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Paris -
Château de Chenonceau -
Lyon -
Chamonix -
Annecy -
Pont du Gard -
Avignon -
Arles -
Nice
Tour Questions? See our FAQ | Email tour@ricksteves.com
My Way® France in 13 Days
Your vacation to France starts by following a route that connects France's must-see sights — from monumental Paris to sunny Nice, with the Loire Valley, Lyon, Annecy, the French Alps, the Pont du Gard, and Avignon in between. Rick Steves' money-saving My Way vacation package gives you the freedom to decide your own daily sightseeing priorities and pace. We cut the stress by providing comfortable rooms in centrally located hotels, private bus transportation from city to city, and a France-savvy tour manager to advise you along the way. Join us for My Way® France in 13 Days!
Dates & Prices
2023
2024
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- Aug 29–Sep 10 (Tu–Su)
- $3,095 + Air
Sale! Save $300 on new bookings!
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- Sep 19–Oct 1 (Tu–Su)
- $3,295 + Air
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- May 30–Jun 11 (Tu–Su)
- $3,095 + Air
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- Jun 27–Jul 9 (Tu–Su)
- $3,095 + Air
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- Sep 5–Sep 17 (Tu–Su)
- $3,095 + Air
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- Sep 12–Sep 24 (Tu–Su)
- $3,295 + Air
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- Oct 3–Oct 15 (Tu–Su)
- $3,095 + Air
What's Included
- This is an "un-guided" tour — giving you the freedom (and responsibility) to manage your daily sightseeing schedule and meals
- A small, friendly group of 24–28 people will share our big, comfy bus during the trip, but not do organized sightseeing together
- A Rick Steves tour manager will coordinate the group's transportation and hotel arrangements and provide advice for sightseeing, meals, etc.
- All group transportation from Paris to Nice
- 12 nights' accommodations in memorable, centrally located hotels
- All breakfasts are included
- All tips for tour manager and driver
- Free Audio Europe™ app for Apple and Android (free podcast/mp3 files) featuring Rick's audio walking tours of sights, museums, and neighborhoods in Paris. Also includes Rick's radio interviews with experts on destinations covered in this itinerary
- A tour kit including a guidebook (when available) and a moneybelt
- Guaranteed tour price, locked in the moment you make your deposit
- Tour alum discount of $50 for each tour you've taken with us
- Flexibility should you need to transfer or cancel your tour
Costs not covered: As this is not a guided tour, you will be responsible for the cost of all your lunches, dinners, drinks, admissions, sightseeing, and non-group transportation. Be sure to plan and budget accordingly.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to France
Bienvenue à Paris! Known as the City of Light, Paris is blessed with more monuments and museums than anyone could ever hope to see in a single visit. Get a jump start on your sightseeing priorities today by tackling some of the city's world-class museums, like the Orsay*, Picasso (r), or Rodin (plan accordingly using the Rick Steves France guidebook; many museums are closed one day a week). If jetlag has you yawning, promenade along the famous Champs-Elysées or through one of Paris' many attractive parks, such as the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens. This evening, we'll meet at our hotel at 5 p.m. for a group get-together. Your tour manager will give an overview of the days ahead, answer your questions, and offer a quick orientation to our neighborhood. Then you're free for dinner on your own and perhaps a twilight ride to the top of the brilliantly lit Eiffel Tower (r). Or, enjoy the views from below aboard a floodlit Seine River cruise.
No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Day 2: All day in Paris
Today Paris is all yours. With your guidebook and Rick's Audio Europe app, you might begin your day where Paris did — on the Ile de la Cité* — visiting the exquisite Sainte-Chapelle* and seeing the resilient and awe-inspiring Notre-Dame Cathedral. Or, take all the time you want to cover the most famous museum in the world — the Louvre*(r), home to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Venus de Milo. This evening, head up to Montmartre to savor the bohemian flair of Amélie's "village" Paris. Take in the breathtaking vistas from the Sacré-Coeur Basilica and drop in to a lively café for a post-dinner drink. As with every day of this trip, everything is your choice!
No bus. Sleep in Paris.
