Your complimentary transfer from Montpellier Airport or train stations (11:00 am–4:30 pm) brings you directly to our seaside hotel, the Splendid Hotel in Le Grau-du-Roi, where you’ll spend the next 8 nights. All rooms selected by TripUSAFrance feature a premium sea view with a private balcony, offering unforgettable sunsets and immediate access to cafés, restaurants, and shops in this vibrant beach town.

At 5:00 pm, we gather for a Welcome Drink at the hotel to meet your fellow travelers and Tour Leader before heading just a few minutes away to Aigues-Mortes, one of southern France’s most striking medieval towns. Surrounded by salt marshes home to flamingos year-round and enclosed by perfectly preserved ramparts, Aigues-Mortes was the departure port for the 7th and 8th Crusades to Jerusalem. We explore the walled town as evening settles in, then sit down together for our Welcome Dinner, your first shared French meal of the journey.

Recommended arrival tip: Arriving one day early, especially for overseas travelers, is highly recommended. It provides a buffer for travel delays, helps ease jet lag, and allows time to enjoy the lively local market on Tuesday morning (8am to 1pm). Pick-up for early arrivals is available until 9:00 pm. Extra nights can be added directly at booking.

Day trip idea: Looking for an easy and lovely pre or post tour activity? Nîmes is just a 1-hour direct train ride away, with the station only a 5-minute walk from your hotel. For just €1 each way, enjoy about 5 hours exploring Roman landmarks and charming streets.

Daily morning departure: 11:43 am – Daily evening return: 5:33 pm. To comfortably catch the morning train, consider adding 1 night after the tour or 1–2 nights before, depending on your arrival schedule. Read more about Nimes here.

Transfer & Check-in, Le Grau-du-Roi, Welcome Drink, Welcome Dinner in Aigues-Mortes

Start the day with a continental breakfast on the 4th floor, with breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea: the perfect way to begin your morning at your own pace.

We then head to St-Guilhem-le-Désert, labeled as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages and a stop on the UNESCO-recognized Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route. Enjoy a guided tour through the village’s untouched medieval streets and the historic Abbey, before sitting down for lunch at a family-run restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace: wander the narrow streets, browse local artisan boutiques, or take a walk into the surrounding mountains.

In the late afternoon, we continue to one of the highlights of the tour: a Pétanque lesson taught by Stephane (one of the founders of TripUSAFrance), followed by an intimate private dinner at a local winery. The meal will feature local recipes and regional flavors, enjoyed in a relaxed setting and paired with the estate’s wines. This memorable evening offers a genuine taste of Southern French culture, hospitality, and tradition.

St Guilhem-le-Desert on the Compostela Road, Petanque Game, Private Dinner at Winery

The city of Arles is famous for its many Roman monuments and being the place where Van Gogh called home for a little over a year and produced over 300 paintings! Here you will follow our Van Gogh expert guide and discover the streets, cafés, and landmarks that inspired the artist. During the tour you will also have the chance to visit the Roman Arena built around 90 AD. After lunch you will have the choice to visit the Foundation Van Gogh to see it’s current exhibit or explore the city on your own more.

In the afternoon, we will visit a historic wine estate set among vineyards, century‑old trees, and charming grounds; a truly beautiful setting to explore. The estate’s origins date back to the 12th century, with winemaking beginning in 1843. On a guided tour and tasting, you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and unique grape varieties while sampling a selection of wines. Even if wine isn’t your favorite, the scenic estate, elegant architecture, and 17th‑century chapel make the visit enjoyable for everyone.

We then return to your beach hotel for your free evening. Enjoy dinner at one of the seafood restaurants near your hotel (perhaps mussels and fries!) or relax with a snack from a local bakery. You can choose a delicious meal in Le Grau-du-Roi using our provided restaurant recommendations.

Arles, Van Gogh, Winery Tour & Tasting, Free Evening

Our first stop today is the picturesque hilltop village of Les-Baux-de-Provence. The cultural heritage here is exceptionally rich and the landscape and the beauty of the Provençal village will take your breath away. We will do a short guided walking tour and then enjoy refined lunch with a view of the valley. Afterward you will have some free time to explore the medieval streets, go shopping, or slow down at a cafe and watch the people come and go.

