Day Trips & Excursions in France

With its tradition of luxury and beautiful natural environment, the French Riviera offers visitors plenty to explore. Gain an overview of the Cote d'Azure on this day trip to some of the area's top towns, including Cannes, Antibes, and Eze. Stop to visit top historical and cultural attractions at each location and enjoy the views of the French countryside between destinations.

Delve into the Versaille's visionary architectural array on a comprehensive full-day tour from Paris. Travel by luxury minibus to the regal city and sail past long lines outside of the Palace of Versailles with your priority-access pass. Embark on a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder and see grand chambers like the Hall of Mirrors. Absorb the botanical beauty of the palace gardens, and then head to an esteemed restaurant by the Grand Canal for a gourmet 3-course lunch. Conclude with a visit to the Queen's Hamlet and the Grand Trianon.

Get a taste of Provence on this full-day small-group tour from Aix-en-Provence and discover its picturesque hilltop villages, magnificent Roman ruins, and legendary artists. Explore historic Arles, follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Saint-Remy de Provence, and visit the famous Carrières de Lumières in Baux de Provence.

Experience the allure of the seductive Mediterranean coast firsthand with a 4-hour tour of Cannes and Antibes from Nice. Bask in the glow of Cannes, home of the famous film festival, where you can walk the gorgeous Croisette Boulevard to the Film Festival Palace. Visit Juan-les-Pins, Cap d'Antibes and La Garoupe, highlights of the region. Enjoy free time in chic Antibes to browse in boutiques or walk on the beach. A tour group size limited to eight people ensures personalized attention from your guide.

Just outside of Paris, the riverside village of Giverny was the home of iconic French artist Claude Monet and a major center of the Impressionist art movement. This full-day trip offers longer to explore than most tours, including a morning tour of Monet's House and Gardens, a delicious lunch at the Monet-inspired Les Nymph eas restaurant, and an afternoon visit to the Mus ee des Impressionnismes.

Combine a visit to the scenic fishing village of Cassis with the bustling port city of Marseille on this full-day small-group tour from Aix-en-Provence. Cruise around the UNESCO-listed coastline of Cassis, past the dramatic calanques, then look out over the bay from the Cape Canaille, Europe's highest sea cliff. After lunch (own expense), head to Marseille to take in highlights like Le Panier, Saint Victor Abbey, Notre Dame de la Garde basilica and Fort Saint-Jean.

Commemorate the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealander soldiers during World War I with the annual ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Villers-Bretonneux. On April 25, Depart Paris in the early morning hours to arrive in time for the dawn vigil. Continue on to the surrounding countryside for a tour of the pivotal Somme battlefields with your historian guide. Visit landmarks and memorials including the massive Lochnagar Crater, the Franco-Australian Museum and the Adelaide Cemetery on this enlightening and emotional full-day tour.

While in Bordeaux, discover the bounty of wine country on a full-day guided tasting tour! With an expert guide, tour a wine cellar in Bordeaux's historic district and enjoy a tasting before stopping in town for a traditional lunch. Then depart Bordeaux to explore outlying wine chateaux in either Medoc or Saint Emilion. You'll visit one or two esteemed wine estates, meet local vintners, learn about the extraordinary local viticulture traditions and sample a range of fine wines.

Discover the subterranean cellars and winemaking secrets of the Bordeaux wine region on a 5-hour tour from Bordeaux. Admire sweeping vistas of the picturesque countryside as you travel by air-conditioned coach to prestigious wineries in the appellations of either Saint-Emillion or Mèdoc. Descend into the ancient cellars and see oak barrels of refined wines before marveling at expansive sprawls of vineyards. Pamper your palate with delicious samples of wine and gain fascinating insight into the wines' delicate flavors and meticulous manufacture.

Delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Paris on a full-day sightseeing tour of France's captivating capital. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, visit iconic monuments like Notre Dame Cathedral before ascending to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a fabulous French lunch. Sail past the long entrance lines with your priority access pass and feast upon the gourmet offerings of 58 Tour Eiffel, an esteemed eatery. Admire the classical splendor of the UNESCO-listed Palace of Versailles and conclude your day with a romantic sunset dinner cruise on the Seine River. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 18 guests.

