south of france trip cost

Expense Report: How much does it cost to travel to the South of France?

From feeling like a movie star on the stairs of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes to swimming on one of my favorite beaches in the charming town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Côte d’Azur has everything to take your breath away, and I am ready to convince you to put this amazing destination on your bucket list for next summer!

This time, I want to help you find out how much it costs to travel to the South of France by sharing my expenses from my last trip there in August 2022. I don’t want to waste your time if you are in a hurry so I will share with you the total cost of the trip right below, but I suggest you read this full guide because I included the itinerary that I followed and it’s cost breakdown so you can choose whether you want to spend money on those activities or not.

Are you ready to fall in love with the French Riviera? Allons-y!

• Is the South of France expensive?

The South of France is one of the most expensive holiday destinations on the Mediterranean Sea, especially during the peak summer months. However, due to its size, the French Riviera offers several vacation options that can suit different budgets.

The total cost of a mid-range budget trip to the South of France with accommodation, activities, and transportation around the different towns of the French Riviera is €105 per day.

The average cost of accommodation

How much i spent on accommodation in august 2022, 4-day itinerary in the french riviera and costs breakdown, total costs: how much does it cost to travel to the south of france, planning your trip to the south of france.

If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, it’s important to consider a few key factors before you go. In this section, I will try to cover some basic stuff that you need to know before traveling such as transportation options and the best towns and cities to stay around the Riviera.

When it comes to choosing a base for your trip, there are many different towns and cities to choose from along the South of France. Two of the most popular options are Cannes and Nice. Cannes is known for its glamorous atmosphere and luxury accommodations, while Nice is a bit more laid-back and offers a wider range of budget-friendly options. Both cities have great transportation links to other towns along the coast, so you can easily explore the surrounding area from either base.

That being said, there are also some cons to consider when staying in some of the smaller towns along the coast. For example, while Menton offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, it may not have as many restaurants, nightlife options, or things to do as other towns. Villefranche-sur-Mer, while picturesque and charming, can be quite hilly and may not be the best option for those with mobility issues. Antibes, while a great option for those interested in history and culture, may not be as convenient for those wanting to explore other towns along the coast due to its location.

Ultimately, I recommend you to choose first which towns around the Riviera you will want to explore during your trip and then decide your base taking that into consideration. Furthermore, you can also check our article about the most affordable French Riviera Towns to learn more about your options.

TIP : when planning which activities you want to experience during your trip keep in mind that there is a French Riviera Pass that might be useful for you depending on your itinerary. We have an article about if the French Riviera Pass is worth it that I recommend you read before you book any activity.

How much does accommodation costs in the South of France

The prices of hotels along the French Riviera can vary widely depending on the town and season. You could argue that Cannes and Nice have higher accommodation prices, but since they are larger cities compared to smaller towns like Eze and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, there are more options for every budget in those places.

Smaller towns like Menton, Antibes, and Villefranche Sur Mer are typically more affordable, but they offer fewer accommodation options, especially Airbnb rentals. Therefore, if you don’t book your stay in advance, you may end up paying more than you would in larger cities.

I have created a rough breakdown of average prices by town and season, but my recommendation is to check the dates you are looking for at Booking or Agoda to have a clearer estimate.

• High season (June to August): €200-€300 per night for a mid-range hotel; €400+ per night for a luxury hotel
• Low season (September to May): €100-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel; €200-€300 per night for a luxury hotel
• High season (June to August): €150-€250 per night for a mid-range hotel; €300+ per night for a luxury hotel
• Low season (September to May): €75-€125 per night for a mid-range hotel; €150-€250 per night for a luxury hotel
• High season (June to August): €100-€200 per night for a mid-range hotel; €250+ per night for a luxury hotel
• Low season (September to May): €75-€100 per night for a mid-range hotel; €150-€200 per night for a luxury hotel

I traveled to the South of France in August 2022 for a 4-day trip with my mom and sister. We had a mid-budget, meaning that while we didn’t want to splurge, we were willing to spend a little more for a better location and a nicer place.

​​We wanted to stay as close to the ocean as possible, so we searched for an apartment or hotel near the Promenade des Anglais. Since we were traveling during the high season, we found that the best value for our money was to book an Airbnb.

We ended up booking a one-bedroom apartment a couple of blocks away from the famous Le Negresco Hotel . The apartment not only had an amazing balcony to enjoy summer nights but also came with a secret key to use a private passage that took you right away to the Promenade.

The total price of the accommodation was $821.80 USD (€753) for 4 nights, which comes down to $205.50 per night or $68.50 per person, per night. 

Transportation in the French Riviera

There are several transportation options along the Riviera such as trains, buses, and rental cars. In our case, we chose to explore the French Riviera without a car and use the trains as our main form of transportation.

Trains are one of the most popular ways to travel between cities along the coast, not only because they are convenient and affordable, but also because they offer spectacular views of the coastline. The coastal railway line runs from Cannes to Menton and stops at all major towns and cities along the way.

Buses are another option for getting around, and they generally run more frequently than trains so they can be a good option for shorter journeys, although they usually take double of time compared to a train. However, if you are on a budget, buses can save you a lot of money too since, for example, on my trip, I paid for a bus ride from Nice to Villefranche Sur Mer €1.50 while the return journey by train cost me €7.

Finally, rental cars are a popular choice for those who want to explore the region at their own pace, but you have to make sure to book in advance since the cheapest cars tend to be sold out fast.  I suggest you book an Airbnb with a private garage included if you decide to rent a car, otherwise, the costs of your trip will go up faster.

Below I will share with you my trip report with the exact places that I visited and how much spend each day. The idea is to help you to set expectations about how much you can spend doing a similar trip.

Day 1: Arriving at Nice

Previous to our trip around the Blue Coast we visited Cinque Terre, so we crossed the French-Italian border and arriver at the Nice Riquier station. I will exclude the costs of getting in and out of the South of France because it will vary depending on where are you coming from. 

Once we arrived at the station we took a €12 Uber ride to our apartment . Because we arrived one hour early for our check-in time, we decided to grab a hamburger and a soda at a local shop next to our Airbnb. The full meal ended up costing us €15 per person but honestly, it wasn’t good at all.  

