Bucketlist Christmas + New Year: Paris & the French Riviera

Across the 12 months ending 29 July 2026, our travelled groups were close to balanced, with about 55% women and 44% men. The median traveller was 34 and the median group had 9 people. That is a historical snapshot, not a promise about the mix on a specific edition.

We design each edition around the destination rather than using a standard tour template. The usual rhythm is one or two experiences a day, with room to take the place in instead of rushing through a checklist.

Yes. Anyone aged 18 or older can apply. Our groups often skew from the late 20s to early 40s, but fit, energy and the experience itself matter more than fitting a narrow age band.

Yes. You can apply solo or with someone you know.

Totally fine — self-explore time is built into most days, and it's listed as excluded from the package cost, meaning you're free to skip a group activity and do your own thing (extra costs are on you). Just loop in your trip lead so the group knows your plan and you don't miss transport timings.

Paris, Cannes, and Nice are generally safe for travelers, though usual city precautions apply — watch belongings in crowded tourist spots and on the metro. Your ExCo trip lead will share a local emergency contact and WhatsApp group at trip start, active 24/7 for the week. For real emergencies in France, dial 112 (EU-wide emergency number).

Group transport between cities (typically high-speed TGV trains, around 5-6 hours Paris to the Riviera) is coordinated by ExCo. Within each city, expect a mix of walking, metro (Paris), and short local transfers for activities like the catamaran cruise or Èze day trip. Airport transfers on arrival/departure are NOT included, so plan your own taxi or shuttle.

Most cafes, hotels, and restaurants across Paris, Cannes, and Nice have free WiFi. For constant connectivity, grab a French/EU SIM (Orange, SFR, or Free Mobile) on arrival, roughly EUR 15-25 for a week of data, or use an eSIM like Airalo before you land — easier and avoids the airport SIM queues.

Warm layers (thermal wear helps), a compact umbrella, comfortable walking shoes (not brand new ones), a power adapter (French sockets are Type C/E, 230V), a portable charger, one nice outfit for NYE, and any personal medication. Since it's winter and you're outdoors a lot, waterproof shoes will save you more than a fancy jacket will.

This edition has a party and gastronomy focus — expect wine with dinners, cocktails at Cannes sundowners, and champagne toasts on NYE. It's absolutely optional. No one's pressuring anyone to drink, and there are always mocktail or soft drink alternatives at every included activity.

France isn't the easiest for strict vegans, but Paris, Cannes, and Nice all have solid vegetarian options — think ratatouille, socca (Nice's chickpea pancake, naturally vegan), salads, pastas, and falafel spots in Paris' Marais. Vegan options exist but require asking upfront. Let us know your preference before the trip so we can flag it to restaurants during included meals.

Paris will be cold — expect 3-8°C, possible rain or occasional light snow. Pack a proper warm coat, layers, gloves, and a scarf. Cannes and Nice are milder thanks to the Mediterranean, think 8-14°C, but sea breeze makes evenings chilly, especially for the catamaran cruise and NYE party. Layer up, and bring one smart-casual outfit for NYE that still keeps you warm.

This is rated activity level 3 out of 5 — moderate. Expect walking tours through Paris and Nice, cobblestone streets in Èze, and some standing/dancing at the NYE party. Nothing extreme, but comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. If you can comfortably walk 5-6 km over a day with breaks, you're set.

Included: all listed activities (Eiffel Tower + Seine cruise dinner, Paris walking tour, Cannes sundowners, Nice food walk, catamaran cruise, NYE party, Paris bar-hop, Èze perfume workshop), and group accommodation. Excluded: international flights, visa, airport transfers, solo/self-explore excursions, add-on experiences, and personal meals, drinks, and shopping. Basically — we've got the bucket-list moments covered, daily incidentals are yours.

Beyond the trip cost, plan for: international flights (varies by city, roughly INR 55,000-85,000 round trip from India in peak season), visa fee (INR 15,000), airport transfers, personal meals not included, drinks/bar tabs, shopping, and any add-on experiences. A realistic extra buffer is EUR 400-600 for the week, more if you love shopping in Paris or Cannes.

Yes, you'll need a Schengen visa to cover Paris, Cannes, and Nice. Budget around INR 15,000 for the visa process (this is separate from your edition price). We'll guide you on documents needed, but apply early — December is peak season and appointment slots at French visa centers fill up fast. Aim to start your application at least 6-8 weeks before Dec 25.