, contemporary energy comes in high doses. So do specialty coffee shops dotted around the center, the highest number per capita in the country ( Narcoffee Roasters is fab). The food scene is equally exciting. Country-chic Casa Boema is an enduring favorite for its oasis-like courtyard terrace. Best of all, nature is within sight. Walk up to Cetăţuia Park for panoramic views of the city – one nestled between the Transylvanian Plain and Apuseni Mountains.

6. Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Recommended by Daniel James Clarke

If you're solo tripping, Slovenia's Vipava Valley is the place to be sipping – especially as you'll never be drinking alone. In this wine-obsessed, welcoming community, sharing a bottle of your own-grown best with strangers is standard. Hundreds of family-owned, small-batch cellars such as Cejkotova Domačija hide under the valley's fertile carpet, stacked with casks aging the native, golden-hued, fruity Zelen grape. Cycling between these underground tastings is a solo traveler's dream. Gently rolling countryside roads flit through manicured vines and fragrant orchards, dramatic karst mountains looming beyond. If a two-wheel tasting tour isn't appealing, board the seasonal wine train instead for a five-hour, friends-guaranteed rail ride, pit-stopping at local villages and vineyards. Volunteer during September's harvest, and you'll practically become part of the family.

Viapava's spirit isn't solely found in a glass, though. Sober solo adventures abound. Hike atop the Trnovo Forest Plateau for emerald valley panoramas. Paraglide higher still courtesy of the fierce, locally treasured bora wind. A handful of hostels offer community, while creative connections are plentiful at Sinji Vrh Pension 's artistic workshops.

7. Faroe Islands

Elemental, ethereal and utterly enticing, the Faroe Islands arc from the wild North Atlantic like uncut emeralds scattered by a storm. At first glance, this seemingly inhospitable land commandeered by sheep, gannets, and puffins appears an audacious expedition. But look closer, and you'll find a tight-knit community that's long embraced solo travelers. In fact, every year, the islanders do exactly that, inviting maintenance-assisting volunteers to stay in their farms or homes. Heimablídni  (Faroese for home hospitality) is so ingrained that family-hosted, breaking-bread spreads are standard. Some require group bookings, while others, like Heima í Stovu's supper club, or Durita and Fróði's traditional Faroese feast of skerpikjøt (air-dried lamb) and ræst (fermented lamb and fish), welcome sharing, storytelling strangers.

Away from Tórshavn 's turf-roofs and contemporary cultural spaces, bite-sized adventures abound. Hikes to seemingly levitating Lake Sørvágsvatn or cinematic Kallur Lighthouse need no support. Well-kept roads, underwater island-linking tunnels, and regular ferries keep communities connected, and a surprisingly decent bus network affords solo, car-free exploration. Amidst soaring sea stacks, ocean-plunging cascades, or scenic fjord-flanked Saksun, you'll feel like a true castaway – but you're never far from a heartwarming chat with a cuppa.

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The flavors and cuisine of Provence, France

When Go Ahead President Heidi explored the region on our Provence Walking Tour this summer, she wasn’t just in awe of the incredible scenery—she also fell in love with its amazing flavors. Here, she shares some of the top culinary experiences in store for any traveler lucky enough to visit colorful Provence.

by Go Ahead Tours team

September 4, 2019

There are certain things that Provence, France brings to mind, like fragrant lavender fields and staggering seaside cliffs. When Go Ahead President Heidi explored the region on our Provence Walking Tour , she wasn’t just in awe of the incredible scenery—she also fell in love with its amazing flavors. Here, she shares some of the top culinary experiences in store for any traveler lucky enough to visit colorful Provence.

Cuisine in Provence is as varied as its landscapes are, but the food is always characterized by bold, fresh flavors. Sage, thyme, rosemary, and lavender are seasonings often sprinkled on all kinds of meat and vegetable dishes. Other typical tastes that pair perfectly with these herbs include artichokes, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and honey.

