What are the main Southern France destinations visited after starting in Paris?

The journey south from Paris follows a well-planned route through France's most notable cities and regions. Travelers move through Lyon to Provence visiting Avignon Aix-en-Provence Nice and the French Riviera. The route includes stops at the ancient Roman amphitheater in Arles the historic Pope's Palace in Avignon and the opulent casinos of Monte Carlo. Several tour companies like Scenic Cruises combine land travel with cruising along the Rhône River. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The progression from Paris down through Provence hitting all the major sites was excellent - especially loved Avignon and the French Riviera portion."

What's the best season to start a Southern France tour from Paris?

Peak travel season runs May through September when sunny skies and warm temperatures prevail. Spring brings mild weather and colorful blooms across Paris and Provence while September offers warm days with lighter tourist crowds. Hotels like the Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon and Grand Hotel Roi René in Aix-en-Provence provide ideal bases for outdoor dining and garden visits during these months. As shared by a TourRadar traveler: "We went in June and had perfect weather for exploring both Paris and Provence."

What's included in Paris city touring before heading south?

Most itineraries dedicate 2-3 days to exploring Paris before departing south. The standard program covers access to the Eiffel Tower's second floor a Seine River boat ride entry to the Louvre Museum visits to Notre Dame Cathedral area and time in Montmartre. Tours often base guests at central locations like the Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Having 3 days in Paris first was perfect - we saw all the major sites before heading to explore the south."

What accommodation types are offered on these tours?

Lodging options span from reliable 3-star properties to high-end 5-star hotels and river vessels. Paris accommodations include the Courtyard Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon and Novotel while southern stays feature properties like the Grand Hotel Roi René in Aix-en-Provence. River cruise portions use ships such as Scenic Sapphire which offers balcony suites. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The hotels were well-located throughout - especially loved our stay at the Grand Hotel Roi René in Aix."

What are the most common pick-up points for tours starting in Paris?

Tour services begin with airport collections and transfers to hotels in Paris's central districts. Common pickup spots include the 9th Arrondissement near the Palais Garnier the historic center close to Les Jardins du Marais and the Champs-Élysées neighborhood. Many operators also arrange meetups at major rail hubs like Gare de Lyon for southern connections. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler: "The pickup from Charles de Gaulle airport and transfer to our hotel in the Opera district was seamless making for a stress-free start to our French adventure."

How do tours typically travel from Paris to Southern France?

The high-speed TGV train network serves as the primary transport link between Paris and Southern France. The Collette tour features TGV travel to Provence while Scenic's itineraries blend rail journeys to Lyon with river cruise segments. Some operators like Europamundo use luxury coaches for the journey. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The TGV train ride from Paris to Provence was comfortable and offered beautiful views of the changing landscape."

Southern France Tours from Paris

Picture yourself cruising the Seine past Notre-Dame, then tasting wines in Burgundy's rolling vineyards. You'll explore Provence's lavender fields, tour Lyon's ancient traboules, discover Avignon's Papal Palace, and attend classical concerts in historic venues. From the Eiffel Tower to medieval villages, from Bordeaux's UNESCO center to Nice's Promenade, France unfolds.

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10 best Southern France tours from Paris

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$Paris and Côte d\'Azur (the French Riviera) - Paris, Marseille & Nice in 8 Days Tour$
$Paris and Côte d\'Azur (the French Riviera) - Paris, Marseille & Nice in 8 Days - 9 destinations$
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City & Culture
Paris and Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) - Paris, Marseille & Nice in 8 Days
5.0 (1 review)
"The hotel choices were very good, and the transfers between airports and train tickets worked perfectly."
Michael, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Marseille, Avignon, Nice, Monte Carlo,Monaco+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
25% Off
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US$1,759per person
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City & Culture
14-Day French Elegance & Spanish Charm with All-Inclusive Rhône River Cruise
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Tournon-sur-Rhone, Avignon, Arles, Viviers,Marseille,Barcelona+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern FranceRhone+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wonderful Holidays UK
9% Off
From $11,185
US$10,178per person
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Food & Wine
French Elegance: Paris & Bordeaux by Train
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Bordeaux, Margaux, Pauillac, Arcachon
Age Range
Ages 11+
Country Region
Southern FranceAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Omega Tours
9% Off
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US$3,994per person
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City & Culture
Customized 14 Days France High-end Tour, Daily Start and Private Guide
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Reims, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Nimes,Chateauneuf du Pape,Cannes,Antibes,Nice,Eze,Monaco+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
9% Off
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US$13,709per person
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City & Culture
France to Spain: A Cultural Crossing
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Barcelona
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,799
US$2,099per person
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City & Culture
Best of France
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Dijon, Annecy, Sisteron, Greoux Les Bains,Moustiers-Sainte-Marie,Castellane,Nice,Cannes,Eze,Monaco,Monte Carlo,Saint-Tropez+8 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $4,475
US$3,804per person
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River Cruise
Nice to Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2027 - 13 Days
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Paris, Nice, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Lyon, Perouges, Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Vienne,Monte Carlo,Monaco+6 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Southern FranceSeineRhoneSaone+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
44% Off
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US$6,045per person
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City & Culture
French Rendez - Vous With Paris Extension
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Paris, Nantes, Cognac, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Nimes,Les Baux de Provence,Marseille,Aix-En-Provence,Nice,Monte Carlo+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
44% Off
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US$4,099per person
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River Cruise
Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2027
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Perouges, Macon, Beaujolais, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Vallon-Pont-d'Arc,Avignon,Chateauneuf du Pape,Uzès,Arles,Les Baux de Provence,Nice+8 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Regions
Southern FranceSeineRhoneSaone+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
21% Off
From $5,825
US$4,607per person
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City & Culture
Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Nice in 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Monte Carlo, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
25% Off
From $2,789
US$2,092per person
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City & Culture
Paris and the Best of Southern France - Paris, Avignon & Nice in 8 Days
4.8 (4 reviews)
"My trip was so beautifully planned that I simultaneously saw everything but was also relaxed and in vacation mode throughout."
Meenakshi, traveled in February
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Avignon, Nimes, Nice, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
25% Off
From $2,345
US$1,759per person
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City & Culture
Paris & the French Riviera
3.3 (4 reviews)
"Plenty of free time with and without some excursions. Highly recommend and will utilize again!"
DONDRE, traveled in August
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Paris, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Eze, Monaco, Saint-Tropez
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
French RivieraSouthern FranceAlps+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Wingbuddy
25% Off
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US$2,949per person
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City & Culture
Paris, Lourdes, Côte d Azur, Provence and Barcelona (12 destinations)
4.0 (2 reviews)
"The tour was excellent! we enjoyed all the sites and had great tour guides."
Alan, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Tours, Bordeaux, Lourdes, Carcassonne,Narbonne,Marseille,Aix-En-Provence,Avignon,Barcelona+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
25% Off
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US$1,461per person
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City & Culture
Wonderful France
4.0 (5 reviews)
"Beautiful places and so much history; really covered a lot of ground."
Linda, traveled in May
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Paris, Giverny, Beaune, Lyon, Aix-En-Provence, Monaco,French Riviera,Saint-Paul-de-Vence,Saint-Tropez,Avignon,Pont du Gard,Arles+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Trafalgar
10% Off
From $3,295
US$2,966per person
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City & Culture
7 Days Paris, Toulouse & Lourdes Discovery
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Toulouse, Albi, Cordes-sur-Ciel, Gaillac,Lourdes+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern FranceAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
25% Off
From $2,730
US$2,047per person
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