Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Discover the magic of Paris and the French countryside on this art, history, and language-filled tour. Your students will explore iconic landmarks including Notre-Dame, the Palace of Versailles, and the Pont du Gard. Your group can also look forward to cruising along the picturesque Calanques, walking along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, and learning more about France’s agricultural history during dinner in the Cave aux Moines!
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to France (Paris)
Day 2
Arrive in Paris
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Paris city walk
Take in Paris on foot, strolling wide boulevards, manicured parks, and lively streets filled with cafés and flower stalls. Cross to the Île de la Cité to view the storied Notre-Dame Cathedral, centerpiece of French history, then wander the charming Île St. Louis and the vibrant Latin Quarter, rich with student life and culture.
Day 3
Paris guided sightseeing tour
What’s that huge white arch at the end of the Champs-Élysées? It’s the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz. Your licensed local guide will elaborate on this and other Parisian landmarks. See some of the city’s most famous sites, including the ornate 19th-century Opera, the presidential residence, and the Place de la Concorde—where, at the center, you’ll find the Obelisk of Luxor, a gift from Egypt in 1836. Spot chic locals (and plenty of tourists) strolling the Champs-Élysées. Look up at the iron girders of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair to commemorate the centenary of the French Revolution. Visit Les Invalides (a refuge for war-wounded soldiers) and the École Militaire (Napoleon’s alma mater).
Optional
Versailles guided excursion (optional; pre-book only)
The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.
Seine River cruise
See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.
Day 4
Travel to Loire Valley via Chartres
Chartres Cathedral visit
Built on an ancient holy site to house a relic of the Virgin Mary’s veil (still on display), this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is best known for its stained glass. With more than 20,000 square feet of windows, stepping inside feels like entering a jewel box. On the floor lies the only surviving medieval labyrinth, a 300-yard path once followed on pilgrims’ knees toward the image of paradise at the center.
Château de Chambord photo stop
Authentic French brasserie dinner
Day 5
Loire Valley châteaux excursion
In the Loire Valley, medieval fortresses evolved into Renaissance showpieces along the riverbanks. Visit Azay-le-Rideau, a fairy-tale castle whose limestone turrets and slate spires rise from an island in the Indre River. Continue to Château de Chenonceau, gracefully spanning the Cher with arches and gardens. Designed and expanded under Catherine de Medici, its stone gallery reflects the elegance of the French court.
Troglodyte Village guided visit
Carved out by hand starting in the 12th century to extract tuffeau stone for building, the Cave aux Moines later found new life in the early 20th century as a mushroom farm. The cave’s entrance and first galleries once served as homes in a unique form of underground living known as “troglodyte” life, where people and animals shared space in a close-knit community.
Dinner in Troglodyte Village
Day 6
Travel to Lyon
Lyon city walk
Wander through the cobbled lanes of Vieux Lyon, discovering secret passageways and stories from the past. Snap photos in Place Bellecour, one of Europe’s largest squares, before heading up to Fourvière Basilica for epic city views.
Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Market visit
Step into the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, named after France’s legendary chef, and discover a tradition of fine food that dates back to the 19th century. Stroll past stalls offering regional cheeses, cured meats, and pastries, learning how Lyon earned its nickname as the “gastronomic capital of France.”
Day 7
Travel to Provence
Pont du Gard visit
A masterpiece of Roman engineering, the Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most stunning ancient monuments in Provence. Explore its arches and learn how this marvel carried water across the Gardon Valley for centuries.
LEAP
LEAP Painters' Provence
Make a compelling sales pitch for a masterpiece by Cézanne, Monet, or another artist whose work highlights Provençal landscapes. Emphasize how the region’s unique light and scenery profoundly influenced their artistic vision.
Arles Amphitheater visit
Step back into ancient Roman times as you marvel at this stunning, well-preserved amphitheater built in 90 AD. Learn the history of this vibrant cultural venue and about the community events it still hosts today.
Day 8
Travel to Cote d'Azur via Cassis
Calanques cruise
From the deck of a boat bobbing on the crystalline Mediterranean Sea, get a dramatic view of the calanques, which are beautiful creeks surrounded by limestone. This cruise will take you up close and personal to 3 different calanques!
Day 9
Monaco and Èze excursion
Step into glamorous Monaco, a tiny principality on the French Riviera famed for its luxury, history, and royal connections. Visit the Prince’s Palace, home to Monaco’s ruling family, and see why this city-state became a playground for royalty and movie stars. Then travel to the medieval hilltop village of Èze to visit a traditional parfumerie, where expert perfumers have crafted scents since the 1700s.
Nice Tour Director-led sightseeing
The Côte d'Azur's largest city spills down the hillsides to pebble beaches that line the shore. Your Tour Director will show you around the narrow pedestrian streets and tiny squares of "Le Vieux Nice" (Old Town), which is sprinkled with old palaces and mansions. Stroll down the Promenade des Anglais, which runs parallel to the water. Backed by Nice's grand hotels, the Promenade was built in the 19th century for the British who flocked here en masse.
Day 10
Return home
Optional Extension
Add 2 Days on the Italian Riviera
Travel to the vibrant port city of Genoa and explore the renowned Genoa Aquarium, home to an incredible variety of marine life. Continue along the stunning Ligurian coast to the Cinque Terre, where colorful cliffside villages and dramatic sea views create postcard-perfect scenery. End your adventure in Milan, Italy’s stylish northern hub, blending coastal charm with cosmopolitan energy before heading home.
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theater tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Meals (unless otherwise noted on your itinerary)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Free high school credit for students who choose to complete WorldStrides free online coursework post-program
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from France
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
WorldStrides provides over $2.5 million in financial assistance each year to thousands of families. Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of less than $85,000 may qualify. One simple call to Customer Service and you’ll know how much may be available for your trip even before signing up. Please note: financial assistance is given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Payment Plans
Advantage Payment Plan
At program sign-up you can opt to pay in full, or break up the cost of your trip with the Advantage Payment Plan. This plan allows you to pay a small initial deposit, then have your remaining payments spread out into affordable monthly amounts.
EZPay
We offer an EZPay option, which is a simple way to pay for your WorldStrides program by scheduling hassle-free, automatic drafts from your checking account. With EZPay, you'll never be late or miss an installment.
Fundraising Tools
Our easy-to-use tools put students in the driver's seat of their own fundraising efforts. Students can send e-cards, share links on social media, and even send out printed letters through WorldStrides' Gift of Education program. In one click friends and family members can make a direct donation to the trip - with 100% of the money raised going to offset their trip price. Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education.
Also, WorldStrides makes program-specific scholarships available as well as other scholarship resources. Ask your Account Manager for more information about scholarships and fundraising tools.