Finding the local specialty is a can’t-miss experience for me when traveling. At every destination we visited, I researched the cuisine and picked up the treats that we just had to taste. One must-try was tapenade , a delicious mixture of pureed olives with capers, garlic and olive oil that can be spread on a baguette instead of butter. Another was fougasse , a scrumptious bread baked with either savory or sweet fillings like olives, herbs or cheese. My absolute favorite dish was ratatouille , the classic Provençal meal made with stewed, fresh-from-the-garden vegetables.

Sweet treats

Anyone who goes on tour with me quickly finds out that I have a sweet tooth! Luckily, Provence had so many options that I was able to get a different sugary treat every day. French pastries lined the windows of the many small shops in the villages and cities we visited. Everyone in my group enjoyed a taste of the traditional nougat , a soft bite made with almonds, egg whites, and honey. French ice cream, la glace , is not to be missed when in Provence, especially when the weather warms up. The flavor combinations you can find are amazing—in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, I tried honey-lavender and lemon that was artfully swirled into the shape of a rose, and it was my personal favorite!

Every morning, I loved popping into the local café for a quick espresso. It was the perfect way to start each day before we set out to explore by foot. Evenings were always the time to raise a glass. We’d sip aperitifs before meals, and then enjoy locally produced wines with our dinners. One night, we set out from Avignon to explore the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape area of the Côtes du Rhône wine region, which is known for its full-bodied reds. We stopped at a wine cellar and tasted a few of the different vintages, including whites, reds, and rosés.

Colorful markets

When traveling, I learn everything I can about the cuisine so I can bring that knowledge back home with me. Since I like to host a dinner to share the flavors of my experience with family and friends, I’m always on the lookout for authentic ingredients and a local cookbook. The markets in Provence were the perfect places to pick up French staples like baguettes, garlic, Herbes de Provence, fennel, olives, and tapenade. One of the most incredible markets we visited was in Aix-en-Provence. On weekdays, merchants and farmers come together in the center of the city to sell fruits and vegetables. And on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it expands to include an antique market and a flower market—we were fortunate to visit on a day when we could admire all the beautiful, bright blooms.

Scenic picnics

My group never tired of all the types of scenery in Provence. Each day, we were surprised by something new: the rugged Verdon Gorge, the forested Luberon Valley, the ochre mines of Roussillon and the seaside cliffs along Cape Ferrat. Since we made our way through many of these landscapes by foot, we often rewarded ourselves by spending a few moments taking in our surroundings. After climbing to the pilgrimage site of Sainte-Baume, we enjoyed an impromptu picnic, eating some Provençal specialties, drinking rosé, and singing. This is what travel is all about—exploring new destinations together and having fun, memorable experiences along the way.

I shared so many wonderful moments of discovery like these with my fellow travelers while on tour in Provence, France . What are your favorite on-tour discoveries? Let me know with an email to [email protected] or share on social media with #goaheadtours .

About the author

Go Ahead Tours team

We’re a team of passionate travel experts, dedicated to helping people explore the world. From inspiring stories to tips for an amazing trip, the topics we cover are all about getting you out there and making discoveries.

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EF/GoAhead Tours

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For the money spent, it was mostly a let down. I did Rome, Florence and Venice. We actually ended up leaving a day early and had to pay for the flight change to do so. I have celiac disease and was told I would be accommodated 100% and I ended up starving most of the trip. All 3 of the only dinners provided, it was a total surprise to them that I needed gluten free, so each time, I got an undercooked bowl of red pasta made last minute. None of the hotel breakfasts knew about me or labeled anything. I think this should have been handled ahead of time by the tour guide (who was barely present nor informative). His lack of....everything really set the tone for many people on the tour. The itineraries for the days they actually took you somewhere was maybe 2-3 hours. Everything else you had to pay extra foror you were completely on your own. The hotels (besides maybe Florence) were booked so far from anything you had to pay for an uber. Most people save for years for something like this and I couldn't wait to get home. :(

