You'll get all this!
Your 15-day journey across France will start with the best of elegant Paris, then wind its way to the sunny south, savoring perfectly preserved châteaux along the Loire, prehistoric caves and traditional markets of the Dordogne, the fortified medieval city of Carcassonne, the Roman Pont du Gard, the delightful wines of Provence, and a grand French Riviera finale in Nice.
- A small, friendly group of 24-28 people — half the size of most tour groups
- Full-time services of a professional Rick Steves guide and local experts who will make the fascinating history, art and culture of France come alive for you
- All tours and admissions — at no extra cost — covering at least 24 group sightseeing events • 2-day Paris Museum Pass, allowing free admission throughout the city • Louvre Museum tour • Orsay Museum • Historic Paris walking tour • Notre-Dame • Sainte-Chapelle • Chenonceau Château • Villandry Château and Gardens • Azay le Rideau Château tour • Visit to Oradour-sur-Glane • Prehistoric cave visit • Dordogne canoe trip (weather permitting) • Sarlat walking tour • Canal du Midi barge trip (when available) • Carcassonne walking tour • Pont du Gard and museum • Arles walking tour • Arles museum pass allowing entry to most sights • Arles' Ancient History Museum • Languedoc wine tasting • Les Baux visit • Nice walking tour • Eze le Village visit • Monaco visit...and more
- All group transportation by bus from Paris to Nice
- 14 nights accommodations in memorable, centrally-located hotels
- All breakfasts and half your dinners
- All tips for guides and driver
- Free stuff including Rick Steves' Paris and France guidebooks, French phrase book, day pack, moneybelt and earplugs
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Optional single supplements — this tour has a limited number of private rooms for solo travelers for an additional fee
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken prior to 2012
- 50% discount on a consulting appointment with our in-house experts to assist with your pre- or post-tour travel plans
- Flexibility should you need to transfer, or cancel/interrupt your tour
- Fine print: You are responsible for the cost of your drinks and free-time sightseeing. See our Tour Conditions Agreement for important details regarding everything listed above
Daily itinerary
Walking Key
- Light = 2-4 miles of mostly level walking throughout the day.
- Moderate = 2-6 miles walking throughout the day with some hills and stairs.
- Strenuous = 2-8 miles walking throughout the day with lots of hills, stairs and uneven terrain.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
We'll meet at around 5 p.m. at our hotel for a short bienvenue à Paris meeting. Then we'll take an orientation walk through our neighborhood, followed by time to get acquainted over dinner together. Sleep in Paris (3 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Day 2: Historic Paris and the Orsay
Let's begin where Paris did, on the Ile de la Cité. Your guide will lead a walking tour of the city's early history, including visits to a pair of the world's most significant medieval Gothic churches: the legendary Notre-Dame Cathedral and the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle. Then we'll take a stroll through the bohemian Latin Quarter. After free time for lunch on your own, we'll regroup to see the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — from Monet and Degas to Cézanne and Gauguin and more — at the Orsay Museum. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 3: Masterpieces of the Louvre
Our morning is devoted to touring Europe's greatest museum — the Louvre — where you'll come face-to-face with timeless treasures that include Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, Venus de Milo and hundreds more. Armed with your 2-Day Paris Museum Pass, your afternoon will be free to be inspired by Monet's incredible water lilies at the recently renovated Orangerie, perplexed by whimsical water fountains and modern art at the Pompidou, or compelled to climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, followed by a classy stroll along the Champs-Elysées. No bus. Walking: moderate.
