My Way® France in 13 Days

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We had a very pleasant and helpful guide in Gregoire. The accommodations were well located, close to transportation and activities. Overall, even though cut short by covid, our third My Way was quite nice.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Chateau at Chenonceaux was definitely worth the trip, as was the Notre Dame in Lyon."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was our first Rick Steves tour it was better than I anticipated it would be.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I can’t think of one particular wow moment. There were many"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Gregorie & Julie were fantastic Tour Guides! Each destination was a memorable experience and would highly recommend this tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Aiguille du MIDI in Chamonix"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The trip exceeded my expectations. Going on the "My Way" tour fit our personalities and it also gave us options to go with the group.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Louvre is a must see for sure. That being said, renting e-bikes and riding around Lake D'Annecy was a special moment for us."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very well organized, great guides, amazing locations. Other tour members were great.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"We really enjoyed renting bikes and riding around Annecy Lake. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Experience was fantastic!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Riding the gondola in Chamonix to the top of Mont Blanc, the French Alps!!!!!!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Great tour manager and comfortable hotels. The itinerary was excellent and this tour made it easy to visit a wide range of France destinations. The bus was comfortable but it would have been nicer if there group was less than 28.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The optional day trip to Chamonix was terrific. The weather was perfect with not a cloud in the sky and great temperatures. We had a fabulous day taking the gondola to Aiguille du Midi and then the cog train to Mer de Glacé. There was plenty of time to walk through the town and enjoy the cafes."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We really enjoyed our time in France and had almost perfect weather for the visit. Luis was an excellent tour manager, a very nice person and an excellent resource when we needed some trip advice or guidance. Herve was an excellent driver and it's always amazing to see the tight spots a bus driver in Europe has to navigate. The itinerary is of excellent design with stops at Chambord and Pont du Gard and the bus made available for trips to Chenonceau and Chamonix.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our Wow moment was the gondola trip up to the Aiguille du Midi. Our excellent weather afforded us clear views of Mont Blanc, all the surrounding areas and Chamonix below. It was amusing to see a bride and groom having wedding photos taken in full regalia. We also really enjoyed our stops going up and down at Plan Aiguille du Midi to watch the parasailers ready themselves to jump off the mountain."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was a great tour. I really like the "My Way" concept.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day trip to Chamonix and taking the gondolas up to view Mont Blanc."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The My Way France more than lived up to my expectations. There were so many amazing sights and experiences that made the trip unforgetable. Luis, our tour leader, was accessible with much valued advices and guidance and provided helpful orientation walks when we got to each destination. The group members were easy going and fun to travel with. The overall experience made this tour unforgetable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Annecy and Chamonix were my favorites from this amazing experience. I enjoyed the view of the lake and the Alps in the background while paddleboating in the picturesque Annecy. As for Chamonix, what more can you ask when you're standing at 12K+ feet looking across the glacier and down at the town of Chamonix; the sights left one breathless, figuratively and literally :) "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the itinerary and hotel locations. Our guide was available for any guidance if needed.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I took a day train ride in Nice to the mountain villages."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amazing locations and hotels with the flexibility to explore on your own or with fellow travelers…

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Night time motorcycle side car ride in Paris Montmartre and Eiffel Tower areas while Blue Moon also lit up the night sky"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This tour gave us the opportunity to see many different places in France. The itinerary was well organized while at the same time enabling us to choose how to spend our time in the various locations. Axel was a great tour manager who offered good suggestions and was patient in answering questions. This was our first My Way tour; we liked the flexibility it offered. On other RS tours our time was well organized and we learned a lot from the guides. Both types of tours are very good.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The day in Chamonix was unforgettable with beautiful scenery and an opportunity to hike while enjoying spectacular views."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Of the 6 hotels we stayed in we found 3 to be very disappointing - gloomy, poorly furnished, and in not so great locations. Only one hotel had any character. They were not to the standard of hotels on our 3 previous RS tours. We saw many fascinating places and enjoyed the freedom to choose our own agenda to a point, but this is still a bus tour so not totally “My Way.” We felt some of the bus stops were too long - we did not feel we needed to spend 3 hours at Chambord or Pont du Gard.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the morning at Château de Chenonceaux! What a beautiful place! The Château itself is gorgeous and decorated throughout with beautiful flower arrangements from the gardens. My only criticism would be that 2.5 hours was not long enough to see everything. I missed the maze and the working gardens due to time constraints."

