Provence to Paris Cultural Journey
Set off from Marseille on a seven–day journey that wraps up in Paris – a neat blend of Provence, Burgundy, Alsace and the Black Forest. You’ll explore Arles’ Roman remains, Avignon and Les Baux with its Carrières de Lumières, then wander Lyon’s old town. In Burgundy, expect Beaune’s wine culture and a quirky stop at Savigny Castle’s vehicle museums, plus time in Dijon. Cross to Alsace for Colmar, a tasting in Riquewihr and a Strasbourg boat trip. Glide through Germany’s Black Forest to Triberg’s waterfalls and elegant Baden–Baden, then visit Speyer and Heidelberg’s castle. Round off via Luxembourg City and Champagne’s Reims before arriving in Paris.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MarseilleEnds
ParisMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in France that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
France, Switzerland, Germany, LuxembourgPassengers
£1,219.75
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Marseille
Arles
Avignon
Lyon
Tournus
Savigny Castle
Beaune
Dijon
Besançon
Colmar
Riquewihr
Strasbourg
Fribourg
Triberg
Gengenbach
Baden-Baden
Speyer
Heidelberg
Frankfurt
Luxembourg
Reims
Paris
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon
From Marseille, we head into Provence’s villages, landscapes and history – first to Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city where we explore its Roman and medieval remains and the places that recall Van Gogh. We continue to Les Baux to visit this small medieval village, with admission included to Carrières de Lumières – an immersive art, image and sound show set in former quarries. You will then have time for lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey continues to Lyon, where we walk through the UNESCO‑listed old town and take the cable car up to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views across the city. If tickets for Carrières de Lumières are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Lyon - Tournus - Savigny Castle - Beaune - Dijon
We leave Lyon for Burgundy, beginning in Tournus, a small town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. We then continue to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you’ll have time for lunch and to explore at your own pace – you might visit the wine museum or the historic hospice. In the afternoon we visit Savigny Castle, in the heart of this winemaking region and built in the 15th century, whose extraordinary museums display motorbikes, racing cars, planes and helicopters. We continue to Dijon, the region’s capital, known for its lively streets and its wealth of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Palace of the Dukes.
Day 3 - Dijon - Besancon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg
Leaving Dijon, we pause in Besançon, a city of Roman origin with a beautiful historic centre and a 17th century citadel overlooking the town. We then continue on to Alsace – a French region long contested between France and Germany that still preserves the Alsatian dialect alongside Germanic architecture and traditions. Our first stop is Colmar, known for its colourful half timbered houses and canals, as well as acclaimed white wines and gastronomy. You will have time for lunch and a leisurely walk. In the afternoon we visit Riquewihr, a picturesque medieval town of cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses often said to have inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. We also visit an old winery for a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We arrive in Strasbourg in the evening – you can stroll around the cathedral area and Petite France, where there are plenty of cosy places for dinner.
Day 4 - Strasbourg - Freiburg im breisgau - Triberg - Gengenbach - Baden-Baden
We begin the day in Strasbourg, capital of Alsace and seat of the European Parliament. Its historic centre mixes cobbled lanes, a striking Gothic cathedral and flower‑lined canals. We include a boat trip through Petite France to see this area from the water. Afterwards we cross into Germany, driving through the Black Forest’s scenic mountain towns. In Freiburg im Breisgau you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll around the lively university city and its medieval centre and cathedral. We then continue to Triberg, famed for its cuckoo clocks, where we include entry to the Triberg Waterfalls – Germany’s highest – reached via a pleasant walking path. A brief photo stop follows in Gengenbach, known for its handsome central square, before we continue to Baden‑Baden for the night. This elegant spa town, once a favourite retreat for European nobility and the upper bourgeoisie, is known for its casinos, architecture and parks – you can enjoy the evening at your own pace.
Day 5 - Baden-Baden - Speyer - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
We begin with a short stop in Baden-Baden to stroll through its parks before continuing into Rhineland-Palatinate. In Speyer on the Rhine, we visit the magnificent Romanesque cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and you can wander the old town, where the Alte Münze tower stands out. We then continue to Heidelberg, where we take the funicular up to the castle – ticket included – with access to the exterior grounds, the wine cellars and the pharmacy museum, and superb views over the city. Afterwards, you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the old town and its Marktplatz. By late afternoon we arrive in Frankfurt, a major financial hub with modern skyscrapers, an old town and a vibrant nightlife. You’ll have free time to stroll and dine in the Römerberg Square area before we head to the hotel.
Day 6 - Frankfurt - Luxembourg - Reims - Paris
We leave Frankfurt for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a small country where both French and Luxembourgish are spoken. In the capital, we explore a cosmopolitan city that balances a UNESCO‑listed old town and historic fortifications with its role as a financial hub and base for European institutions – highlights include the Grand Ducal Palace and Notre‑Dame Cathedral. You’ll have time for lunch before we continue into France.In the heart of the Champagne region, we stop in Reims to see its magnificent Gothic cathedral – the historic site of numerous French royal coronations. We arrive in Paris by the end of the day.
Day 7 - Paris
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Paris – our services end here. You can check out and continue with your onward travel plans.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Paris
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Marseille
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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