Top Provence Half-day Tours

See the best of beautiful, medieval Avignon on this 3-hour walking tour with skip-the-line access to Popes’ Palace. Learn the history of this exquisite UNESCO-listed city with ancient Roman roots and celebrity as the 14th-century seat of the Papacy. Admire hilltop views of the Rhône River, breeze into Popes’ Palace to tour the ornate chambers and chapels, and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône wine near the Place de l’Horloge.

Discover the colorful landscapes of Provence on this half-day tour of the Luberon Valley from Avignon. Admire the ochre cliffs of Roussillon and the blooming lavender fields; visit the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes; and see historic landmarks such as the Abbey of Senanque.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Rhône Valley wine country on this half-day tour from Avignon. In a small group, wind through verdant hills en route to two esteemed wine estates where you’ll take guided tours and taste sumptuous AOC-classified wines, from crisp rosés in Tavel to an array of world-class varietals in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Take in the stunning French countryside on a half-day tour of Provence’s lavender fields from Avignon. In a small group, wind through undulating hills and fragrant seas of lavender, stop in the charming village of Sault to peruse local soaps, flowers, essential oils, and honey. Visit a lavender producer and discover the fascinating distillation process and learn the benefits of lavender essential oil. You will also enjoy multiple photo stops throughout Sault and the surrounding lavender fields.

Sample the fine wines of Provence on this half-day small-group tasting tour from Avignon. Visit three different wineries in Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Chateauneuf du Pape; learn more about French winemaking and wine appellations; and sample an array of grand or premier cru wines.

Journey back in time to Roman and medieval Provence on this half-day tour from Avignon. Visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence to see the triumphal arch and funeral monument. Continue to the rocky hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence to explore key sites like St Vincent Church, the Hôtel des Porcelets and the ruins of Baux’s medieval castle, and finish with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard, a towering Roman aqueduct.

Provence is famous for its hilltop villages and scenic landscapes, but it’s also home to some of the most impressive Roman ruins in France. This small-group half-day tour will take you back in time, as you see the magnificent Roman amphitheater and Maison Carrée in Nîmes, stroll the medieval streets of Uzes, and visit the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard aqueduct.

During this tour devoted to the wonder of your pupils and your sense of smell you will discover landscapes and feel the unique scents of Provence. You will visit Sault, the French capital of lavender and Gordes the Abbey of Sénanque before returning to Avignon.

Discover the historic wonders of Arles and the natural landscapes of the Camargue on this half-day tour from Avignon. Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and admire the Roman ruins of Arles on a guided walking tour; look out for Camargue horses, pink flamingoes, and black bulls in the Camargue region; then visit the Camargue village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

With just one day to experience Provence, this full-day tour from Avignon includes the famous lavender fields (seasonal), picturesque hilltop towns, and Provencal markets. Visit historic landmarks such as Senanque Abbey and the UNESCO-listed Pont du Gard; explore the towns of Roussillon, les Baux de Provence, and Gordes; and follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh in Saint Remy de Provence.

Discover Provence’s lavender fields and enchanting villages with a 5-hour trip from Avignon. Travel through the countryside by comfortable coach, marveling at the bursts of color that make up the region’s Mediterranean landscape. See the ochre quarries of Roussillon, visit the hilltop town of Gordes and enjoy a refreshing walk in Fontaine de Vaucluse. The small-group format ensures a custom experience for all!

Discover Provence’s ancient roots and winemaking traditions on a half-day tour of the Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards from Avignon. Wind through the verdant vineyards of the Rhône Valley to distinguished wine estates in both areas to sample fine wines and learn about local varietals. Explore the ruins of the Pope's formal summer residence in Châteauneuf-du-Pape before heading back to Avignon.

Explore Provence of millennia past on this small-group tour from Avignon. With an expert guide, visit beautifully preserved ancient ruins and hear stories of Roman settlement and culture in southern France. Highlights of your tour include Nîmes' Roman amphitheater and Maison Carrée (Square House), the Fenestrelle Tower in Uzès, and the magnificent Pont du Gard aqueduct – UNESCO-listed site.