Day 3: To the Loire Valley
This morning we'll bid adieu to Paris. Meeting up with our bus and driver, we'll head to the château-rich Loire Valley, stopping en route to visit the immense Château de Chambord. Farther down the road, our home base of Amboise looks and feels more important than other Loire towns…because it was. Stroll along the Loire River or the traffic-free streets lined with colorful shops and cafés. However, don't miss out on Leonardo da Vinci's home, Clos Lucé, and the chance to marvel at the working models of the Renaissance Man's cleverest inventions.
Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in the Loire Valley.
Day 4: Loire Valley Châteaux
Your entire day is free for sightseeing in the Loire Valley — the land of a thousand châteaux. To help save you time and effort, our coach will make a morning run to the Château de Chenonceau (arguably the greatest and hardest to reach château), returning to Amboise in the afternoon. Many more châteaux are a convenient train, bus, taxi, bike, or rental car drive away from Amboise. The choice is entirely yours. (And Amboise is so charming, you could also stay in town all day!) Your guidebook and your tour manager will help you sort through all the happy possibilities this day has to offer.
Bus (optional): 2 hours. Sleep in the Loire Valley.
Day 5: To Lyon on the Saône
Today we'll drive across the center of France to Lyon, in many ways the country's cultural capital. This is a city where restaurants outnumber cars, chefs are more famous than soccer players, and residents live by the saying, "How well you eat determines how well you live." We'll arrive and get settled in our hotel with plenty of time for you to find your new favorite eatery. (Note: To guarantee a table at any one of Lyon's highest-rated restaurants, make your reservation well in advance.) After dinner, once the sun has set, take in the view from the Bonaparte Bridge on the Saône. Lyon's riverfront walks and floodlit buildings make an evening stroll here an absolute must.
Bus: 5 hours. Sleep in Lyon.
Day 6: All day to Explore Lyon
Lyon is France's most historic and culturally important city after Paris. You'll experience two different-as-night-and-day cities: Vieux Lyon's old-world cobbled alleys, quaint shops, and pastel Renaissance mansions; and the Parisian-feeling shopping streets of the Presqu'île. Buy a 1-day Lyon City Card to get into all the city's museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Resistance and Deportation History Center. The pass also covers all public transportation, including the Fourvière Hill funiculars. Up on the hill you can tour the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fouvière, enjoy a panoramic city view, and visit the Roman Theaters and Gallo-Roman Museum.
No bus. Sleep in Lyon.
Day 7: To Idyllic Annecy
After breakfast this morning we'll drive straight to Annecy so you can spend all afternoon and evening enjoying this sophisticated, outdoor-oriented — and absolutely bike-crazy — lakeside town. There's something for everyone here: mountain views, romantic canals, a hilltop château, and the irresistible urge to swim in, paddle on, or bicycle around the translucent lake (with cafés well-spaced along the way). Idyllic Annecy may very well end up being your favorite city on the tour.
Bus: 2 hours. Sleep in Annecy.
Day 8: Annecy and the French Alps
A thriving outdoor food market occupies much of Annecy's old town center until 12:30 p.m. today. With your market finds in hand, picnicking along the shores of the lake with the snow-dipped peaks in the distance is a wonderful way to spend your afternoon. But if getting up into the French Alps is your highest priority, our bus will take you to Chamonix and the base of snowy Mont Blanc this morning, returning to Annecy in time for dinner. In Chamonix, you can hike the mountain trails, take a cogwheel train to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace, or ride a cable car to the dizzying height of 12,600 feet atop the famous Aiguille du Midi (weather permitting).
Bus (optional): 3 hours. Sleep in Annecy.
Day 9: To the Pont du Gard and Avignon
This morning we'll make our way into Provence, with a long stop to savor one of Europe's most impressive Roman structures: the Pont du Gard. Set in a beautiful national park, this massive aqueduct spanning the Gardon River was constructed of locally quarried, golden limestone more than 2,000 years ago. The Pont and its setting have since become one of France's iconic sights. Spend time in the museum learning how and why the Pont was built. If the weather permits, take a swim or hike within the national park. Later this afternoon, we'll make our way to Avignon, the 14th-century home of the pope (or antipope, depending on where you stood).
Bus: 4 hours. Sleep in or near Avignon.