We were very happy with our "MyWay" Tour in France. My husband & I usually travel on our own, and we found this Tour erased all of the stress of making transportation & accommodations arrangements.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"There were several "Wow" moments - Seeing Chateau de Chambord, wandering through Old (medieval period) City centers, Pont de Gard, and Annecy were just some of the amazing sites were saw. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Well organized with great tour leader (Axel) and excellent choices for lodging and locations to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Arriving in various small towns and walking around their neighborhoods, wide-eyed and taking in the variety of cafes, shops and people. I thoroughly enjoyed these experiences at least as much as the “Big Show” sights in the larger cities."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

My daughter and I had a wonderful tour experience. France My Way was the perfect balance for us; having the security of being with others, yet able to sightsee on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I loved the experiences I had in Annecy. It was my favorite city outside of Paris. Great choice to have this city on the tour."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We had a wonderful experience with a great group and an outstanding tour guide. The freedom of a My Way tour in which we are properly hand held allowed us to explore and learn at our own pace, as we maximized the experience. Our tour guide was very helpful and always available to provide his experience in sound advice. The itinerary was brilliant as in a matter of two weeks we experienced France in a way that would have been difficult if we tried on our own.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The historical sites such as Pont Du Gard, or the Gardens at the Palace of Versaille gave a lifetime of memories. The opportunity to roam in a quaint town like Arle as well as meet new people. The French food was brilliant and the wines were astounding!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

We loved our first My Way tour! We've done one guided RS tour and we much prefer the My Way experience. It was the perfect balance of lots of free time to explore on our own with the benefit of someone else handling the travel logistics. We can hardly wait to sign up for My Way Spain. PLEASE consider adding more My Way options.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So hard to choose one! Paris was phenomenal but our favorite memories were made in beautiful Annecy. Our amazing tour guide (Bill Higgs) surprised us by making a dinner reservation for my birthday celebration. The best meal of our trip, in the most beautiful setting. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Great hotels, great guide, amazing tour, fun group of travelers

Favorite "WOW" moment

"12,000 Ft above Chaminx"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Everything went smoothly and made the most of our time in France. It was great to have all the logistics taken care of by the tour company, guide and driver. The itinerary was perfect, each stop different and delightful. Every hotel was well situated and comfortable.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Our day in the Alps was the single best highlight of many great experiences. We had a beautiful day riding the gondolas up Aiguille du Midi with a clear view of Mont Blanc."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Bill is an Excellent guide, always available for questions and suggestion when we needed him. He has so much energy and love for what he does that it is infectious. Everyone on the tour felt part of a big family but free to follow our own "way". The group got along so well as evidenced by the numerous planned and impromptu happy hours. New friends were made and as a result future visits planned. We were a 3 generation group of 3 and our accomodations were always thoughtful and appropriate.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Evening Vintage Citroen ride around Paris. Hour ride turned into 90 mins with a fun driver who took us at our word that we wanted to drive around the Arc de Triumph like "crazy Parisians". Also loved the"Secret Food Tour" in Montmartre. Truly insider view of food and shopping. The stop at the Aqueduct was also a wonderful surprise. And although not a "wow" moment our "last supper" arranged by Bill and attended by everyone on tour was wonderful."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We love the My Way aspect of the tour. The ease and convenience of the arranged travel and accommodations together with our choice of activities,dining experiences and leisure make the My Way tours perfect for us. Combine that with a terrific tour guide who gets the My Way theme and it is a perfect vacation. Great group of travelers sharing ideas and experiences while on the trip made My Way France an unforgettable and memorable vacation.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So many it’s hard to choose one but since this is a My Way tour we’ll choose several(yeah, My Way). The excitement and awe of seeing the Eiffel Tower from so many different angles and in different lighting, the fabulous Chateau Chenonceau, Lyon lit up at night, Mount Blanc(need I say more), doing nothing in Annecy and loving it and wow the French Riviera. Wow is the word for France. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first time doing a Rick Steve's tour and I loved it! The My Way tour was perfect for taking care of travel logistics and giving everyone the ability to make the experiences of their trip exactly what they were hoping for.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"So hard to choose just one and maybe I'd summarize by saying the scenery. So beautiful. If I had to pick my favorite scenic moment, it would be seeing Mont Blanc."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We really enjoyed our experience with the group. Our tour guide Bill was excellent. Best we’ve ever had. The one hotel without the air conditioner was a stinker and would never recommend your group return, especially since the owner was dishonest in his excuses. All the other hotels were great, especially Nice

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing the lake in Annecy for the first time. That was a beautiful town. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Fantastic

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The whole trip"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

