Experience a touch of ooh la la with a behind-the-scenes themed journey from France Today Travels. This new tour operator, launched by the team behind the Francophile magazine France Today, runs small-group immersive trips across Southern France from May through October. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 travelers and are led by an English-speaking, Provence-based guide. The luxury itineraries focus on local culture, culinary experiences and scenic highlights, and include:
- Springtime Southern France (May 21–28) — Explore a medieval fortress, enjoy a picnic among the vines and follow the Catalan artists’ trail in the southwestern region of Occitanie.
- Delightful Dordogne (June 5–12) — Visit charming château towns, view prehistoric cave art, discover romantic watermills and attend local fêtes featuring seasonal cheeses and regional specialties.
- Provence Dreams (June 18–25) — Take in lavender-scented landscapes, visit the elegant city of Aix-en-Provence and experience the azure Mediterranean coastline.
- Dordogne Indian Summer (September 4–11) — Wander among cliff-top castles and meandering rivers, browse lively night markets and savor refined French cuisine.
- September in Provence (September 18–25) — Discover hilltop stone villages, explore the Luberon, visit Cezanne’s mountain and join a wine harvest–season culinary festival.
- Southern France Harvest (October 2–9) — Tour castles and crusader sites, see vineyards in autumn color and witness the unique Banyuls-sur-Mer harvest festival where grapes arrive by sea.
Pricing begins at $4,650 per person. Each tour package typically includes seven nights’ accommodation across two carefully selected hotels, daily breakfasts, four to five lunches and four to six dinners paired with local wines. The price also covers a tour director and local guides, guided private excursions listed in the itinerary, entrance fees and tastings, ground transportation throughout the trip, arrival and departure transfers from select airports and train stations, plus gratuities for baggage handling, porters and hotel services.
France Today Travels emphasizes small-group attention, authentic local experiences and thoughtfully paced itineraries that balance cultural discovery with relaxed free time. Travelers can expect curated encounters with regional food and wine producers, knowledgeable commentary from guides rooted in the region, and stays at hotels chosen for character and comfort. The tours are ideal for travelers who want an intimate, well-organized way to explore Southern France’s history, landscapes and culinary traditions during the best months to visit.
Booking details and availability vary by departure; prospective travelers should consult France Today Travels for specific dates, inclusions and reservation procedures. Whether you’re drawn to lavender fields, medieval villages, coastal panoramas or seasonal harvest festivities, these small-group tours provide a refined, immersive way to discover the highlights of Southern France.