Provence Walking Tour 10 days / Walking Tours
About This Experience
Slow your pace, breathe in the fresh air and experience the French countryside at its purest and prettiest. On this Provence walking tour, you'll retrace the footsteps of painters and pilgrims who have long been inspired by the region's natural splendor. From the fields of fragrant lavender to the cliffs of Cap Ferrat, discover a Provence that will stimulate all your senses.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Fresh-baked fougasse
Avignon's opulent Papal Palace
Charming Provencal village life
Vincent van Gogh & Paul Cézanne
The glamor & glitter of the French Riviera
Lovely, luscious lavender fields
Overnight Flight1 night
Cannes1 night
Day2
Arrive in Cannes, playground of the rich and famous
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to France! A representative greets you at the airport in Nice after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel in Cannes. This evening, meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s Welcome Dinner.
Avignon3 nights - hotel info
Day3
Follow your nose through fields of fragrant jasmine, lavender and rose
Breakfast
Discover the fresh air and flowering vistas of Provence during this morning’s invigorating two hour walk in Ste.-Baume. Medieval pilgrims followed these same paths to pray at the shrine of Mary Magdalene. En route to Avignon, 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.
Day4
Cross the famous Pont d'Avignon and marvel at the opulent Papal Palace
Breakfast
Papal Palace
Stroll through the medieval city of Avignon this morning with your Tour Director. You’ll also experience an in-depth visit to the Papal Palace with an audio 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 during the 75 years of the Avignon Papacy. This afternoon, explore the villages of the Luberon Valley. Consider joining this evening’s optional Châteauneuf-du-Pape Dinner & Wine Tasting.
Optional Excursions
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting & Dinner $89* pp
During tonight's excursion, leave Avignon and travel to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a region boasting 13 different varieties of grapes. At a local wine cellar, you'll be invited to sample several of the region's most distinctive vintages. After your tasting, sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant featuring a selection of Provençal dishes.
Day5
Walk through the landscapes painted by Vincent van Gogh
Breakfast, Lunch
Arles was the adopted hometown of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most celebrated works here. Your Tour Director leads a sightseeing tour of the town before an included lunch. Then, journey outside the city to visit the Pont du Gard, the region’s famed Roman aqueduct.
Aix-en-Provence2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Roam around Roussillon's rose-colored ochre quarries
Breakfast, Dinner
Roussillon ochre mines
This morning, visit the hilltop town of Gordes, and a nearby waterfall. Continue on to Roussillon for an hour-long walk through the town’s open-air ochre mines. Although mining has ceased, the colorful red rock continues to draw visitors from far and wide. Continue on to Aix where you’ll enjoy dinner with your group.
Day7
Stop in Moustiere-Sainte-Marie to admire the ceramic craftsmanship
Breakfast
Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its blue-and-white ceramics. After free time for lunch, continue past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the “Grand Canyon of France.”
Nice2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Inspire your inner Impressionist in Aix-en-Provence
Breakfast
Cézanne’s Studio
This morning 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. Continue on to the Mediterranean city of Nice, where you can choose to join our optional Monaco by Night excursion, featuring dinner and a visit to the famous Monte-Carlo Casino.
Optional Excursions
Monaco by Night $99* pp
Spend an evening in Monaco, world-renowned for its luxuriousness. A tiny principality ruled by the Grimaldis, Europe’s oldest royal family, Monaco has retained its independence for more than 700 years. Your Tour Director introduces you to the Old Town with a stop outside the Royal Palace. After an included dinner, try your luck at the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Please note: The trip to the casino requires moderate walking.
Day9
Hike along Cap Ferrat past magnificent villas and Mediterranean vistas
Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a walk on the Cap Ferrat, the peninsula separating Nice from the principality of Monaco. Your hour-and-a-half walk along a cliffside path presents memorable views of the Mediterranean and the Cote d’Azur. Relive tour memories at tonight’s Farewell Dinner.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $499*
Paris—the city of life, love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs-Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, beauty and history in the French capital. Browse the bookstores and boutiques, stroll manicured parks and walk along the Seine. Then take a seat at a sidewalk café and watch the Parisians do their thing.