This was our second "My Way" tour after taking "Spain My Way" in 2022. We enjoyed the various stops of the tour; Paris, Loire Valley, Provence and Cote d'Azur. Our tour manager Bill Higgs was outstanding! Bill was extremely accessible, answering questions during our tour bus journey's, offering "get to know" walking tours for each destination, organizing two cocktail parties and end of tour diner. The one negative were the accommodations. Very poor air conditioning, making sleep difficult.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In Avignon, we enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant where a three-piece jazz trio played for a solid 3 hours. The restaurant was away from the "tourist row" so we loved what felt like an authentic French meal."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Very enjoyable. RS guide Bill a very nice person, informative, available.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Orsay museum"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Very enjoyable trip. Our guide, Bill, was very helpful in providing suggestions, directions and a quick introduction to each location. He was very concerned that each of us was getting what we wanted from the trip. Our hotels were very nice and our coach driver was great. The only problem was that the air conditioning in our Avignon hotel was not working. The series of destinations and time in each was good. Avignon and Lyon were new destinations for me. I love the guide book walking tours.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I thoroughly enjoyed Avignon. The creative use of technology for the tour of the Papal Palace was an unexpected bonus. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Trip was extremely well planned out and our guide Bill was fantastic. ,he gave us a small walking tour of each place we went to which was very very helpful.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

I don't think it could have been better.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Each and every accommodation gave us easy walking access to many wonderful venues and sights."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Our tour exceeded our expectations! We loved France and felt like we had a fantastic cultural experience! We are still on a "high!" Our guide Gregoire was fantastic, helpful, fun, engaged with the group. We were able to be on our own when we wanted to but also enjoyed the optional group activities that were offered. The locations/stops were well chosen and attention to detail was appreciated.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"It's a toss up -- sitting on a piazza in Eze, on a beautiful sunny day, enjoying a beverage, overlooking the azure blue Mediterranean was an amazing moment. Also looking out over the French Alps at what felt like the top of the world above Chamonix was beyond incredible! "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This was my first trip to France and it could not have been better. The romance of Paris is still alive. The sidewalk cafes and people watching were wonderful. The boat ride down the Seine was outstanding. While we decided to skip the museums on this trip we did learn of the "secret" entrances to avoid the lines the next time. The guide led bicycle trip around the city was so beneficial that I'd do it again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Standing on the top of Mt. Blanc!!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Amboise seeing Leonardo da Vinci's home and garden. All of Rick Steve's restaurant suggestions were all fabulous. Fourviere Hill view in Lyon. Boat trip around Lake Annecy with wine at Le Cottage. The aqueduct picnic and singing REO. Gregoire was an absolute delight and handled all the details and made it so easy for all of us. Trip to Village of Eze. Enjoyed the pool and rooftop bar at Hotel Aston in Nice..

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Dana and I agree our "wow" moment was the view at the restaurant at Chateau Chevre dOR overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Plus having so many laughs and special moments with our fellow "My Way" travelers."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved having the lodging and transportation planned for us so that we could focus on sightseeing. It is a good mix of autonomy and group. We loved having the security and community of the group. We enjoyed the itinerary. It was a good variety of topography and history, taking us from big cities to small towns, from museums to magnificent scenery. Gregroire was helpful and friendly.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chamonix and Mont Blanc. We also loved Nice. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Enjoyed every city and town we visited!. Great group of people and great tour guide in Gregoire! Gregoire planned optional activities that enabled us to build a fine community of travelers. (Champagne gathering, picnic at the Pont du Gard, last night dinner, get to know you Happy Hour). He was helpful, fun, caring, and shared lots of information. Hotels were 5 star locations. Would stay in any of them again (even if air conditioners didn't work). Good breakfasts too!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Many...but Mont Blanc, a definite wow! Incredible scenery and still able to breathe at 12,600 feet! But also loved the bike rides in Paris and Annecy and sitting at cafes in small towns, like Amboise."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Gregoire was a wonderful tour guide—friendly, helpful, & calm. And our group got along well together. There was a good mix of group activities and time spent as a couple. The itinerary was diverse and interesting. And the hotel rooms and breakfasts were great, for the most part. Rick's guidebook suggested great activities and restaurants. We had excellent weather—except for a little rain. And we spent a reasonable amount of time on the bus. Also, the tour length of 13 days was just right for us.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"A moment at the end remembering trip highlights: drinking coffee at Les Deux Magot in Paris, visiting the Leonardo da Vinci house in Amboise, seeing Lyon lit up at night, chatting with the friendly Lyon couple who showed us around town, biking along Lake Annecy, savoring views of the French Alps at 12,605 feet, retracing van Gogh's steps in charming Arles, enjoying a gourmet meal at La Fourchette in Avignon, and traveling along the gorgeous French Riviera coast from Nice to Monaco & back again."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Tour flowed without a hitch. Great communication from tour leaders, bus travel and hotels were top notch. Fellow travelers were very pleasant.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I fell in love with Annecy. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