It was a really hot day so once we got into the apartment we put a bikini on and we were ready to soak some sun at the beach, which was just 2 minutes away from us. 

After a beach nap and some reading under the sun, we decided to head to our place to change our clothes and explore some of the shops at the Rue de la Liberté and Jean Medecin streets.

We ended the day having dinner at Monsieur Albert France, a ‘hot dogs a la Francaise’ place located right in the middle of the famous Place Massena. The restaurant was really casual and laid back but we chose to sit here because of the amazing views of the square.

We ordered a special menu of a hot dog and a beer for €11.50 . While it was nothing fancy, the hot dog was actually amazing! I ordered the Monsieur Albert which came with German sausage and Camembert cheese from Normandie.

Total cost of day 1: €38.50

• Transportation: €12
• Activities: €0
• Food: €26.50

Day 2: Nice Old Town & Villefranche Sur Mer

For our first full day in Nice we decided to take a guided tour around the Old Town to understand better the past and present of the city and discover some off the beaten track places. 

We booked a free walking tour with Riviera Bar Crawl Tours and headed to Place Massena again to meet our guide at the Fontaine du Soleil. 

The tour was excellent and we got the chance not only to visit the Old Town but also to indulge ourselves with local food at the Farmers Market and enjoy amazing views of the city at the top of the Castle Hill. 

When taking a free walking tour it is not mandatory to tip your guide but you are expected to do it. There is no right set amount but I usually check how much the same company charge for group tours and use that number as a guide. 

The Riviera Tours charged €10 per person to take the same tour as a large group and Viator had a similar paid tour for €31, so we decided to tip €15 per person to our guide .

Our next mission was the beach, so we took a bus a couple of blocks away from Castle Hill (where we ended our tour) heading to Villefranche Sur Mer. It cost us €1.50 and it only took us around 30 minutes to get there. 

Before heading to the beach we explored the town and had lunch at La Mere Germaine , a family-owned seafood restaurant open since 1939. The restaurant is located right in the bay with stunning views and offered a lunch deal of  €38 per person for a starter dish, a main course, and a glass of wine.

Villefranche Sur Mer definitely was my favorite beach in the South of France so I highly recommend you not to skip it!

Ver esta publicación en Instagram A post shared by Cande García (@cangarcia)

To come back to Nice we decided to take a train for €7 . While we were walking to our place from the train station we stopped by a Carrefour supermarket where we bought  €7 meal boxes to enjoy on our apartment’s balcony after a busy day wandering around the Riviera.

Total cost of day 2: €68.50

• Transportation: €8.50
• Activities: €15

Day 3: Monaco

On our second full day in Nice, we decided to fulfill one of our top bucket list items by taking a day trip to Monaco. We started our day early at Nice’s train station and paid €8.80 for a round-trip train ticket to the Monte Carlo Train Station.

Upon arrival, we headed straight to the Old Town, located at the top of the city, to explore its picturesque pastel streets. We visited the Monaco Cathedral, took in the incredible panoramic views, and caught the changing of the guard at noon in the square where the Prince’s Palace is located.

If you’re visiting Monaco on a budget, my advice is to plan your itinerary so that you can have lunch in the Old Town, where most of the budget-friendly options are located. In our case, we sat at a pizza place and had pizza and sodas for €36, or €12 each.

After lunch, we took a break at the Port Viewpoint in the Old Town to enjoy the views of the harbor before returning to the city center to visit the popular Monte Carlo Casino.

We ended our day at Larvotto Beach, which was recently renovated and now offers free changing rooms and bathrooms for the public. Beach sunbeds at Larvotto cost around €36 per couple at the different beach resorts but we opted to lay down on the public beach and later enjoy an Apperol (€15) at one of the bars .

Back in Nice we decided again to stay at the apartment so we grabbed some pasta and cheese from the supermarket (€18 total, €6 each) and had a girls night at our French apartment .

Total cost of day 3: €41.80

• Transportation: €8.80
• Activities: free!

Day 4: Cannes

On our fourth day, we headed to Cannes, which is known for hosting the Annual Cannes Film Festival. Similar to the previous day, we started our day early at the Nice-Ville train station and purchased roundtrip tickets for €15.9 .

As a film lover, this was one of the most exciting days for me and the perfect way to spend our last day full day at the Cote D’ Azur.

Upon arriving in Cannes, we took a leisurely stroll around the Old Town, known as Le Suquet, and visited the famous Marché Forville, a bustling farmers market. From there, we climbed the narrow steps to reach the Notre-Dame de l’Espérance Church, which offered a panoramic view of the town.

Our next stop was the Boulevard De La Croisette, a popular oceanfront boardwalk lined with luxury brands, restaurants, and hotels. This is also where the Palais des Festivals, the venue where the Cannes Festival takes place, is located.

After that, we went shopping along Rue d’Antibes, a bustling street that features local brands but also international ones like Zara, Calzedonia, and Benetton. Once we finished shopping, we stopped at a café for a salad and a soft drink ( €13) and headed to the beach for some relaxation before heading back to Nice .

That evening, we decided to have our last dinner in Nice at a trendy tapas restaurant called Z Restaurant Tapas, located near the Promenade des Anglais. We were pleased with our choice as the food was exquisite and the price was very reasonable. We ended up paying €87, which included 13 tapas and 3 gin and tonics, at a cost of €29 per person .

READ MORE: If you are also visiting the nearbytown of Antibes I recommend you to check out our Antibes restaurants with a view guide

Total cost of day 4: €57.9

• Transportation: €15.9

The total cost of traveling 4 days around the South of France during the high summer season (August) is €419 including transportation around the Riviera, accommodation, food and activities . 

This number is for a mid-buget trip and excludes transportation in and out of the Cote D’ Azur. You could spend a significant less amount if you choose an hotel or Airbnb in the Old Town of Nice or you could easily increase your bill by renting a car, visiting more paid activities, and renting umbrellas and sun chairs at the beaches.

If you are looking to lower the costs of your trip I recommend you to read our article with tips for backpacking in the French Riviera and check out our best hostels in the South of France guide

The cheapest way to travel around the different towns in the Sout of France is taking the Regional Train (TER) and using the public bus system.  In terms of accommodation, the cheapest option is to either stay in less popular towns such as Juan Les Pins or to base yourself in Nice which, thanks to its size, offers a wide range of apartment and hostel options.