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Cruise the River Seine by the light of la lune
Breakfast
Board the TGV train to Paris, where you’ll be met by a representative who will assist with hotel check-in. The rest of your day is free to begin acquainting (or re-acquainting) yourself with the French capital. Tonight, opt for a special Evening in Paris event with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day2
Stroll the storied streets and find your own favorite places in Paris
Breakfast
With two free days in Paris, you’ll have plenty of opportunities in the City of Light. If you wish, join an optional city sightseeing tour.
Optional Excursions
Paris Sightseeing $69* pp
A local guide introduces you to the landmarks of the City of Light. Drive down the leafy Champs-Élysées, pass by the Eiffel Tower and gaze upon Notre-Dame Cathedral. Your guided sightseeing tour is by motor coach, and you'll enjoy several opportunities to stop and take photographs.
Day3
Explore Monet's house and gardens
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day in Paris, or join an optional excursion to Giverny to explore Monet’s house and gardens. Then, you might choose to stop and enjoy a crepe at one of the local terrasse.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
About This Experience
Slow your pace, breathe in the fresh air and experience the French countryside at its purest and prettiest. On this Provence walking tour, you'll retrace the footsteps of painters and pilgrims who have long been inspired by the region's natural splendor. From the fields of fragrant lavender to the cliffs of Cap Ferrat, discover a Provence that will stimulate all your senses.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
8 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 3 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Fresh-baked fougasse
Avignon's opulent Papal Palace
Charming Provencal village life
Vincent van Gogh & Paul Cézanne
The glamor & glitter of the French Riviera
Lovely, luscious lavender fields
Overnight Flight1 night
Cannes1 night - hotel info
Day2
Arrive in Cannes, playground of the rich and famous
Breakfast (in flight), Dinner
Welcome to France! A representative greets you at the airport in Nice after you clear customs and escorts you to your hotel in Cannes. This evening, meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at this evening’s welcome dinner.
Avignon3 nights - hotel info
Day3
Follow your nose through fields of fragrant jasmine, lavender and rose
Breakfast
Discover the fresh air and flowering vistas of Provence during this morning’s invigorating twohour walk in Ste.-Baume. Medieval pilgrims followed these same paths to pray at the shrine of Mary Magdalene. En route to Avignon, 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.
Day4
Cross the famous Pont d'Avignon and marvel at the opulent Papal Palace
Breakfast
Papal Palace
Stroll through the medieval city of Avignon this morning with your Tour Director. You’ll also experience to the Papal Palace with an audio 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 during the 75 years of the Avignon Papacy. This afternoon, explore the villages of the Luberon Valley. Consider joining this evening’s optional Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting & Dinner.
Optional Excursions
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting & Dinner $89* pp
During tonight's excursion, leave Avignon and travel to Chateauneuf-du-Pape, a region boasting 13 different varieties of grapes. At a local wine cellar, you'll be invited to sample several of the region's most distinctive vintages. After your tasting, sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant featuring a selection of Provençal dishes.
Day5
Walk through the landscapes painted by Vincent van Gogh
Breakfast, Lunch
Arles was the adopted hometown of Vincent van Gogh, who painted some of his most celebrated works here. Your Tour Director leads a sightseeing tour of the town before an included lunch. Then, journey outside the city to visit the Pont du Gard, the region’s famed Roman aqueduct.
Aix-en-Provence2 nights - hotel info
Day6
Roam around Roussillon's rose-colored ochre quarries
Breakfast, Dinner
Roussillon ochre mines
This morning, visit the hilltop town of Gordes and a nearby waterfall. Continue on to Roussillon for an hour-long walk through the town’s open-air ochre mines. Although mining has ceased, the colorful red rock continues to draw visitors from far and wide. Continue on to Aix where you’ll enjoy dinner with your group.
Day7
Stop in Moustiere-Sainte-Marie to admire the ceramic craftsmanship
Breakfast
Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte- Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its blue-and-white ceramics. After free time for lunch, continue past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the “Grand Canyon of France.”
Nice2 nights - hotel info
Day8
Inspire your inner Impressionist in Aix-en-Provence
Breakfast
Cézanne’s Studio
Stop in the medieval village of Moustiers-Sainte- Marie, known throughout Europe since the 17th century for its blue-and-white ceramics. After free time for lunch, continue past the dramatic canyons of the Gorges du Verdon area, known as the “Grand Canyon of France.”
