Provence - Cote d’Azur

Provence Tours and Côte d’Azur Guided Experiences

Sunlight, stone villages and a pace that invites you to pause and take time to explore make Provence tours unforgettable. Exploring the Côte d’Azur on a Road Scholar excursion immerses you in a learning adventure that brings the region’s history, art and cuisine to life. This is a place where Roman roads meet lavender fields and conversations with fellow travelers and even some locals linger over long lunches. Our educational adventures capture the essence of Provençal culture through enriching and inspiring lectures led by faculty who know the region well. So, what’s the wait? Explore our small group tours in Provence, France​ and learn alongside a curious, engaged group of lifelong learners!

Why Choose Our Provence Guided Tours

There are plenty of ways to visit Provence, but our Provence excursions are different. We focus on sparking curiosity and connection and nurturing a true sense of place. Rather than rushing from one stop to the next, you’ll have the opportunity to explore, ask questions and share discoveries with other lifetime learners.

• Thoughtful itineraries: Our France tours throughout Côte d’Azur take you beyond the familiar by seeking out small towns, local traditions and places most visitors miss for a more intimate experience.

• Experienced Group Leaders: Knowledgeable experts bring Provence to life through engaging lectures, presentations and conversations in the field that touch upon art, food and daily life. You’ll also learn from people who live and work here, like winemakers, historians and artisans, who share their perspectives and bring depth you simply can’t get on your own.

• Diverse groups: On our Provence travel tours, you’ll join a group of lifelong learners who are engaged and eager to learn. You’ll be able to share spirited conversations over meals and on excursions, often becoming a highlight of the program!

• Learning that feels natural: Every day builds on the last. What you learn in lectures comes to life on your excursions, with field trips sparking your interest further. By the end, Provence isn’t just a place you visit but instead a place you truly understand and feel connected to.

Touring Provence Through History, Culture and Cuisine

Provence invites you to learn with all your senses. On our senior group tours abroad, we’ll walk you through this region’s layers of history, from Roman arenas and medieval villages to the lasting influence of artists like Cézanne and Van Gogh, who found their inspiration here.

On Provence walking tours, you can browse open-air markets filled with local delicacies like olives, cheeses and seasonal produce. Spending time in small towns where daily life unfolds around the town square reveals how traditions and regional pride continue to define this area’s identity.

Best of all, the cuisine ties it all together. Throughout your adventures, you’ll be able to taste savory olive oils pressed from local groves and relax while sipping on wines whose flavor profiles have been shaped by the Mediterranean winds. These experiences will remind you why people from around the world journey here to taste the flavors. By experiencing Provence through these colorful lenses, the region becomes a place that feels like home.

Provence Excursions Across the Countryside and Coast

Provence opens up when you get out into the landscape. At Road Scholar, our Mediterranean tours throughout the French Riviera connect art, history and daily life by exploring everything from inland villages to the edge of the Mediterranean.

• Chagall and Matisse Museums: Dive into the world of these iconic artists who helped define the modern era, and learn how light, color and the beauty of the Côte d’Azur inspired their masterpieces.

• Old Nice: Spend your mornings strolling down narrow streets lined with pastel buildings and open markets, getting a sense of the city’s Italian roots. Learn how its role as a busy port and centuries of trade shaped local culture and cuisine, then top off your day dining seaside, savoring the flavors that define the area.

• Arles: Step into a city where Roman history is still part of everyday life. Here, you can explore the city’s connection to Van Gogh, visit the arena and theater, and better understand Arles’ long tradition as a cultural crossroads.

• Canal du Rhône à Sète: Embark on river cruises in France and float down the waterways that once moved goods, people and ideas across southern France. 

Who These Provence Travel Tours Are Best For

Our Provence travel tours are ideal for curious travelers who want more than a typical vacation. If you’re a lifelong learner who’s passionate about history, art, food and culture, and you love exploring, these adventures are for you. Asking questions, connecting with local experts and sharing discoveries with an engaged group are what make our Provence tours so special. You’ll leave with stories and experiences that will stay with you well after your adventure ends.

What’s Included in Road Scholar’s Provence Guided Tours

Our Provence tours take care of all the details so you can anticipate the adventure ahead with ease. We’ve got your accommodations, local transportation, thoughtfully planned itineraries and access to key destinations covered. With lectures, field trips, meals and excursions arranged for you, you’ll enjoy a seamless, stress-free experience, leaving you to focus entirely on learning and discovery.

Find an adventure today and enroll in an experiential learning program with Road Scholar to enjoy all that the Côte d’Azur has to offer!