Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Inspire your students with this adventure through Paris, Biarritz, Provence, and the Côte d'Azur. Your students will experience historic and cultural landmarks of Paris, including the Notre-Dame and Arc de Triomphe, cruise down the Seine, and wander the halls of Versailles. Your class can also look forward to exploring the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, exploring Nice’s Promenade des Anglais, and appreciating the lush lavender fields of Provence.
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.
Dinner in the Latin Quarter
Tonight we will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a section of the city that dates back to the Roman times; it is generally associated with artists, intellectuals, and political unrest.
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 Biarritz on the TGV
Take France’s fastest train to the coastal city of Biarritz, once a whaling town and later a favorite bathing spot for international royalty, earning it the nickname “The Queen of Beaches and the Beach for Kings.” Today, Biarritz offers world-class surfing, sweeping views along the Basque coast, and a relaxed resort atmosphere.
Day 5
Basque Country excursion
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, once a haven for Basque corsairs, where French and Spanish history intertwine: this is where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain in 1660. Then cross into San Sebastián, a jewel of the Spanish Basque coast, where golden beaches meet Belle Époque elegance and pintxos (Basque tapas) are a culinary art form.
Day 6
Travel to Carcassonne via Lourdes
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes visit
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a major pilgrimage site featuring the Grotto of Massabielle, several beautiful basilicas, and healing spring water, attracting millions of visitors for spiritual reflection and worship. Please note: The Bath House Experience is available only from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Carcassonne interactive sightseeing activity
The turrets and ramparts of this medieval citadel look as if they were drawn by a story book illustrator. The oldest sections of the wall were built by the Romans in the 1st century, but most of Carcassonne's current character is from the 13th century. From the battlements you can see over green plains and hills all the way to the Pyrenées. Follow your Tour Director on an interactive adventure through this preserved city that will bring the portcullis and drawbridge, restored houses and watchtowers to life!
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.
Day 8
Provence excursion
Discover the beauty of Provence amid lavender fields, olive groves, and ochre-colored villages. Explore Roman legacies at the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Nîmes amphitheater, still used for performances today. Then travel into the Alpilles mountains to see the medieval fortress ruins of Baux-de-Provence, once a stronghold for surrounding villages.
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.
Travel to Côte d’Azur
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.