Optional Excursions
Monaco by Night $99* pp
Spend an evening in Monaco, world-renowned for its luxuriousness. A tiny principality ruled by the Grimaldis, Europe’s oldest royal family, Monaco has retained its independence for more than 700 years. Your Tour Director introduces you to the Old Town with a stop outside the Royal Palace. After an included dinner, try your luck at the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Please note: The trip to the casino requires moderate walking.
Day9
Hike along Cape Ferrat past magnificent villas and Mediterranean vistas
Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with a walk on the Cape Ferrat, the peninsula separating Nice from the principality of Monaco. Your hour-and-a-half walk along a cliffside path presents memorable views of the Mediterranean and the Côte d’Azur. Relive tour memories at tonight’s farewell dinner.
Extend Your Stay
Add Paris $539*
Paris—the city of life, love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the mysterious Mona Lisa, from the bustling Champs-Elysées to the winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, beauty and history in the French capital. Browse the bookstores and boutiques, stroll manicured parks and walk along the Seine. Then take a seat at a sidewalk café and watch the Parisians do their thing.
Paris3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Cruise the River Seine by the light of la lune
Breakfast
Board the TGV train to Paris, where you’ll be met by a representative who will assist with hotel check-in. The rest of your day is free to begin acquainting (or re-acquainting) yourself with the French capital. Tonight, opt for our Evening in Paris event with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a cruise along the Seine.
Optional Excursions
Evening in Paris $99* pp
Take in the nighttime allure of the City of Light on a special evening excursion. The event begins with dinner at a local restaurant. After you dine, board a boat cruise along the Seine. As you coast along the river and under Paris' bridges, you'll behold the gloriously illuminated monuments of Paris glittering alongside the riverbanks. Please note: the dress code may vary depending your restaurant, and your Tour Director will advise you on what to wear, but shorts and sneakers are likely to be considered inappropriate attire. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked by 20 days prior to departure.
Day2
Day3
Discover your inner Impressionist in Giverny
Breakfast
Enjoy another free day exploring Paris at your leisure, delving deeper into the neighborhoods or lingering longer at the cafes. Alternatively, opt to join an excursion into the countryside where you can see the sites that inspired the Impressionist painter Claude Monet.
Optional Excursions
Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny $85* pp
The village of Giverny was home to Claude Monet from 1883 until his death in 1926. On a visit to Monet's home and gardens, discover the subtle palette of colors that inspired his Water Lilies series and gave rise to a new way of seeing. Please note: This excursion is seasonal and runs April through October.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter France, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the French consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France. Travelers should be in good physical health. (For more information, see our “Walking on Tour” section.) Be sure to check with your doctor or health care provider for the latest updates and travel requirements.
Cuisine
A stroll along the main street of any French town soon reveals how seriously the French take their food. Throughout the country, you’ll find endless opportunities to sample wonderful food at every price range. For a casual snack or picnic, stop at a small grocery store for cheeses, pâtés, cured meats, fresh-baked bread and fruit. Sidewalk vendors are known for their steaming crêpes, filled with cheese, ham, fruit or chocolate. Mouth-watering pastries and hot café au lait beckon from the cafes. For restaurants, the prix fixe option is popular, offering a three- or four-course set menu for a good price. Nearly all restaurants post a menu outside.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Nice. (Passengers traveling on the tour extension will depart from Paris.) Included transportation on your tour is by private motor coach. In your free time, you’ll find that all of the cities and towns in Provence and the French Riviera are easily walkable.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Baggage Handling
Please note that for those traveling on our Paris extension, porter service cannot be guaranteed on the TGV train. Please be prepared to handle your own baggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Hiking boots are recommended for your tour, but if you don’t have them, then sturdy, comfortable athletic shoes and a change of footwear will do. To keep hydrated and better experience the local scenery, you’ll want to keep a plastic water bottle and binoculars handy. Some additional items we recommend carrying with you include: insect repellent, a sun hat, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm and a flashlight. You’ll also want to pack transitional clothing that fits comfortably and can adapt to inclement weather, such as a lightweight sports jacket, rainwear and light, loose-fitting layers. Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are not allowed in Italy’s churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.