You should stay in the South of France for at least 4 days, or even a week if you are traveling during the summer. There are several towns around the Riviera and you will probably want to explore a lot of them. In addition, if you travel during the summer months you will dedicate a large part of your stay to enjoying the beaches around the coast, so it is important to consider that when choosing the length of your stay.

There is no need to rent a car in the South of France, the towns and cities are well connected by train and bus. However, it is recommended to rent a car if you are in a larger group where the cost of train tickets can quickly add up, or if you want to visit off-the-beaten-path places such as the Billionaires Bay secluded beach in Antibes.

According to our research, the cheapest town in the South of France is Menton. However, it can vary a lot depending on the season and how far in advance you have booked your accommodation.

During the summer months, especially in August, the South of France tends to be pricier than Paris. During the rest of the year, you will find Paris more expensive than the Cote D’ Azur Furthermore, if you are a culture lover, Paris paid activities like museums and theaters can cost up to two times more than cultural attractions in the South of France

Cannes is generally considered one of the more expensive destinations in the South of France, particularly during the Cannes Film Festival. However, there are budget-friendly options available if you escape from the city center and base yourself in Cannes La Boca.

The best time to visit the South of France is during May and September since both months offer mild beach weather with fewer crowds. Summer months (June-August) are busier and more expensive.

Train tickets from Paris to the South of France start around €30 and can go up to €120 depending on the season, the level of service (is it a regular seat or a sleeper coach) and how far in advance your booked your ticket. An average price for a ticket booked 3 months in advance is €60, while booking a ticket a week in advance will increase the number to €130

The average duration of a train from Paris to Nice is 05:30 hours. During peak season there is a night train available with sleeper cabins on it which can help you save a night of accommodation in the Riviera

The cost of your trip to the French Riviera will highly depend on the season you are traveling. If you travel in the summer months you will pay more for accommodation but most of your time you will be exploring different beaches, which can be done for free. Otherwise, if you decide to travel in the winter months, you will probably use the extra time to visit more paid activities such as art museums and historic villas.

Is the French Riviera Pass worth it? We explain how to take advantage of it!

Best restaurants in Antibes with a view

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get the latest travel discounts on your inbox

Don't know where to travel next? Get notified when hotel and flight prices drop and choose your next adventure!

© 2024 The Cost of Travel

Only South of France Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days You’ll Ever Need

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here .

Share it here!

The South of France is simply perfection. It is a destination that truly entices your senses. Hints of lavender and handmade soap fill the air, tastes of cheeses and jams at the market delight the tastebuds, and even the views of hilltop villages and sun-drenched beaches will leave you breathless. And the best way to experience it is with a South of France road trip itinerary!

If you’re currently planning a trip to the South of France, you’ve probably realized by now that this area of the world has SO much to offer. This definitely makes creating a plan for 7 days in Provence tricky. 

However, after countless hours of research and dreaming, I have created a perfect 7-day South of France itinerary including stops in Avignon, the villages of the Luberon, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cannes, and Nice that you’re 100% going to love. How do I know that? 

Well, I was just there and enjoyed the heck out of it. And yes, it is all super doable in just 7 days. So sit back, relax, dream of sunny days and rosé, and let’s get into it. 

What is Provence?

You’ve likely noticed above that I have used both “South of France” and “Provence” interchangeably. Well, Provence, or Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is a region in the southeast of France well-known for its Mediterranean beaches and lavender fields. 

It is also referred to as the South of France, especially among English speakers, even though it is not the only region that is in the south. 

Now, to break it down further, Provence is made up of 6 departments, which are administrative departments. These include Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, and Vaucluse. 

In this Southern France itinerary, we’ll be visiting Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Alpes-Maritimes departments. 

Summary of the Ultimate South of France Itinerary in 7 Days

For a quick reference guide, here is a breakdown of where to go during a South of France road trip!

• Days 1-2: Avignon & Chateaunuef-du-Pape
• Day 3: Drive the Villages of the Luberon to Aix-en-Provence
• Day 4: Aix-en-Provence and Cassis
• Days 5-6: Cannes
• Day 7: Nice 

For more details of all the things to do in the best Provence itinerary, keep reading below! 

Only 7-Day South of France Road Trip Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

From charming villages to a chilled-out beach day, let’s talk about how to have the best South of France Itinerary in 7 days! 

Days 1-2: Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

To start your Southern France itinerary, Avignon is always a great idea . Steeped in history, this city is a lovely spot to base yourself for exploring the town and nearby area. 

Then, because you’re in the Southern Rhône wine region, you’ve got to visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape! 

Day 1: Avignon & Pont du Gard 

For your first day, arrive in Avignon . Now, the easiest way to get to Avignon is via train. So, depending on where you’re coming from, you can easily take the train from Marseille or Paris. We spent 2 days in Paris beforehand, so we took the 2.5-hour train to Avignon. 

PS- Avignon is a great weekend trip from Paris too!

FYI- There are 2 main train stations in Avignon. The Avignon Centre Railway Station is just outside the city center. The Avignon TGV Railway Station is an 11-minute drive southwest of the city. 

This is super important to know because you’ll be renting a car in Avignon for your South of France road trip itinerary, so choosing the right station is key. Most car rental companies are located at the TGV Railway Station. 

Trust me, I made this mistake and had to Uber over to the correct station to get my car. 

Alright, once you’ve picked up your rental car, it is time to head into Avignon! 

On your first day in Avignon, the best thing to do is to wander around the old city. Have lunch at Cafe Saint-Jean with views of the square and the lovely Saint-Jean Tower. 

Pop into shops around the old city, including Autrefois , with local treats like nougat and callisons, and explore squares like the Place de l’Horloge , before hopping back into your car to visit Pont du Gard . 

Pont du Gard is about a 30-minute drive from Avignon and is a must-see. This is an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River. Step back through time at this first-century bridge that was used to carry water to Nîmes. 

This is a stunning area where you could spend a couple of hours walking down by the river, watching the kayakers float by, or you can even cross the bridge! 

Okay, you aren’t actually walking on the ancient structure, but rather on another bridge next to it. But you certainly get close! 

