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Experience French life—boulangeries, bouchons, and all—with new friends by your side.
Paris’ cultural cache. Lyon’s stellar cuisine. The hamlets, harbors, and happenings of the Côte d’Azur—better known as the French Riviera. A visit to France is always a pleasure, and when you travel in a group alongside other solo travelers, you can focus on relishing each moment. Go solo, not alone, from France’s dynamic capital to its Mediterranean shores via the villages and eateries of Provence. If you’d love to linger just a bit longer, add this tour’s extension and indulge in another few days by the sea.
Your tour package includes
- 8 nights in a private room at handpicked hotels
- 8 breakfasts
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- 1 wine tasting
- 1 food tasting
Included highlights
- Eiffel Tower photo stop
- Hôtel des Invalides in Paris
- Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste in Lyon
- Lyonnaise cuisine tasting tour
- Avignon’s Papal Palace
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to Paris today.
Bonne arrivée! After clearing arrivals, transfer from the airport to your hotel to recharge. Then, get to know your Tour Director and fellow group members at a mixer before going to a historic cafe for a welcome dinner, served with beer or wine. Drink in the ambiance and let your first impression of Paris leave you enchanté.
Ready to be dazzled by the City of Light? Begin your first full day in France with a tour of its splendid capital, Paris. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll get an overview of its most recognizable landmarks and a feel for the character of its arrondissements. (That’s French for “districts,” and it’s how Parisians refer to the city’s neighborhoods.)
- Drive down the sycamore-lined Avenue des Champs-Élysées—an icon of France that’s lined with majestic monuments, glitzy restaurants, and glamorous storefronts. Continue to its western end and take in the magnificent Arc de Triomphe, originally built to commemorate one of Napoleon’s many conquests. A dozen different avenues spoke from this epic arch, making it Paris’ symbolic heart.
- Pass the 16th-century Pont Neuf, the oldest stone bridge in Paris, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Watching over its arrondissement from an island in the Seine River, this French Gothic masterwork is one of the city’s enduring sights.
- Make a photo stop at the Eiffel Tower (you know this one!) before viewing the Palais Garnier opera house and the Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square.
- Pass by the I.M. Pei-designed Louvre Pyramid—the grandiose glass gateway to the world’s preeminent art museum. Then, marvel at the Hôtel des Invalides: Erected in the 17th century and built to a height of roughly 350 feet, this gold-domed structure is the largest church building in all of Paris and serves as the final resting place of its greatest military leaders.
If you need a break from the buzz of this electric city, seek royal refuge by adding an afternoon outing to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles. You’ll encounter gilded walkways, fresco-adorned ceilings, and close to 2,000 acres of immaculate green space—all just a few miles west of Paris. Or, stay in town and use your free time to amble to the Champ-de-Mars and savor a picnic in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.
Versailles Palace & Gardens
From $139 per person
Begin your journey south of Paris by transferring to Gare de Lyon and boarding the TGV. (That stands for Train à Grande Vitesse—literally “high-speed train.” With speeds capping out at 200 mph, they really mean it!) After a zippy ride through landscapes that inspired France’s most virtuosic artists, arrive at your final destination: Lyon. Once you’re there, enjoy some free time to grab lunch before meeting a local guide for an introduction to France’s culinary capital.
- Set out on a walking tour of Lyon’s UNESCO-recognized city center, taking in its Gothic and Renaissance architecture as you go. Along the way, you’ll pass the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. You may have already seen it as you coasted into town, but this hilltop cathedral—built on the site of an old Roman forum—staggers up close.
- Drive over Saint-Exupéry Hill—named for Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the Lyon-born author of the world-famous novella, The Little Prince—stopping in several districts en route. Highlights include the riverside Quais de Saône area and the landmark-lined Place des Terraux, but there’s plenty more to see beyond this popular pair.
- Continue through Vieux Lyon, the Old Town and largest Renaissance district in the city, and step inside the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon. Simply known as “Lyon Cathedral” in English, this Gothic church took 300 years to complete and houses a 14th-century astronomical clock. You might just catch it tolling!
- Explore some of Lyon’s many traboules—secret covered passageways that once helped workers and merchants shuttle between streets. Word has it that it takes a true Lyonnais to locate these hidden paths; luckily, your local guide’s one of them.
- Wrap up with a sampling of the city’s cuisine. Join your guide for a tasting of cheese, charcuterie, and wine, before finishing your sightseeing tour with a sweet treat from a boulangerie. (That’s the French word for bakery, and with more than 30,000 of them in the country, it’s a word you’ll use often.)
After a day of travel and tastings, enjoy an evening to yourself. If you’re craving another bite to eat, seek out a bouchon. Unique to Lyon, these eateries serve hearty local dishes and regional wines in a cozy atmosphere. Not just any restaurant can claim the title, though: Only a few dozen meet the traditional qualifications needed, so do a little digging and find your favorite, or ask your Tour Director for a recommendation.
