France History Tours & Trip Packages

France History Tours & Trips

1,374 France trips. Tours from 195 tour companies. 2,216 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

243 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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History
Cycling on the wine roads of Provence
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By Intura Travel
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
94 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are true experts in walking & cycling trips in France & Portugal, exploring places and routes few other operators offer.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Avignon

Highlights

  • The wine-making villages of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf du Pape
  • Cycling along country roads surrounded by vineyards at the foot of the Mont Ventoux
  • The perched villages of Venasque and Crillon le Brave
  • 1 dinner included
  • 1 half day wine tour in Chateauneuf du pape with a wine specialist
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The variation in the scenery from La Brigue to Menton was spectacular, especially as we took it day by day and could see the gradual difference as we descended through the Maritime Alps. Our favorite towns were St. Agnes and Menton. We did our one-week tour in June, with super weather both in the Alps and down on the coast. This was the perfect way to get away for one week, but feel like we had been on a two-week holiday - fresh air, exercise, good food and nothing to arrange or worry about. Thank you"

Trip dates & details
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France: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Les Baux & Avignon
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
Their unique emphasis on immersive cultural experiences combined with active exploration with personalized cycling experiences.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Extreme
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aix-en Provence, Avignon, Les Baux, Marseille, Paris, Saint Remy de Provence

Highlights

  • Delve into the imagination of artist Vincent van Gogh on a private guided tour.
  • Roll through pastoral landscapes of olive groves, vineyards, farms, and villages, set against the lofty Alpilles.
  • Stride across the Pont du Gard, the magnificent, UNESCO-cited Roman aqueduct.
  • Join a local guide on a tour of Avignon, the “City of the Popes.”

Themes

Culinary & Wine, Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This tour was one of our favorites. The tour leaders (Claudio and Tiziana) were great. The Dolomites and Italian Alps were breathtaking and the bike paths and towns were well chosen to give us a great appreciation of this Alpine countryside. Once out of Venice you really feel like you are in the country with beautiful mountains, alpine chalets and in some areas mostly German speaking residents. The biking was mostly flat with some crazy fun downhill rides. Almost all of the cycling was on bike paths, so very safe and quiet riding. As expected, VBT delivered a great tour with very good accommodations, good food and a really great group of travellers."

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Paris for the first time
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By Paris-Toujours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They offer a real personal touch, planning unique custom trips that reflect their extensive local knowledge.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Paris

Highlights

  • A sightseeing of Paris with private driver and guide
  • Walking tours with your private local guide
  • A luxury dinner cruise on the Seine river

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Paris Toujours is a top notch travel agency for France! Highly recommended! They listened to what we wanted to do traveling with three young adult kids with different interests and were able to plan a great mix of tours, museums, and strolls as well as enough free time. Every detail was taken care of and perfectly executed. I highly recommend a private boat tour of the Seine with a fabulous French meal of wine, cheese, bread etc. You will be in good hands with Paris Toujours!"

Trip dates & details
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Best of France Tour
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By Eskapas
preferred
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They introduce their travelers to real locals through their selection of guides and off-the-beaten-path restaurants and attractions.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Angers, Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, Paris

Highlights

  • Best of Loire Valley Castles and Normandy D-Day Beaches
  • Best of Paris Highlights
  • Best seller fully guided trip

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Wonderful, we really liked it."

Trip dates & details
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Paris to Bordeaux, a private wine tour in France
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By Paris-Toujours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
53 reviews
Private Guided
Why we love them
They offer a real personal touch, planning unique custom trips that reflect their extensive local knowledge.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Palace of Versailles, Paris

Highlights

  • A culinary and gourmet trip to Paris, the Loire-Valley and Bordeaux
  • Expert local guides in all three regions
  • Several wine tastings of the some of the best French wines

Themes

50 plus, Culinary & Wine, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Paris Toujours is a top notch travel agency for France! Highly recommended! They listened to what we wanted to do traveling with three young adult kids with different interests and were able to plan a great mix of tours, museums, and strolls as well as enough free time. Every detail was taken care of and perfectly executed. I highly recommend a private boat tour of the Seine with a fabulous French meal of wine, cheese, bread etc. You will be in good hands with Paris Toujours!"

