France Small Group Tours
Think about creating art in Provence's sunlit gardens, tasting wines in Burgundy's old cellars, or cycling through the Loire Valley's fairy-tale châteaux. France brings everything from Paris' elegant streets to the lavender fields of the south, Lyon's food treasures to Normandy's historic beaches. Savor every moment of beautiful France.
10 best France small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaFrance travel expert at TourRadar
- Normandy D-Day Beaches, Saint-Malo & Mont Saint-Michel: 2-Day Guided Journey from Paris with Transport
- Gastronomic and wine tour of France
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- Independent Paris City Stay
- 5 Days of Art, Gardens & Royal Splendor: Paris, Giverny & Versailles
- Provence in Van Gogh's Footsteps: History, Art & Coastal Beauty
- A symphony of flavours, cider and wine in the heart of Normandy
- 7 Days Paris & Mont Saint-Michel Experience
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Local Living France: Toulouse
Normandy D-Day Beaches, Saint-Malo & Mont Saint-Michel: 2-Day Guided Journey from Paris with Transport
“Great tour, the guide was very informative and friendly with all the travelers.”
Paul, traveled in June
Small groups of 10-20 travelers access D-Day sites at Omaha Beach with focused attention. The intimate size enables detailed commentary at Rouen's historic center and unhurried visits to Mont Saint-Michel's abbey chambers with professional multilingual guides.
Duration 2 days Destinations Rouen, Caen, Normandy Beach, Honfleur, Omaha Beach, Arromanches-les-Bains, Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, Spanish Group Size Max Group Size 25 Group Type Group Operator Extime Travel From
- US$569
Gastronomic and wine tour of France
“We had the opportunity to see places that are not so popular with tourists. I'm looking forward to my next trip.”
David, traveled in June
This intimate private tour for 2-4 travelers lets you have personalized tastings at family wineries like DOMAINE DES MARRANS in Fleurie and Domaine de la Madone, with access to Château of Pizay's spa center and flexible dining at La Maison du Colombier without group scheduling constraints.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Belleville, Cluny, Macon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Dijon, Beaune, Meursault Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$747
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
“They organized tours that immersed us in the flavor of Provence. Every tour leader was punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable!”
MaryJane, traveled in June
Eight travelers share personalized wine tastings in Côtes-de-Provence and village tours through Bonnieux and Lourmarin. Private e-bike excursions along Cézanne Route and an exclusive welcome dinner in Aix-en-Provence create an authentic atmosphere.
Duration 5 days Destinations Aix-En-Provence, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon, Marseille Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
- US$1,929
Independent Paris City Stay
“4 days was just enough time to see the main sites, Effiel Tower, the Louvre, and the Paris Opera house.”
Mark, traveled in May
Independent travelers can freely explore Paris without large group constraints. A Globus Local Host welcomes guests between 5-7pm, while the flexible schedule allows customized visits to Montmartre and the Latin Quarter.
Duration 4 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Giverny Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Globus From
- US$799
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Giverny, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,803
28% Off- US$1,298You save $505
Provence in Van Gogh's Footsteps: History, Art & Coastal Beauty
“Had a great experience. Highly recommended to everyone!”
Christine, traveled in April
Duration 7 days Destinations Marseille, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, Aix-En-Provence, Cassis Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
28% Off- US$500
This private gourmet tour takes 2-5 travelers through France for intimate tastings at family-run spots like Calvados Pierre HUET in Cambremer and Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp. The small group means personalized cheese tastings at E. Graindorge Fromagerie with Livarot, Camembert, and Pont-l'Évêque.
Duration 8 days Destinations Rouen, Fecamp, Etretat, Lisieux, Cambremer, Beuvron-en-Auge, Paris Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 5 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
28% Off- US$719
Duration 7 days Destinations Paris, Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type Group Operator East Gate Tours LTD From $1,689
28% Off- US$1,216You save $473
Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
“This trip is ideal if you want to admire the Provence region off the beaten track; its small villages, its gastronomy, its colors and its smells.”
Ambre, traveled in July
Small groups of 2-8 travelers enjoy private walking tours in Aix-en-Provence with guides Arthur or Mylène. Shared wine tastings in Bandol vineyards and cooking classes in Fontvieille's olive mills create personal cultural experiences.