Soak up Provence’s exquisite natural beauty on a full-day tour from Avignon. Cross expansive plateaus covered in lavender blooms as you travel to several enchanting French villages such as Sault and Roussillon. Browse lavender shop and markets, visit the hilltop town of Gordes and learn all about Provence’s symbolic flower at Lavender Museum in Coustellet. The small-group format ensures a flexible and personalized tour.

Indulge in a full day of wine tasting as you roam the vineyards and medieval villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of the region’s most important wine appellations. Explore the villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras, stopping at traditional wineries to sample both red and white wines, and learn the secrets of local wine production. This small-group tour from Avignon also includes a delicious 2-course lunch.

Discover the highlights of Avignon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town in just half a day: this private tour offers the perfect introduction to the city. Pick between morning and afternoon departure times, and set off on foot. You’ll discover the Palais des Papes (a centuries-old, fortified papal palace), the Pont d’Avignon (the city’s iconic bridge), Les Halles (its bustling, historical marketplace), and more. As you go, learn the secrets behind the sights from your guide.

Cooking classes start at 9 a.m. with an appointment at the Cuisine Centr'Halles located inside the Les Halles d'Avignon market. We start with a visit to the Market to talk about local products, taste and especially create our menu together. We'll choose our ingredients and craft our menu, then head back to the kitchen for our class and cook our lunch. Lunch is included and consists of the menu we have prepared, water, wine and coffee. The full event ends at 1:30 p.m. Cooking demonstrations are a fun and light alternative to cooking classes. These begin at 9 a.m. with a meeting inside the market at the Cuisine Centr'Halles. We start with a market visit and tastings at some of my favorite vendors. We then return to the kitchen to prepare my tapenade recipes and some other daily preparations.

Discover the picturesque hilltop villages, purple lavender fields, and medieval monuments of Provence on a full-day tour from Avignon. Visit the 12th-century Abbaye de Senanque; the villages of Fontaine de Vaucluse, Roussillon, and Gordes; and the lavender capital of Sault.

Short on time? See the best bits of Provence on this full-day small-group tour of the region’s most photogenic spots. Drive through rolling vineyards and vast lavender fields, stopping to enjoy views of the Fontaine de Vaucluse and Senanque Abbey. Explore the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon, and take a walking tour of Saint Rémy de Provence, once home to both Nostradamus and Van Gogh. Finally, see the UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard and look out over the hills of the Alpilles from Les Baux de Provence.

Discover the rich traditions and flavors of Rhône Valley wine country on a guided wine-tasting tour from Avignon. With a small group of fellow wine enthusiasts, spend a half day visiting one or two distinguished wine estates in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape territory to sample and learn about local varietals. Your excursion includes fascinating estate tours and intimate tasting sessions in a breathtaking natural setting.

Grab your camera and set out to admire the startling purple landscapes of Provence in the summertime on this full-day tour from Avignon. Follow the famous Lavender Route, stopping to explore the hilltop villages of Gordes, learn more about the region’s famous lavender oil production at the Lavender Museum, and marvel at the Romanesque Senanque Abbey. Then, prepare for some spectacular views as you stroll along the Ochre Path in Roussillon and look out over the lavender fields from the Sault plateau.

Spend your time in port in Marseille exploring with ease by electric bike on this half-day cycling tour. Spin through the city streets with a guide, and discover top attractions such as Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica and the Palais du Pharo. Enjoy panoramic French Riviera views along the pretty Corniche Kennedy, and visit traditional ports including the Vallon des Auffes. Along the way, explore the ancient Panier neighborhood and new Joliette district, and gain insight into centuries of rich maritime history.

While the afternoon away discovering charming hilltop villages in the Luberon region on this 6-hour tour from Aix-en-Provence. Admire breathtaking Provencal landscapes as you explore Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonnieux and Roussillon. An informative guide shares historical commentary and takes you to the most picturesque spots, including Pont Julien, a 12th-century church and more. Round-trip transport by luxury minibus included.

Discover highlights of the French Riviera on this small-group tour of Marseille and Cassis. Journey along the rugged yet beautiful Route de Crêtes, where you’ll catch panoramic views of the Gulf de Cassis from Cape Canaille. Cruise from Cassis (option) to view the region’s three famous calanques, then head back to Marseille to tour the city’s main attractions like Notre-Dame de la Garde and the Abbey of St Victor.