Paris to Nice through vineyards and mountains

Trip Code:62748

(AUD) Twin Share from $6,809pp

Days 12

Nights 11

This leisurely voyage through quintessential France takes you from Paris to Nice via the wine regions of Champagne, Chablis and Burgundy, then into the French Alps. Discover medieval Reims Cathedral, wander the timber-framed streets of Troyes, and explore the wine capital of Beaune with its Gothic Hospices. Continue to Annecy, the ‘Pearl of the French Alps’, and Chamonix beneath Mont Blanc, before descending through lavender-scented Provence to the Mediterranean coast.

Along the way you’ll enjoy wine tastings at family-run estates, a picnic lunch in a chateau vineyard, cheese tasting at a traditional fromagerie, and cable-car or cogwheel-railway rides into the high Alps. With a maximum of 18 guests, a knowledgeable tour leader, and a blend of included experiences and free time, this tour immerses you in local French life at a relaxed pace.

Multiple departure dates available from April to October 2027

Prices below are for the 07 April 2027 departure:

Twin share from ~~$7,109~~ $6,809 per person*
Sole use from ~~$8,889~~ $8,589 per person*

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Paris

Meet your Tour Leader and group in Paris for a welcome dinner at a local bistro.

Day 2 – Paris – Reims – Troyes

Visit Reims Cathedral, enjoy champagne tasting at a family-owned winery, then continue to medieval Troyes.

Day 3 – Troyes

Walking tour of Troyes including Cats Alley, visit Cite Du Vitrail stained-glass museum, free time to explore.

Day 4 – Troyes – Chablis – Beaune

Wine tasting at a family-run organic winery in Chablis, continue to Beaune for group dinner.

Day 5 – Beaune

Visit the Hospices de Beaune with audio guide, free time to explore the wine capital of Burgundy.

Day 6 – Beaune – Annecy

Optional stop in Cluny, visit a family-run winery with guided tour, wine tasting and picnic lunch, continue to Annecy for orientation walk.

Day 7 – Annecy – Chamonix – Annecy

Day trip to Chamonix, ride the Brévent cable car or Montenvers railway for Mont Blanc views, return to Annecy for group dinner.

Day 8 – Annecy

Full day at leisure to explore Annecy’s Old Town, canals and lakeside.

Day 9 – Annecy – Drôme Region

Visit Fromagerie Les Aillons for cheese tasting, continue to the Drôme region for group dinner.

Day 10 – Drôme Region – Sisteron – Gréoux-Les-Bains

Sisteron will be our first port of call – specifically its enchanting 12th-century Citadel. Perched on a rugged spur, this historic monument offers stunning panoramic views which stretch out over 150 kilometres towards the snow-capped Alps. Spend an hour or so exploring Sisteron’s bastions and crumbling medieval keep before seeking out some lunch. Lamb is the local meat of choice, so why not tuck into a succulent grilled chop dusted in aromatic herbes de Provence?

Day 11 – Gréoux-les-Bains – Gorges du Verdon – Gréoux-Les-Bains

Stomachs sated with breakfast, we’ll hop back in our luxury minicoach and prepare to soak up some pinch-me-I-must-be-dreaming vistas at the Gorges du Verdon. This immense canyon is one of the largest in Europe and its scenery is utterly spellbinding – with plunging limestone walls formed by millions of years of erosion from the snaking Verdon River.

And if that wasn’t enough, we’ll also stop to marvel the topaz-blue waters and pine-dotted shores of Lac de Sainte Croix at the very end of the canyon. You’d never guess it was a man-made reservoir and not a natural phenomenon!

Then, our path takes us back to Gréoux-Les-Bains where one final group dinner in Villa Borghese’s restaurant awaits. Savour the fresh flavours of Provence cuisine and clink glasses as you fondly round off a wonderful journey together. Santé!

Day 12 – Gréoux-les-Bains – Entrevaux – Nice

We’ll arrive at its shining capital, Nice, mid-afternoon and bid a fond farewell to our fellow travellers.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

Highlights

Maximum 18 guests travelling in a luxury minicoach with a dedicated tour leader and driver
11 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation including medieval towns and alpine resorts
Leisurely pace with full free days in Troyes, Beaune and Annecy to explore at your own rhythm

Inclusions

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
Wine tasting in Champagne with vineyard visit
Walking tour of Troyes and entrance to Cite Du Vitrail
Wine tasting in Chablis
Visit Hospices de Beaune with audio guide
Visit a family-run winery with local guide, wine tasting and picnic lunch
Welcome walk of Annecy
Ride the Brévent cable car or Montenvers railway in Chamonix
Visit Fromagerie Les Aillons with cheese tasting
Entrance to Citadelle de Sisteron
Drive through Gorges du Verdon
Tour leader and driver throughout
Luxury minicoach transport

Exclusions

Air fares
Travel insurance

FAQs

11 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation including Hotel Alexandrine Opera in Paris, Hôtel Mercure Troyes Centre, Alfred Hôtel Beaune, Hôtel Hébé in Annecy, and hotels in the Drôme region and Gréoux-les-Bains.

Which type of hotels will we stay in?

Our thoughtfully selected accommodation is full of charm and historic details – expect elegant country inns, grand town centre hotels and even the odd castle! For this reason, rooms vary in size, and most hotels don’t have lifts – meaning you’ll likely need to access your room via stairs. Porterage will be included wherever possible.

Although air conditioning is mostly unavailable in historic buildings, fans will be provided during hot spells. Most hotels have bathtubs with overhead showers (rather than walk-in showers), so you’ll be able to enjoy a soak at the end of the day.

What activities will we do in Chamonix?

On day 7 during your explorations of Chamonix, your included activity will differ depending on your departure date and the season. Most departures include either a ride on the Brévent cable car or the charming cogwheel Montenvers railway. A select few feature a visit to the Vallorcine Farm instead – a local alpine fromagerie close to the stunning Swiss border.

How long are the driving days on this tour?

Typically, we’ll be navigating France’s scenic backroads (and the odd unavoidable motorway) for three to four hours per day. You’ll be comfy in our spacious minicoach though, plus there will be plenty of stops along the way where you can stretch your legs. This tour additionally features a couple of non-driving days where you’ll be exploring entirely on foot.

What pace is this tour?

As with all Back-Roads tours, the pace is slow enough for you to fully immerse yourself in every destination you visit. We’ll snooze in most locations for two nights and you’ll enjoy plenty of free time to delve into France’s hidden gems.

How much walking can I expect to do?

This tour features several fascinating walking tours which take you down cobblestone streets, around ancient citadels and through lush vineyards. We’d recommend packing your comfiest pair of walking shoes and a sun hat to keep you protected on warmer days.

What’s breakfast like in France?

A typical French breakfast spread is simple but wholesome. It usually includes a range of cold meats, cheeses and bread, buttery homemade pastries, freshly squeezed juices and a hot drink of your choice. If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll ask about these before you begin your tour and accommodate them whenever we can.

Provided by: Back-Roads Touring

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