2-Week Provence Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Provence tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaProvence travel expert at TourRadar

• 11 Day France Itinerary, incl. Paris and Rhône River Cruise

  A 6-night immersion in Provence reveals Avignon's papal history and Arles' Roman heritage, featuring daily excursions, regional cuisine, and optional activities in each port.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Paris

    Begin your trip with 4 nights in the City of Light. Plan to arrive in the afternoon to avoid morning traffic at Charles de Gaulle Airport. You'll have guided tours of classic spots like the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe plus time to explore on your own. Take a side trip to Monet's gardens in Giverny. It's just 75 minutes from Paris and if you arrive before 10 AM you can get photos of the famous water lilies without crowds.

    
  • Day 5

    Paris to Lyon

    Travel south to Lyon on a 4.5-hour drive to board the MS Van Gogh. Pack a small bag with essentials since your main luggage will arrive at your cabin later. Meet your fellow travelers at the evening welcome reception where smart casual dress is appropriate.

    
  • Day 6

    Lyon & Collonges

    Experience Lyon's renowned food culture. Start at Fourvière Hill for panoramic views. Take the funicular up to save your energy. Explore the traboules (hidden passageways) in Vieux Lyon. End your day with dinner at Paul Bocuse's Abbaye de Collonges. Book the early seating to watch the sunset over the Saône River.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Avignon

    Your ship docks near Avignon's famous bridge. Visit the Pope's Palace first thing to avoid crowds. The morning light makes the Gothic architecture especially beautiful. While the historic center can feel touristy, local guides suggest visiting the quieter Rue des Teinturiers area for a more authentic Provençal experience.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Arles & Viviers

    Arles is filled with Van Gogh's influence. You can find the exact locations where he painted works like "Café Terrace at Night." Take the optional Camargue excursion to see white horses and pink flamingos in Provence's wild landscapes. Viviers offers a peaceful medieval setting. Wear good walking shoes for the cobblestone streets up to Saint Michel Tower.

    
  • Day 11

    Lyon Departure

    The cruise ends in Lyon. Schedule afternoon flights so you can enjoy breakfast and leave without rushing. The airport is about 30 minutes from the river dock.

    

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• 11 Day Southern France Itinerary, incl. Lyon and Nice

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lyon

    Start your Southern France adventure in Lyon, the country's food capital. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM for a smooth check-in. The next day, visit the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière in the early morning for the best photo lighting. Local tip: Take the guided bike tour instead of walking. The hills can be tough in summer heat, and biking along the Rhône gives you better views of the riverside buildings plus a nice breeze.

    
  • Day 3

    Mâcon & Beaujolais

    The morning cruise to Mâcon shows off the best of the Rhône Valley. You'll get to try the region's famous Gamay wines in Beaujolais. Have a good lunch first though. These light red wines pack more punch than you might expect.

    
  • Day 4

    Tournon

    This medieval river town is best seen early before it gets hot. Take the vineyard hike for great valley views but bring good shoes. The ground can be slippery after rain. The 16th-century castle makes a good landmark when exploring the old town.

    
  • Day 5

    Viviers

    Visit the ancient cathedral town on market days (Tuesdays and Saturdays) to see it at its liveliest. Walk up through the medieval streets to reach the cathedral for river views. Bring water. The climb can be warm in summer.

    
  • Day 6

    Avignon

    See the Palais des Papes first. The lines get long quickly. Want great photos of the Pont d'Avignon? Walk along the Rhône's west bank at sunset. Skip lunch to save room for the evening Provençal dinner. It's worth waiting for.

    
  • Day 7

    Arles

    Visit the Roman amphitheater at 9 AM opening to avoid crowds. Walk the Van Gogh trail through old town to the Fondation Vincent van Gogh. In summer, plan indoor activities from 2-4 PM when the heat peaks.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Nice & Monaco

    After the cruise, move to the Côte d'Azur. Stay in Nice's Vieux Nice area to be close to both beach and old town. Time your Monaco visit to see the guard change at 11:55 AM at the Prince's Palace. On your free day, start at Nice's Cours Saleya market, then cool off in the Mediterranean. Just know the beaches are pebbly, not sandy.

    

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• 11 Days in Southern France, incl. Nice and Lyon

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Nice: Start your French adventure in Nice,

    the jewel of the French Riviera. Walk the Promenade des Anglais early in the morning before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Take a quick train to Monaco on day two. The 20-minute coastal journey is beautiful. If you plan to visit the Monte Carlo casino, note the dress code: no shorts or sneakers after 2 PM. Spend day three in the Old Town (Vieux Nice). Visit the Cours Saleya market before 1 PM when vendors start closing up.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arles: Take a 3-hour train ride from Nice to Arles

    for your river cruise departure. Visit the Café Van Gogh in Place du Forum in late afternoon to see the same light that inspired the artist's famous painting. Check out the Roman Arena early for smaller crowds. Get a detailed map from the tourist office near the arena. The old town's winding streets can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 6

    Avignon: Start at the Palais des Papes right when it opens at 9 AM

    to avoid tour groups. Wear good walking shoes. You'll encounter lots of stairs and stone floors inside. Get your best photos of the Pont d'Avignon from the Rocher des Doms garden above the palace. For local specialties, visit Les Halles market before noon.

    
  • Day 7

    Viviers: This medieval town shows you real French life.

    Walk up to the Cathedral of St. Vincent. The climb is steep but worth it. Be careful on the cobblestone streets when wet. The cathedral terrace offers stunning views of the Rhône Valley at sunset.

    
  • Day 8

    Tournon: This riverside town is perfect for wine lovers.

    Morning vineyard walks offer great views but pack water and sun protection. You can see the 16th-century castle from the riverside walkway.

    
  • Day 9

    Vienne: Everything is within walking distance in this Roman city.

    Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia in the center. The archaeology museum is quieter in the morning after opening at 9:30 AM. Local restaurants serve excellent Viennoise specialties.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Lyon: Food lovers should start at Les Halles Paul Bocuse market.

    Take the funicular to Fourvière Basilica early to avoid lines, or walk up in 20 minutes. Explore the traboules (hidden passages) in Vieux Lyon with a map from the tourist office.

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