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A Week in France

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A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris

with Normandy & Paris extension

Duration: 9 or 12 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 106

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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

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

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Nice today.

Nice2 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.

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

Spend a free evening in Nice or add an excursion.

Evening in Monaco

Excursion (additional cost)

Avignon2 nights

Day 4: Avignon via Cassis

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Avignon, stopping to discover the seaside village of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur.

Board a boat and take a cruise through Cassis Harbor
Soak in beautiful vistas of the surrounding coastline and calanques, narrow fjord-like inlets carved into the white limestone
Make stops to snap photos of the scenic harbor and calanques
Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing on to Avignon

Please note: The cruise is weather-dependent. In the case of inclement weather, the cruise will be replaced with another activity.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Avignon

Included meal: Breakfast

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

See the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, the bridge that inspired the French folk tune "On the Bridge of Avignon"
Step inside the magnificent Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Stroll through the historic town center, which is surrounded by the city’s original medieval walls

Spend a free afternoon in Avignon or add an excursion.

Aix-en-Provence: Sights, Wines & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Paris3 nights

Day 6: Train ride to Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a high-speed TGV train to Paris and travel through the picturesque landscapes that influenced the French masters.

Enjoy a free evening in France’s capital city 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

Spend a free afternoon in Paris or add an excursion.

Versailles Palace & Gardens

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 8: Free day in Paris

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Paris or add an excursion. Then, celebrate your trip with 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 Normandy & Paris

Head north to the Normandy Coast where you’ll see that history isn’t just found inside a dusty old textbook. Stories about the Allied soldiers take on a whole new meaning as you walk along the shores where they once fought. After your on-the-ground history lesson, head back to Paris to board your flight home.

Normandy Coast2 nights

Day 9: Normandy Coast via Rouen & Honfleur

Included meal: Breakfast

Travel through historic cities and pristine port towns on your way to the Normandy coast.

Visit Rouen, home to a large 16th-century clock and the Gothic, two-towered Rouen Cathedral
Walk through the Old Market Square where Joan of Arc was executed
See the untouched Honfleur harbor, once an important port
Sample cheeses, including Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, and Livarot, paired with cider and Calvados, the region’s distinctive apple brandy

Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Normandy

Included meal: Breakfast

Dive into World War II history with your Tour Director during a visit to Normandy, where the Allied troops landed in June, 1944.

Travel to the American Cemetery in Colleville, the burial place for more than 9,000 American soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of Normandy
Walk along Omaha Beach, the landing site of American troops on D-Day
Visit Pointe du Hoc to view the granite monument that honors the American 2nd Ranger Battalion, which seized German cannons here before they could be used to fire on American troops
Stop in the seaside town of Arromanches, home to one of the main Allied landing harbors, and enjoy free time to explore
Pay a visit to Juno Beach and the Bény-sur Mer Canadian War Cemetery (time-permitting)

Paris1 night

Day 11: Transfer to Paris

Included meal: Breakfast

Head back to Paris and enjoy a farewell drink with your group this evening.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.6 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

When you decide to take a trip, "Go Ahead", should be part of the completed sentence!!

09/29/2019 by 4th time traveler Larry G.

A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris are exciting destinations in their own rite! JJ (Tour Director), ensured a Five Star experience. This was my third Go Ahead trip and I'm already planning my fourth! My favorite sights were the majestic blue waters in Nice & Monaco! Monte Carlo coul...

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Great Trip

08/12/2019 by 2nd time traveler Kathy D.

We had the best time on this trip! The Tour Director, Susanne, was fabulous! She was so knowledgeable and just fun to be with. She was also a great help when my luggage was lost on the way to France. I would have loved one more day in Nice, but otherwise it was great. Several other guests had d...

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Wonderful time in France!

08/12/2019 by 4th time traveler Danielle I.

This was a great tour! We were lucky enough to have a small group that got along well, and what really made the trip memorable was our tour guide, Susanne! She went above and beyond to make sure everyone was taken care of. All of the included group dinners were delicious, the hotels were centrally l...

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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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Go Ahead Tours replied on 09/25/2018

Dear Marilyn, First of all, we want to thank you f...

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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.

Mercure Pont d'Avignon

Located in the heart of Provence, the Mercure Pont d'Avignon has 87 fully-appointed rooms. The hotel is close to the famous Pont d’Avignon and the Pal...

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NH Nice

With an exceptional location, NH Nice allows its guests to explore the rich heritage of the French Riviera. Set in the old quarter and the near the fa...

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Mercure Montmartre

This contemporary hotel is located in Montmartre. Guests enjoy on-site dining options, an outdoor terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Sacré-C...

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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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AC Porte Maillot

This contemporary hotel is located in the 17th arrondissement. Guests enjoy a fitness center, WiFi, and deluxe pillowtop mattresses. Nearby, you'll fi...

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Aparthotel Adagio Caen Centre

This modern hotel is located on the Orne River. Guests enjoy a cafe, fitness center, and lounge. Nearby you’ll find St John's Church, local restaurant...

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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, Pl...

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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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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

Print 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 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.

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

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag 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.

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.
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 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.

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 on tour.

Currency

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.

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.

Dates & prices

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202020212022

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2020