Journeys: Discover Southern France

Biarritz

Arrive at any time.

Please make your own way to the joining hotel.We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.

Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Biarritz 0.5h

Set off alongside your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the elegant coastal town of Biarritz. Stroll past grand Belle Epoque architecture, admire sweeping views over the ocean as Atlantic breezes sweep off the water, and get comfortably oriented around your hotel

Accommodations:  Hotel Jules Vernes

Biarritz and the French Basque Countryside.

Begin the morning alongside your National Geographic Expedition Leader on a walk through the bustling Les Halles Market in Biarritz. Then, venture inland into the green fields and rolling hills of the Basque Pyrenees. Visit a local farm in Espelette to learn about the town's famous fiery red peppers and taste traditional specialties. Break for lunch on your own in Espelette before visiting St. Jean Pied de Port, a fortified medieval town set against the mountain foothills.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Morning Les Halles Stroll

Biarritz 0.75h

As the morning ocean breeze sweeps off the Atlantic, step into the lively Halles de Biarritz alongside your Expedition Leader. Experience the vibrant rhythms of daily Basque life as local vendors display freshly caught seafood, artisanal cheeses, and traditional gateau basque.

Private Vehicle

Biarritz - Espelette 0.5h - 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Piment Espelette Farm Visit & Tasting

Espelette 1h

Join a local family at L'Atelier du Piment to uncover the secrets of the iconic Basque Espelette chili pepper. Trace its journey from fields to workshop, discovering traditional farming methods before enjoying a tasting of spice-infused regional delicacies.

Private Vehicle

Espelette - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 1.5h

Explore Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port alongside your Expedition Leader, discovering a medieval gem set at the foot of the Pyrenees. As an iconic starting point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, this historic town offers a rich blend of mountain geography, centuries of pilgrimage heritage, and distinct cross-border Basque culture.

Private Vehicle

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Biarritz 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Jules Vernes

Biarritz/Pau

Travel from Biarritz to Pau, a city sitting high above the Gave de Pau river, framed by distant Pyrenean peaks. Join your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre, pausing along the Boulevard des Pyrenees for sweeping mountain views before heading into the bustle of Les Halles market. Settle in for an included lunch of fresh regional specialties. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or consider an optional visit to the Chateau de Pau, birthplace of King Henry IV.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Biarritz - Pau 1.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Storied Strolls Through Pau

Pau 0.75h

Join your Expedition Leader on a walking tour of Pau to uncover its unique British heritage. Explore the charming old town, stroll along the scenic Boulevard des Pyrenees, and wander through lush gardens before concluding at the vibrant Les Halles market for an included lunch.

Lunch at Les Bistrot des Halles

Pau 1h - 1.5h

Savor a classic French lunch directly in the bustling heart of the covered market. Sitting among local vendors and colorful stalls, guests enjoy a fresh daily menu (Formule du Jour)-featuring seasonal ingredients-all while immersed in the vibrant sights, sounds, and energy of daily market life.

Free Time

Pau Half Day

Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling along the palm-lined Boulevard des Pyrenees for sweeping mountain views, exploring the Renaissance birthplace of King Henry IV at the Chateau de Pau and other city sights.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Gramont Pau

Day Trip to Lourdes.

Set out after breakfast and head through the lush Pyrenean foothills from Pau to Lourdes. Upon arrival, join your guide to explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, a sacred pilgrimage site set against the mountains. Walk past the Neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception perched dramatically above the grotto, view the intricate mosaics of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and descend into the vast Underground Basilica of Saint Pius X, built to hold thousands of pilgrims. Afterward, head into Lourdes town to enjoy lunch on your own before returning to Pau.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Pau - Lourdes 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Visit of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes & Basilica

Lourdes 3h

Discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes on a guided exploration of one of the world's most significant pilgrimage sites. Experience the dramatic, cliffside Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the intricate Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the vast underground Basilica of Saint Pius X. Framed through a neutral, cultural lens, this tour offers travelers of all backgrounds a respectful, immersive look into a powerful living tradition of faith and community.

Free Time

Lourdes 1.5h

Enjoy free time for lunch on your own in Lourdes.

Private Vehicle

Lourdes - Pau 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Pau Evening

Enjoy a free evening to relax and explore on your own.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Gramont Pau

Full Day Exploring Lescar and Jurancon.