Day 4: Amboise, Chenonceau and Chinon
This morning we'll say au revoir to Paris and drive south to the Loire Valley, the land of a thousand châteaux. You'll have some free time in the charming town of Amboise — a stone's throw from Leonardo da Vinci's home, where you can grab a little lunch and study working models of the Renaissance Man's cleverest inventions. This afternoon we'll visit the elegant, river-straddling Château de Chenonceau, where we'll learn about royal life in France, with free time to roam through the château's opulent interior and gardens. We'll continue on to castle-topped Chinon where we'll have dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 5: Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau
We'll spend our morning visiting the Château de Villandry, famous for its remarkable "themed" gardens, inspired by water, music, love and more. It's a gardener and photographer's dream. We'll also visit the beautifully-set Château Azay-le-Rideau, serenely surrounded by a reflecting pond, holding court on its own island in the middle of the Indre River. We'll return to Chinon this afternoon, where you'll have free time to explore the town's ancient streets, tour the medieval castle or sample the local wines. Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 6: Oradour-sur-Glane and Sarlat
Our destination is the Dordogne, a sublime region of fortified hill towns, caves and meandering streams. We'll have a countryside picnic en route, then stop for a thought-provoking walk through the WWII martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane — frozen in time as a memorial since June 10, 1944, when its unarmed residents were senselessly gunned down by German troops. Our day will end with dinner together in the quintessential market town of Sarlat, where we'll sleep (3 nights). Bus: 6 hrs. Walking: light.
Day 7: Cave Art and Canoeing
Today begins with a chance to appreciate some of Europe's oldest art: the 13,000-year-old drawings of Rouffignac Cave. We'll hop aboard a subterranean train to marvel at engravings and drawings depicting bison, horses, woolly rhinoceros and...mammoths. There are so many mammoths depicted locals have nicknamed it "the cave of 100 mammoths." This afternoon (weather permitting), we'll canoe down the Dordogne River from Cenac to Beynac, gliding past medieval castles and villages. If the weather is hot, we may even stop for a swim along the way. Bus: 3 hrs. Walking: strenuous.
Day 8: Market Day in Sarlat
Take a vacation from your vacation! You'll have the entire day to savor the colorful weekly market in one of France's most pedestrian-friendly towns. Rub shoulders with local shoppers, sample foie gras and salivate over the famous black truffle as you shop for your fantasy picnic lunch. Today you can make it a tasty reality! No bus. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).
Day 9: Medieval Carcassonne
This morning we'll drive south, crossing the scenic valleys of the Lot and Tarn Rivers. At the Canal du Midi we'll transfer to a canal barge (when available) for a floating picnic lunch, and a relaxing taste of the more than 5,000 miles of canals that meander throughout France. Our bus will then whisk us off to Europe's largest fortified city: delightfully medieval Carcassonne. After a walking tour of Carcassonne's fortified old town — La Cité — you'll be free to savor views from the stony ramparts, wander through the cobbled lanes, and maybe sample a steamy bowl of cassoulet with a glass of dark vin rouge. Sleep in Carcassonne (1 night). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 10: The Pont Du Gard
This morning we'll drive east, stopping at an eco-friendly, family-run vineyard. We'll learn exactly what that entails as we linger for lunch and an educational tasting of wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Our next stop is the majestic, astonishingly well-preserved Roman aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. We'll learn how, 2,000 years ago, this engineering marvel helped supply millions of gallons of fresh water daily to one of the largest cities in Roman Gaul. Our day will end in nearby Arles, where we'll have dinner together and sleep (2 nights). Bus: 4 hrs. Walking: moderate.
Day 11: Les Baux and Arles
This morning we'll drive out to the hill town of Les Baux, and enjoy sweeping views of the Provencal countryside from atop the ruins of its medieval citadel. After lunch we'll return to the historic center of Arles for a walking tour, lacing together stories of its impressive Roman Arena, Classical Theater and Forum Square — and tales of Vincent Van Gogh, who lived and painted in this neighborhood just over a century ago. Your late afternoon and evening will be free for making your own discoveries here. Bus 1 hr. Walking: strenuous.
Day 12: To the French Riviera
We'll start our morning with a visit to Arles' Ancient History Museum, filled with models and artifacts from Provence's Roman era. Then we'll head for the Riviera, with a lunch stop along the way. Upon arrival in Nice, we'll check into our hotel before setting out on an orientation walk through the Italian-feeling Old City and seaside promenade. Afterward you'll be set free to explore and enjoy dinner on your own. Sleep in Nice (3 nights). Bus: 3½ hrs. Walking: light.