There are also ample hiking trails in the area and even a prehistoric cave. It is well worth spending the rest of the afternoon here before driving back to Avignon for dinner and drinks. 

And for dinner and drinks, definitely head to La Mirande . This 5-star luxury hotel is like stepping right into the Downtown Abbey drawing room. At least that is what it feels like when you have a seat at the salon with a handcrafted cocktail. 

Start with some dinner here at La Salle à Manger . Yes, you could eat at their Michelin-starred restaurant instead for their tasting menu, but if you don’t want to spend too much money, you can enjoy eating à la carte from La Salle à Manger. Trust me, it is just as delicious. 

Enjoy onion soup and delicious mackerel before heading to the bar post-dinner. 

The bar is the coziest spot for a drink with paintings on the wall, plush, 19th-century couches, and even a little fireplace. It is a delightful place for a martini and to wrap up the first day of your 1 week in the South of France. 

Day 2: Avignon & Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Fun fact: did you know that the popes used to live in Avignon? From 1309-1376 the popes lived in Avignon instead of Rome due to civil unrest. 

So, as you can imagine, they needed a place to stay. That is when the Pope’s Palace came to be. Construction began in 1335 and today you can visit this magnificent palace. 

I actually recommend purchasing a pass that includes the Pont de Benezet (or the Pont d’Avignon), Pope’s Palace , and the gardens. Then you can spend a few hours exploring these places. We purchased our passes at the Pont de Benezet.

After that, head to Les Halles to pick up provisions for dinner or some lunch. This massive indoor market has everything from meats and cheeses to fresh produce and wine. 

Then, in the afternoon, it is time to get picked up for your wine tour of Chateauneuf-du-Pape .

We loved this tour as it visits 2 wineries and you learn a lot about the making of this wine, the wine of this region, and more. 

Plus, Chateauneuf-du-Pape literally translates to the New Castle of the Pope. It is named after the castle built for the second of the popes in Avignon: Pope John XII. 

During the tour, you’ll visit a couple of wineries as well as visit the ruins of the castle. It wraps up that evening, and then I recommend winding down your day with some cheese and wine that you picked up at the market earlier. 

Where to Stay in Avignon: 

There are so many great places to stay in Avignon. We stayed in this Airbnb complete with its own kitchen, comfortable bedroom, and a washer/dryer. However, if you wish to stay at a hotel, these are great options:

Budget: Regina Hotel

Mid-Range: Aux Augustins

Luxury: Hotel La Mirande

Day 3 of Your Provence Itinerary in 7 Days: Driving the Villages of the Luberon

Today is a transition day from Avignon to Aix-en-Provence. And while you could just drive straight to the next destination, now is the perfect time to really take in the villages of the Luberon during your 7-day Provence road trip! 

So grab a quick coffee and croissant before driving through the Luberon Regional Natural Park to see some of the most beautiful villages in France. Seriously, there is even an award called “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.” A couple of towns that you’re visiting today have this award. 

Of course, this area is also well-known for its lavender fields that bloom from mid-June through mid-July. So if you come during this period, expect some more crowds but also stunning lavender. 

But, even outside of the lavender season, this area is gorgeous. We visited in early October and had a great time driving through dreamy villages and enjoying a local market. 

Now there are plenty of stunning villages to drive through here, but, a must-see spot has to be Senanque Abbey . This abbey was founded in 1148 AD by Cistercian monks and is still a working abbey. 

It is gorgeous to visit on its own, but again, during the lavender season, this place really shines. It is surrounded by lavender. 

After the abbey, definitely check out Gordes . There is a lovely lookout spot for taking photos, but pass through the village or even stop at their market if you’re driving there on a Tuesday. This place was awarded one of the most beautiful villages in France, so it is worth a stop! 

Then, as it was a Saturday when we were driving the Luberon, we went to Apt specifically for their Saturday farmers market. Honestly, we were so impressed. It was so much fun to walk around, sampling jams, chutneys, cheeses, and sausages. 

We purchased so much just from this market including cheese, nougat, jam, handmade lavender soap, and more. Take some time here to grab essentials for a picnic lunch or just fill up at the market itself. 

FYI- Check out market days ahead of time while planning your itinerary. We chose to visit Apt for the market on Saturday, but there are markets all over the Luberon villages open on different days of the week. 

Also, many of these markets close up shop around 12:30 pm or so, meaning you’ll want to get there by at least 11:30 am to really take it all in. 

After Apt, it is time to hop back into the car and drive to another awarded beautiful village in France: Roussillon. Unlike other villages with limestone architecture, this place is red, orange, and yellow thanks to the ochre-rich cliffs. 

Wander in the village before walking along the Ochre Path to see the mineral-rich soil up close. There is a hiking path that is both 35 and 50 minutes long. 

Up next is Bonnieux , where you’ll stop in to try some rosé at a local winery: Chateau la Canorgue . This estate has free wine tastings and is just stunning. 

Then, definitely head to Lourmarin (another Plus Beaux Village winner) to see the Chateau de Lourmarin before stopping at Chateau Constantin for another tasting (drink responsibly, of course!). 

Then, last, but not least, as the day starts to turn into evening, head to Cucuron. This gorgeous little town has a basin lined with trees with ample cafes perfect for people-watching. We also loved the Citadel Tower with views over the little village. 

Once you’ve explored the Luberon, head into Aix-en-Provence for dinner and bedtime. 

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence & Cassis

Wake up and grab some breakfast before exploring the lovely city of Aix-en-Provence. Some highlights here include Cezanne’s Studio and Musee Granet. However, if you’re lucky and happen to be here on a Sunday as we were, it was fun just wandering around and visiting all the markets! 

There was a flower market, antique market, and food market that we visited and took in the scenery! It was also fun just to wander the streets and stop at confectionaries and other shops! 

Spend the morning exploring Aix-en-Provence before driving down to Cassis . 

Grab lunch by the harbor before going on a boat cruise of Calanques National Park . These Calanques are rock formations (typically from limestone) that create a deep gorge in which water from the sea flows. 

There is an option from Cassis to do a boat tour from the harbor with stops at either 3, 5, 8, or 9 Calanques. We ended up doing 5 as that lasted just over an hour (the longest tour is 2 hours and 20 minutes). You can buy tickets at the ticket booth and then go on the tour.

