France Guided Tours

Bonjour France! Explore picturesque villages, lush, world-famous wine producing vineyards, ancient castles, fields of lavender, and of course gourmet cuisine (maybe some escargot) with the help of a destination expert by your side.

Our guided tours of France can be tailored to adults or families. Watch your child’s face light up as they spy the first medieval castle on our France family vacations. Kayak the Vienne River, hike along Normandy’s famed beaches, and enjoy cuisine fit for a king. Bike through densely wooded forests and alongside plentiful vineyards, stopping in for wine tastings as time allows. On our tours in Provence, you’ll hike and bike in the foothills of the Alpilles and do some shopping in a local m

Guided Tours of France

Your Austin Adventures tour guide will stay with you for the entire trip, and we team up with a local expert at each stop along the itinerary. With a 6:1 ratio of guests to guides (the lowest in the industry), it is no wonder our tour guides are one of the reasons our guests return year after year.

Selected for their dynamic personalities and expertise in everything about France – from history and geology to culture and cuisine – our guides can’t wait to get to know you and make your experience everything you dreamed it would be – and more.

Bike Tours of France

Discover the natural beauty of the French countryside on our biking tours of France as you pedal along rolling green meadows, pausing to explore historic WWII sites, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence, or even the asylum where Van Gogh was treated after he removed his own ear! Journey through the beauty of France’s seaside and port towns, tasting freshly farmed oysters just after they are harvested from the sea.

Loire Valley Bike Tour

7-Day Guided Tour for Families or Adults
Paris, France to Paris, France

Seven-day cycling and hiking vacation in France’s Loire Valley. Along the Loire, you’ll discover majestic châteaux, picturesque river views, charming towns, and world-class cuisine. Each evening, sip award-winning wines while re-living the day’s adventures. Our expert guides can’t wait to introduce you to France’s rich history, castle, wines, and more.
Adults Only, Loire Valley Bike Tour »
Families, Loire Valley Bike Tour »

France & Normandy Bike Tour

6-Day Guided Tour for Families or Adults
Paris, France to Paris, France

A small group, exclusive visit to Normandy for families or adults. Join our expert guides on your 8 day bike adventure as they introduce you to a carefully-crafted, easy-going route that leads to a string of seaside ports and resorts, rich with mariners’ tales and world-famous, local seafood. This all-inclusive France vacation package and custom bike tour ventures to historic sites, such as the Bayeux tapestry, the D-Day beaches, and other war memorials and fascinating museums.
Adults Only, Normandy Bike Tour »

France Christmas Markets Tours

From beautiful cities to quaint Alpine villages and seaside towns a Christmas tour of France connects you to the romance of everyday life in these iconic holiday destinations.

Germany & France | Christmas Markets Tour

8-Day Adults-Only Guided Christmas Tour
Frankfurt, Germany to Frankfurt, Germany

Find your Christmas spirit on this seven-day journey with guiding icon Ron Van Dijk through Germany and France’s charming Christmas markets. We’ll explore some of the most magical festive town centers in all of Europe. Try roasted chestnuts, eggnog, and Glühwein while shopping for that one-of-a-kind nutcracker or glockenspiel!

Close-up of person pouring wine in France on a guided tour

Aerial view of France town on a guided tour of france

France Guided Tours vs Escorted Tours

France Guided tours are similar to escorted tours, but you are led by a local at each destination rather than a tour director conducting the whole trip. Our Austin Adventures guides stay with you the entire time and we team up with a local guide at each stop along the itinerary. So you end up with multiple guides on your guided tours. Check each trips itinerary to see what’s included in our all inclusive France Guided Tours.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to France?

The weather in France tends to be quite temperate year round making travel easy any time. However, with a coast on the warm Mediterranean, mountainous areas in the Alps, and cooler coasts on the Atlantic (such as Normandy) the weather can be variable from region to region. Your definition of perfect will determine the best time to visit France for you! Learn More About the Best Time to Visit France »

Spring (April to June)

The weather in spring is temperate and there tends to be less tourists during early spring. Expect mostly sunny, warm days with occasional rain fall. Temperatures average mid-50s to low 70s. Everything is open (museums, cafes, art festivals, etc.). With less tourists to contend with this also means less congested roads and shorter waits. Paris, Loire Valley, Normandy, and Alsace are exceptional in spring.

Fall (September to November)

Fall in France is the start of la rentrée, when children return to school and the holidays are over. This is perfect time to visit France as most tourists have returned home. In southern region of the country, the weather remains pleasantly warm-but not hot, the countryside is showing off its’ autumnal colors, and the famous Fête des Vendanges. Temperatures average mid-50s to low 70s. Provence, Pyrenees, Paris, and the Loire Valley are recommended regions.

Summer (July through August)

Summers in France tend to be the most crowded. July and August are considered peak season. Not only do the summers bring international tourists, these months are when most French travel in France, too. This means that some places (museums, shops, and restaurants) are closed. However, summers also offer the largest numbers of markets and festivals to explore and the Tour de France. Temperatures can get quite hot in some southern areas of France – up in to the 90s.

Winter (December through March)

Winter is considered more of an “off-season”. However, winter also provides minimal tourists, better rates, French Christmas markets, and winter sports (did someone say Chamonix?) Or better yet, visit the Cote d’Azur on the French Mediterranean and experience the best of both worlds by enjoying warm days on the beach and brisk evenings by the fire.

Traveler bikes in front of France sunset

What to Bring & How to Plan Your France Vacation

1. Electrical Converter

Like many European countries, France uses a 220 volt system (as opposed to 110 like the US) and requires a converter if you’re traveling from North or South America. You will also need to purchase a Type-E plug adapter in order to use your electrical devices. *Some new electronic devices and appliances can be used with either 220 V or 110 V and do not require a converter (but do require a plug adapter). Be sure to check the specifications of your devices before use.

2. Must See and Do List

Because France has so many things that you must see and/or visit, it is a good idea to make a prioritized list before you leave. It is also helpful to book tickets to certain events (e.g. opera, theaters, concerts, etc.) before travel.

3. Be Prepared for Inclement Weather

Despite having mostly temperate weather, it’s best to be prepared for any weather. France can experience showers, cooler winds, and also hot, humid days. No need for a parka (unless you’re skiing!) but a light, waterproof jacket is a good idea.

4. Here’s a resource!

The Paris Tourist Office provides essential information on the cost of living for working out how many Euros you will need for your stay in Paris: meals, cultural activities, getting around… If you have a small budget, there are guides full of handy ideas.