Provence and the French Riviera
Nice
Nice
Provence and the French Riviera
Tour summary
8 days
France
12 meals
18 guests (max)
Driver
Trip leader
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy 7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation
7 nights
Imagine skimming your fingers across the tops of lilac lavender fields. Drinking in Avignon architecture that spans the ages. And sipping medium-bodied wines bursting with sweet, floral flavours. Stroll through quaint villages, charming towns and old ports as a southernly breeze caresses your skin and the sun wraps you into a warm embrace on an evocative journey through Provence and the French Riviera. Where will its magic take you?
Tour 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
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Nice (France)
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!
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!
Included today
Accommodation
Hôtel Locarno (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Nice – Antibes – French Riviera
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.
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.
Included today
Accommodation
Best Western Hotel & SPA Coeur De Cassis (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - French Riviera – Aix-en-Provence – Avignon
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.
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.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Regina (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 4 - Avignon – Pont du Gard and Arles – Avignon
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!
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!
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Regina (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - Avignon
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.
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.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Regina (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 - Avignon – Les Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Avignon
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.
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.
Included today
Accommodation
Hotel Regina (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Day 7 - Avignon – Luberon – Gréoux-les-Bains
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.
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.
Included today
Accommodation
Villa Borghese (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 8 - Gréoux-les-Bains – Gorges du Verdon – Nice
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.
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.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love
A picnic in the grove
Settle in for a picnic with a twist - it's olive themed! After a wander through a local farm where an expert shares the cultivation process, we'll have the chance to sample olive oils blended with various flavours. Our view? The peaceful Alpilles.
Europe's grand canyon
Transport to a place of serene beauty, where a turquoise lake glitters between two steep cliffs dotted with verdant trees. Its name? Gorges du Verdon aka the 'Grand Canyon of Europe'.
Fluorescent light discoveries
Wander through a maze of captivating art at the Carrières de Lumières show in Les Baux-de-Provence where every corner reveals a new discovery.
Read the reviews
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Anonymous June 2025
Charming towns, so much history and an informative guide made this tour very enjoyable. The group of 15 was just right - any more would have made the bus too
cramped.
Anonymous June 2025
We recently were on this tour.We found what we saw and what we did was excellent.Our Tour guide Natalie gave us lots of information and helped us at all times at places to see and restaurants to eat...
Read full reviewRaymond Wa June 2025
This was our sixth tour with Back roads. Our Driver and Tour Guide were excellent, they certainly did their best to provide innovative rest stops.
However, we feel that the hotels selected were very...
Anonymous May 2025
I have given the tour a four star recommendation as Natalie, our tour guide was outstanding in her knowledge, commitment, passion and sense of humour. The experiences provided and landscapes of this...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2025
I have already completed a review of our trip (mine and husband's) at request of our excellent guide Nathalie. But, no matter how much I enjoy something, I am not prepared to write more than one...
Read full reviewKathy October 2024
I booked at the last minute as my plans had changed. This tour happened to fit in with my dates and luckily I was accepted to travel. I didn’t fully check what the tour comprised of but saw it went to...
Read full reviewAnonymous October 2024
Wonderful scenery, nice food
Anonymous September 2024
Wonderful tour. Great guide and driver, accomodation in good localities, meals good . Thoroughly enjoyed small group tour experience with a great group of people.
Anonymous September 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole week. We had a great tour leader who was able to tell us about the attractions, culture and history of different areas in an interesting way. Each day seemed well planned...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Alberto led a great tour through Provence! Thoroughly enjoyed his commentary during the tour.
Lynn Ai September 2024
Excellent itinerary, Albert was an excellent guide and I learnt a lot from him. French villages and towns are lovely. A couple of the hotels could have been a bit better but the excellent special...
Read full reviewAdrienne Je July 2024
The guide Francoise was incredible and really went the extra mile. The driver Dennis was also great.
The accomodation was terrible some rooms were dirty, smelt of cigarettes, we had asked for double...
Anonymous July 2024
The places we visited and activities we did were excellent. The tour guide and driver were very friendly and supportive at all times.
Anonymous June 2024
Tour was amazing great destination made even better with the perfect combination fantastic tour guide a Frenchman in France with extraordinary knowledge and a great sense of humour a great bus and...
Read full reviewGayle Be June 2024
I enjoyed this tour. I especially liked having the 4 nights in Arles and the hotel was perfect just inside the walls of the old town.
Anonymous June 2024
The areas we covered were just beautiful and not too touristy.
Loved Cassis and Les Baux . Loved the lavender hills too .
I found the hospital where Can Gough was very interesting and his Starry...
Anonymous June 2024
Excellent guide through an excellent selection of sites in Provence.
Anonymous June 2024
Poor accommodation
Terrible guide limited knowledge using google in couch throughout tour
Lunch at olive farm inedible
Few paid attractions
Limited spending of float by the guide
No advance...
Dianne Ga June 2024
I have done an ondrpth survey supplied by guide.Mani
Not doing another one!@
Greg Yo May 2024
The tour took us to pretty much all of the sites that guide books recommend. Our guide Manu provided plenty of relevant information along the way and went out of her way to help my wife and I. Aleks...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Wonderful tour guide, small group
Anonymous October 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.
Anonymous October 2023
Tour destinations really great as was the guide…..however 3 star hotels and cramped bus really undermined the enjoyment.
Anonymous October 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.
Lionel Jo September 2023
Enjoyed the places visited, superb scenery.
Dale Ha August 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...
Read full reviewNeil Ed August 2023
Beautiful villages and scenery and a great team on board a small groups tour.
Responsive and informative.
Anonymous August 2023
We loved our experience made new friends
Sandra Cr July 2023
We visited beautiful places and learnt such a lot. We stopped, frequently, so we were never in the bus for long
Mary-Anne Ca July 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...
Anonymous May 2023
Very poor quality as compared with previous B/R tours
See comments on previous tour.
Glenn Fo May 2023
Loverly sites chosen as part of the tour
Toula M. October 2022
There were many interesting locations and experiences. I have dropped a star only as I was surprised that tours advertised as ‘back to back’ repeated some of the itinerary.
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.
Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Southern France has a Mediterranean climate with long summers, pleasant springs and autumns, and mild winters. It’s the warmest part of France, inviting you to bask here any time of year.
Peak summer season occurs between June and August with highs of 46°C (115°F) and up to 14 hours of sunlight, so sun hats and sunscreen are essential!
Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.
Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.
A typical French breakfast spread is simple but wholesome. It usually includes a range of cold meats, cheeses and bread, buttery homemade pastries, freshly squeezed juices and a hot drink of your choice. If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll ask about these before you begin your tour and accommodate them whenever we can.
All Back-Roads Tour Leaders are either local to the area or have extensive local knowledge of the regions they work in. If they’re not native speakers, they’ll be able to speak the language at a proficient level, ready to share words and phrases you may find useful along your journey.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesThis tour can be combined with
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