It was really cool to glide into these Calanques and enjoy the views! 

You could also hike to a few of the Calanques from Cassis if you have time. Or, if you want to get adventurous, why not take a kayak tour ? 

However, as we also wanted to explore more of Cassis and have dinner in Aix-en-Provence, we opted for the boat trip. 

After the boat cruise, we wandered around the harbor and ended with some beach time at Plage du Bestouan . 

After that, head back to Aix-en-Provence to explore during the evening before the next stop on your Southern France road trip. 

Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence:

Aix-en-Provence has so many cute places to stay, including Airbnbs. We ended up staying in this amazing Airbnb that was our favorite apartment of the trip! However, if you prefer hotels, check out these places. 

Budget: Hotel des Augustins

Mid-Range: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence

Mid-Range: Maison Dauphine

Luxury: Villa Gallici

Days 5-6 of Your South of France Road Trip Itinerary: Cannes

Up next is the iconic star-studded town of Cannes ! Okay, there aren’t celebrities there year-round, just mostly during the Cannes Film Festival. 

Outside of that, this is a town of luxury shopping, delicious food, and beach clubs. 

Day 5: Drive to Cannes & Explore

Okay, there are two ways to shape this day during your South of France road trip in a week. The first is to go straight to Cannes and explore , which is what we did. 

We grabbed lunch, window-shopped at luxury stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, strolled along the Croisette Promenade as we took in the Mediterranean views, and then we hiked up to the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance and wandered at a stellar sunset view over the city and sea. 

Then, we wrapped up our day with dinner at Restaurant Mickaella over in the Suquet neighborhood. Honestly, this neighborhood is the place to grab dinner and drinks. The stuff along the harbor is way too crowded in the evenings. This place has such a cool vibe and the restaurants are better. 

If you’re visiting during the lavender season and have the energy, you could make this another road trip day and visit the lavender fields in the Valensole Plateau and stop by Gorge du Verdon for a boat trip. 

Then, you’d end up in Cannes in the evening for dinner. 

Honestly, we were wiped from all the previous exploring (and we weren’t there during the lavender season) so we gave it a skip and went straight to Cannes, but it was in our original plan before having to reschedule our trip to October! 

Day 6: Beach Day in Cannes

Regardless of yesterday’s choose-your-own-adventure, today is meant for resting. The main point of our journey to Cannes was for a beach day. Why? 

While there are tons of great beaches along the French Riviera , Cannes is known for its sandy beaches versus pebbly ones. Plus, I always wanted to try out a beach club. 

So today is the day when you’ll head to a beach club off the Croissette Promenade for the day. Many of these places open up around 10 am and stay open until the evening. We ended up booking a spot at La Plage du Festival . 

And it was super adorable. You head downstairs from the promenade and are met with a colorful cocktail bar, ample seating for lunch, and several beach chairs and umbrellas. During the summertime, chairs go for €40-50+ for the day and include the chair, umbrella, and a towel. 

Luckily, if you show up in the fall, it usually is still warm enough for a swim and it is only around €25 for the day. 

So take advantage of having a beach chair all day and relax, read, go for a swim, have lunch, and get some rosé or Aperol spritzes. 

Then, clean up that evening and have dinner around the Suquet area again before your last day of the best 1 week South of France trip itinerary.

Where to Stay in Cannes: 

This can range wildly in prices as there are ample luxurious hotels. But, here are some based on your budget. 

Budget:  Novotel Suites Cannes Centre

Mid-Range: Hotel de Provence

Luxury: Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes

Day 7 of the South of France Road Trip in a Week: Nice

To wrap up your South of France road trip, it is time to head to Nice. 

Nice is an iconic city on the French Riviera and for good reason. Its architecture is stunning, it has a fabulous market, and you can’t beat the relaxed atmosphere. 

So after a day pampering yourself by the beach in Cannes, why not end by exploring the city of Nice ?

Start off by driving toward the Nice Côte d’Azur airport to drop off your rental car. And even though it adds a bit more time, take the scenic route. There is a road that goes along the coast that you can take (I suggest using Google Maps and selecting that route). 

You’ll pass Antibes, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and more as you head to the Nice airport to drop off your rental car. 

Yes, you could just drop it off when you fly out the next day, but if you have an early flight this could be tricky. Plus, parking in Nice can be difficult so we just saved some money and dropped off the car this day. 

From there, head into Nice to explore. Walk along the Promenade des Anglais along the sea, visit the Cours Saleya Market for last-minute souvenirs and to try socca (a chickpea flour pancake with water, olive oil, and salt), and wander up to the Colline du Château for amazing views over the town and sea.

If you want to keep wandering, there are also cool spots to check out like Massena Square with its light-up statues or the Modern Art Museum. 

Obviously, there is a ton to do here, but if you only have a day, I’d keep it simple with the promenade, market, and chateau. Then, why not check out the beach before dinner? 

Then, it is time to head to bed as you unwind from your amazing South of France road trip itinerary! 

It is hard to leave this part of the world, but this trip will leave you with so many memories. 

Where to Stay in Nice:

Being a larger city, there are plenty of places to stay. Here are a few favorites. 

Budget: Arome Hotel

Mid-Range: Hotel Palais Saleya

Luxury: Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée

Best Way to Get Around the South of France

While this is a South of France road trip itinerary, there are other ways to explore this area. If you want to see smaller towns on your own schedule, though, renting a car is the best idea. 

But, you can also take trains to various cities like Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Cannes, Cassis, and Nice. 

From there, you could stay and take day trips. Here are a few to check out! 

• From Avignon: Best of Provence Tour
• From Avignon: Luberon Villages Tour
• From Avignon: Lavender Tour
• From Aix-en-Provence: Luberon Villages Tour
• From Aix-en-Provence: Cassis Half-Day Tour
• From Aix-en-Provence: Cassis Boat Ride and Wine Tour
• From Aix-en-Provence: Valensole Lavender Tour
• From Nice: Full-Day French Riviera Day Tour

When to Visit Provence For Your 7-Day Trip

The most popular time to visit Provence is the summer, particularly when the lavender is in bloom from mid-June through mid-July. That is when Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and the Luberon villages will be full of people dreaming of a glimpse of the lavender fields. 

