Top 10 Trips & Excursions for Over 50s in France

France, with its rich history in food, wine and art, is ideal for a trip for those who enjoy the finer things in life. And its proximity to England, with a train journey from London’s Kings Cross St Pancras taking only a little over two hours, it’s ideal for either a weekend trip or a longer excursion. We’ve found the top ten unmissable tours to make sure you make the most of your French holiday.

Day Excursions

Tour the surroundings of Notre Dame

While the cathedral itself has been closed since the devastating fire of 2019, you can still explore the surroundings and take part in its rich history. This group tour will give you the opportunity to learn more about the cathedral, the city island she stands on, and the nearby prison where Marie-Antoinette herself was once held.

Price: From £55 per person

Half-day Champagne tour from Reims

Only 45 minutes from Paris, you’ll find Reims, from which you can take a day trip through Champagne to sample the famous bubbles in their own terroir. This half-day tour takes you to two independent growers who will show you every step of the process from grape to bottle, and you’ll naturally have a chance to try their wares. And on the way home, you’ll stop off at the grave of Dom Perignon for a chance to pay your respects to the alleged father of champagne – we owe him a lot!

Price: From £97 per person

Visit Château de Versailles

Probably the most famous palace in human history, Versailles nevertheless lives up to the hype. Starting from Paris, this day tour includes a knowledgeable guide, lunch and the opportunity to explore the gardens at your own pace. If you’re in France, you mustn’t miss out on your chance to explore the hall of mirrors, Marie-Antoinette’s hobby farm Petit Trianon and the opulent palace grounds.

Price: From £149 per person

Mediterranean Coastal tour from Nice

The French Riviera has been a highly popular destination for Brits over the past 200 years, evidenced by the beach promenade in Nice being named after us – Promenade des Anglais. And if you’d like to see the beauty of the Mediterranean coast from the sea, this cruise will give you the highlights in just an hour. Departing from Nice, you’ll get spectacular views of the French riviera.

Price: From £22 per person

Highlights of Provence

Provence is famed for its fields of lavender, and this day trip departing from Nice will let you see the very best the region has to offer. Departing from Nice, you’ll view not only the lavender fields but also other must-visit sites like the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and the Verdon gorges. Along the way, you’ll stop in medieval towns still creating beautiful ceramics in the old tradition and at the St Croix lake, with the purest water in all of Provence.

Price: From £97 per person

Holiday trip packages

Jewels of France including Normandy

This trip will take you on a tour of the northern part of France, including Paris and the beaches of Normandy. On this 8-day trip you’ll get to experience the best of northern France. You’ll go to wine tastings in the Loire Valley, visit chateaus and Joan of Arc's Rouen, and finally see the beaches where D-Day took place.

Price: From £898 per person

Cycling Tour of the Hilltop Villages of Provence

This active holiday won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you are a cycling enthusiast, you have the opportunity to explore Provence by bike. Your journey starts and ends in Pernes-les-Fontaines, and you’ll explore six other villages throughout the six days you’re away. If you’re craving a mix of beautiful nature and remote medieval villages, this tour is the one for you.

Price: From £1,139 per person

The best of Mont Blanc

This tour of the highlights of the Alps is another active holiday for those who enjoy hiking, but would like to rest in comfort at the end of the day. With cable car rides included on most days, you’ll be placed in beautiful surroundings for your hike and forego the arduous journeys up the mountain. For the duration of this 8-day journey, you’ll stay in Chamonix as you explore the mountain, meaning you’ll only have to unpack once.

Price: From £1,720 per person

Châteaux, rivers and wine

Bordeaux is famously one of the best wine regions in the world, and this 8-day river cruise will put you in the heart of the region, ready to experience the finest of finer living. You’ll visit 17th century chateaus with their own vineyards, hunt for truffles in Périgord and create your own cognac blend in the distillery at Camus – all with the stunning backdrop of the Garonne and Gironde rivers.

Price: From £2,195 per person

French Impressionism along the banks of the Seine

For art lovers, how about an impressionistic meander down the Seine river? On this cruise, you’ll start in Paris and visit museums along the Seine in Melun, Mantes-la-jolie and Rouen. And don’t worry if you’re not yet an expert in French Impressionism, because alongside meals and entertainment, the cruise also offers thematic presentations to help you make the most of your time.

Price: From £1,613 per person

Wherever you go in France, stay safe, and make sure that you’re getting the best rates and fee-free spending abroad by using your Caxton currency card. Apply for yours today, or top up your existing card.