Have not gone on the tour yet. This review is about their customer service. I booked a tour to Germany for September with an extension to Vienna. I booked my airfare on my own after making the reservation. I recently received an email canceling the extension due to low participation. I called and requested that since I already have my airfare, that the company get me to Vienna. They declined but offered to pay for an excursion. I usually travel with Gate 1/Discovery Tours and when they had to make a change to my reservation, they made paid for my hotel since I had to arrive early. This is my first time using this company and probably be my last time.

DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY! This was my third European tour and first time with Go Ahead. Overall, the tour guides complete lack of expertise, and the varying quality of accommodations and meals did not meet the standards we were led to expect given the description and price we paid. I booked this tour based on the reviews but did not enjoy the overall experience compared to other tours I've taken. Please take this as a sign to use a different tour company. I would highly recommend Collette if you need one. I contacted customer service and requested compensation for the bad experience and was only offered a $200 credit to take another tour with them. NEVER.

The view from our hotel in Avignon.

Be careful when booking, especially if you are a senior citizen. Don't go by the itinerary description. Call first. Better yet, use a different company. We lost $1800 ($900 booking fee and $900 insurance) even though we canceled 92 days out. Itinerary description never mentioned walking, standing, or climbing stairs. My husband is 73 and uses a walker. Obviously, we had to cancel. The insurance claim was denied because it was not a reason on their list. So, we couldn't go on vacation and lost $1800. Nice thing to do to senior citizens.

I don't know for sure because they're not upfront with their processes, but they seem to contract most functions out to local guides with no incentive to help you. Customer service will tell you they have no specific information about your tour and cannot help you, but they will read you a patronizing appeasement script and admonish you for not being happy with their paltry product. You get essential information about airport transfers and hotels at the last minute, further limiting your recourse. The hotels are far from anywhere you'd want to be, so you spend the money you save with them by taking taxis and Uber or time with long, complex commutes. Included dinners are not generous. You can get lucky with a nice tour guide, but there's still not much they can do if you have a problem. I should have booked a more expensive tour because I paid the difference making up for everything lacking with GoAhead.

I made a reservation last Thursday (11/16/2023) for a trip to Iceland from 12/02/2023-12/07/2023 and then I was told that I can't have my refund back. This entire situation has been a massive chaos. When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning. I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund. I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information.

I have yet to leave on this trip to New England, but thus far the customer service has been DISMAL at best. They have every device to discourage you from talking to an actual person. Additionally, be warned: there is a lot of FALSE ADVERTISING. Website indicates first two nights a hotel in Burlington, walking distance to many things, or close to public transportation. So, we booked a pre-stay for two nights in Burlington, Before we booked the extra nights, I was told by rep the hotel would be 'Delta Marriott in Burlington'. When the actual hotels were sent, I see we are at Hampton Inn in Colchester. Well this hotel is in the middle of nowhere, not walkable to anything, 30 minutes drive to Burlington. Their front desk informed me we 'really will need a car to go anywhere' (except Starbucks and Costco across the street). I have been on the line now 43 minutes as I type this to 'tour support' line. The rep when she finally came on tells me there is NO REFUND for the pre-stay hotel payment. It is 'close to public transportation.' Turns out she is referring to the Colchester bus station -- 13 minutes away!! Clearly, reputation and customer service are not important to this company. I will never book with them again.

Poor costumer service. They just want your money. I booked a single room and they told me they can not find a room for me since I booked late. How come they did not tell me this when I booked? I am travelling with my family and they were confirmed. There is a likelihood that I would not travel with them I find it so ridiculous that no one tells you anything.