Day 10: A Day in Avignon and Arles
Famous for its nursery rhyme, medieval bridge, and brooding Palace of the Popes, Avignon looks and feels like it's stepped out of a fairy tale. You'll have all day to explore this medieval-walled city, wandering through the palace, strolling along the pedestrian streets, and quietly humming "Sur le pont d'Avignon." A day-tripping alternative is to take a 20-minute train ride to the nearby city of Arles. Here you can walk in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, hang out at the lively Forum Square, and take in the impressive Roman Arena (still used for public events) and Ancient History Museum.
No bus. Sleep in or near Avignon.
Day 11: To the Riviera and Nice
This morning we'll make our way from Provence to the azure waters of the French Riviera, arriving in Nice by midday. You'll be set free to dive into your Riviera experience in Old Nice, exploring the lively Cours Saleya market square, getting lost in the maze of Italianate Old City lanes, then breaking out onto the spacious boulevards and shopping promenades of the city's newer side. Chagall and Matisse both called Nice home, and the museums bearing their names are must-see sights. A dip into the sea or a stroll along the palm-tree-lined Promenade des Anglais (with a gelato in hand) are great ways to cap the day.
Bus: 3 hours. Sleep in Nice.
Day 12: Day-Tripping on the Riviera
There is no better way to end your French adventure than with a day-trip along the French Riviera. The only problem: there are so many dazzling destinations nearby! Cannes, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze, and Monaco are all in easy reach by train or public bus. Will you stay in Nice? Or maybe go to Antibes for its Picasso museum? Or head east to Villefranche-sur-Mer for a hike around Cap Ferrat to visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild? Or travel up to Eze for spectacular views and a whiff of perfume? Or check out Monaco's yacht-filled harbor, historic casino, royal palace, and Oceanographic Museum? It's your final day in France, so get out and make it special.
No bus. Sleep in Nice.
Day 13: Tour Over After Breakfast
It's a breeze to reach Nice's airports and train station by bus or taxi. Your tour manager can help you with any post-tour planning, leaving you well prepared for the road ahead. Au revoir et merci!
(To avoid long lines at the Eiffel Tower, we recommend booking tickets several weeks in advance. For details, see our Eiffel Tower ticket tips for tour members.)
Itinerary specifics subject to change.
Sightseeing notes
(r) = reserve a time before you leave the US
* = included in Rick's Audio Europe™ app
Physical Demands
Our tours are physically active! It's an essential part of the Rick Steves tour experience. On our My Way®: France in 13 Days tour — among other things — you'll need to happily…
- Carry/roll your luggage over uneven pavement (possibly several blocks) and up stairways to reach your hotel, then up several flights of stairs to reach your room.
- Sleep with street noise and no (or weak) air conditioning.
- Be able to navigate towns and cities on your own.
- Be responsible for your own daily sightseeing, admissions, meals (except breakfasts), and non-group transportation.
Reviews
Ellen
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
This was my first tour and my first solo trip. It was amazing. The group was friendly and fun. There was one other solo traveler and we had lots of fun meals and experiences together. Steve Smith was an excellent guide, giving us tips of places to go and different places to eat. I loved being able to decide what I wanted to do but having the transportation and hotels taken care of. I will definitely do another Way My Tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"This My Way France was my first Rick Steves tour and my first solo trip. I've had good food on my other trips but the French food was amazing. WOW! The wine, cheese, bread, fish, dessert all were outstanding. I was not expecting to love it all. The best meal was in Lyon having salade lyonnaise, quenelles de brochet, chocolate moose and red wine. Yum. Sharing the experience with me were 3 new friends from the tour. Great food, great atmosphere and great company. WOW"
Gary
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable, the venues were wonderful and the hotels were clean, and close enough to areas of interest.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing Annecy and Chamonix and going to the top of Mont Blanc."
Kim
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
Our RS My Way France tour was everything we imagined it to be and so much more. It was a great overview of both city and small-town French living, history, and culture.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were daily "wow" moments from the tour, but our time spent in Annecy was sublime."
Daniel
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
This My Way tour of France was a good opportunity to not worry about transportation and hotels. The bus was very comfortable and the amount of driving time was reasonable. I didn't feel as if I spent all of my time on the bus! The operation of the tour was excellent. Information shared by the tour Director was very informative and helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The driver took us to an overlook of Avignon and the Rhone river as we approached town. Wow! What a view of the impressive Papal Palace and Pont de Avignon."