Day 13: Nice
This morning we'll take a walking tour across Nice, starting with the busy Cours Saleya, the city's main market square since the Middle Ages. We'll then follow the narrow streets of the Italianate Old City to the spacious boulevards and shopping promenades of the city's newer side. Here, in the late 19th-century, visitors from the north seeking the elixir of warm, fresh sea air, created Europe's first tourism boom. Your afternoon will be free to wander through Nice's beautiful Chagall and Matisse Museums, prowl the promenades, or relax on the famous beach. No bus. Walking: strenuous.
Day 14: All Day on the Riviera
Today is your day to explore Nice and the surrounding Riviera. You can relax and sunbathe with the locals, or travel (by train or bus) to nearby Antibes, Villefranche or Cap Ferrat. Or follow your guide on an excursion to nearby Eze le Village — famous for its exotic garden and breathtaking Mediterranean views — and Monaco, with an orientation to the highlights of that famously wealthy principality. Tonight we'll regroup for a farewell dinner together, where we'll share travel memories and toast new friends. Salut! Bus 1½ hrs. Walking: light to strenuous (your choice).
Day 15: Tour Over After Breakfast
For those staying longer, your guide will be happy to send you off in the right direction and help with any trip planning needs. Au revoir et merci!
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Rick Steves tours are physically active!
This is an integral, essential part of the "back door" experience. On our Paris & the South of France in 15 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily...
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (several blocks possible) and up stairways to reach your hotel; then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Be on your feet for up to 4 hours walking and standing, both inside museums and outdoors in all weather conditions (hot sun, rain, etc.).
- Sleep with no (or weak) air conditioning and street noise in some hotels.
- After orientation and transportation lessons, be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
Pre Tour
Getting ready for your Rick Steves' tour can be overwhelming, so we've put together some specific information on what you should know about this tour before you go. You'll also find more general information about "Getting Ready for Your Tour" on our Tour FAQ.
Sightseeing On Your Own
If you arrive in France before your tour begins, use Rick Steves' France and Paris guidebooks to get oriented. Ride the public transportation, try out a few words of French, and get over your jet lag with lots of fresh air and exercise. Walking tours make a great introduction to any town. Check with the local TI or your guidebook.
Here are a few suggestions for sightseeing in Paris that we do not do as a group: walk the Champs-Elysées and climb the Arc de Triomphe; tour Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur and the Old Opera House; or take a day-trip to Versailles. Visit these museums: Invalides (military); Cluny (medieval art), Rodin (sculpture); Pompidou (modern art); Marmottan (Impressionist art), Orangerie (Impressionist art).
Eiffel Tower Reservations: The tour does not include a visit to the Eiffel Tower. However it is often a highlight for any traveler and one we highly recommend. Avoid the lines by booking tickets in advance at: http://ticket.toureiffel.fr. Pre or post tour is the best time to visit the tower. If you need to visit the tower during the tour, consider making your reservation for Day 1 before 12:00 or after 22:00; Day 2 after 17:30; or Day 3 after 14:00.
Transportation
There is more than one way to get to and from your tour. We recommend talking to your travel agent about "open jaws" airline tickets (flying into and out of different cities).
It's easiest to fly into Paris and home from Nice. Paris and Nice are transportation hubs, making travel before or after your tour quite easy. Another popular option is to book a roundtrip ticket in and out of Paris and take the train (6 hours) back to Paris on the day the tour ends, spending at least one night in Paris before flying back to the states.
Flying within Europe can be reasonable. Ask your travel agent or check Rick's list of European budget airlines. For links to helpful rail and air websites, go to www.ricksteves.com/plan/links and look under "Transportation."
Read Rick's Guide to Eurail Passes (www.ricksteves.com/rail) and decide if your travel plans merit a railpass (or contact our Rail Department for advice at rail@ricksteves.com or 425/771-8303 ext. 214).
Prior to your tour departure, you will receive detailed directions on how to get from the airport to your first tour hotel, as well as contact information for your first and last hotels in case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations.
For specific details about traveling in France, please see Rick Steves' France, Paris and Provence guidebooks. If you need more information about additional European travel or for specific questions about your tour, contact the Tour Department at 425/608-4217 or email tour@ricksteves.com.
