Top France Shore Excursions

Spend the morning exploring Marseilles’ historical neighborhoods on a half-day shore excursion with a guide. Perfect for visitors looking to maximize their time in the city, the tour covers many of the city’s main sights in half a day. Peruse shops and restaurants along the water in the old port, and climb up to the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde to take in panoramic views.

Make the most of your cruise ship’s stop in Le Havre with a day trip to Paris direct from the cruise terminal. Start your day in Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower before hopping on a Seine River cruise and sailing past landmarks including Notre Dame and the Louvre. Enjoy free time for shopping, people watching, and a spot of lunch on the Champs-Elysees (own expense).

Experience the best of Normandy on this exclusive shore excursion, perfect for cruise ship passengers docking at Le Havre. First, visit the picturesque town of Honfleur, known for its charming harbor, historic Church of Saint Catherine, and rich artistic legacy. Then, explore Deauville, a town renowned for its luxury, chic boutiques, sandy beaches, and iconic racecourse. Enjoy guided tours of both towns, followed by free time to explore at your own pace. Book your spot for an unforgettable day of culture, history, and elegance in Normandy!

If you only have limited time ashore at the Le Verdon Cruise Port, don’t worry about trying to plan your own trip. Instead, leave all the transit and logistics to someone else with this seamless Bordeaux shore excursion. Following pickup directly from the port, head to the city. Upon arrival, set of to explore many of its top, UNESCO–listed sights on foot, from the Bordeaux Cathedral to the Grand Theatre and more.

Embark on a 3-hour, small-group boat trip from the port of Nice, taking in the natural wonders of the Mediterranean coast. Board a semi-rigid boat alongside your skipper, and sail to the Mala Cave to swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters or relax with views of the rugged cliffs. Hop off at Villefranche-sur-Mer to explore its port and the charming old town.

Make the most of your time in Villefranche port with this full-day tour, and visit three top destinations along the French Riviera. Visit the hilltop villages of Eze, known for its Fragonard perfume factory, and La Turbie, home to the Roman “Trophy of the Alps” monument, then cross the border to Monaco to visit the Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo Casino, and the Monte Carlo Grand Prix track.

Free yourself from the stress of choosing the perfect restaurant for lunch in Cannes, and sample several popular foodie spots all in one tour. On this food-tasting tour, visit at least four different stops around the city, enjoy a delicious 4-course progressive lunch, and sample delicious Provençal dishes, including “Pissaladière” (fish tart), local wines, and dessert.

Take advantage of your stopover in Marseille with a 7-hour shore excursion of breathtaking Aix-en-Provence. When your cruise docks, hop aboard a comfortable vehicle for the 30-minute northbound ride through the vibrant Provençal countryside. With your friendly driver, tour Aix’s colorful streets and verdant parks – ornamented with fountains, shops, cafés and elaborate façades – and Cassis a very ancient fishing port.

Cruise the coastal curve of the French Riviera to St Tropez on a full-day excursion from Nice. Gaze at sweeping ocean vistas as you sail the Mediterranean Sea to the glamorous town of St Tropez, famed for the famous faces that frequent the opulent resort. Spend a day exploring at your leisure and discover alluring attractions like St Tropez Church and St Tropez Citadel. Alternatively, browse sophisticated boutiques for designer clothes, sample seafood specials at gourmet restaurants, and lounge on the powdery soft sand of the town’s pristine beaches. Return to Nice by boat at the end of your relaxing day.

Join our shared shore excursion, specially designed for cruise passengers docking in Cherbourg. Travel in comfort aboard our modern bus, guided by a passionate expert who will bring history to life with fascinating insights and answers to your questions throughout the day. Explore iconic sites such as Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal events of the D-Day landings. This tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off directly at Cherbourg port, perfectly coordinated with your cruise schedule to ensure a timely return to your ship after a memorable day of exploration. Please note that food options near the beaches are limited. We will make a stop at a local bakery for you to pick up refreshments, but you’re also welcome to bring your own meal—especially if you have specific dietary needs or preferences.

