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.

10 best Southern France tours from Paris

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In-depth Cultural
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
30% Off
From $2,999
US$2,099per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Customized 14 Days France High-end Tour, Daily Start and Private Guide
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Paris, Chalons-en-Champagne, Avignon, Aix-En-Provence,Cannes,Nice,Monaco+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
30% Off
From
US$13,709per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Paris & Provence
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Paris, Avignon, Pont du Gard, Arles, Aix-En-Provence,Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,Les Baux de Provence,Gordes,Roussillon,French Riviera,Monaco,Nice+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern FranceProvence+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Globus
4% Off
From $6,249
US$5,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Paris & Sensations of Lyon and Provence 2026|2027 - 10 Days (11 destinations)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Perouges, Macon, Beaujolais, Tournon-sur-Rhone,Viviers,Avignon,Arles,Les Baux de Provence+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Emerald Cruises
15% Off
From $5,800
US$4,906per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Paris Lyon Avignon Marseille and Nice in 12 Days
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $3,033
US$2,426per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Paris, Lyon, Avignon and Nice in 10 Days
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Paris, Lyon, Avignon, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $2,628
US$2,102per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
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
20% Off
From $2,628
US$2,102per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
City Lights to Coastal Delights - Covering Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille and Nice
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Paris, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $3,046
US$2,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Grand tour of France in 14 : Covering Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille & Nice
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nice
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
20% Off
From $3,451
US$2,761per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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River Cruise
Bordeaux Affair with Highlights of Paris 2026
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Paris, Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye,Cussac-Fort-Médoc,Bourg,Cadillac,Sauternes+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Diamond
Country Region
Southern FranceBordeaux & DordogneAquitaine & Midi Pyrenees+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
4% Off
From $8,060
US$7,777per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Paris and the Best of Southern France - Paris, Avignon & Nice in 8 Days
4.7 (3 traveler 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
20% Off
From $2,209
US$1,767per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Paris & the French Riviera
3.3 (4 traveler 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
20% Off
From
US$2,949per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$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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Explorer
Paris and Côte d'Azur (the French Riviera) - Paris, Marseille & Nice in 8 Days
5.0 (1 traveler 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
20% Off
From $2,209
US$1,767per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Wonderful France
3.8 (4 traveler reviews)
"Wish we could have stayed a few more days in St. Tropez and Saint Paul de Vence. Overall a nice vacay."
Lidia, traveled in August
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
20% Off
From
US$3,195per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Paris, Lourdes, Côte d Azur, Provence and Barcelona
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Paris, Versailles, Tours, Bordeaux, Lourdes, Carcassonne,Narbonne,Marseille,Aix-En-Provence,Avignon,Pont du Gard,Barcelona+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern France
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
20% Off
From
US$1,437per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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