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The Euro Trip
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By Interrailing Packages
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Amsterdam, Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Ljubljana, London, Paris, Prague, Rome, Split, Zagreb

Highlights

  • Visiting the likes of Paris, Interlaken, Rome, Split, and Ljubljana
  • Overnight ferry
  • Enjoy exploring and discovering local life, without the added pressure of having to tick off those famous tourist sights.
  • Visit Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital city is the hidden gem of Europe on this rail holiday, an interrail route favourite!
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Small Ship Cruise, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Los funcionarios de Interraling son excelentes personas y atienden las inquietudes a tiempo y con amabilidad. Nos ayudaron a organizar nuestras vacaciones familiares en Europa, de acuerdo a nuestras solicitudes, las cuales llenaron todas nuestras expectativas. Gracias a ustedes disfrutamos al máximo este viajes. Las salidas de los trenes fueron en el horario previsto y los hoteles buenos y bien ubicados."

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Cycling from Van Gogh's Provence to the Luberon
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By Intura Travel
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
94 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are true experts in walking & cycling trips in France & Portugal, exploring places and routes few other operators offer.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Aix En Provence

Highlights

  • Some of the most spectacular vistas & cycling rides in Provence
  • The perched villages of Les baux, Gordes & Venasque
  • Roussillon and its world’s largest ochre deposit
  • The Pope's palace in Avignon, the artists' town of Saint Remy de Provence
  • Shaded cafés in quiet village squares of the famous Luberon
Show more

Themes

Cycling & Biking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography

What travelers are saying

"The variation in the scenery from La Brigue to Menton was spectacular, especially as we took it day by day and could see the gradual difference as we descended through the Maritime Alps. Our favorite towns were St. Agnes and Menton. We did our one-week tour in June, with super weather both in the Alps and down on the coast. This was the perfect way to get away for one week, but feel like we had been on a two-week holiday - fresh air, exercise, good food and nothing to arrange or worry about. Thank you"

Trip dates & details
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The Ultimate Bucket List
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By Interrailing Packages
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Berlin, Budapest, Florence, Krakow, Ljubljana, London, Nice, Paris, Prague, Rome, Split

Highlights

  • First stop on this Eurail package is none other than Amsterdam!
  • Take a walk in the Old Town in Krakow
  • Visit the poignant Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial
  • Visit Hidden gem of Europe included on this package, capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana!
  • Visit the magical split
Show more

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, Relaxing Retreats, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"Los funcionarios de Interraling son excelentes personas y atienden las inquietudes a tiempo y con amabilidad. Nos ayudaron a organizar nuestras vacaciones familiares en Europa, de acuerdo a nuestras solicitudes, las cuales llenaron todas nuestras expectativas. Gracias a ustedes disfrutamos al máximo este viajes. Las salidas de los trenes fueron en el horario previsto y los hoteles buenos y bien ubicados."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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243 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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France Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
2,216  Reviews
See all France tour reviews
Excellent
1,039
Great
349
Average
60
Disappointing
19
Terrible
17
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking the French Riviera

Stunning scenery. Walks a little slow as we stopped a lot to look at the flora but sufficiently challenging. Views and visiting Eze which was optional at lunch stop...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Menton

This was another delightful walking trip with a good group. The leader Jessica was born locally and is passionate about the history of her region, so that we now ...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking French riverra

Excellent guide, Sandrine. Exodus must retain her!! Routes, excellent variety, interest and length. Good hotel. Below average breakfast. I had a very good room, b...

A

Anonymous

Nov 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Walking The French Riviera 2017

Perfect break away - good capable leader - perfect hotel and wonderful location in Menton. We had a good week and walked to some super places. We enjoyed great ...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Wonderful hiking trip, great guide Stephanie

The trip was great, really nice group of people ands very knowledgable guide with a great sense of humour. The location was beautiful and the hikes very satisfyi...

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France Tour Selection Trips

  • France is so rich in cultural opportunities and activities of all sorts that you can’t expect to see it all in one trip. Pick a tour that visits a region or two and get to know that area well, then return to other regions you want to visit on subsequent tours.
  • On a tour of France, you can choose anything from luxury on down to basic accommodations, dining, and transportation -- something to fit every budget.
  • Specialty tours are a good way to experience France: culinary, wine, art and architecture, walking, biking, World War II history, even religious pilgrimages are all available.
  • Don’t overlook river and barge cruises, which offer a convenient, leisurely way to see the country, stopping both at important ports such as Rouen and Lyon and small villages as well.
  • Don’t be put off from visiting France by the reputation of French people -- especially Parisians -- as rude to visitors. A simple greeting such as “bonjour, madame,” and a smile will almost always win you good service and a return
  • When planning your tour, keep in mind that almost all of France goes on vacation during the entire month of August, so for the full French experience you may want to pick a different month.