Carol
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
This was our first My Way tour and it exceeded our expectations. Not only did we get transportation and lodging, but the guides were proactive to provide the most up to date information about the locations and activities. They even had the bus stop a several places that were on the way to our next destination. Our group was friendly and most importantly, always on time. We were especially lucky to have the GOAT, Steve as our primary guide along with Bill and Margaret.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Tiny villages, large cities, chateaus, the French Alps, glaciers, Michelin star restaurants, bouchons, brasseries, farmers markets, wine, cheese, the Mediterranean sea - this tour has something for everyone and since it's all your choice, you decide what works for you. My moments were the unexpected - viewing the french alps from the bus, walking down the cobblestone streets in Annecy, the glacier decline at Montenvers, a praluline brioche in Lyon, fields of yellow rapeseed, who can decide?"
Marian
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
[Not enough space to provide our full response here, will submit via email.]
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The French Alps!"
Barbara
Tour: 04/25/23
Overall rating:
This was my first My Way tour so I didn't know what to expect, but the same care and camaraderie that's a hallmark of RS tours was definitely present. The guides and our fellow travelers enhanced the experience tremendously.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Had to be the day trip to Chamonix. Actually being up in the Alps, feet in the snow, having hot chocolate outside at a table with ice on the edge, was a thrill I'll never forget. Then walking on the Promenade des Anglais on the Riviera a few days later made it even more special."
Jon
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
William was a gem. Knowledgeable on virtually any subject related to France. The cities with larger student populations made for difficult dining at times (Lyon, Avignon). The My Way format is great and probably the only way we will travel going forward.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lunch at the Montagne de Blatiere cafe halfway up the Chamonix gondola lift was amazing. Beautiful weather, great food, hang gliders taking off every 10 minutes from a slightly higher elevation than us, and no crowds or noise. Magnifique!"
Amy
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
Overall, it was an amazing whirlwind. I felt like we had a good taste of many unique cities and old towns in France and down the Loire Valley. We had a great group of seasoned mellow travelers and a very chill guide. I was a little surprised that most of the stops were pretty large cities -expecting more of a French wine country feel at a couple stops but the old towns were wonderful. I found it a great balance of tour support & My Way.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Annecy was my all time favorite place. The "wow" moment for me was there on the lake with the mountains as the backdrop. I also loved walking old Annecy along the canals and visiting the market. I wish we had two days in Annecy so we didn't have to choose between the day trip to Chamonix or staying in town, because by that time we needed a rest/laundry day in town but would have gone up the second day if there was one. I loved old parts of the cities we visited, especially Lyon and Nice."
Susan
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
The tour was as expected with a nice group of people, interesting sites, but unfortunately it felt like too much bus riding
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Our group leader, William helped arrange a driver to take.. 6 of us to Gorge de fier (I might not be spelling it correctly, it was near Annesy.) It was really a beautiful place."
Nancy
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
The My Way France tour was even better than we expected. We didn't know what to expect as this was our first tour ever, and having all of the logistics of moving from place to place and hotels sorted for us made the experience even more enjoyable than hoped for!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Point du Gard was amazing! The museum there was outstanding. That stop was worthy of another hour at least for us (admittedly we are engineers;-))"
Mary
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
My Way France was a truly magical experience! We learned so much about French culture, history, architecture, cuisine and people. We did not have to worry about transportation, hotels or planning the itinerary, as it was all done for us. Our tour guide, William, was outstanding in every way possible!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"AIGUILLE DU MIDI on top of Mount Blanc in Chamonix, France"
John
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
Enjoyed the trip. Guide was great. Would go again.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Seeing pont de guard."
Donald
Tour: 10/04/22
Overall rating:
The experience was very good. William was a terrific guide as well as informative, helpful and friendly. Each city had there pluses and minuses. The bus was exceptional, always clean and comfortable. Never too cold or hot.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Annecy France. I had high expectations about Annency and my expectations were exceeded. I could move here."
