Should You take a Tour in France?

(And How to Choose the Right One)

Although I consider myself an independent traveler – and have often been wary of tours – I have to say: YES, I do recommend taking a tour in France! They are not for everyone, but in the right circumstances, they can be the perfect answer!

If you’re the kind of traveler who thrives on spontaneity—arriving with only a carry-on and no plan, choosing your destination at the train station—then tours probably aren’t for you. My husband is like this, and if that sounds like you, then wander on and leave the itineraries for others!

But for many people—especially first-time visitors to France—a tour can be a stress-free way to get an overview of the country. You’ll have someone handling the logistics, smoothing over language barriers, and curating experiences that might take you weeks to plan on your own. You can focus entirely on soaking up the sights, flavors, and joie de vivre without worrying about transportation, reservations, or whether your hotel will look like the online photos.

How to Decide Which Tour is Best for You

When choosing a tour, think about your travel style and comfort level:
Pace: Do you want to see as many cities as possible, moving every couple of days? Or would you rather settle into one place for a week and explore in depth?
Focus: Do you want a broad overview of France, or to dive deep into a specific region?
Group size: Some tours have 40+ people on a coach bus; others are small-group or even private.
Level of activity: Will you be happy walking 8 miles a day, or do you prefer something more leisurely?

For example, a friend of ours gets restless after two days in any one place, while my husband and I love really getting to know a destination before moving on. Neither approach is wrong—it’s about being honest about your preferences and expectations.

Why a Tour Can be Beneficial in France

Local Knowledge: A good guide will share historical tidbits, cultural insights, and local hotspots you might otherwise miss.

Stress-Free Logistics: Someone else navigates the transportation, tickets, and timing.

Language Bridge: Even if you speak some French, a guide can smooth nteractions—especially in more rural regions.

Special Access: Many tours offer behind-the-scenes visits or private tastings not available to the general public. (Like a Pastis tasting at Lou Calen!)

Safety in Numbers: For solo travelers or those unsure about navigating unfamiliar areas, a group can be reassuring.

Troubleshooting: Let’s face it, things can go wrong. Train strikes … unexpected closures … it is reassuring to have a guide who will make everything right!

Themed Tours

France is a dream for themed travel—you can tailor your trip around exactly what you love. In fact, I have been to France almost 40 times, but have enjoyed many themed tours! Here are just some ideas:

Culinary & Wine Tours: Food markets in Provence, Champagne cellar tastings, Riviera food walks, truffle hunts, cheese-making in Normandy, Valrhona chocolate truffle making …

Cycling Tours: Ride the rugged Brittany island of Ouessant, through Burgundy vineyards, or even follow a stage of the Tour de France.

Hiking & Walking Tours: Provence lavender fields, Mont Blanc, Corsica’s coastal paths, medieval pilgrim routes such as the Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

Art & History Tours: Impressionists in Giverny, Van Gogh in Arles, WWII history in Normandy, medieval towns like Carcassonne.

Seasonal Tours: Lavender harvest in July, Christmas markets in Alsace, the Nice Carnaval, Menton Lemon Festival.

Luxury & Niche Tours: Barge cruises on Burgundy canals, photography workshops, Paris fashion tours, spa retreats in the Pyrenees.

These can be as structured or as flexible as you like—some run for a day, others for one to two weeks. I once offered a “shopping and sight-seeing” tour of Provence for a group of 10 ladies. Anything is possible!

Tips for Finding Local or Unusual Tours

Search for companies who specialize in France rather than large international companies—French experts know France well, whereas international companies know a little about the entire world.

Be as specific in your search: for example, “Bike tour in Burgundy” or “Barge cruises in Occitanie. Naming the region and your focus (food, culture, sport…) will help you pinpoint companies that fill that niche. (How about fishing on the Riviera?)

Ask locals—When in France, your hotel concierge, café owners, or even shopkeepers often know the best guides. At home you can contact regional, departmental or city tourism offices which are also great resources for finding specialty tours in their area.

Check seasonal events—There is always a festival going on somewhere! You can book tours around festivals, harvests, or cultural celebrations for a richer experience.

Browse specialty platforms like Get Your Guide, ToursByLocals or WithLocals for private, tailor-made itineraries.

Read descriptions carefully—look for mentions of unique experiences, small groups, or off-the-beaten-path stops, and read testimonials by past participants.

My Takeaway

If it’s your first trip to France, or you’re short on time, a tour can be the perfect way to get your bearings and experience the highlights without stress. Once you’ve had that introduction, you can always return as an independent traveler to dig deeper into the places that captured your heart.

And if you already know France but want to explore a new side of it—be it cycling through vineyards, learning to make macarons, or wine school in Provence—there’s almost certainly a themed tour waiting for you.

Because in France, whether you’re following a guide or wandering on your own, every detour is part of the adventure.