It is also warm and sunny along the beaches, making it a perfect time to swim. 

However, it is also insanely crowded at times. So while late May through August is a popular time to visit, I honestly loved our October trip. 

In October, it is still warm enough to swim most of the time in the earlier part of the month. We had a beach day in Cannes and it was great! We also started to see fall foliage which was charming, especially in the villages. 

Even the winter is much nicer than in northern France, especially along the Riviera. But, I’d say the best time for fewer people and great weather is September-October. 

But, if you’re here for lavender (which I totally understand- we were originally supposed to go for that!), opt for the beginning of July. 

Other Tips For Visiting Provence

Before you book that Provence road trip itinerary, here are some tips:

• Check dates/times of markets. Almost every city and village will have a market. Some are several days a week, while others are once a week. Most of the time they don’t stay open late. The Luberon markets typically wrap up around 12:30 pm. Markets like Les Halles in Avignon close at 2 pm. 
• Enjoy a slower pace. Some days we rushed to see a lot, but on others we relaxed and wandered. Leave room to wander during this trip. Stop at roadside cafes or shops and poke inside. Head to a winery. Pull over near the beach and go for a swim if you wish! Provence is meant to be savored. 
• Know the rules of the road. I find this website to be helpful when it comes to driving tips and French road signs . Also, it is a good idea to have an International Driving Permit. I get mine at AAA.
• Pack sunscreen. Provence is a sunny region, so pack sunscreen ! 
• Learn a little French. I’m not saying be fluent (I’m still learning too!), but know a few words/phrases like how to order at a restaurant and ask where the toilets are.
• Always say “Bonjour/Bonsoir.” This is a France travel thing in general. It is important to greet people in shops and cafes with a simple “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” depending on the time of day. I typically start saying “Bonsoir” after 5 pm.
• Try all the local products! Provence has a plethora of unique products to try including soap, lavender (sprays, candy, syrups-you name it, there is lavender for it), aioli, spices, socca, and more! You may want to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs. 
• Have fun! Provence is a stunning region full of jaw-dropping views and delightful cuisine. Enjoy every second during your 7 days in the South of France. 

A 7-day South of France itinerary is enough time to really savor Provence. You’ll experience local markets, incredible cuisine, dazzling beaches, and even enchanting towns. What could be better than that? 

Would you visit Provence? What would your ideal South of France itinerary look like? 

Want more France travel ideas? Check out these posts!

• Best French Gifts
• Top Things to do in Beaune
• Best Day Trips From Annecy
• Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
• Hidden Gems of Paris
• Top French Cheeses
• Things to do in Grenoble
• How to Spend 3 Days in Paris
• Versailles Day Trip From Paris
• Best Time to Visit Paris
• Most Romantic Things to do in Paris
• Where to Stay in Paris
• Things to do in Lyon
• Best Things to do in Dijon
• Annecy Winter Guide
• 1 Day in Annecy
• Paris Bucket List
• 1 Day in Paris
• Paris in January
• Best Alsace Christmas Markets
• 1 Day in Strasbourg
• Weekend in Champagne Itinerary
• Epernay or Reims: Which Should You Visit?
• How to Spend 7 Days in Paris
• How to Spend 10 Days in France
• 1 Day in Colmar
• Ultimate Paris 2024 Olympics Travel Guide
• Best Things to Do in Epernay
• Ultimate Guide to Champagne Tasting in Reims
• Paris in the Fall Guide
• Best Smaller Museums in Paris
• Top 15 France Road Trips
• Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
• Colmar Christmas Market Guide
• Ribeauville Christmas Market Guide
• Obernai Christmas Market Guide
• Kaysersberg Christmas Market Guide
• Riquewihr Christmas Market Guide
• Ultimate 7-Day Normandy Road Trip
• Best Things to Do in Deauville
• Ultimate Normandy Cider Route Guide & Itinerary
• 3-Day Loire Valley Itinerary
• 19 Best Things to Do in Orleans

Follow the journey!

Signup for exclusive travel tips for France!

Thanks for subscribing! Be sure to check your email to confirm your subscription.

Pin it here!

16 thoughts on “Only South of France Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days You’ll Ever Need”

Thank you for this article I enjoyed reading it and I look forward to those vacation more than ever now

Hi am really keen on going to all these places but how did you go with parking your car in each village. Is it expensive and easy to do . I am going in October too

Hi Davinya! Parking isn’t too bad, especially since you’re traveling in the shoulder season. There are places to park around towns and you’ll either need to download a parking app to pay or pay at a pay station. Some bigger towns, like Aix-en-Provence, even have parking garages you can use as well. Parking wasn’t too bad in price either.

Hello there! I just finished reading your article about a South of France road trip itinerary in 7 days, and I must say, it’s an absolutely stunning and enticing journey through this beautiful region. The South of France has always been a dream destination for me, and your detailed insights and recommendations have left me even more eager to embark on this unforgettable road trip.

Your suggested itinerary for the South of France is well-planned and covers a diverse range of experiences. From the charming city of Nice to the picturesque lavender fields of Provence, you’ve curated a perfect route that captures the essence of this enchanting region.

I loved how you included practical tips for travelers, such as the best time to visit and recommended stops along the way. Your insights on where to indulge in delicious French cuisine and experience the local culture were very helpful.

The inclusion of lesser-known gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions was a wonderful addition. It’s evident that you want your readers to have a well-rounded and authentic journey through the South of France.

The captivating images throughout the article truly bring the destinations to life, making me feel like I’m already on this scenic road trip.

Thank you for sharing such a valuable and inspiring guide. Your article is a fantastic resource for travelers planning a South of France road trip, and I’ll be sure to refer to your tips when I plan my own journey. Keep up the fantastic work, and I’ll be eagerly waiting for more of your travel insights and recommendations!

Thank you! That is high praise! I hope you get to enjoy the South of France soon!