Robert
Tour: 09/20/22
Overall rating:
It was everything I thought it would be, a great deal more than I thought it could be, and enlightened me in ways I didn’t expect. Brilliant. Old warnings about Americans in Paris, waiters in Bistros, communication issues, etc., turned out to just that, old. The people we met everywhere were energetic and friendly and enhanced our daily experiences in ways that took us by surprise. Overall, the tour was just great!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I imagine there will be a lot more comments that say the same thing as I’m going to say, but walking into our first hotel in Paris for the 5 o’clock meeting and seeing Steve Smith as our tour leader was indeed my Wow moment! France with Steve is like boxing with Ali or tennis with Federer. He’s a delight to be with, a philosophy to consider and a force for bringing France to life, all 2000+ years or so. It was a tour surprise I’ll never forget."
Michael
Tour: 09/20/22
Overall rating:
Easy trip. Great itinerary. Steve went over and above for a MyWay (but he admitted to being rusty). I thought the MyWay was wonderful as my wife is celiac and eating is not always easy for her. We do better eating from the markets and groceries.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Quite a few. Loved Annency, a complete surprise. Side trip to Arles was a must for us -- the moment I saw the Coliseum there was a complete wow as I did not expect that at all. Roman ruins in Lyon as well; we are both Rome fans. Pont du Gard was wow even when you expected it from a hundred pictures in your lifetime. Chenonceau definitely wow."
Jon
Tour: 09/20/22
Overall rating:
A very good tour, with the French Alps and Chennoncau being the highlights. But my trip enjoyment was somewhat attenuated by the ongoing COVID crisis and this being the first trip my wife and I have taken in 3 years.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having just arrived at Montenvers and the Mer de Glace glacier, the clouds parted to reveal a stunning view of the French Alps. The Alps will always be one of my favorite sights on any European trip."
Bonnie
Tour: 09/13/22
Overall rating:
It was excellant. A good tour manager.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Chateau Chenonceau, their gardens and the "out buildings""
Richard
Tour: 09/13/22
Overall rating:
Having never previously been to Europe, everything was new and exciting. We loved the way our tour was organized. The hard parts (logistics) were taken care of, and we were able to experience the wonders at our own pace.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The gondola up the slope of Mt. Blanc (Chamonix) was breathtaking! It was to experience the alps from that height, even though our photos will never adequately capture the splendor."
Ann
Tour: 09/13/22
Overall rating:
Better late than never, this was my first trip to Europe. Having studied French in school, I'd always wanted to go to France first. I was not disappointed. The country was beautiful beyond my imagination. The tour was really great. I loved having a "family" of travelers and knowing I had transportation to each place and a nice hotel room waiting for me. The breakfasts were really good. I loved every minute.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think the WOW moment for me was seeing the Pont du Gard aqueduct. The photos and videos do not really prepare you for the impact of this 2000-year old amazing structure and feeling connected to the Romans who built and used it. The park itself with the river and trails was a great experience. Even the 1100 year old olive tree was amazing to witness."
Keith
Tour: 09/13/22
Overall rating:
Having lived in Germany for almost 2 years, and taken 3 previous trips to Europe, the My Way tour was perfect. Having the hotel reservations taken care of along with the transportation, we felt totally comfortable exploring each city on our own. We are already thinking about our next My Way tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Going up to the Aiguille du Midi was a breathtaking experience, especially walking out onto the glass room at 12,600 ft! We were so thankful for a beautiful day. Being able to see the Matterhorn in Switzerland and the Italian Alps was amazing."
Donna
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
We loved the cities we toured and our tour guide, Colleen, was the best! I feel we absorbed France in a way we would never have been able to do on our own.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Nice and The French Riviera was an absolute surprise in terms of the loveliness of the scenery. However, Arles was certainly another high point! Manifique!!!"
Laura
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
My Way France was a wonderful way to see the highlights of France. Colleen who came on as our replacement Tour Director at the last minute did an excellent job and was very helpful. She went out of her way to keep us informed and always had time for questions.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There are so many "wow" moments on this trip. My husband and I enjoyed the flexibility of setting up our own schedule at each destination. This allowed us to rent bikes and bike around Lake Annecy, eat at a Michelin restaurant in Amboise, and wander through Old Lyon. Although it was optional, having the bus take us to Chateau de Chenonceau to tour the castle and beautiful gardens was wonderful and very worthwhile."