Swap the busy cruise ships for a more intimate small-group experience, and spend a morning or afternoon swimming and snorkeling around the Lerins Islands. Hop aboard a 36 - foot (11 - meter) boat and set sail on a scenic cruise. Make the most of the paddleboard, masks, and snorkels provided, then refuel with included snacks on board.

Enjoy a new perspective on coastal Marseille—and get up close and personal with its famous limestone calanques—on this half-day kayaking tour. With the Help of a Certified Guide, plus all necessary equipment, getting out on the water is made easy, even for beginners. After your safety briefing, set off for an active trip into nature, and admire views that few other visitors get to see.

Maximize your time on the French Riviera—and visit two countries in just one day—on this private day tour from Cannes. Begin in the medieval village of Èze, where you can admire sweeping sea views and tour the Fragonard perfume factory. Then, continue to the principality of Monaco, stopping for key sights including the Prince’s Palace, Monte Carlo Casino, and Grand Prix circuit.

Step back in time to the infamous events of D-Day on this full-day excursion from Le Havre. Ascend Pointe du Hoc in the footsteps of the U.S. Rangers who scaled the cliff under heavy fire and stand on Omaha Beach where Allied forces faced fierce resistance during the Normandy landings. Finish the tour on a poignant note at the American Cemetery, the resting place of over 9,000 soldiers.

Discover Strasbourg's rich culinary heritage on this small-group food tour. Taste typical Alsatian dishes, wine, and beer across at least four stops—adding up to a full meal—while exploring the heart of the city. Learn about local food traditions and seasonal specialties, and feel like a true insider as you meet the people central to Strasbourg's food scene.

Explore Marseille's vibrant and multicultural food scene on this small-group walking tour through the old town. Taste traditional dishes at artisan food shops and local eateries, including a unique half-and-half pizza with Emmental cheese and anchovies, plus local drinks. Enjoy enough samples to make up a full meal as you learn about Marseille's culture and culinary traditions. Tastings may vary by season.

Getting around Normandy without your own transport can be tricky, but renting a car can waste precious time when you only have one day in port. On this full-day shore excursion, hop straight on the bus at Cherbourg port and set out to explore some of Normandy’s most important WWII sites. Visit Omaha Beach, Sainte-Mere-Eglise, and Pointe du Hoc, as well as the Normandy American Cemetery.

When your ship pulls into port at Marseille, discover the wine appellations of Provence on a small-group visit to two high-quality wineries, carefully selected by a wine expert as your guide. You’ll learn about grape varietals as you sip fine reds, whites, and rosés. Plus, spend free time exploring one of the area’s charming towns. This full-day shore excursion includes port transfers by minivan with a maximum of eight.

Trade the bustle of Cannes for the peaceful Mediterranean retreat of Île Sainte-Marguerite on a private, half-day sailing tour that’s tailored to your preferences. After departing from the Old Port aboard restored vintage sailboat, head to the island, and enjoy a classic Provençal lunch with wine on board. Then, have free time to swim, snorkel, explore the island, or even learn to sail the boat with your captain’s instruction.

Explore France’s magnificent Calanques on this 3-hour electronic bike tour from Marseille. See three of the impressive rock formations in Calanques National Park, with historic and geological context from your guide. Pedal through Marseille’s diverse neighborhoods and stop for a swim in the Mediterranean. This tour is great for visitors with a sense of adventure looking to get under the surface of the city.

You will discover Eze, true Eagles Nest, perched medieval village where we will stop for a visit of the Fragonard perfumery. In Monaco you will get some free time to see the Palace and visit the Cathedral where Princesse Grace is buried. Then we take a drive along the Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit to reach Monte Carlo with its famous casino and world-known Hotel de Paris.

Set sail aboard a semi-rigid boat on this small-group sunset excursion along the French Riviera. Visit the creek of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and soak in its natural beauty or take a dip in its sparkling waters. Continue on to Villefranche-sur-Mer and enjoy wine and nibbles as you admire views of the coast. Finish on a high watching the sun set over the Bay of Angels.

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendor of the French Riviera—and discover a part of the coast that few other visitors know about—on this small-group tour. After departing from Nice, travel to the Mala Cave near Èze, a perfect swimming and snorkeling spot that can only be reached by boat. Continue sailing near destinations such as Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer before returning to Nice.