Spend another morning taking in the mountain vistas surrounding Lescar on a relaxing walk. Transfer to Gan to delve deeper into the secret Jurancon wine district, known for its rich history and small-scale producers. Meet with local winemakers to walk through their vine rows, step into quiet cellars, and sample regional vintages alongside a light lunch of local produce. Return to Pau, where the evening is yours to spend as you like.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Pau - Lescar 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Lescar 1h

Join your Expedition Leader and step back in time in Lescar, an off-the-beaten-path historic jewel and the ancient Gallo-Roman capital of Bearn. Uncover centuries of hidden history and local legends while wandering through this former bishopric and marvel at its magnificent Romanesque cathedral, which serves as the final resting place for the last kings and queens of Navarre.

Private Vehicle

Lescar - Gan 0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Secrets of Jurançon wine

Gan 3h

Set against the backdrop of the Pyrenees, a visit to a local Domaine offers an intimate look into the unique terroir of the Jurancon wine region. Stroll through steep, terraced vineyards nourished by warm mountain foehn winds, where ample sunshine creates ideal conditions for high-altitude viticulture. Guided by local hosts, explore the winemaking process before sitting down to a wine tasting accompanied by locally sourced light lunch paired with the estate's wines.

Private Vehicle

Gan - Pau 0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Gramont Pau

Pau/Toulouse

This morning, head east toward Toulouse, the vibrant "Pink City" known for its rosy terra-cotta brick architecture. Upon arrival, step out with your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through grand plazas, past historic churches, and along the banks of the Garonne River. The rest of the afternoon and evening are completely yours to discover cozy neighbourhood cafes, visit local museums, or explore the sunny riverside promenade. In the evening enjoy an included dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Pau - Toulouse 2h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time

Toulouse Afternoon

Savor a relaxed afternoon lunch on your own in Toulouse, whether pulling up a chair at a bustling bistro on Place du Capitole or enjoying a quiet waterfront bite along the promenade.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Toulouse 1h

Set off through the "Pink City" (La Ville Rose) alongside your Expedition Leader for an immersive orientation walk through Toulouse's atmospheric old town. Get comfortably oriented around your hotel before exploring the city's iconic terracotta-brick architecture, grand plazas, before concluding with a leisurely stroll along the picturesque promenade bordering the Garonne River.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Mercure Toulouse Centre Compans

Toulouse

Walk with your Expedition Leader from the hotel to the bustling Victor Hugo Market, where the air carries the scent of ripening cheese and fresh bread. Follow a guided food tour through the stalls, meeting vendors who know every wheel and cure by name, tasting local cheeses, meats, and regional treats along the way. Afterwards enjoy a free afternoon to explore Toulouse at your own pace. In the evening perhaps gather with your group for an optional dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Toulouse Walking Tour and Lunch at Victor Hugo Market

Toulouse 3h - 3h

This curated walking tour is a sensory immersion into the architecture and flavors of Toulouse. After exploring the Place du Capitole the journey culminates at the iconic Victor Hugo Market. Here, you'll experience a true "market-style" lunch amidst the hustle and bustle of this historic marketplace. Weaving past bustling stalls, meet passionate artisan vendors, hear the stories behind age-old Southwestern traditions, and savor generous, lunch-style tastings of regional delicacies.

Free Time

Toulouse Afternoon

Enjoy time to explore the city on your own.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Mercure Toulouse Centre Compans

Toulouse/Avignon

After breakfast, travel to Nimes, where Roman history weaves seamlessly through everyday French life. Step onto historic cobbled streets with your Expedition Leader for an orientation walk through the town's restored centre. Stand before the ancient Arenes de Nimes, one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheatres, its stone tiers still echoing with two thousand years of games and gatherings. Continue to the Maison Carree, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman temple whose towering columns have stood, largely unchanged. After that, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Later, continue to Avignon for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Train

Toulouse - Nimes 2.5h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Nimes 2h

Step back into antiquity on an orientation walk through Nimes alongside your Expedition Leader. Visit the imposing Arenes de Nimes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, before admiring the pristine symmetry of the Maison Carree, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman temple. Threading through the town's beautifully restored historic center, discover how centuries of ancient architecture seamlessly frame the vibrant pulse of modern Provencal life.

Free Time

Nimes Afternoon

Enjoy a free time to further explore or have a leisurely lunch at an open-air bistro, savoring regional specialties like brandade de Nimes (a creamy salt cod puree) while soaking in the lively Provencal atmosphere.

