Provence and the French Riviera 2025

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

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Provence and the French Riviera 2025

8 Days Starting and ending in Nice

Visiting: France

Tour operator:

Back-Roads Touring

Tour code:

BPFNN5

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Glamour, picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery: this tour through the French Riviera and Provence is sure to impress with its diversity and dramatic beauty! Join us as we experience the luxury of the French Riviera, marvel at the architecture of Avignon and venture into the mighty Gorges du Verdon – soaking up some fascinating history along the way.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch and taste delicious produce at an olive farm

  • Marvel at the extraordinary Gorges du Verdon: the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’

  • Experience the mesmerising Carrières de Lumières multimedia art show in Les Baux-de-Provence

Itinerary

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Day 1: Nice (France)

Accommodation: Hôtel Locarno (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Meet the group in the shining capital of the French Riviera and get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal. After all, there’s no better place to begin our journey than alongside the clear waters of the Côte d’Azur!

Day 2: Nice – Antibes – French Riviera

Accommodation: Best Western Hotel & SPA Coeur De Cassis (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, our first stop will be Antibes – where we’ll take some time to stroll the narrow streets and picturesque old port with our Tour Leader. Indulge in some local produce and soak up the charming atmosphere at the Provençal market before enjoying some free time to explore this seaside town at your leisure. Later, we’ll continue our journey along the Mediterranean coast – where we’ll have the evening free to relax at our accommodation in the French Riviera.

Day 3: French Riviera – Aix-En-Provence – Avignon

Accommodation: Hotel Regina (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we’ll make our way towards a local vineyard to learn about Provence rosé and enjoy a tasting of the region’s sweet wines. Following a sumptuous lunch at the winery, our path will lead us to Aix-en-Provence, where we’ll take some time to explore this charming town at our own pace. Later, we’ll move on to Avignon – home to Palace of the Popes, one of the most significant medieval buildings in Europe and centre of the Roman Catholic world during the 14th century – and relish in free time to relax at our hotel or seek out a restaurant for some delicious local cuisine.

Day 4: Avignon – Pont Du Gard And Arles – Avignon

Accommodation: Hotel Regina (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

First today, we’ll pay a visit to the iconic Pont du Gard – an ancient Roman aqueduct with no fewer than three tiers of archways. And this afternoon? We’ll stop off in Arles, where we’ll take a stroll around this historic city with our knowledgeable Tour Leader. After, you’ll have some free time to explore the local highlights. Take the opportunity to visit the Arles Amphitheatre – built in 90 AD and home to centuries of historic spectating – or spend the afternoon among thought-provoking art at the Vincent van Gogh Foundation. Back in Avignon, you’ll have the rest of the evening to spend as you please. Perhaps seek out a local wine cellar and sample some the of the local Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône wines – accompanied with a sumptuous French meal, of course!

Day 5: Avignon

Accommodation: Hotel Regina (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we’ll remain in Avignon to uncover the city’s local culture nestled within its heart. To begin, our expert Tour Leader will take us on a walking tour, sharing secrets and tales as we go. Following this, we’ll take the opportunity to uncover the Palace of the Popes and learn its unique history. Then, you’ll have time to further explore the city at your leisure. This evening, we’ll clink glasses over an included meal and share stories of our day.

Day 6: Avignon – Les Baux-De-Provence And Saint-Rémy-De-Provence – Avignon

Accommodation: Hotel Regina (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

First today: a stop at the famous Les Baux-de-Provence – renowned for its Les Baux stone. Here, we’ll experience an extraordinary multimedia art show within an old quarry – before continuing to a local olive farm. We’ll take a tour of the farm, learning all about the olive cultivation process and sampling some of the delicious produce as we go. Then? We’ll make the most of our glorious surroundings by tucking into a hearty picnic together. Appetites satisfied, we’ll make tracks to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where a visit to the impressive Saint Paul de Mausole Monastery is lined up for us. Vincent van Gogh lived here from 1889 to 1890 – and in the Van Gogh Field, you’ll have the opportunity to see 20 large-scale reproductions of his work. Before returning to Avignon for the evening, we’ll enjoy some free time exploring the romantic and traditionally Provençal town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

Day 7: Avignon – Luberon – Gréoux-Les-Bains

Accommodation: Villa Borghese (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We''ll begin today with scenic stops at some of the traditional villages of the Luberon – a region known for its vivid lavender fields, endless vineyards, towering red cliffs and incredible organic produce. This afternoon, we’ll visit the idyllic Sénanque Abbey, where we’ll meet the monks and take some time to enjoy the serene atmosphere and picturesque surrounds. And in Gréoux-les-Bains this evening, we’ll come together for a final group dinner – celebrating a wonderful tour of Provençal France.

Day 8: Gréoux-Les-Bains – Gorges Du Verdon – Nice

Meals Included: Breakfast

As our tour comes to an end today, we’ll travel along the spectacular Gorges du Verdon – the jewel in the region’s crown. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’, picture steep cliff sides, rushing rapids and turquoise-coloured water. Our tour will end back in Nice, where we’ll say our goodbyes.

What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 2 lunchs, 3 dinners

  • Transport

    Premium mini-coach transportation

  • Guide

    Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    We have solo capacity, however no single share.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.

  • What level of mobility do I need?

    You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.

  • Who goes on Back-Roads tours?

    The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.

  • What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?

    The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Neil Ed  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

13-Aug-2023

Beautiful villages and scenery and a great team on board a small groups tour. Responsive and informative.

Anonymous  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

04-Aug-2023

We loved our experience made new friends

Lionel Jo  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

07-Sep-2023

Enjoyed the places visited, superb scenery.

Dale Ha  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

31-Aug-2023

Many outstanding stops along the way. The guide -- Maxime Giron, and the driver -- Ken Piddlesden, were both amazing. Very professional and went the extra mile to make things work. Only suggestion: we got separated from our group and got lost in the Popes Palace. Suggest a guided tour similar to the Abbey, or simply skip the Popes Palace.

Anonymous  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

07-Oct-2023

Location of hotel in Arles where we remained for 4 nights was rather seedy. Once inside it was acceptable but where we boarded and exited bus revealed a run down location.

Anonymous  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

15-Oct-2023

Great destinations, guide and driver. Again, more wine and food options would improve it eg- no Medoc. A coup,le of dodgy hotels were disappointing.

Mary-Anne Ca  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

02-Jul-2023

We went to a lot of places, Asia took us to extra places, plenty of stops for photos, our bus driver , Alex was excellent, so helpful and a gentleman At times I felt there was not much to do or explore. 4 Days in Arles I felt was too long. The hotel in Arles was disappointing, fair walk into town, people with walking disabilities struggled. The area was not good. A lot of men hanging about the streets. All the women felt unsafe, lucky we were in a group, if I was alone I would feel unsafe, the hotel needs to be reviewed. Not up to back roads standards.

Anonymous  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

09-Jul-2023

Robert Fo  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

08-Oct-2023

Anonymous  

Provence and the French Riviera 2025

30-May-2023

Very poor quality as compared with previous B/R tours See comments on previous tour.

Read all 13 reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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