2-Week Provence Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Provence tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaProvence travel expert at TourRadar

• 11 Day Southern France Itinerary, incl. Lyon and Nice

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Lyon

    Start your Southern France adventure in Lyon, France's food capital. Plan to arrive before 4:30 PM for a smooth check-in. The next day, visit the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière first thing in the morning for the best photo opportunities. A guided food tour through Vieux Lyon (Old Town) is worth booking. You'll need a local guide to discover the hidden traboules (passageways) between buildings.

    
  • Day 3

    Mâcon

    Take a cruise on the Saône River to discover the Beaujolais wine region. Most wines here are red, made from the Gamay grape. Schedule your wine tasting for the morning when your taste buds are fresh and you'll avoid the busy afternoon crowds.

    
  • Day 4

    Tournon

    This riverside village is perfect for hiking through terraced vineyards. The 16th-century castle offers spectacular Rhône Valley views, but expect a steep 20-minute climb. Bring shoes with good grip since the old stone paths can get slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Viviers

    Walk through the medieval town's narrow cobblestone streets and check out one of France's oldest cathedrals. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but watch your step on the uneven ground. For great cathedral photos, head to Rue du Château in the late afternoon.

    
  • Day 6

    Avignon

    Get to the Palais des Papes early to beat the crowds. If you're visiting from June to August, you'll see the lavender fields in full bloom. Consider an evening classical concert in a historic building. Bring something warm to wear since these old stone buildings stay cool even in summer.

    
  • Day 7

    Arles

    This Roman city sparked Van Gogh's creativity for his most famous paintings. Visit the 2,000-year-old amphitheater early before it gets too hot. End your day with a Provençal dinner by the well-known chef Fabien Morreale.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Nice & Monte Carlo

    Take a 2.5-hour transfer to Nice after leaving the ship in Arles. You'll have three nights to explore the French Riviera, including Monte Carlo. Get to Monaco's Prince's Palace before the tour buses arrive. In Nice, walk or bike the 7km Promenade des Anglais at sunset for beautiful Mediterranean views.

    

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• 11 Days in Southern France, incl. Nice and Lyon

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Nice: Start your French adventure in Nice,

    the jewel of the French Riviera. Walk the Promenade des Anglais early in the morning before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Take a quick train to Monaco on day two. The 20-minute coastal journey is beautiful. If you plan to visit the Monte Carlo casino, note the dress code: no shorts or sneakers after 2 PM. Spend day three in the Old Town (Vieux Nice). Visit the Cours Saleya market before 1 PM when vendors start closing up.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arles: Take a 3-hour train ride from Nice to Arles

    for your river cruise departure. Visit the Café Van Gogh in Place du Forum in late afternoon to see the same light that inspired the artist's famous painting. Check out the Roman Arena early for smaller crowds. Get a detailed map from the tourist office near the arena. The old town's winding streets can be tricky to navigate.

    
  • Day 6

    Avignon: Start at the Palais des Papes right when it opens at 9 AM

    to avoid tour groups. Wear good walking shoes. You'll encounter lots of stairs and stone floors inside. Get your best photos of the Pont d'Avignon from the Rocher des Doms garden above the palace. For local specialties, visit Les Halles market before noon.

    
  • Day 7

    Viviers: This medieval town shows you real French life.

    Walk up to the Cathedral of St. Vincent. The climb is steep but worth it. Be careful on the cobblestone streets when wet. The cathedral terrace offers stunning views of the Rhône Valley at sunset.

    
  • Day 8

    Tournon: This riverside town is perfect for wine lovers.

    Morning vineyard walks offer great views but pack water and sun protection. You can see the 16th-century castle from the riverside walkway.

    
  • Day 9

    Vienne: Everything is within walking distance in this Roman city.

    Visit the Temple of Augustus and Livia in the center. The archaeology museum is quieter in the morning after opening at 9:30 AM. Local restaurants serve excellent Viennoise specialties.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Lyon: Food lovers should start at Les Halles Paul Bocuse market.

    Take the funicular to Fourvière Basilica early to avoid lines, or walk up in 20 minutes. Explore the traboules (hidden passages) in Vieux Lyon with a map from the tourist office.

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• 11 Days in Southern France, incl. Nice and Lyon

  

  View itinerary Compare 11 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Nice & Monaco:

    Start your French Riviera adventure in Nice. Walk the Promenade des Anglais early morning before it gets busy. Take a quick 25-minute train to Monaco on day 2. Visit the Prince's Palace at 11:45 AM to see the guard change then head to Monte Carlo Casino when it opens at 2 PM. Spend day 3 exploring Nice's Old Town and the Cours Saleya market before 1 PM when vendors start closing up.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Arles:

    Travel 4 hours from Nice to Arles. Visit the Roman amphitheater right when it opens at 9 AM to avoid the crowds. Walk to the Place du Forum where Van Gogh painted his famous "Café Terrace at Night." You can still visit the actual café at 11 Place du Forum. Late afternoon light makes for beautiful photos around town.

    
  • Day 6

    Avignon:

    Start with the massive Palais des Papes. Book tickets online to skip the long lines that often stretch 45+ minutes. The palace covers 15,000 square meters, making it Europe's largest Gothic building. Spend your afternoon walking the medieval walls but remember to bring water. Get your best photos of Pont d'Avignon from the Rocher des Doms garden above the palace.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Viviers & Tournon:

    Explore medieval Viviers but watch your step on the steep cobblestone streets leading to St. Vincent Cathedral. In Tournon, visit the riverside castle for great Rhône Valley views. If you're up for it, take the vineyard hike. It's steep in places but the views are worth it. Walking poles and a hat will come in handy.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Mâcon & Lyon:

    Start in Mâcon to explore Beaujolais wine country. After morning wine tasting, head to Lyon, France's food capital. Take the funicular up to Fourvière Basilica to save your legs, then explore the Old Town's traboules (secret passageways) on foot. Book your bouchon (traditional restaurant) well in advance.

    
  • Day 11

    Lyon:

    Use your final morning to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market. Most vendors open by 7 AM, perfect for picking up food souvenirs before heading to the airport.

    

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