Southern France Tours & Trips
4.6 stars on(8,985 reviews)- Choose from 300+ Southern France tours
- 550+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Table of contents
- The best Southern France tour packages
- What people love about Southern France Tours
- Travel Southern France your way
- Best tour companies for Southern France tours
- Popular Southern France Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Southern France tour
- Discover Southern France tours for every budget
- Southern France tours for every type of group
- Top Southern France travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Southern France
- Contact our Southern France travel experts
- What our customers ask about Southern France Tours & Trips
The best Southern France tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSouthern France travel expert at TourRadar
Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads
16 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The access to some of the places was good. It is more of an active tour as it's fast pace and a lot of walking/ stair climbing is involved.”
Emma, traveled in October
The French Riviera unfolds from Nice to Monaco, featuring Vieux Nice's charming streets, visits to the Matisse Museum ($10), and scenic coastal trains, blending cultural sites with Mediterranean landscapes.
Duration 7 days Destinations Italy, France, Monaco, Spain Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$2,419
5 Day Nice and Monaco
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Itinerary is good, see lot.”
yanqing, traveled in August
Duration 5 days Destinations Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Monaco Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,389
5% Off- NZ$2,270You save $119
A 240km route along UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi connects Toulouse to Sete, featuring Carcassonne's medieval citadel and Europe's first canal tunnel at Malpas. This 7-day self-guided adventure welcomes cyclists aged 12+, offering luggage transfers, daily breakfasts, and stays in charming canal-side towns. Regional specialties include Castelnaudary's cassoulet and Minervois wines.
Duration 7 days Destinations Toulouse, Castelnaudary, Carcassonne, Beziers, Sete Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
5% Off- NZ$2,925
The French Riviera - Monaco-Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice, Antibes
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Carnival parties were super fun as the streets were packed with the parade and floats.”
Jessica, traveled in February
Southern France's coastal beauty stretches from Nice's historic quarter to Monte Carlo's glamour. The route features Antibes' Picasso museum, Cannes' golden beaches, and charming seaside towns, with guided tours, coastal cruise, and central Nice accommodation at approx. $120/day.
Duration 4 days Destinations Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, Antibes, Cannes Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Euroadventures From
5% Off- NZ$829
Stunning French Riviera
17 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I enjoyed my trip to Nice and surroundings very much. I feel that I saw a lot.”
ALICE, traveled in May
From Pin Nice Port Hotel, the French Riviera reveals Cannes' Croisette, Monaco's palace, and Saint Tropez's harbor. Medieval Eze village, historic Antibes ramparts, and Port Grimaud's unique architecture await, with breakfast and guided tours included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Eze, Monaco, Saint-Tropez Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Wingbuddy From
5% Off- NZ$2,606
What people love about Southern France Tours
- The French Riviera - Monaco-Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice, Antibes
I enjoyed the trip and everything was well organized. However I would suggest that, whenever there is only one person booked on the group tour, they should be informed earlier than 1 day before.
- Stunning French Riviera
It was a cursory visit throughout the Riviera that was well-organized.
- Mediterranean Express: Rivieras & Railroads
Hey is anyone going on the Mediterranean Express trip on 8th September, looking to get to know my fellow travellers a little before I arrive! :)
Travel Southern France your way
Explore a wide diversity of river cruises through Southern France. We have 226 cruises that vary from 3 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all River Cruise toursCycling enthusiasts have some fantastic options through Provence and along the French Riviera. The routes are thoughtfully designed - you'll pedal beneath alpine foothills in the Rhône Valley, stop at medieval villages like Gordes and wind through the Côte d'Azur's coastal paths. Our travelers especially appreciate the support vehicles that allow you to tackle more challenging sections at your own pace. One particularly loved tour combines cycling with wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape and visits to Roman sites in Orange. The guides earn consistent praise for their ability to adapt routes based on group abilities and weather conditions. Several tours include special features like truffle hunting stops and visits to local markets where you can stock up on regional specialties.