After easing into your day with a free morning, choose one of two paths: Either add an afternoon excursion to the quaint commune of Pérouges—and see why it’s recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (“the most beautiful villages in France”)—or take a few hours to continue snacking your way through Lyon. Then, wind down on your own and pack up for tomorrow’s transfer to Avignon.
Medieval Village of Pérouges
From $69 per person
Today, drive into Provence and make your way to the “City of the Popes.” Sited along the Rhône River, Avignon’s place at the confluence of history and culture dates to it being the seat of the Catholic papacy in the 14th century. Upon arrival, discover its legacy of architecture and art with a local guide leading the way with a visit to the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant medieval Gothic buildings in all of Europe. From its cavernous chambers to its extensive courtyards, the enormous structure boasts fortress-like walls more than 160 feet tall—a surefire way to protect its residents.
Interested in some wine to toast a day well-spent? Roll into the Rhône Valley and visit a cellar specializing in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. One of the most famous French Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée, or AOCs, these prized wines are crafted with one of 13 designated varietals—and during your visit, you’ll get to sample some of them.
Afterward, sit down at a local restaurant for an included dinner of Provençal specialties, served with beer or wine, before returning to your hotel and calling it a night.
For a one-of-a-kind blend of Roman history and Post-Impressionist heritage, tack today’s optional outing to the riverside city of Arles onto your itinerary. Alternatively, plan a peaceful personal retreat to Île de la Barthelasse. France’s largest river island is just a short bus or ferry ride from Central Avignon, and its protected green space offers broad views of the city.
Arles & Pont du Gard
From $95 per person
From Avignon, take the scenic route and travel to the French Riviera, pausing to tour its charming medieval villages and mesmerizing Mediterranean coastline.
- First, stop in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Home to just over 700 people, Moustiers has protected the western mouth of the Verdon Gorge for more than a millennium. Marvel at its olive-planted hills as you drive in—and perhaps catch a glimpse of the famous gold star strung up above the town between two cliffs—then enjoy free time to wander its cobbled streets. For centuries, Moustiers played a key role in the pottery trade; today, you can see that legacy in the form of its famous, tin-glazed faience.
- After grabbing some food in Moustiers, board your bus once again and rumble down the Route Napoléon. Tracing the steps of Napoléon Bonaparte after his return from exile, this scenic drive runs all the way to the Côte d’Azur. And when we say “scenic,” we mean it: Sweeping sea views, forested valleys, and much more line this 195-mile highway.
- Exit the route and stop in Grasse—the center of France’s perfume industry and the fragrance capital of the world. Breathe in the sights, sounds, and smells of the town as you make your way to a professional workshop, where you’ll craft an Eau de Cologne of your own with guidance from a local expert.
End your day on a high note, leaving Grasse and transferring to your hotel on the French Riviera. After settling in, use your free evening to explore the area at your leisure or cap your travels with some rest and relaxation.
Nestled between Cannes and the Principality of Monaco on the Côte d’Azur, Nice is part cultural hub, part coastal resort, and entirely fascinating. Fall in love with “La Belle” during a guided tour of the city this morning, and see which of its quarters claims your heart.
- Drive along the Promenade des Anglais, a waterfront walkway dear to locals and tourists alike. Spot the various highlights called out by your local guide: The distinguished Hôtel Negresco, casino-hotel Palais de la Méditerranée, and the iron sculpture La Chaise all line the promenade.
- Stop in the upscale Cimiez neighborhood to explore a pair of legendary landmarks. First, enter the second-century Roman amphitheater—one ruin among many that formerly constituted the Roman city of Cemenelum—before moving on to the thriving gardens of the Cimiez Monastery. Monks have found solace in its peaceful surroundings since the 800s, and you can, too. Bask in a blissful moment of calm, then continue on your sightseeing tour.
- Conclude your day with free time in Nice’s Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets connecting bustling squares, quaint cafes, and the vibrant Cours Saleya market. (Looking for souvenirs? Here’s your last chance! Pick up tapenades, candied fruit, and other local specialties for the gourmand in your life.)
Later, celebrate your trip at a farewell dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home—or keep falling head over heels for the French Riviera on the tour’s extension.
Embark on a sunny, salty exploration of the French Riviera, a region known for its glamorous resorts and yacht-dotted coasts.
- Marvel at scene-stealing views of the Mediterranean Sea as you stand atop the cliffs of Cap Ferrat. Turquoise waters, washes of greenery, and coves peeking from the coastline combine to make the dreamiest vistas.
- Tour the opulent Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a magnificent mansion with lavishly decorated rooms commissioned by the Rothschild banking family. The real allure, however, lies in the meticulously landscaped, themed gardens surrounding the villa, each boasting its own unique charm—from the fragrant rose garden to the exotic spanish garden.
Return to your hotel to freshen up, then enjoy an afternoon on your own. Keep exploring into the evening—or, if you’d prefer a glimpse into the French Riviera’s rich art scene, add an excursion to Saint-Paul-de-Vence and enjoy a tour of its culture and cuisine.
Medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence
From $99 per person
Make the most of your last full day on tour. To rub shoulders with the rich and famous in their favorite playground, take up the optional outing to the nearby city-state of Monaco. Or, dig deeper into the French Riviera’s art scene by staying behind in Nice and roaming one of its museums. The Musée Matisse catalogs the works of one of the city’s most celebrated former residents, while the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain—MAMAC for short—showcases avant-garde creations.
Finally, rejoin your fellow group members in the evening for a farewell drink and celebrate your trip.
A Day in Monaco
From $129 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Book for just $99 down
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Reviews
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This chic hotel is located in the heart of Paris’ Montparnasse neighborhood. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, a traditional streetside restaurant, and an ...
This contemporary hotel is located in the business district of Lyon. Guests enjoy a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. Nearby, you’ll find UNESCO-li...
This relaxing hotel is located just outside of Avignon’s city center. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, on-site coffee house, and wellness center. Nearby...
This contemporary hotel is located in the heart of Juan-les-Pins. Guests enjoy an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2025, passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers will be responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you aren’t a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each 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 FR6.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Paris and depart from Nice.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who purchase their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights, and who’ll arrive and depart from the same airports on the same travel days as their fellow group members, may request transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- When you arrive in Paris, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with either a Go Ahead sign or one bearing your name. If you don’t see them immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a moderate physical activity-level tour. You can expect casual walks and plenty of time to explore throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a steadily paced tour. Tour pacing considers how often you’ll switch hotels, what you’ll do each day, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Most transportation to be by motor coach.
- Occasional transportation by train or boat.
- About 1-3 hours of bus time daily.
Walking, Terrain & Physical Considerations
- Travelers should be prepared to walk two miles per day on city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Cobblestone streets can become slick when wet.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
Climate
- In France, temperatures range from 40 F in winter to the low 80s F in summer, with occasional heatwaves from June to September.
Physical Activity & Tour Pacing Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage-handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the whole group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The group can’t miss any activities because of an individual’s needs.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, wheelchairs and walkers will be difficult to use and aren’t recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring any mobility aids.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour utilizes various modes of transportation, including trains and a private motor coach. To board them, you may have to climb raised platforms or steps. Often, there won’t be access to ramps or lifts.
- A train ride from Paris to Lyon is included in the price of your tour.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- European train stations typically operate similarly to airports: Security measures, such as baggage and body scanners, are common. Additionally, platforms are often spread across large distances and require travelers to carry their luggage up and down escalators or stairs. Porterage services aren’t offered and storage space is extremely limited. Please keep in mind that trains may only stop at each station for a few minutes; quick boarding and deboarding may be imperative.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels, airports, or train stations.
- 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’s preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single-use plastic waste.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using a hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Please note: Porterage isn’t included on train transfers, and storage space is extremely limited. You should feel comfortable lifting and carrying your bags over steps, onto platforms, and into storage. To make things easier, we recommend traveling with one suitcase and personal item (e.g. a backpack or purse) per person.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but they’re typically three- or four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the air conditioning in European hotels and buildings is often not as strong or cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- France operates on the European standard of 220-240 volts and uses Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most can be bought while on tour. While traveling, you can purchase them directly through your mobile app for an additional $10USD on the excursion’s price.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least three days prior to your tour departure. Please note: Some excursions have advance booking deadlines, so check your itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather, or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you’ll be refunded the full cost of the excursion. (It may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.)
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions, which can only be purchased on tour, in cash, in the local currency.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- 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 contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of your tour, as well as for any possible delays.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets that’re used during sightseeing tours so travelers can better hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please contact our Customer Experience Team—we may be able to provide alternative solutions to best suit your needs. Please note that, due to supplier limitations, we can’t offer headsets on all our tours at this time.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- 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 FR6.
- This tour includes three dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- A hotel breakfast is included each morning, and is typically a buffet-style meal with hot and cold options.
- For a picnic with French flair, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked breads, and fruits. 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.
- 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 $10-$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.
- If you’re traveling with the same Tour Director to multiple countries with different currencies, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price; it isn’t necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You’ll 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 and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- 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.
- Your Tour Director will lead your group. You’ll have the same Tour Director for the duration of your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each day’s activities, and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and can’t provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is having access to our 24/7 Emergency Support Team.
- Our extensive network of global offices and our integration of ISO 31000 risk management guidelines help this dedicated team anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible, iterative way.
- Using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience, this team assists travelers and Tour Directors in case of emergencies—stepping in for everything from personal health concerns and injuries to major world events.
- Our On-Tour Support team can also provide additional support for travelers on tour, arranging assistance from outside specialists and liaising with local and international authorities as needed. And if there’s an emergency on the road or at home, the team will support and facilitate communication between travelers and their families.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.