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A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris

with Paris extension

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This tour itinerary varies by year.

Duration: 9 or 11 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 102

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
4 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

The French Riviera
the calanques of Cassis
Avignon’s Papal Palace
high-speed TGV train ride
Eiffel Tower photo stop

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to France today.

French Riviera2 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Nice

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to France! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Nice

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover the many charms of the city of Nice on the French Riviera during a guided sightseeing tour.

• Drive along the Promenade des Anglais

• Explore the Roman Amphitheater

• Wander around the gardens of the Franciscan Monastery in Cimiez

• End the tour amongst the narrow streets and market stalls of the Old Town

Later, explore Nice on your own or add an excursion.

Evening in Monaco

Excursion (additional cost)

Avignon2 nights

Day 4: Avignon via Cassis

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Transfer to the town of Cassis, where you’ll embark on a short cruise to take in the city’s famous calanques, or Mediterranean fjords. Then, continue on to Avignon where you'll sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Avignon

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover historic Avignon in Provence today on a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

• Stroll through the historic town center, which is surrounded by the city’s original medieval walls

• Step inside the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Spend the afternoon exploring Avignon on your own or add an excursion.

Aix-en-Provence: Sights, Wines & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Paris3 nights

Day 6: Train ride to Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through the picturesque landscapes that influenced the French masters aboard the high-speed TGV train.Enjoy a free evening in Paris or add an excursion.

Dinner in Paris & Seine River Cruise

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

A guided tour introduces you to the architecture, scenery, and history of the City of Light’s many neighborhoods, called arrondissements.

• Drive down the sycamore-lined Champs-Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe

• Pass Pont Neuf and the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on an island in the Seine River

• See the Eiffel Tower, the Palais Garnier opera house, and Place de la Concorde, the city’s grandest square

• Marvel at the iconic architecture of the Louvre and Hôtel des Invalides

Enjoy a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free day in Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Paris on your own today or add an excursion.Say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner this evening.

Monet & the Landscapes of Giverny

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 9: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to continue exploring Paris.

Extension to Paris

Paris—the city of love and light. From the iconic Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa to the bustling Champs-Élysées and winding streets of Montmartre, you'll find romance, history, and beauty. Browse boutiques, stroll through manicured parks, take a seat at a sidewalk café, and watch the sun set over the Seine.

Paris2 nights

Day 9: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day to explore the city on your own or add an excursion.

Paris Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend your final day in Paris exploring on your own.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

102

4.6 average

Fantastic Tour!

04/11/2019 by 7th time traveler Wendy C.

I’m so glad I chose to take this trip. I’ve been to Paris several years ago, but this tour showed me there is so much more to France than just Paris! Nice is nestled by the Mediterranean Sea. Our hotel was walking distance to the seas spectacular view! Old Town is quaint with restaurants and shops w...

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Wonderful tour of Riviera, Provence and Paris!

09/25/2018 by 7th time traveler Marilyn B.

This tour was a delightful sampling of the best of the Riviera, Provence and Paris! Franck was the most pleasant, attentive and knowledgeable tour director we could have ever expected. Our group, which included many first time travelers to France, certainly got a taste of the best if they opted for ...

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France

09/24/2018 by 5th time traveler Inge H.

As usual, I enjoyed the company of the tour participants and the tour director was excellent. The first hotel was a little shabby, the second in an inconvenient location and the third segregated the tour members in a lesser breakfast location (appearance and selection of food). The wine tasting ex...

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Too much walking!

09/21/2018 by 5th time traveler Helga A.

Franck ,our guide was great. Smart and attentive. my main complaint started in Aix en Provence ( an optional excursion). We walked and climbed endlessly and saw very little. It was past the season for Lavender fields and there was not much to see. The winery was disappointing and the wine tasting c...

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Amazing experience!

06/14/2018 by 5th time traveler Moraima W.

I had a wonderful experience on my trip to France. First, our Tour Director, Christophe, was very knowledgeable, thourough and competent. He was focused on making sure all the people on tour was informed and knew what to do. He provided us with his card in case we needed to get a hold of him. I. Lov...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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.

AC Hotel Nice

This contemporary hotel is located in Promenade des Anglais. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Promenade des A...

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Hotel Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes

This contemporary hotel is located in central Avignon. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find Pont d’Avignon, Palais de...

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Flights

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 package 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

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

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.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 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.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

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.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

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).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to France.
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](https://www.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.

Cuisine

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, 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.

Electricity & air conditioning

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.

Connectivity

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.

Time zones

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 in Paris.

Currency

You will use the euro in France.
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.

Tipping

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 $7USD to $10USD 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.

Purchasing excursions on tour

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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.