See all Bicycle toursExplore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Southern France. We have 13 adventures that vary from 8 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Coach / Bus toursFor travelers seeking to discover Southern France's hidden corners, several excellent explorer tours stand out. Our most popular route combines Rome and Barcelona via the French Riviera, where customers particularly love the free afternoons in Nice and walking tours through Monaco's winding streets. The guides - especially Fredy and Alfonso - receive constant praise for making solo travelers feel like part of a family. Another top pick takes you through Paris and along the coast, with time built in to wander Sacré-Coeur and cruise the Seine with a glass of wine. What makes these tours special is the mix of structured activities and free time - you'll have guidance when needed but plenty of space to discover local cafes and quiet corners on your own.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Southern France tours
Looking at the tour companies operating in Southern France, G Adventures comes out as a consistent favorite among our travelers. Their CEOs - that's what they call their tour leaders - really know their stuff and create this great group spirit that makes the whole experience more fun. The way they organize everything just works smoothly, which means you can focus on enjoying France instead of worrying about logistics. Euroadventures offers good value and solid organization, particularly on their Monaco circuit. They've found a sweet spot between keeping prices reasonable and delivering quality experiences. Our customers especially like how they structure their days to hit all the right spots without feeling rushed. Wingbuddy is more of a mixed bag based on what we've heard from travelers. While some people really enjoy their itineraries and appreciate having plenty of free time to explore on their own, others have run into some snags. There have been some hiccups with hotel bookings, communication hasn't always been crystal clear and the accommodations can be hit or miss. That said, if you're someone who likes having more independent exploration time, their flexible schedules might work well for you.
View operators
Popular Southern France Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Southern France tour
Lyon is where most of our southern France tours kick off - 13 of our popular routes start right there in this food-loving city. Bordeaux and Paris each host 12 departures, while Arles sends off 9 groups and also Nice launches 8 tours. Looking at booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your dates about 93 days ahead, especially if you're thinking about summer travel when the region gets busy. We've found that spring and fall hit the sweet spot - March through June or September through October bring mild weather and fewer tourists. Our guests tell us these months really let them connect with local life, whether they're chatting at springtime markets or watching the autumn grape harvest. It's pretty special in spring when you can spot the wild horses and cowboys of the Camargue, while fall brings harvest festivals that pop up all over the countryside.
Discover Southern France tours for every budget
For budget-conscious travelers, several excellent French Riviera tours stand out. Our customers particularly love the four-day Nice-based excursions that include guided walks through Monaco's royal quarter and free time to explore Cannes' famous promenade. One popular option combines cycling through Provence's wine regions with stays in family-run hotels - our travelers appreciate how the routes balance cultural highlights like the Picasso museum in Antibes with relaxed afternoons at Mediterranean beaches. The guides earn consistent praise for sharing local market tips and hidden spots for authentic meals. Another favorite starts in Lyon and winds through medieval villages before reaching Nice, with flexible daily activities that let you choose between guided tours and independent exploration.
Luxury seekers have some outstanding choices along the Rhône River and French Riviera. A standout 7-day cruise combines wine tasting at Paul Bocuse's Les Halles in Lyon with exclusive dinner experiences at historic abbeys. Our clients particularly value the intimate excursions to family-run vineyards in Tain L'Hermitage and private tours of the Papal Palace in Avignon. Another refined option spans 14 days from Monaco to Paris, featuring a cooking class with Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Marc Boyer and private cruises through the turquoise Calanques near Cassis. These tours include special touches like vintage Citroën 2CV drives through Luberon's lavender fields and wine tastings at Château de Ferrand with the Chandon family.
Southern France budget tours- Southern France luxury tours
Southern France tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
298 tours in Southern FranceExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Southern France. We have 298 adventures that vary from 3 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
40 tours in Southern FranceSmall group tours through Southern France create perfect moments for connecting while keeping experiences intimate and personal. The routes linking Rome and Barcelona via the French Riviera work beautifully, with our travelers often mentioning guides Fredy and Alfonso who make everyone, especially solo visitors, feel like family right from the start. Days flow naturally between guided activities and free time, where you might explore Monaco's royal quarter in the morning and then wander through Nice's lesser-known streets later on. A popular four-day Nice package weaves together guided walks through medieval lanes and laid-back afternoons by Mediterranean beaches. What sets these trips apart are the small cooking classes in Barcelona, and those spontaneous evening gatherings where friendships naturally develop. Wine lovers appreciate our specialized Médoc tours with exclusive château tastings, while Saint-Émilion's UNESCO heritage streets come alive through small-group walks that let you absorb the culture at a comfortable pace.
Private / Personalized
47 tours in Southern FranceFor those seeking a more exclusive experience, our private tours offer deep immersion into Provence and the Côte d'Azur. A popular 5-day journey lets you create your own perfume in Grasse before exploring medieval villages like Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Gourdon. Our travelers particularly enjoy the flexibility - you might spend a morning at Nice's colorful markets with a local chef, then take an afternoon cruise along the coast to spot hidden coves. Another favorite combines visits to family wineries near Aix-en-Provence with guided walks through the ochre cliffs of Roussillon. The private guides excel at adapting each day to your interests, whether that's finding the best photo spots in Gordes or arranging impromptu olive oil tastings at local farms.