Additional details

Weather in France

The geographic diversity of the French regions, as you might imagine, lends itself to diverse weather patterns. In general, it will be temperate with summer averages ranging 61-75°F and winter averages ranging 32-46°F. 

Winter weather is gray although milder in the south uness the wind is blowing; colder and wetter in the north. Snow could be an issue during the winter months if you are in higher elevations. 

As for the summer, recall the record heat France sweated out during the summer of 2019 when temperatures reached 115°F in Verargues, Southern France while even further north in Paris, thermometers hit 108°F! 

There are four climate zones in France:

  1. Oceanic (Atlantic) climate of western France - Brittany, Normandy, Loire Valley, Western Loire - average rainfall spread over many days and modest average temperature variations

  2. Continential, or transitional, climate of central and eastern France - Champagne, Alsace, Burgundy, Ile de France (Paris) - cold winters, hot summers 

  3. Mediterranean climate of southeastern France - Provence, Cote d’Azur, Corsica - hot, dry summers and while damp but mild, rainfall between October and April 

  4. Mountain climates above 2,000’ see heavy rainfall with snow falling 3-6 months a year  

Best Time to Visit France

Late Spring and Fall

Late Spring and Fall is the time to avoid crowds while still being relatively assured of good weather. You will miss the summer festivals but for those that are crowd averse, this may not be a factor. 

Note that a few National Holidays fall in May: Labor Day and WWII Victory Day are May 1st and 8th respectively; Ascension Day falls 39 days after Easter Sunday. 

July or August 

Traveling in July and August? Be prepared for hoards of crowds in the Riviera, coast of Brittany, Dordogne and Alps as these are hot spots for vacationing Europeans. In August, businesses often close although not to the degree noticed by tourists. If you enjoy festivals, there are plenty to choose from!

Winter 

Winter has its own beauty but during the winter months, some tourist sites and information offices might not be open or they might have limited hours. Smaller towns and villages might also be hunkered down with closed restaurants and shops. 

Is France Expensive?

If you’re wondering how much it costs to vacation in France, like anywhere you may travel, it depends on how you plan your trip. France is one of the top destinations in the world and Paris, in particular, does have a reputation for being expensive. 

But so does New York and just like France, traveling there for the budget minded can be accomplished. 

Some things to consider when traveling to France on a budget

  1. Factor in the time of year you’re traveling - shoulder seasons are less costly for air and hotel; regardless, book flights well in advance

  2. Factor in your mode of travel: barge, river ship, self-guided, cycling, train, etc.

  3. Exchange rates

  4. To avoid inflated tourist rates while dining out, first look at the menu posted outside then take note: if locals are eating there, it’s most likely a good choice

  5. Sit at the bar, where prices are cheaper, not at a table

  6. Most expensive French cities: Nice, Paris, Bordeaux and Lyon 

  7. Most expensive French regions: the Dordogne, Meditteranean and the Loire Valley

  8. Less costly: central France 

  9. Shop at local open air markets and second hand flea markets (brocantes)

France tours on Stride features per day costs. Using the price filter from lowest to highest you’ll find 4 day trips for as low as $71/day and on the higher end, ultra luxury 7 day trips costing over $7,000/day. 

Who Will Enjoy Traveling to France

Perhaps the question is, who wouldn’t enjoy traveling to France?! There is so much for the French traveler to experience, it’s no wonder that France is a top worldwide destination. 

Beaches, mountains, valleys of grapes and lavender, rivers to cruise, 45 natural and cultural world heritage sites, Disneyland Paris, gastronomy, wine and shopping...there’s something for just about everyone.

If mobility and / or walking on uneven ground is a concern, speak with your tour operator as many of the smaller towns and villages have uneven cobblestone which may not be suitable, depending on your situation. If traveling through subways, they involve quite a bit of stair climbing and while many of the accommodations are historically charming, they might not be fully accessible for those using a walking aid.   

While it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to France, if you’re not curious about the language, people and its customs you might have a harder time making meaningful connections. Of course, this isn’t unique to France. Be respectful and courteous. Say “hello” and even better, “Bonjour” (“hello” in French) to start a conversation. 

Make an effort to speak the most basic of phrases - this can go a long way. Just as Americans don’t expect a foreigner visiting America to speak English, we shouldn’t expect the French to speak to us in English. Many do speak English by the way, especially in Paris, so be mindful - if you are complaining about something, a local might be listening. And do keep in mind that Americans have their own reputation, one that isn’t always positive. 

Learn some French etiquette, a word derived from French after all. Doing so will give you a much deeper appreciation - and connection to - the country and its people, as will learning some common phrases.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 1374 trips to France and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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