Thank you for sharing this it is very helpful

Hello Kat, my family is planning a trip to the south of France in October 2024. I was wondering what would be the best itinerary for a 2 week trip in car leaving from Paris and returning back to Paris. There are so many beautiful villages in the south and will need advice on the best villages to see and stay. Thanks

Hi Nelson! Have so much fun, the South of France is truly incredible. I would definitely recommend spending 7 days doing this itinerary, but, since you have some extra time, I would recommend spending a couple of days in the Luberon and perhaps staying in a town like Gordes. I also would recommend checking out Antibes and Saint-Tropez if you would like to go to more beach destinations. If you want more smaller towns to enjoy, check out L’Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue for its canals and its Sunday market, Grasse if you love perfume (it’s the perfume capital of the world!), and even Saint-Remy-de-Provence for its architecture and landscapes that once inspired Van Gogh. Since you’re driving all the way to Provence from Paris, you could also spend some time in Dijon and the villages of Burgundy as well as Lyon on the way down and perhaps stop by some chateaux of the Loire Valley on the way back to Paris. I hope this helps and have fun!

Hi, Regarding your comment below- is this accessible by train or is there an easy way to see the bridge without hiring a car?

“Pont du Gard is about a 30-minute drive from Avignon and is a must-see. This is an ancient Roman aqueduct that crosses the Gardon River. Step back through time at this first-century bridge that was used to carry water to Nîmes.”

Yes, it is easiest to see via car. However, you can take the train into Avignon and take Bus Line 115 to Pont du Gard. Timetables can be found here: https://storage.googleapis.com/is-wp-90-prod/uploads-preprod/2023/08/OC-0723-FHliO-30-115.pdf

Hi- is Senanque Abbey or the lavender fields accessible by public transport?

Sadly, this is not available via public transport. However, you could book a tour that stops here. This is a good tour that stops at Senanque Abbey during June and July for the lavender fields: https://gyg.me/UQNw8u9z

Hi Kat, I think you have just sorted out my summer vacation! Thank you so much for the details, pictures and amazing descriptions. I am just wondering how feasible this is to do on a budget and if you have anymore money saving recommendations.

Thanks so much 🙂 x

You’re welcome! You’re going to fall in love with the South of France! It wasn’t too terribly expensive when we went. However, it was in late September/early October. If you can go before peak season of July and August, that helps a bit. Also, instead of renting a car, you could take the train around to the cities and do day trips to places like the Luberon via a tour. Also, there are some B&Bs and hotels that can be found in these places for less money- I like checking for prices on TripAdvisor. Also, you can potentially grab Airbnbs and such too with a kitchen to save some $$$ on dining out every day. I hope this helps and have a great time!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Ultimate South of France Itinerary: Provence + French Riviera

Home to everything from sprawling lavender fields to hilltop towns to fishing villages to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, it’s no wonder that traveling through Provence and the French Riviera is a dream trip for many–and this south of France itinerary makes it easy to enjoy the perfect trip.

We absolutely love exploring southern France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, train trips, and more throughout the region.

We designed this south of France itinerary for first-time visitors to the region who want a little taste of everything that Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has to offer, from the cobblestone streets of the Luberon Valley to the glamour of Nice’s promenade.

Hoping to visit southern France and find yourself overwhelmed with village names and potential places to visit?

This south of France itinerary is for you !

Table of Contents

Where Exactly is Provence?

Getting around during your trip to southern france, how long does this south of france itinerary take, south of france itinerary note: pay attention to market days, the complete south of france itinerary, more time in southern france, where to stay in the south of france , getting to provence-alpes-côte d’azur, south of france itinerary map, best time to visit the south of france, what to pack for the south of france.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mind–but what exactly is Provence, anyway, other than an endless collection of photos of blooming lavender fields?

Short version: Provence is part of the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, which is located in southeastern France.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is then divided into six subregions, whose names you’ll probably notice around you as you work through this south of France itinerary–Vaucluse is one example.

The bulk of this recommended south of France itinerary takes place in what is colloquially known as Provence (the southern and western part of the region).

The d estinations mentioned toward the end of the trip like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are located along the Côte d’Azur–aka the French Riviera–in the eastern part of the region.

While the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France itinerary are generally walkable (even Nice !), you will likely need a car to get between them.

In a pinch, you can certainly complete this itinerary with a combination of buses, trains, and booked tours, but that would be far less efficient than a road trip!

A few tips on driving in southern France: budget generously for gas and tolls, book your lodging each night with the parking situation in mind, and rent the smallest car you possibly can.

We cover our tips for driving in France a lot more thoroughly in our broader France road trip guide , so be sure to check that out before taking off on your trip to southern France !

To book your rental car for the south of France, we recommend checking prices, inclusions and availability via Discover Cars .

They’ll search both local and international brands that have available cars, and allow you to compare prices, reviews, and inclusions side-by-side.

Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today!

We’ve structured this South of France itinerary with the assumption that you’ll be spending roughly 2 weeks in the region, and the number of days noted by each city is the minimum number of full days that we recommend spending in each spot.

In other words, when you pull into town at 7:00 PM, that doesn’t count as a “day” in the destination on this suggested route.

That’s not to say you couldn’t stay longer–you absolutely could!

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is an immense region that is absolutely packed with things to do, from strolling past lavender fields to perusing markets to going on adventurous hikes to relaxing on the beach, and so much more. 

There’s truly something for every interest here–and then some–so be prepared to start plotting your return visit by the halfway point through your trip!

If you have less than 2 weeks in the South of France, we recommend narrowing your focus to either the Cote d’Azur or Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time.

Perusing the open-air markets of the villages of Provence is an iconic part of any trip to the region–so make sure to structure your South of France itinerary so you don’t miss the best ones!

Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things.

Some will be about food, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques.

If you manage to time it right, on Thursdays Aix-en-Provence has three markets in town at once, so you can get the perfect experience all in one spot.

Avignon: 1 Day

Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary.

Spend the day exploring the town, hitting up the impressive Papal Palace, the Pont d’Avignon, and the Les Halles Market in between wandering the streets and marveling that you’re finally in southern France!

If you have time, also consider ducking into one of the other beautiful art museums in the city.

If you’d like to get out of town for a bit in the afternoon, the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct is incredibly impressive and only a 30-minute drive from Avignon.

Luberon Valley: 2 Days

Ah, the Luberon Valley: this is the area that tends to come to mind immediately when someone says the word “Provence”.

All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary.

It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly!