Tour of Australia, June 2024 started off well enough in Sydney. Enjoyed the "Vivid" festival. After the transition to Port Douglas, the hotel that EF Go Ahead tours decided to put the group in, did not have an elevator or porter service. Then after dragging luggage up two flights of steps, down a long narrow walkway that all of the lights were burnout, found the air conditioning and TV not working. When I expressed my displeasure to the EF Go Ahead tour guide, his response was to let EF Go Ahead tours know. I complained to the hotel front desk that night and the manager moved my room in the morning. I received an email from the tour company reminding me to be nice and not yell at anyone. The tour company obviously did not care about the customer being taken care of.

This review is for the tour of London and Paris. This was my third tour with GoAhead in the past 10 years. My first two tours in 2011 and 2015 were both very good, but this one was a disappointment with a dramatic decline in customer service and quality. That pains me to say, but it's true. This was essentially a bargain basement tour with terrible customer service and a bad Tour Director, Reuben, who made the tour very stressful and unpleasant. He was unavailable to us, ignored messages, and made us feel like we were bothering him. The whole tour group was constantly talking about how Rueben the tour guide was ignoring them and acting put out, like he didn't want to be bothered with the group. The wait time to talk to anyone at GoAhead on the phone was consistently 45 min to an hour minimum leading up to the tour and after. That's ridiculous. For my past 2 tours I received a quality travel bag in the mail from GoAhead. This time, GoAhead mailed the travelers a cookbook. Like that will come in handy whilst on tour. It was an obvious attempt at some promotional collaboration that didn't serve the needs of its customers at all. The London portion coincided with the death of Queen Elizabeth. It was understandable that there might be some adjustments made, but we were told in the hotel lobby that our bus had been "cancelled" and we would be traveling on foot. This was a problem, because we paid for coach travel throughout our tour. GoAhead sent us travelers an email on 9/15 that said "London is experiencing severe road closures, which do not permit buses to operate in the city." This statement was untrue. There were plenty of buses operating in the city, and numerous buses were outside of our London hotel every day transporting people from other tour groups. We took photos and video of these buses with time stamps. I understand that transportation is more complicated with activities around Queen Elizabeth, but to tell us that buses are "not permitted" to operate in the city is just false. For the excursions, there was never enough time to enjoy. It was rush-rush-rush, never allowing an appropriate amount of time to see the site, with no consideration to factor in time for restrooms or gift shops. Reuben was a downgrade from previous tour directors. It is the Tour Director's job to be available and hold our hands through the travel. Reuben left my husband and me at a London tube station after we couldn't get on due to overcrowding at rush hour. When we caught up later, he had the nerve to snip at us for not getting on fast enough. I'm a former New Yorker and know how to deal with rush hour subway crowding. There was NO ROOM to possibly get on. Then, when the group had just arrived in Paris, he took us on the Metro and then abandoned us all at an unfamiliar location in the Latin Quarter, saying that he would "challenge us" to see if we could all find our way back without him. Wow. Travel was chaotic and disorganized in his hands. The Paris hotel location at Place de Republique was shabby and filled with a constant stream of loud motorcycles at all hours and loud skateboarders, making sleep a challenge. I was also disturbed that GoAhead made a point to say that all of us travelers absolutely MUST have COVID testing just before travel, and that the Tour Director would be checking these test results as soon as we arrived. Reuben never once mentioned this testing, and certainly never came around to check our test results. I feel really lied to about this. When I contacted GoAhead with the documented issues we experienced and the demonstrable lies we were told on the tour, the representative acted all concerned and told us we were surely owed a partial refund. I asked for a $400 per person partial refund ($800 total), which is peanuts compared to the total cost. Of course, GoAhead later came back and said NO. No refund of any kind would be given. So that ended our relationship with GoAhead after 3 tours for use over the last 10 years. They didn't care at all about losing our future business. So, BEWARE. This company is not what it once was. It's a great shame. We will not be traveling with them again. There are a lot of other choices out there, and they don't care about making things right -- just getting your money and nickel and diming you to death. You've been warned.

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