Private Vehicle

Nimes - Avignon 0.75h - 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos

You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes

Avignon

Set out on a morning walking tour alongside a local guide to learn Avignon's history, visiting the majestic cathedral and the iconic, stone-arched Pont d'Avignon, its broken span still reaching partway across the Rhone. Share a lunch at a local restaurant on the bustling Place de l'Horloge, watching town life pass by beneath shade trees. In the afternoon, explore the massive Gothic halls and quiet courtyards of the Palais des Papes. Stroll back to your hotel for a relaxing evening free to wander quiet lanes or stop at a cozy neighbourhood cafe.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Guided Walking Tour & Cathedral Visit

Avignon 2h

Begin your morning stepping into the heart of Avignon's medieval history alongside a local guide. Thread through winding cobblestone lanes and past ancient stone ramparts toward Avignon Cathedral (Notre-Dame des Doms). Marvel at the gleaming golden statue of the Virgin Mary crowning its bell tower before stepping inside to appreciate its serene Romanesque architecture. Afterward, head downhill to the historic Pont d'Avignon (Pont Saint-Benezet). Walking onto this celebrated 12th-century structure offers sweeping, unobstructed views across the Rhone River and the city's fortified walls.

Self-Guided Visit of the Palais des Papes

Avignon 1.5h

Explore the Palais des Papes' vast Grand Halls at your own pace, including the Grand Tinel feast hall. Using the interactive HistoPad tablet, augmented reality transforms bare stone walls into lavish 14th-century scenes filled with tapestries, furnishings, and grand papal banquets.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes

Avignon/Arles

Catch a morning train from Avignon to Arles, stepping out into a city shaped by its Roman roots and artistic spirit. Walk to the Frank Gehry-designed tower at the LUMA museum, moving through its contemporary arts campus. Continue to the Arles Amphitheatre, imagining gladiatorial games inside its ancient stone arches. Next, join a local guide through Arles Old Town, stopping for coffee at the Van Gogh Cafe, its yellow facade still recognizable from the painter's own canvas. Tonight, head to a local court to try your hand at petanque-a classic French lawn game while sipping pastis, an anise-flavoured aperitif.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Local Train

Avignon - Arles 0.5h

Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

LUMA Arles & Frank Gehry Tower

Arles 1h - 1.25h

Enjoy a self-guided tour of LUMA Arles, a 27-acre creative arts campus transformed from a historic 19th-century railway yard in Arles, France. Its iconic centerpiece is the 56-meter-tall Frank Gehry Tower, a striking structure clad in 11,000 stainless steel panels designed to catch the unique light of Provence. The design draws inspiration from the region's rugged limestone cliffs, Roman ruins, and the swirling brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night.

Guided Visit to Arles Amphitheatre

Arles 1h

Built by the Romans in 90 AD, the magnificent two-tiered Arles Amphitheatre once held over 20,000 spectators for thrilling gladiatorial combat. Today, this astonishingly preserved ancient structure remains at the heart of Provencal life, seamlessly bridging history and modern culture by continuing to host live performances, traditional spectacles, and regional festivals.

Arles Old Town and Van Gogh Cafe

Arles 1h

Stroll through the enchanting medieval streets of Arles' Old Town, where centuries of southern French history come alive around every cobblestone corner. Follow directly in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh as your Expedition Leader guides you to the vibrant Place du Forum and the famous Van Gogh Cafe (Cafe la Nuit). Immortalized in his iconic 1888 masterpiece Cafe Terrace at Night, this historic square offers the rare opportunity to step inside a living canvas and feel the unique light and atmosphere that inspired one of history's greatest artists.

Play Pétanque Like a Local

Arles 1h - 1.5h

Petanque is a central ritual of French art de vivre (the art of living). Originating in Provence in 1907, the name comes from the Provencal phrase pestanca, meaning "feet planted". Players stand inside a drawn circle and throw hollow steel boules, aiming to land as close as possible to a small wooden target ball called the cochonnet (the "piglet"). In village squares across France, playing petanque under plane trees-often accompanied by a glass of pastis or local wine-is a cherished social tradition that brings generations together to relax and converse. Having an Expedition Leader demonstrate the game offers guests a hands-on, authentic taste of local leisure culture.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Le Cloitre

Saint Remy & Les Baux en Provence

Drive through rolling hills to Saint-Remy-de-Provence for its famed weekly market. Thread through stalls filled with fragrant soaps, woven baskets, cured meats, and sun-ripened olives, chatting with local vendors as you browse. Afterward, transfer to the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence. Join a local guide to wander through narrow medieval stone alleyways, pausing for pictures and browsing artisan boutiques perched high above limestone cliffs, before returning to Arles for the evening.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Arles - Saint-Remy-de-Provence 0.75h - 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Visit the Marché de Saint Rémy

Saint-Remy-de-Provence 1h - 1.5h

Explore the famous outdoor market of Saint-Remy-de-Provence alongside your Expedition Leader. Thread through lively, shade-dappled squares filled with stalls displaying regional treasures-from fragrant lavender and fresh goat cheeses to sun-ripened olives and handcrafted textiles. This immersive walk offers an authentic taste of daily Provencal life and rich culinary traditions.