Top Southern France travel itineraries to fit your plans
You'll find some excellent week-long routes through Southern France that match different travel styles. The Rhône river cruise between Lyon and Arles is particularly good - you get to browse Paul Bocuse's Les Halles market for local specialties and explore the massive Pope's Palace in Avignon. Wine lovers tend to pick the Bordeaux route, which takes you through Saint-Émilion's old-world streets with private tastings at top châteaux. Our guests often tell us they love how the schedule mixes guided visits with free time, especially in places like Viviers where you can explore what feels like an open-air history museum at your own pace. The Rome to Barcelona route via Nice is another solid choice - travelers appreciate the guided walks through Monaco and having afternoons free to discover small coastal towns along the French Riviera.
See all tours
With 10 days to explore, you really get to understand what makes French culture special. There's this great route from Paris down to Barcelona through Carcassonne that our travelers keep talking about - it hits just the right balance of city life and countryside moments. You'll explore Arles, where Van Gogh painted some of his best work and spend time walking the massive medieval fortifications in Carcassonne. Our guides Pascal and Bruno get mentioned a lot in the feedback; they know exactly where to catch sunset over the Pyrenees and can point you to those perfect little restaurants tucked away in village squares. The extra days make all the difference - you've got time to really get into each place, whether you're shopping at Provence's morning markets or learning to cook in someone's home kitchen.
See all tours
The full two-week journey gives you the most complete picture of Southern France. Our main route starts on the sophisticated French Riviera, moves through rustic Provence and winds up in Paris. You'll take a boat through the white cliffs of Calanques National Park, visit organic wineries like Château La Coste and cook alongside Michelin-starred chefs in small-group settings. What makes these longer trips work so well is the relaxed pace - one morning you might explore the gardens at Villa Ephrussi, then drive a classic Citroën 2CV through Luberon's hill towns and finish with dinner at a family restaurant. Having more time means better cultural connections too, from learning wine-making techniques in Saint-Émilion to finding hidden artist workshops in Montmartre.
Demographics
Several excellent tours cater specifically to solo travelers exploring Southern France. Our Mediterranean Express route stands out - solo travelers consistently praise how the guides make them feel like part of a family from day one. You'll start with evening drinks in Rome's cobblestone streets before taking scenic train rides through Italy and into the French Riviera. The trip includes a mix of structured activities and independent time - many solo travelers appreciate the freedom to explore Nice's beaches and Monaco's old town at their own pace. Another popular option bases you in Nice for four days, where solo travelers love joining the optional pub crawls and meeting other travelers at the hostel's student bar. The guides organize group dinners at local spots, like the all-you-can-eat mussels restaurant that's become a favorite among our customers, and also share great tips for safe solo exploration of the medieval streets and markets.
Our young adult tours mix cultural experiences with lively nights out in the French Riviera. You'll start in Nice's old town, walking the narrow streets before checking out local music spots and beach clubs along the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco's casino is a highlight and our guides know just where to grab aperitifs with the best coastal views. Another route combines coastal hikes with lazy afternoons on Cannes' beaches - it's got a good balance of organized stuff like boat trips to Villefranche sur Mer and free time to find your own favorite spots. We use hostels with social spaces, game rooms and regular events where it's easy to meet other travelers your age and plan nights out together.
The French Riviera beckons seniors with thoughtfully designed tours based in Nice for 4-7 days, letting you settle in properly while exploring the coast. From your Nice home base, guided excursions take you through Monaco's stately royal quarter, up to medieval Èze and along Cannes' famous promenade. Our travelers tell us they love how the schedule flows, with cultural visits in the morning and free afternoons to browse local markets, linger in cafes by the sea and wander the old streets. The Provence routes earn high marks from guests, particularly the well-timed visits to Fragonard's perfume workshops, Saint-Paul-de-Vence's charming art galleries and local family vineyards. What makes these tours work so well is how the guides adjust the walking pace for each group, especially on day trips connecting Nice, Monaco and also Antibes. Seniors consistently mention appreciating the mix of guided activities and free time, hotels picked for their central locations, and local guides who know just where to find those perfect neighborhood restaurants hidden in historic streets.
- Solo Travelers227 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples234 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)6 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)207 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Southern France
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall brings lovely weather and fewer tourists to southern France, making it ideal for exploring. Our travelers particularly value tours that combine Nice's cultural sites with visits to nearby wine regions during harvest season. Several popular routes include stops at the Fragonard perfume factory in Èze followed by tastings at local producers. For those interested in maritime culture, autumn tours to Saint Tropez let you experience this famous port town after summer crowds depart - you'll see traditional fishing boats alongside luxury yachts in the harbor. Multi-day trips that include both coastal towns and inland Provence work especially well this time of year, as you can combine morning market visits in Nice with afternoon explorations of medieval villages when temperatures are mild.