Joanne
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
My way to work gave me the opportunity to set my own pace. Overall accommodations were good and well appointed. The Paris hotel was not as central to my interest as I might have otherwise chosen. Hotel amenities air conditioning Wi-Fi all seem to accommodate well.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The city of Paris is simply a WOW. I was also wowed by Chamonix and the mountains as well as the French Riviera. I could not stop looking at the beautiful blue water."
Annette
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
as I had not been on an organized tour before...I loved the independence but with guidance if needed
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Annecy plus Chaminox"
Colum
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
This is a great way to visit a lot of different places in a beautiful country. It has the camaraderie of like-minded travellers but the freedom to choose what you want to do at each location. The tour was well-organized and the hotels were centrally located.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The idyllic town of Annecy with its beautiful lake, surrounding mountains and people taking in the scenery by bike and on foot on a perfect sunny day."
Barbara
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
My granddaughter and I loved the tour. We saw a lot of beautiful parts of France, museums, historic places, and ate enough wonderful French food to add five pounds to my returning weight!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I was especially intrigued with Avignon because of it's wall and the wonderful old city inside."
Sharon
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
I enjoyed the freedom of this tour. I enjoyed that I had a free hand in creating my own itinerary. The danger in this is, you have to READ your tour book(s)! If you read the Rick Steve's tour books, all questions will be answered. I enjoyed the different foods and diverse wines of this tour, that I had the freedom to choose.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite WOW moment was the replacement tour guide, Colleen M! We got notice our guide had changed. I was a little skeptical of this late change. Colleen came in and handled the business!!"
Allison
Tour: 09/06/22
Overall rating:
I really enjoyed exploring different regions of France, which is beautiful. I liked the time in Paris, but much preferred the smaller towns like Amboise, Annecy, and Avignon. I would have rather spent more days in those towns rather than visiting six places, with perhaps three nights in fewer towns versus two nights in more places. This was my second RS tour and second My Way tour. I much preferred the My Way Alps tour because it was focused on hiking and less guided/group oriented.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I loved hiking in the Alps in Chamonix! My husband and I did hike #2 which had a beautiful view of Mont Blanc. We enjoyed figuring out how to take the bus to the lift and getting picnic supplies in the nearby town."
Claude
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
It was a fun tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Finding used favorite French books from booksellers on the river banks in Lyon."
Patricia
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
The My Way Tour was perfect for us as I like to research events/attractions early before travel that appeals to our travel taste. Daniela, our guide and Justin, our driver were the best to keep us informed and safe. The destination locations we traveled were wonderfully different and held my interest and excitement. I couldn’t have been more pleased and plan to post my preplanning research method as well as the Rick Steves tour plan on social media so that others can see travel as a doable joy!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Realizing that I would miss the comradeship of the new friends we so deeply bonded with on the Tour."
Kenneth
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
Loved not driving or figuring out where to stay. It’s exhausting walking everywhere but I wouldnt take back a single step. We loved the French culture, including the wine and cheese. I think my favorite experience was having dinner in Avignon at Le Bercail. Beautiful sunset. Thank you.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"We had a wow moment in Nice when we ran into a wedding. Had an awesome crepe in Nice, too."
Heather
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
Fabulous! Daniella our guide was excellent—very friendly and accessible. She took as much time as anyone needed to get headed in the right direction. She was incredibly knowledgeable and researched anything she wasn’t sure about (especially with changes due to COVID). We loved our tour route and the amount of time at each spot. I agree that your style of travel attracts a certain people with an ‘openness to discover’ mindset. I appreciated that our group fit this description—great folks!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I had read about seeing the night lights of Lyon AND YET was still ’WOWED’. I love looking back at those pictures especially."
Stephanie
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
Exactly what I had hoped for and then some!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"There were too many to single one out. Maybe the overall opulence of Versailles? Or a simple picnic in the garden of the Pope’s Palace in Avignon with the delicious food we purchased at Les Halles?"
Clint
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
We enjoyed getting to know the tour buddies on our bus. The destinations picked for our My Way Tour were exciting and different and interesting. The guide, Daniela did an exceptional job.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Having a socca and a cold rose' in a tiny socca stand in a back street in the old part of Nice. The owner/cook was delightful and the other patrons were so gentle and kind."