Private Vehicle

Saint-Remy-de-Provence - Les Baux-de-Provence 0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Guided Tour of Les Baux

Les Baux-de-Provence 1h - 1.5h

Embark on a guided walk through Les Baux-de-Provence, a medieval fortress village perched on jagged limestone cliffs. Explore ancient cobblestone lanes and castle ruins while enjoying breathtaking, panoramic views across the valley's olive groves and Alpilles mountains.

Private Vehicle

Saint-Remy-de-Provence - Arles 0.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Le Cloitre

Full Day in Camargue

Head south into the wild wetlands of the Camargue. Board an open-air train through the Salines d'Aigues-Mortes, where the salt basins glow rose-pink from the minerals that colour the marsh, and learn how sea salt has been harvested here for generations. Continue to the coastal village of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer for an orientation walk with your Expedition Leader, feeling the Mediterranean sea breeze along the promenade. Head back to Arles, where the remainder of your afternoon and evening are free to spend as you wish.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Arles - Camargue 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pink Waters of Aigues-Mortes

Camargue 1.25h

Board an open-air train to venture across the sweeping Camargue salt marshes, where centuries of Mediterranean salt-harvesting tradition meet a striking natural phenomenon. As you travel alongside vibrant, rose-tinted salt basins, learn how local salt masters (sauniers) have cultivated this "white gold" since antiquity, creating a unique coastal sanctuary for native wildlife like flamingos and other birds.

Private Vehicle

Camargue - Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 0.5h - 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Expedition Leader Led Orientation Walk

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer 0.75h - 1h

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the vibrant capital of the Camargue region in southern France, where the Rhone Delta meets the Mediterranean Sea. An orientation walk led by an Expedition Leader introduces the town's unique blend of seaside culture, sacred history, and local traditions. During the walk, visitors explore the narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, view the seaside promenade, and discover the fortified 9th-century Church of the Saintes Maries ?.

Private Vehicle

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer - Arles 0.75h - 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Hotel Le Cloitre

Arles/Aix-en-Provence

Transfer to Aix-en-Provence, a town known for its moss-covered fountains and leafy boulevards. Dive straight into a Provencal market, weaving past stalls laden with antiques, textiles, fresh flowers, and seasonal produce. Take some free time for lunch before joining a guided walking tour through the historic centre. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, perhaps finding hidden courtyards, relaxing at an outdoor terrace, or visiting Paul Cezanne's studio (Atelier de Cezanne) on your own.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Arles - Aix-en-Provence 1h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Morning Market in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence 1.5h

Join your Expedition Leader for a walk through the Provencal market (marche). This is far more than a place to shop-it is the social and sensory heartbeat of daily life in southern France. In Aix-en-Provence, the market spills across interconnected historic squares, each offering its own distinct atmosphere under the shade of ancient plane trees. Strolling through these open-air stalls alongside local residents offers an authentic glimpse into the region's culinary heritage and traditional art de vivre (art of living).

Free Time

Aix-en-Provence Afternoon

Free time for lunch on your own in town.

Guided Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence 2h

Walk through Aix-en-Provence with a local guide to trace Paul Cezanne's post-Impressionist legacy. Discover the golden limestone landmarks that shaped his vision-from his childhood home on the Cours Mirabeau and the Cafe Les Deux Garcons to the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur-while immersing yourself in today's vibrant culture, spanning bustling open-air markets and historic cafe terraces.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hôtel Roi René

Aix-en-Provence

Begin the morning with a guided visit to a traditional Fabrique de Calissons, learning how Aix's signature sweet is crafted from ground almonds and candied melon. Break for lunch on your own, then enjoy a free afternoon to follow your interests, perhaps visiting local art galleries, shopping for regional ceramics, or lingering over coffee in a quiet square. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional final dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Fabrique de Calissons Guided Visit

Aix-en-Provence 1h

Step into the fragrant world of Aix-en-Provence's legendary calissons (traditional confectioneries) on a guided stroll through serene gardens and historic workshops. Discover how local artisans craft these diamond-shaped delicacies by blending sweet almonds, candied melons, and orange peel, concluding with an indulgent tasting of Provence's sweetest tradition.

Free Time

Aix-en-Provence Half Day

Spend a relaxing free afternoon strolling down the plane-tree-shaded Cours Mirabeau, or sipping coffee at a historic cafe terrace, or exploring the fountain-filled squares of the Old Town.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hôtel Roi René

Aix-en-Provence

Depart at any time.

We recommend staying a few extra days to experience all this city has to offer.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Aix-en-Provence

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast