On this insider’s walking tour of France, walk in the footsteps of Cezanne through through the Luberon forest and rustic towns and amble through lush fields and gardens. Your journey will immerse you in the papal riches of Avignon, the ochre hues of Verdon, Gordes and Roussillon, and the stunning views from Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera. You may not have a year in Provence, but spend 10 days and you may never want to leave.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Cannes

Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to France.

Day 2 - Cannes

Touch down in Nice. Here you’ll meet your Go Ahead representative, then transfer by motorcoach to the elite resort town of Cannes and check in to your hotel. Become acquainted with your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s included dinner. (B in flight, D)

Day 3 - Avignon

En route to Avignon, discover the fresh air and flowering vistas of Provence during this morning’s invigorationg two-hour walk in Ste. Baume. Medievel travelers followed these same paths in their pilgrimages to pray at the shrine of Mary Magdalene. Then travel to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of painter Paul Cézanne during a guided tour of the city, including the painter’s studio. In his paintings of the surrounding countryside, Cézanne immortalized this charming town. (B)

Day 4 - Avignon

Visit Avignon to stroll through the medieval city this morning on a tour led by your tour director.  Follow your morning walk with an in-depth visit to the Papal Palace with a professional guide. In the 14th century, Pope Clement V chose to reign as pope from his native France, rather than from Rome. Visit the opulent palace that he and his successors inhabited and view the relics of grandeur they enjoyed during the 75-year era when Avignon was the seat of the papacy. This afternoon, savor our included Provençal Lunch, which includes a taste of the region’s cuisine and a visit to the Pont du Gard. Built in 19 B.C. during the days of the Roman empire, this aqueduct endures as an architectural and artistic marvel. (B, L)

Day 5 - Avignon

This morning, visit the perfectly preserved hilltop town of Gordes. With its imposing Château de Gordes, the 12th-century village overlooks the Imergue Valley. Continue on to Roussillon, considered to be one of France’s most picturesque villages. Today’s hour-long walk takes you into and through the town’s open-air ochre mines. Although mining has ceased, the colorful red rock continues to draw visitors to its unique cliffside vistas. Later, pass through three scenic Luberon towns, Bonnieux, Lacoste and Ménerbes, before reaching Fontaine de Vaucluse, a waterfall that emanates from deep inside a rocky hillside. Savor the rustic flavors of Southern France with an optional Chateauneuf du Pape dinner and wine tasting tonight. (B)

$85 USD

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Dinner and Wine Tasting Savor the region's vintage wines during a wine tasting at a local wine cellar then enjoy Provençal cuisine at a nearby restaurant for dinner. Please note: This optional requires advance booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.

Day 6 - Les Gorges du Verdon

Drive through the countryside to the rustic Luberon region, setting for Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence. Your hour-and-a-half walk in the Luberon Forest takes you through groves of oak and cedar with views of the surrounding mountain villages. En route to Gorges du Verdon, visit the town of Grasse, the heart of France’s perfume industry. Surrounded by fields of jasmine, roses, violets and lavender, Grasse produces a high percentage of the world’s bottled fragrances. Make a visit to the Fragonard Perfume Factory to see the process in action. Then stop in the medieval village of Moustiers Ste. Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its blue-and-white ceramics, before tonight's included dinner. (B, D)

Day 7 - Les Gorges du Verdon

This morning, your tour director leads you on an orientation of the town of Gréoux-les-Bains. Known for the recuperative waters of its thermal caves, Gréoux-les-Bains offers a range of medieval relics, including the ruins of the castle of the Templars. Next, a botanical guide will lead a walking tour of the town and the surrounding countryside. Stop in Moustiers with time for lunch before driving past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the "Grand Canyon of France." (B)

Day 8 - Nice

Reach Nice later today, and begin exploring this charming Riviera city on your own. This evening, experience all the glamour of Monaco on our optional Monaco by Night excursion, featuring dinner and a visit to the Monte-Carlo Casino. (B)

$115 USD

Monaco by Night This evening excursion shows you the jewel of the French Riviera at its best, featuring castles, cafes and cabarets all lit up under the setting sun.

Day 9 - Nice

Today’s 1.5-hour walk introduces you to Cap Ferrat, a peninsula that runs between Nice and the principality of Monaco. The cliffside path takes you around the edge of the peninsula, with memorable views of the Mediterranean. This afternoon, join our optional excursion to St. Paul-de-Vence, a popular enclave for artists. (B, D)

$45 USD

St. Paul-de-Vence Journey to the rustic hill town for a guided tour of St. Paul-de-Vence, a popular enclave for artists.

Day 10 - Nice

Transfer to Nice’s airport for your flight home, or join our Paris tour extension. (B)