Brian
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
First time on a my way tour--we liked the independence of being able to choose what to visit, where to eat, and finding our way around. Our tour guide Daniela was very friendly and extremely helpful and provided us with very useful information for each place that we visited.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"definitely Chamonix and the Alps in that area; just wish we could have spent more time there in the mountains and would have liked to stay in Chamonix so that we could do hiking, and take other gondolas to other peaks."
Debra
Tour: 08/30/22
Overall rating:
Overall the experience was very good. This was our first time doing a 'My Way' tour. I think I like doing the 'traditional' tours better, but this My Way tour provided us with a good opportunity to see a lot of different cities in France. Sometime it was a little hard to figure out where to eat. I know Rick Steves tour guides gives a lot of recommendations, but researching those restaurants and locating them takes effort. I liked having the tour guide as a resource. She was very helpful.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The views from Chamonix. The weather was beautiful, the skies were clear, and the views were breathtaking."
Roy
Tour: 06/28/22
Overall rating:
it was very well organized and planned.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Definitely seeing the Italian Alps!!"
Wendell
Tour: 06/28/22
Overall rating:
Very good except for the dark "Covid cloud" that hung over the tour for the duration. Not a comfortable feeling knowing you could test positive and be kicked off the tour. This happened to a number of our co-travelers.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Being able to take the tram to the Aguille de Midi above Chamonix"
Kathy
Tour: 06/28/22
Overall rating:
Wonderful tour ! Veronique was our fantastic tour guide on our “my way” tour! Our bus driver Luc also was great! We loved the bus tour to the Loire valley castles, the picnic under the Pont du Gard , and especially the trip to Chamonix and the Alps! Veronique did a great job of keeping us together and safe in spite of Covid.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"It would have to be the trip to Chamonix and the lift through the Alps all the way to Italy! There were so many other great moments too."
Dan
Tour: 06/28/22
Overall rating:
It was really everything we had hoped for … very well organized, wonderful destinations, fun travel companions, and an awesome tour coordinator! Veronique was outstanding! Even the weather was perfect!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Aiguille du Midi and Panoramic Mt. Blanc lift rides! Awesome scenery on a gorgeous day!"
Patricia
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
The tour route included all of the "must see" sites in France. It was well organized and resourced. The tour guide did a good job of orienting us in each of the neighborhoods where our hotels were located.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Lake Annecy"
Carol
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
Once again, our My Way tour did not disappoint! I do so love the camaraderie of other independently-minded travelers plus the support of a professional and very knowledgeable guide. In a way, the added stress of dealing with the realities of a world still impacted by Covid caused our group bond quickly. The areas we traveled to were well-selected and, even though we had visited some of the regions on previous trips, I felt we were able to experience them more fully on this tour.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"I think that having the time to just "wander around" the beautiful cities and sites we visited was my favorite "wow" moment of this trip. As with our previous My Way tours, so many of my happiest memories are experiences we shared with other members of our tour group. Having been to (and loved!) Annecy before, I was worried I would be disappointed upon return, but it was better than I remembered! Nice was a pleasant surprise, with Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco so easily accessible."
Drew
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
Since we arrived in Paris 4 days prior to our tour & planned to continue to tour other locations in France for 18 days after the tour, we were very prepared for our tour. City walks were helpful but could be difficult due to expected large summer crowds. Transportation was extremely comfortable & timely.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"A cumulative 'wow' for the neighborhood of Montparnasse. We stayed at Hotel Lenox in Montparnasse 4 days prior. With 2 metro lines at each end of the block & convenient shops & restaurants just a few steps away; touring, eating & sleeping couldn't have been easier. Another cautionary 'wow' was experienced at the beautiful Mer de Glace in Chamonix & noting the receding of the glacier over time, witnessing climate change."
Steven
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
Good group of travelers on the tour, guide was very good. Hotel in Nice was the best and selection of cities was great.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Pont du Gard was the wow moment for me."
Cherylyn
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
The ability to see several areas of France without having to worry about travel accommodations was helpful. Some areas I would have liked more time to visit while others I would have preferred not to have visit at all. The overall trip was a positive experience.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"My favorite wow moment was Annecy, France. This town brought a lot of unexpected wow factor. A beautiful, peaceful stop on our trip."
