When is the best time to travel in France?
Is France a safe place to visit for solo female travelers?
Absolutely. I've been a solo female traveler in France for years, and I have always felt extremely safe — so safe I never even thought about it. Rural France in particular, like the Dordogne region, is exceptionally welcoming. Small villages, unhurried rhythms, and warm locals make it an ideal destination for women traveling alone. The We Wander France retreat is also a wonderful option if you'd like the comfort of a small, like-minded group while still enjoying the freedom and authenticity of independent travel.
Where should I go in France besides Paris?
Get out of Paris, people! It's practically my tagline — and it's on the back of my business card for a reason. France is so much more than its capital. The Dordogne region in southwest France offers cliffside medieval villages, prehistoric cave art, slow river valleys, weekly outdoor markets, and some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe — all virtually unknown to most American travelers. It's the France that French people escape to on their own holidays.
Are there small group tours in France for women over 50?
Yes and We Wander France is exactly that. Each retreat is limited to just 6–8 guests and is designed for women who want a meaningful, active travel experience without the exhaustion of a large tour group. Our guests are typically women over 40 and 50 who are curious, comfortably fit, and ready for real connection — with France, with the landscape, and with each other. Solo travelers are warmly welcomed and make up a large portion of our guests every year.
How many guests are on each tour?
Each tour is limited to a small group of 6–8 guests to ensure a personal and intimate experience. This isn't a bus tour. It's a carefully curated week with a small group of like-minded travelers.
What’s included in the tour price?
The package includes 6 nights of lodging, all guided walks and transportation during the week.
What kind of walking should I expect?
We walk 3–7 miles each day at a moderate pace, allowing time for scenic breaks, village stops, and local interaction. Terrain is varied but manageable — forest paths, riversides, and rolling countryside. This is a walking retreat, not a hiking expedition.
Do I need to be an athlete to participate?
No — but you should enjoy walking and feel comfortable being outdoors for several hours each day. A moderate fitness level is recommended. If you can walk 3–7 miles comfortably with some hills, you'll do beautifully.
Where do we stay?
All guests stay in a single, beautifully restored stone manor just outside Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. This one-of-a-kind basecamp allows you to unpack once and settle in for the week — no packing and repacking, no hotel lobbies. Just a stunning home base in the French countryside. See the accommodations.
Are meals included?
Breakfast daily and one wonderful, multi-course French sit-down meal at a local restaurant are included. The French take their long lunches seriously — and so do we. Dinner and evenings are on your own, giving you flexibility to explore independently. Read more about the dining experience.
What's included in the tour price?
The package includes 6 nights of lodging in our restored stone manor, daily breakfast, one multi-course lunch daily at local restaurants, all guided walks, and transportation during the tour week. International flights and travel insurance are not included and are the responsibility of each guest. View the full itinerary.
What if it rains?
We walk rain or shine! Please bring appropriate waterproof gear. On heavier weather days, we may adjust the itinerary to include covered markets, museums, or shorter walks. The Dordogne is beautiful in any weather.
Can I join alone?
Absolutely. Many guests travel solo, and this is a welcoming, relaxed environment perfect for solo women travelers looking for authentic connection and calm adventure. You'll arrive as a solo traveler and leave with lasting friendships.
How do I book?
Book the travel package directly on our website. The tour is non-refundable, so we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. There are many reputable providers to choose from — the choice is at your discretion. If you're unable to attend and your situation isn't covered by insurance, you may transfer your spot to someone else. Simply contact us to make that arrangement.
We Wander France is your invitation to an unforgettable walking retreat in the heart of the Dordogne. Think cliffside trails, hidden hamlets, market mornings, and wildflower paths — all wrapped in the magic of rural France. This isn’t your average tour. It’s an adventure full of connection, discovery, and joy. Come wander with us — and uncover what makes the countryside come alive.