Escape the bustle of Marseille with a 4-hour tour of bohemian Aix-en-Provence. Board a comfortable coach for the short northbound ride through the vibrant Provençal countryside. With your friendly guide, you'll stroll Aix's picturesque streets, viewing centuries-old private mansions, elaborate fountains, shops and caf es. Then enjoy a walk on your own or visit Cezanne's famous art studio (own expense). 

Get out of Strassbourg for the day and visit some charming and enchanting villages on this private guided wine-themed tour. Stop by the villages of Riquewihr, Colmar and Equisheim and then partake in a tour of and wine tasting at the Castle of Haut Koenigsbourg. Sit down at a local restaurant and indulge in a three-course lunch (at own expense).

Experience Van Gogh's vivid and picturesque Provence on this full-day tour from Marseille! Journey to the seaside town of Arles - where Van Gogh fully realized his signature style - to visit key sites like the ancient Arles amphitheater, Saint-Trophime church and the setting of Le caf e de nuit. Continue to Saint-R emy-de-Provence to see the triumphal arch and funeral monument, and to the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence.

Spot pink flamingos, black Camargue bulls and herds of white horses as you travel through the heart of the Camargue National park on this 5-hour small-group tour from Avignon. Discover the unique gypsy heritage of Les Saintes Maries de la Mer, the Camargue capital, then get back to nature as you gaze out over Vaccarès Pond and admire the rich wildlife of the Pont de Gau Ornithological Park.

Spend an idyllic half day exploring glamorous Cannes and Antibes on this accessible driving tour. Meet your guide at your central Nice hotel or in the city center, and set off for Cannes. Upon arrival, you can follow in the footsteps of film stars, stroll along La Croisette, and enjoy free time for further sightseeing. Next, head to Antibes, passing scenic Juan-les-Pins and Cap d'Antibes as you go. Upon arrival, see the town's "Bay of Billionaires" and discover its historical sights.

Immerse yourself in the scenery, history, and glamor of the French Riviera on a full-day small-group tour from Nice. Settle inside an air-conditioned minivan and explore the highlights of what's known as the Côte d'Azur (Blue Coast). Take in the glitz of Cannes, Monaco, and Monte Carlo; explore medieval Eze and St. Paul-de-Vence; and admire the Riviera's coastline on drives to Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, and Golfe Juan. Nice hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Retrace the steps of American D-Day troops on a full-day tour of Normandy's US landing sectors from Bayeux. Travel by air-conditioned minivan with your expert guide, and stand at key landing and drop points, including Omaha Beach and St-Mere-Eglise. See the battle sites at La Pointe du Hoc, inspect the German batteries at Longues Sur Mer, and visit Arromanches, the Utah Beach Museum and Normandy American Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives in June 1944. Numbers are limited to eight people for a more personalized experience.

Escape the bustle of Bordeaux for some seaside therapy on this 4.5-hour day trip to the Bay of Arcachon. With your local guide and small group, you'll journey southwest by mini-coach to the white sands beaches of Arcachon, famous for oyster-harvesting. Hike to the top of Pyla Dune - the highest sand dune in Europe - stroll the beach, get splendid ocean and forest views, and sample fresh oysters at a local oyster farm.

Soak up the bounty, beauty and history of Provence on a full-day trip from Marseille. In Avignon, the 'City of Popes,' you'll discover ancient and medieval art and architecture on a guided, small-group tour. Pop into the Popes' Palace (own expense) before continuing to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to sample fine Provençal wines in an elegant château. Finish with a visit to the medieval hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence.

Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Provence on this day trip that includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Avignon and more. As you soak up the beauty of one of France's most loved regions, learn about its historical significance at places like St R emy de Provence, Les Baux de Provence, the Pont du Gard and Avignon's famous Popes' Palace. See Roman runs, have free time for lunch and enjoy interesting commentary from an informative guide.