Weather
France is usually sunny and warm (or hot) in mid-summer but cool temperatures and rain are always possible. This is a country of micro-climates and weather can vary greatly from region to region. The weather in France is more unpredictable in early spring and late fall but very manageable with smart packing.
For more specific weather information, see www.weather.com or www.weatherbase.com.
Packing
While it is important to pack light, there are some items we'd like you to consider including when packing for this tour. While in the region of Dordogne, we will be visiting a pre-historic cave. Regardless of the outside temperature, the average temperature inside the cave is 55°; long pants and long sleeves (or a jacket) are suggested.
For ideas on what to pack, check Rick's Packing List and our Women's Packing List.
Tour Guide Raves
Patrick Vidal
"Patrick exhibited exceptional leadership, organizational, and people skills; showed sound knowledge of relevant history, culture, and customs of each region; was enthusiastic, entertaining, and resourceful; set very high standards/expectations and consistently exceeded them. In short, as an outstanding guide, Patrick enhanced/maximized our tour experience."
— Thomas in Bethesda, MD
"Michaelanne is a true pro. We watched her work and she is very good with people. She is helpful without cultivating dependency; she arms you with what you should, might, and need to know; she is knowledgeable, fair, and thorough without lecturing. She loves France, and it shows. She's a genuine nice person (like the French people we met)."
— George in Portland, OR
Favorite tour memories from recent alums:
"There were so many! The caves at Rouffignac being genuine 13,000-year-old paintings; canoeing down the Dordogne realizing that this was the boundary between England and France during the Hundred Years War and that Beynac (chateau/fortress) sheltered Richard the Lionhearted; group dinners...so much delicious food, wine and fabulous company; the wine tasting conducted by Loren at Hotel Diderot; the market experiences in Sarlat, Antibes and Nice; the Pont du Gard and accompanying museum; Hotel Dieu where Van Gogh was hospitalized in Arles; our tour and meal at the winery, Chateau des Hospitaliers. The houses built into/out of the limestone cliffs, the French people, the picnics and did I mention the food and wine?"
— Teresa in Redmond, WA
"I couldn't possibly pick just one 'wow' moment. There were several moments that stand out: the lovely gardens at Villandry, the cave paintings at Rouffignac, canoeing down the Dordogne River, Carcassone, the winery tour and lunch and Les Baux."
— Carol in Bellevue, WA
"The valley of the Dordogne River was magical — cave paintings, medieval castles and enchanting villages."
— Barbara in Columbia, SC
To see more comments on Rick Steves' tours, read through our tour member feedback.
Videos & More
This region is rich in history, art and culture. To help you get the most from your trip, we've put together this collection of travel resources from Rick's TV shows, radio interviews and articles, as well as recommended books, films and music.
Watch
Rick Steves' TV Clips & Shows
(For more Rick Steves' TV clips on this region, visit Rick on YouTube.)
Films
- La Grande Vadrouille (1966)
- Jean de Florette (1986)
- My Father's Glory (1990)
- Ronin (1998)
- Chocolat (2000)
- Amélie (2001)
- La Vie en Rose (2007)
Listen
Rick Steves' Radio Interviews
(For more radio interviews on this region, see Rick's Audio Europe™ files for iPod, PC & MP3.)
Rick Steves' Audio Tours
- Paris: The Louvre, The Orsay, Versailles Palace, Historic Paris Walk
Rick Steves Audio Europe™
Music
- Pop: Francis Cabrel, Maurice Chevalier, Johnny Hallyday, Phoenix, Edith Piaf, Charles Trenet
- Cabaret: Charles Aznavour
- Movie Soundtracks: French Kiss, Gigi, Amélie
Read
Rick Steves' Articles
(For more articles on this region, see Rick's Best Destinations.)
Books: Non-Fiction
Books: Fiction
- City of Darkness, City of Light — Marge Piercy
- Inspector Maigret — Georges Simenon
- A Very Long Engagement — Sebastien Japrisot
- Birdsong — Sebastian Faulks
- Les Misérables; The Hunchback of Notre Dame — Victor Hugo
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