Lynn
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
Beautiful place to visit.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Saint chappell"
Lenoir
Tour: 06/21/22
Overall rating:
Weird to sign up with a group of people you've never met. They were each fantastic!!! How rewarding to be with a small group of wonderful people!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Well, You may not like this, but swimming in the Mediterranean as opposed to out ocean chez nous."
Robert
Tour: 05/24/22
Overall rating:
We enjoyed the trip! Locations were good, although Avignon was our least favorite. Community downtown was not in good shape. William was great!
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Dining in the Michelin rated restaurant in Amboise!"
David
Tour: 05/24/22
Overall rating:
The My Way tours are perfect for us. We prefer to decide for ourselves where to go when we arrive at a destination. Having transportation and hotels arranged for us leaves the fun planning to us. This was our second My Way tour; it was well-organized and professionally led. This one provided the opportunity to see parts of France we had not experienced before.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Lac Annecy 2-hour cruise on a breezy sunny day brought all the drama of the surrounding mountains reflected on the teal-colored water. As if added just for our entertainment, a swarm of hang-gliders floated on the updrafts above the cliffs. We watched as one circled down, down, down, over treetops, rocks and water and finally splashed gently into the lake."
Beverley
Tour: 05/24/22
Overall rating:
Too short a time spent in the bigger cities
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Visiting Chamonix"
Kathleen
Tour: 05/24/22
Overall rating:
Our guide William was exceptional. Very thoughtful and considerate of the groups needs. I have been on several RS Tours and each one the bus drivers are top notch. Justin was our driver, during the entire trip I felt completely reassured of his skill in maneuvering the bus through narrow streets and busy cities.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Arriving at Château de Chenonceau before they opened, being one of the first groups inside I was in several rooms all by myself. The Pont du Gard and adjoining museum were exceptional. My side trip to Arles via train from Avignon."
Judy
Tour: 05/24/22
Overall rating:
The tour ran like clockwork. Having a tour guide as experienced as William was helpful and comforting for our first international trip since Covid.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Aiguille du Midi, of course. But there were many other big moments: Eiffel Tower, Versailles, Pont du Gard, Avignon, Villefranche-sur-Mer."
Lisa
Tour: 05/10/22
Overall rating:
Overall it was good. Some of the hotels were not acceptable. Rooms too small, outdated, no air conditioning and steep stairs to carry luggage up. I would have preferred a little less bus time and maybe an extra day in a couple of places.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Mont Blanc and the lake in Annecy."
David
Tour: 05/10/22
Overall rating:
Getting to see non-Paris France was very nice. This was our fifth or sixth RSE trip. Most of the hotels were fine, but there were a few I would rate as unacceptable. The bus was excellent as always. William was a great resource as our tour manager. This was the first tour where a large group was present. With over 2/3 of the group all traveling together it altered the dynamics. Their pre-planning at times made it feel like it was Their Way instead of Our Way.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The high point was the high point on Mont Blanc."
Autumn
Tour: 05/10/22
Overall rating:
Rick Steves My Way Tours never disappoint.
Favorite "WOW" moment
"Avignon and Lyon."
Stuart
Tour: 05/10/22
Overall rating:
First My Way tour. Really enjoyed setting my own pace
Favorite "WOW" moment
"The Good Companionship of our fellow travelers"
When To Go & Weather
Late spring and fall are the best times to take a My Way France tour, combining generally good weather, lighter crowds, and the full range of tourist fun.
France / Paris
France / Nice
Hotels & Flights
Tour Hotels
In case you wish to book pre- or post-tour hotel accommodations, the contact information for the tour's first and last hotels is included in your tour confirmation email, as well as in the Itinerary section of your tour account. One month prior to the tour departure, you'll find the directions to your first tour hotel and a complete list of hotels where we'll be staying in the Documents section of your tour account.
Flights
Our tours don't include airfare, so your flight arrangements are completely up to you.
Most tour members arrange to fly into Paris (CDG or ORY) and out of Nice (NCE) — choose "multicity" on flight-booking websites. Booking round-trip to one city will require a connecting flight, train trip, or additional overnight stay in France.
We suggest arriving a day or two before your tour begins to allow ample time to get over jet lag and be well-rested for the first few days of your tour. For more information about transportation options for getting to and from your tour, see Rick Steves France guidebook.