- 84 tours
- popular 94 tours
- 37 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter trips through Southern France let you experience highlights without peak season crowds, especially along our popular Paris-Barcelona route that winds through medieval Carcassonne. The fortifications there feel more intimate and accessible in the cooler months. A favorite winter option blends Versailles garden visits with Seine cruises and Eiffel Tower tours, before heading to the mild-weathered French Riviera. Another compelling journey takes you from Bordeaux through UNESCO city centers and into Lourdes, where the peaceful spiritual atmosphere deepens during winter. Our customers often mention how these tours balance cultural elements like Monaco's royal quarter with authentic local experiences - from private wine tastings at family cellars, market visits and long evenings at neighborhood restaurants. The guides receive particular praise for their flexibility in adjusting routes based on weather conditions, finding ideal indoor locations from Paul Bocuse's Les Halles market in Lyon to historic abbeys that provide both shelter and stories on chilly days.
- popular 26 tours
- 18 tours
- 21 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings out the best of the French Riviera, when temperatures are perfect for exploring and crowds haven't yet arrived. Our customers particularly enjoy the 4-day Nice-based tours that combine guided walks through Monaco's royal district with relaxed afternoons in Cannes. Several travelers mention loving the February Carnival experience, with its vibrant parades and street festivities. For those seeking more variety, longer routes starting from Rome let you experience the Italian Riviera before crossing into France - the coastal path between Riomaggiore and Monterosso gets great reviews in spring. Multi-city tours from Paris through Provence work well too, as you can catch the early blooms in Versailles gardens before heading south to explore medieval villages and sample regional wines.
- 48 tours
- 84 tours
- popular 85 tours
- Summer 2026
Summer along the Côte d'Azur offers countless opportunities for combining culture and beach time. Our most popular routes base travelers in Nice, where you can alternate between morning cultural visits and afternoon swims in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Customers love having free days to explore nearby towns - many take day trips to Antibes' Picasso museum or spend afternoons at private beach clubs in Cannes. For those wanting to escape peak season crowds, tours that include hilltop villages like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence provide welcome retreats. The coastal cruises from Nice to Villefranche sur Mer get excellent reviews, especially when combined with visits to local markets and food tastings. Several tours include early morning visits to Monaco and Monte Carlo before the day heats up.
- popular 86 tours
- 79 tours
- 86 tours
Contact our Southern France travel experts
Tassanee
Expert in Southern France at TourRadar
Tassanee is one of our seasoned Southern France Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Southern France tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Southern France Tours & Trips
Want to really experience authentic Southern France culture?
You'll love exploring Provence's bustling markets especially Cours Saleya in Nice and Les Halles de Lyon where locals shop daily. Try regional treats like socca these amazing chickpea pancakes and pissaladière a traditional onion tart that's just incredible. Head to Saint-Émilion's Château de Ferrand for wine tasting or mix with locals at Libourne's farmers' markets. Nice's Old Town is perfect for wandering through narrow streets filled with real fromageries and boulangeries while Avignon's hidden traboules these fascinating medieval passageways show you the city's true character.
Looking for those special places tourists haven't discovered yet?
Beyond the stunning limestone cliffs of Calanques National Park you've got to check out Eze this amazing hilltop village with medieval buildings and the famous Fragonard perfume factory. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is this preserved artists' paradise where you can play pétanque with friendly locals. Port Grimaud is really special they call it "Little Venice" because of its beautiful canals and fishermen's houses and don't miss the incredible ochre cliffs in Roussillon over in the Luberon.
Which areas should you pick based on what you love?
If you're into wine you'll want to explore Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion where places like Château Coutet offer amazing Grand Cru tastings. Art lovers should definitely hit Arles for its Roman amphitheater and Van Gogh sites while history fans will be amazed by Carcassonne's massive UNESCO fortifications and Avignon's impressive Papal Palace. Food enthusiasts should head to Lyon's traditional bouchons restaurants while Nice's Cours Saleya market is perfect for discovering real Provençal flavors.
What's the smartest way to get around Southern France?
The TGV network makes it super easy to zip between major spots like Nice Marseille and Avignon. Along the coast regular trains connect all the French Riviera towns from Menton to Saint-Raphaël. Local buses can get you to those charming hilltop villages like Gordes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. You might want to mix train travel with day tours especially for reaching places like the Luberon villages or Verdon Gorge.
How different are French Riviera tours from Provence experiences?
The Riviera's all about that coastal glamour you know Monte Carlo's fancy casino the yacht-filled harbor Cannes' gorgeous La Croisette promenade and Nice's famous Promenade des Anglais. Provence tours feel totally different focusing on authentic rural experiences like the Luberon's stunning lavender fields the ancient Pont du Gard artsy villages like Les Baux-de-Provence and traditional wineries in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Even the places you'll stay are different from elegant Belle Époque hotels on the coast to these lovely converted farmhouses in Provence's countryside.