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
- Secret gardens & markets of Southern France: women-only small group tour
- Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
- Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
- Gastronomic and wine tour of France
- Adventurous 10 Days Trip To France (Covering Paris, Dijon, Avignon & Nice)
- Paris in Color, Scent & Flavor
- Mother and Daughter Tour in Provence (Women-Only)
- Paris and Normandy Short Break
- Paris, City of Love
- Tailor-Made Private France Tour to Paris, Normandy and Loire Valley, Daily Departure
Designed for 8-12 women aged 45+, this France journey balances group camaraderie with individual time across Nice and Provence's countryside. Starting at Villa Otero in Nice and spending six nights at Hotel Bastide in Lourmarin, the small group size makes intimate experiences possible like private garden tours with aperitifs and traditional soap-making visits in Salon-de-Provence. From browsing Aix-en-Provence's flower market to the farewell dinner at Domaine de Fontenille, the limited numbers make sure every participant gets personalized attention during market visits and wine estates.
Duration 8 days Destinations Nice, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Frejus, Lourmarin, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, Gordes, Bonnieux, Salon-de-Provence, Aix-En-Provence Age Range Ages 45+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Womens Travel Circle From
- US$5,743
Discovery of the Hinterland of Provence
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 Marseille, Aix-En-Provence, Apt, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, Gordes, Roussillon 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$1,961
Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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
- US$3,701
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
Travel in a group of 2-4 guests, which means personalized attention during wine tastings at Château of Pizay and Domaine de la Madone without the crowds typical of larger tours. Small group size allows for intimate conversations with winemakers in Gevrey-Chambertin and flexible dining reservations at authentic bouchon restaurants in Vieux Lyon. You'll get private vineyard tours along the Rock of Solutré with customized stops at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lyon, Beaujolais, Villefranche-sur-Saone, Belleville, Cluny, Macon, Dijon, Beaune, Meursault Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
- US$732
This private tour accommodates 1-9 travelers, providing a personalized French adventure with flexible, intimate experiences. Small group dynamics mean you'll move at a custom pace through Paris's Louvre Museum, Dijon's Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, and Nice's Promenade des Anglais without large coach tour constraints. The private setup allows spontaneous stops at Avignon's UNESCO-listed Palais des Papes and Montmartre's charming vineyard streets, creating deeper connections with each destination at your preferred rhythm.
Duration 10 days Destinations Paris, Dijon, Avignon, Nice Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 9 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator WiseYatra From $2,569
18% Off- US$2,107You save $462
This private trip works for 2-5 travelers, so it's good for couples or small groups of friends heading to Paris together. With a smaller group size, you'll get personalized attention while walking through Montmartre's artistic streets, seeing panoramic views from Sacré-Coeur, and touring the Palace of Versailles at a pace that works for you. The intimate setup means you can spend extra time at the Musée d'Orsay's Impressionist collection or have a relaxed picnic in Versailles' gardens without feeling rushed.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 5 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
18% Off- US$293
Duration 7 days Destinations Marseille, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Gordes, Roussillon, Aix-En-Provence Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 6 Group Type Group Operator Tour With Absolutely From
18% Off- US$6,491
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Deauville Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,560
10% Off- US$3,204You save $356
This private Paris arrangement fits 1-5 travelers and gives you complete flexibility as you visit the Louvre's masterpieces and Sacré-Cœur without crowds. The small group size means personalized pacing through each site, and you can make spontaneous detours to hidden spots like Canal Saint-Martin or spend extra time with wine at Gisou Montmartre. Your private setup creates a deeply personal Parisian adventure that's just not possible with larger tour groups.
Duration 5 days Destinations Paris, Versailles Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 5 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Worldee From
10% Off- US$392
Your private tour focuses solely on your group, ideal for viewing Versailles's Hall of Mirrors and Queen's apartments. A dedicated driver-guide allows relaxed visits to Loire Valley castles and flexible timing at D-Day beaches in Normandy.
Duration 8 days Destinations Paris, Caen, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy Beach, Tours, Amboise Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 4 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- US$8,059
Reviews of Small Group tours to France
Everything that mattered was really good! The group of participants gelled very well, everyone seemed to enjoy the company of everyone else, so the marketing must be well focussed to get such a group of like-minded, like-focussed people. The tour leader was excellent. Andrew was able to read the group, adjust the activities, up or down, so that everyone seemed satisfied, regardless of their ability. Accommodations were basic, but comfortable, and there really wasn't time to do anything in the room but sleep and shower after the days' activities and socialising. The activity level was fairly demanding, days were full. It is not a relaxing vacation, but very satisfying for anyone looking for this kind of adventure
Cycle Provence
I had only been to Paris years ago and wondered why more nights in Bayeux. But Bayeux was more French than Paris to me. Loved the town and the excursions to the D-Day Camp Omaha beach, American cemetery etc. Also, our day trip to Mt. San Michel was fabulous. Our CEO always had great recommendations when we were on our own. I loved the tour she gave us in Paris starting with a Metro ride.
Journeys: Paris & Normandy Highlights National Geographic Journeys
- Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights
The Tour de Montblanc Highlights was a great adventure - fantastic itineraries, a gorgeous guide, and wonderful hosts. Thank you!
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."