There was a lack of continuity between your managers Bill and Margaret. The 2 interns/trainees Axel and Luis did and outstanding job of picking up the slack in the tour managers absence. Having taken a guided tour just prior to our My Way tour left us with higher expectations than this offered by the my way tour managers.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The wow moment for me was going Tomas’s at Notre Dame in Lyon. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We enjoyed the variety of experiences on the tour - cities, chateaux, Roman ruins, the Alps, the Riviera and the food from the different regions.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Lyon- not only was it a lovely city, but the food scene was excellent. Especially enjoyed the Quenelles de Brochet which is a typical dish of Lyonnaise cuisine."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

I loved the places we visited and the sights we saw. I'm used to the retired lifestyle so didn't like the early departure times and two-night stays; i.e., Rick Steves tours are probably not for me, though it took taking one to determine that for sure.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The view of the Aiguilles from Chamonix"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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 Smith 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?"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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 "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

[Not enough space to provide our full response here, will submit via email.]

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The French Alps!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Being my first Rick Steve’s tour I had few expectations. In the two weeks I was in France I saw more than I every could have on my own. The tour guide was great. The bus transportation between cities was great. The information provided to understand each of the locations and the history behind it was very good as well. I liked the “My Way” aspect of the tour where I could spend time alone with my wife discovering this country.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"I would say discovering the deep (Roman era) history of France and seeing the remnants of Roman influence was very fascinating. The city of Anice was our favorite as it was one of the smaller cities with some of the most beautiful views."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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!"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Enjoyed the trip. Guide was great. Would go again.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Seeing pont de guard. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chamomile- Mount-Blanc"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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;-))"

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This was a wonderful trip that went to fascinating places. Our guide Steve was helpful, fun & knowledgable. I was glad to see that all the hotels we stayed at had air conditioning (unlike on previous RS tours). Unfortunately, it was off at one hotel which made the room quite uncomfortable, but at least you’re considering the age & comfort of your customers. The one downside was the pall of covid hanging over us. Since some of our tour members got sick, I kept wondering if & when it would hit me.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Touring Avignon. I thoroughly enjoyed walking around this medieval walled city."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

This tour exceed our expectations. Staring in Paris and ending in Nice was brilliant. The small towns in the middle were a nice way to "slow down" and learn more about the areas history. Although we chose to stay in Annecy when the tour bus went to Chamonix, I think that the entire group would have benefited by staying in Annecy that day. This squeezed 2 amazing locations into only 2 days. Especially since the my way Alpine tour stays in Chamonix.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Walking into the orientation in Paris and seeing that Steve Smith was our tour director! But we realize that this was not the norm. The view of Lake Annecy from Talloire did it for me. This followed the day that we rode around the Lake on bikes. We followed up with a return trip by bus on a rainy day. We ducked into a great French Cafe while it was rainy and then treated ourselves to another breathtaking view of the lake as the clouds parted."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

So much variety in under two weeks!

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Swimming in the Mediterranean."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

Easy trip. Great itinerary. Steve Smith 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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

The perfect way to experience France for the first time. Love the "My Way" concept and everything it offers from planning to experiencing a wide range of things from Paris to Nice.

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

It was excellant. A good tour manager.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Chateau Chenonceau, their gardens and the "out buildings""

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

My Way France was a wonderful way to see the highlights of France. Colleen Murphy 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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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!! "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

We loved the cities we toured and our tour guide, Colleen Murphy 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!!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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 Wedel 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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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?"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

It was a fun tour.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Finding used favorite French books from booksellers on the river banks in Lyon."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

it was very well organized and planned.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Definitely seeing the Italian Alps!!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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"

Overall rating: rating 2 of 5

Beautiful place to visit.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Saint chappell"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

This is our second RS My Way tour and it's hard not to compare this tour with our 5-star Italy experience. We understand the limitations of a tour guide's responsibilities, but she often made unrealistic assumptions about our orienteering skills. Thankfully, our group bonded quickly and the hive-mind overcame most obstacles. We enjoyed the balance of bustling cities and quieter small towns, exploring French culture and history for the first time. Our extensive homework helped but is never enough

Favorite "WOW" moment

"In a word, Annecy, as far as places on the map. But the people were the real WOW, from our extremely convivial tour group to strangers on the street. One couple tried giving us directions outside the Chagall Museum to our next stop, Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas. We trudged downhill--tired, hot, and confused--when, within minutes, a car came whirling around the corner. Out popped the couple who insisted on chauffeuring us to our destination--the best kind of kidnappers! Good Samaritans live in France"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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!"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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."

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Too short a time spent in the bigger cities

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Visiting Chamonix"

Overall rating: rating 5 of 5

First My Way tour. Really enjoyed setting my own pace

Favorite "WOW" moment

"The Good Companionship of our fellow travelers"

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

Rick Steves My Way Tours never disappoint.

Favorite "WOW" moment

"Avignon and Lyon. "

Overall rating: rating 3 of 5

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. "

Overall rating: rating 4 of 5

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. "