Currency
The euro is the currency you’ll be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in France, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We advise that you take bank/ATM cards and credit cards, as needed. We suggest informing your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so they don’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalency of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend the equivalency of $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash. Please keep current local currency exchange rates in mind when tipping.
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Provence Walking Tour is a MUST DO
Our Walking Tour in Provence was one of the best trips I have ever taken. The main reason was our tour guide, Sebastien. He made sure everyone's needs were met and that we knew about the places we were visiting. He always had a smile on his face and made all of us feel at ease. The hotels we stayed in were centrally located and clean. The food provided by Go Ahead was first class. We experienced a good variety of local dishes that gave us a real taste of Provence. We were fortunate to have a small group -- about 17. Everyone got along and we had a good time. The hilltop villages of Gordes and Rousillion are stunning. Nice, Monaco, and the Cap Ferrat offer amazing views and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the seaside splendor. Thanks again to Sebastien for a great tour!
Provence not to me missed
This was a memorable trip. Our tour leader, Sebastien, was attentive, and an excellent guide through the region. He told us that Provence is all about the senses and our trip lived up to that. From the tastes in the village food markets, to the beautiful skies and colorful shutters. Nice has become one of my favorite cities. I recommend the optional tours to Monaco and the Wine Tasting. We had a great group of people and as a solo traveler I found everyone friendly and inclusive.
Walking Tour of Provence
We were thrilled with this tour! The tour director, Nicola was fantastic, but the places we got to go see were even better. Provence is charming and absolutely lovely. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who likes a little adventure and is not afraid to get out and walk. I do not recommend it for elderly people who are not in good shape. While I did not find the walking to be a challenge, many elderly people on the tour did. I thought the whole experience was wonderful, though.
Provence Walking Tour
This tour was so much more than we expected. We enjoyed the daily walks, and they were quite challenging. Our Tour Director was filled with information and enthusiasm and charm. He made sure that every single person had some "alone" time with him. He exceeded our expectations. We loved visiting the small hill towns, each with their own special character. The open markets contrasted brilliantly with the sophistication of Nice and Paris. Whatever free time was filled with confidence from our Tour Director's guidance and suggestions. We loved our first Go Ahead experience! Thank you.
Provence Walking tour
Walking Provence was my fourth Walking tour with GAT. It was a beautiful tour with excelent city gudies and an outstanding Tour Director. View were spectacular with time for both fast paced walks and leisure strolls. My favorite afternoon was a tour of Cezanne's studio - you could feel the passion the gudie had for Cezanne and a special bonus was to actually see the places Cezanne painted. Looking forward to my next GAT tour.
Beautiful provence
I loved this tour. Learned so much about Provence from our TD. Beautiful small towns. Unique landscape. Great food. A few challenging walks. Wonderful experience.
Beautiful provence
I loved this tour. Learned so much about Provence from our TD. Beautiful small towns. Unique landscape. Great food. A few challenging walks. Wonderful experience.
Experience of a Lifetime
Would do it again in a heartbeat! Tour director, sites chosen, daily walks were fantastic!
Riding in Provence
This tour is not wonderful like the tours of Tuscany and Ireland. We saw a lot of territory, but we spend a lot of time on the bus crisscrossing Provence. The walking parts of the tour seemed like add-ons in order to call it a walking tour. The first day included an hour long hike up. The last day included a nice walk along the coast in Nice. The time spent in most areas seemed rushed in order to stay on schedule. There was ample free time in Avignon and Nice. Our guide did not provide as much historical and cultural information as my four previous Go Ahead and EF tour guides.
Great Opportunity to Experience Provence
My son and I chose this tour because it offered the opportunity to spend time in the forests and less-seen sights in the Provence region. We were able to spend time in the larger cities as well as the small towns in the area. As "foodies" our Tour Director was able to suggest great places to experience the local flavors/tastes. We both had an awesome time - due largely to the fact that we had an amazing Tour Director who was from the area and was able to show us Provence like we were locals. I would go again in a minute!