Duration 8 days Destinations Marseille, Calanques National Park, Bandol, Cassis, Aix-En-Provence, Apt, Avignon, Chateauneuf du Pape, Alpilles, Les Baux de ProvenceSee all destinations Age Range Ages 10+ Operated in English, French Group Size Max Group Size 15 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator So Provence So Alps ! From
28% Off- US$3,640
Duration 7 days Destinations Toulouse, Carcassonne, Albi, Lourdes, Foix Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $1,699
30% Off- US$1,189You save $510
Reviews of Small Group tours to France
- Cycle Provence
Erwin made the trip. We were in a lovely region of France with a lot of history, good food and good wine. While we had to deal with the winds on certain days, the trip was excellent.
- Bike Tour, Provence, France (guided groups)
The Chain Gang trips are top notch and huge fun. Over 10 years or more I have been on most of the Chain Gang’s trips in France - three of them more than once - and I can highly recommend them for the cycling, the routes, the guides and the cuisine. Some of my best ever holidays have been with the Chain Gang. The cycling can be challenging at times but is not prohibitively over strenuous for casual and leisure cyclists. As well as cycling through quiet and often deserted back roads of France, the days allow times for good lunches (often picnics), sightseeing, visits to vineyards and plenty of time to enjoy the local attractions. The hotels used en route are all comfortable and welcoming. Most of all, the Chain Gang guides are exceptional - excellent company, great mechanics and by the end of your week good friends as well. My personal favourite trips are the ones to Provence, the Dordogne and the Bordeaux Wine Trail. I can heartily recommend the Chain Gang trips to anyone or any age who enjoys getting out on their bike.
- Journeys: Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic
We loved the itinerary and the extra sites we visited, also. Our CEO Alexiane did well. We would have like to hear more history of the places we saw. Alexiane took care to provide for the needs of individuals on our tour. That was especially helpful for me. Our bus driver, Frederick, was excellent and caring, too.
What our customers ask about France Small Group Tours
What type of accommodations are available on small group tours in France?
Small group tours in France provide accommodations in locally-run boutique hotels that showcase regional character. In the Loire Valley guests often stay at the Auberge du Centre in Chitenay which features a tranquil outdoor dining area. Burgundy offers options like the Hotel Grillon in Beaune a 19th century property surrounded by gardens. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "the mix of 2 and 3 star hotels were well chosen for their charm with good locations and the staff were always courteous especially at the hotel in Chitenay which had a beautiful courtyard for dining."
What is the typical small group size for tours in France's wine regions?
Groups in French wine regions usually consist of 8-12 travelers allowing for personalized experiences at prestigious estates. This limited size lets visitors get close-up views of wine production at places like Chateau de Chambord and Chateau Clos Vougeot. According to one TourRadar traveler "Having a small group made the wine tasting experiences much more intimate and allowed for great interaction with local vintners in places like Vouvray and Meursault."
What is the typical daily schedule like on a small group tour in France?
Days begin around 9am with breakfast at select local establishments such as Hotel Le Monarque in Blois or Hotel Grillon in Beaune. Activities span 4-6 hours including visits to châteaux wine tastings or cycling with regular breaks built in. A TourRadar traveler noted "The pace was perfect with our small group - we had time for impromptu stops at local markets and wine tastings while still hitting all the major sites like Chambord and Chenonceau."
How much interaction can I expect with locals on a small group tour in France?
The small group format creates natural opportunities to connect with French artisans and residents. Travelers meet wine producers in Burgundy visit family cheese makers in the Loire Valley and chat with market vendors in towns like Beaune and Amboise. One TourRadar traveler shared "The intimate group size meant we could actually chat with local vignerons in Vouvray and spend time learning about cheese making at a family farm near Chitenay."
What unique experiences are available on small group tours in France?
These tours provide access to experiences like private tastings at family vineyards in Bordeaux home cooking classes in Lyon and visits to hidden medieval villages like Erbalunga in Corsica. Groups can enjoy private cellar tours at places like Couvent des Jacobins in Saint-Emilion with Grand Cru wine tastings. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The small group size meant we could visit smaller family-run wineries and have intimate dinners at local restaurants that wouldn't be possible with larger groups."
What level of physical activity can I expect on a small group walking tour in France?
Walking tours are designed for moderate fitness with daily routes covering 10-20km. The Loire Valley features gentle terrain through vineyards and forests connecting châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau. A TourRadar traveler commented "The walking pace was comfortable with our small group allowing time to stop for photos and wine tastings with options to adjust the route if needed."