Our next stop is the Les Carrières de Lumières, a fascinating art, light & sound show. The 2026 exhibit will be about Picasso! We then visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, an 11th-century monastery that became — and still is today — a care facility welcoming patients with mental health conditions. It was here that Vincent van Gogh stayed from May 1889 to May 1890, during which time he painted some of his most famous works, including Starry Night. After returning to Le Grau, enjoy your evening freely with a stroll or dinner along the canal (restaurant recommendations provided).

Baux-de-Provence, Light & Sound Show, Van Gogh, Free Evening

Today we stay local! We begin the morning at an authentic Camargue ranch, a true highlight of the tour. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in a centuries-old tradition of the South of France, learning how the Camargue cowboys and cowgirls, manage the black bulls while riding the famous white horses of Camargue. This unique way of life, rooted in the region’s history, combines skill, respect for the land, and a deep connection to the animals, giving you a genuine glimpse into the culture and heritage of the Camargue.

You’ll also discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the region, from the wild birds and flamingos that inhabit the wetlands to the native plants that thrive in this unique landscape.

In the afternoon, the choice is yours. You can head into Montpellier, France’s 7th largest city, for a 3-hour guided tour. Discover the medieval University of Montpellier, one of the oldest in the world, the Arc de Triomphe, the historic Jewish bath from the 12th century, and wander streets and squares that showcase stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture. Alternatively, you can stay in Le Grau-du-Roi and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the sea. This evening is free, giving you the chance to try one of the many excellent restaurants in town or simply relax with a glass of wine on your private balcony!

Camargue Ranch & Traditions, Montpellier or Free Afternoon, Free Evening

Today on our day trip you will explore the exceptional medieval walled city of Carcassonne. The city has about 2,000 years of history and has seen the Romans, Visigoths, Saracens and Crusaders. You will have a guided historical tour where you will learn about the history of the Cathar and the different periods of constructions of this magnificent defending art work.

We’ll enjoy lunch together in Carcassonne, with the opportunity to try the region’s iconic Cassoulet (other menu options available), followed by free time to explore at your own pace. The citadel derives its reputation from its massive double surrounding walls spanning 1.9 miles and 52 defensive towers. Walking between the ramparts and surveying the lands, you will feel like you are in a movie, maybe because of the Robin Hood movie scenes filmed here!

We then return to your beach hotel for some free time before we regroup for a fun French tapas dinner at a local restaurant.

Carcassonne Medieval City, French Tapas Dinner in Grau-du-Roi

Today we discover Avignon and its magnificent historical center listed as a world heritage by UNESCO. We will tour the Papal Palace (1252) home to 7 successive Popes and the Pont d’Avignon which inspired the famous kid’s song and also its episcopal ensemble (the ramparts and churches). We will have a fabulous lunch on the main square in front of the entrance to the Palace.

Afterwards, we will visit a masterpiece of ancient architecture: the Pont du Gard, a massive 2000 year old Roman aqueduct. Also registered as a UNESCO monument, it is a milestone of human engineering and one of the greatest monuments of France that stand as a reminder of the tremendous power of the Roman Empire. You will then have the evening free for you to use as you wish after this incredible day spent traveling back in time. 

Avignon, Pont du Gard, Free evening

A visit to Southern France would not be complete without experiencing one of its lively Provençal markets. In Aix-en-Provence, the Grand Marché is a must-see – one of the biggest and most vibrant outdoor markets in all of Southern France. Enjoy free time to browse, shop and discovering colorful stalls filled with produce, herbs, textiles, and Provençal goods. We then gather for lunch, followed by a short guided tour of Aix-en-Provence. Learn about Paul Cézanne’s life and legacy in the city, admire the Renaissance architecture, and stroll past some of the many fountains that have earned Aix its nickname, the City of a Thousand Fountains.

We will then return to Le Grau-du-Roi where you will be able to have a break before walking to a waterfront restaurant for our Farewell Dinner — closing the tour with good food, conversation, and shared memories of the South of France.

Aix-en-Provence, Provençal market, Cézanne, Farewell Dinner

It is time to leave the South of France and return home with new friends, great memories, and plenty of stories! We will drop you off at the airport or train station in the morning before 12 pm and help to make sure that everything is well coordinated for you to travel stress free. We hope we will have succeeded our mission of sharing our culture and region for a trip full of good times and smiles and that you will join us again on one of our other tours!

Departure for your train or plane between 4:00 am and 12:00 pm