Be sure to visit the town of Bonnieux for some of the best views over the valley, Gordes for its impressive location built into a hilltop, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for its lovely spring and river, Roussillon for its majestic red cliff, and Goult for its understated and quiet beauty.

Other favorites include Lacoste for its picturesque views, Menerbes for its delightful charm (if you ever read A Year in Provence , this is the town!), and Lourmarin for its idyllic beauty.

That’s merely the tip of the iceberg, of course: Sénanque Abbey and Isle sur Sorgue are just a couple of the other spots that might hold your attention during this section of your south of France itinerary.

You probably won’t have time to visit all of those–but the great thing about exploring the Luberon Valley is that going slow and savoring the journey is half the fun anyway.

Depending on how fast you tend to go and how much each village captures your heart (okay, and how much French wine you indulge in at lunch), you can comfortably visit 2-3 villages a day.

The Alpilles: 1 Day

The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles?

Les Baux-de-Provence, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave.

Both towns are absolutely lovely, but in our biased opinion, we do think that Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is slightly prettier than Les Baux-de-Provence .

However, w e do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch !

While you can whip through these highlights in a day if needed, outdoor enthusiasts–especially hikers and bikers–might prefer to set up shop in the Alpilles a bit longer.

We enjoyed Saint-Rémy-de-Provence so much the first time around that when we later returned to southeast France, we based ourselves there for almost a week!

It’s a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip.

Aix-en-Provence: 1 Day

The gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its beauty, its accessibility–this is a great place to base yourself for part of your southern France trip–and most importantly, its markets.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that the markets in Aix-en-Provence, which sell everything from flowers to fruits to fedoras, are some of the best that we’ve ever seen.

We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here!

Though Aix-en-Provence does have daily markets, to see the markets at their biggest and best, plan to spend a day here on either a Thursday!

Tuesday and Saturday are great backup options.

Cassis + Calanques National Park: 1 Day

The adorable fishing village of Cassis is a delightful addition to any south of France itinerary.

Much smaller and prettier than nearby Marseilles, Cassis is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting Calanques National Park.

And, w hether you want to go for a hike or simply take a boat tour past the beautiful calanques, visiting this stunning part of the French coastline is a must !

While you’re in and around Cassis, be sure to also check out to picture-perfect Port de Cassis, visit the (extremely accessible) Calanque de Port Miou, and admire the views from the Cap Canaille.

Valensole Plateau + Verdon Gorge: 1 Day

Of all the suggested stops on this south of France itinerary, this one is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors.

T he Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world !

Sure, the Luberon Valley also has stunning fields, and they’re definitely worth seeing–but in Valensole, be ready to pull your car over nearly constantly, because every field seems to be more gorgeous than the last.

Early July is considered the absolute optimal time for enjoying the lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau, though late June, the rest of July, and maybe the very beginning of August can work as well.

That being said, we have visited the Valensole Plateau outside of lavender season as well, and while it’s certainly not as magical as it is when the lavender is at its peak, it’s still a striking and beautiful part of Provence.

After you get your fill of snapping photos, head to the Verdon Gorge, home to cascading cliffs, turquoise water, the nearby Lake of Sainte-Croix, some incredible hiking, and–again for summer visitors specifically–excellent kayaking and rafting.

Though I’ve noted you can see the major sites of the area in one day here, like in the Alpilles, photographers and/or outdoor enthusiasts will probably want to spend at least a couple of days here if at all possible .

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: 1 Day

Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea along the Cote d’Azur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of those destinations that we expected to enjoy but quickly move on from, but in actuality knocked us off our feet and charmed us completely.

For that reason alone, I can’t resist adding a day here to this suggested itinerary for the south of France!

Come here for a delightful combination of all the things that makes the south of France so charming , from the delicious food to the winding stone streets to the sublime views.

S tand on the medieval walls of the town, and you’ll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea.

Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and you’ll feel like you’re back in the Luberon Valley.

Sit down for a fantastic French meal on a stunning terrace, and you’ll immediately feel all the glitz and glamour of the Cote d’Azur.

Oh–and definitely grab a cup of coffee at the cafe just outside the town walls.

The coffee is merely average (by impeccable French standards, anyway), and I wouldn’t take chances on the touristy food, but it’s worth sitting down just to see if the adorable corgi who passes through regularly happens to come by!

Nice + The French Riviera: 3 Days

There’s no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera.

As the largest city in the region and home to a good airport, glamorous Nice is the obvious final stop for your south of France trip.

That being said, it certainly doesn’t need to be your only destination along the French Riviera!

Antibes is another great option for a base in the area, and of course trips to places like Menton, Eze, and Monaco are all fabulous ways to spend a day.

(For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up Menton’s February lemon festival !).

Of course, if all you want to do with the final days of your south of France vacation is lay on Nice’s famous beach, we certainly can’t blame you for that!

Be sure to at least make time for a quick stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, admiring the view from Castle Hill, and lunch spent diving into a plate of Nicoise salad.

If you have significantly more time than the south of France itinerary outlined here suggests, we would recommend doing one of two things.

Option 1: Beaches

With more time in southern France, you can’t go wrong with s pending a lot more time along the French Riviera, especially if you’re visiting during the high season.

Highlights like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes would be a great place to start, but there are endless gorgeous small towns and rural beaches to choose from in the region.

Option 2: Small Town Vibes

Prefer to dive into the slower pace of village life for a few days?

After wrapping up this itinerary, pick your favorite place–maybe a tiny village like Lourmarin, maybe a city with plenty of day trip options like Aix-en-Provence, your choice–and settle into Provencal life for a while, savoring your experiences and slowly soaking up everything that makes southern France special.

The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France?

Limit your changes in lodging.

Packing and unpacking your belongings, loading and unloading the car, checking in and out of your hotels and/or apartments… all of these things take up more time than you might initially think.

Even as European road trip veterans of sorts, we still got too excited when planning our most recent trip to France and booked ourselves into an itinerary that moved around too much–and we paid for it in exhaustion.

We’d recommend only changing lodging every 2-3 days at the absolute maximum, and structuring your trip to the south of France as a series of day trips taken from various bases instead of actually sleeping in each location.

I’ve outlined some popular, well-reviewed, and well-located options in two of the most popular bases visited during this south of France itinerary: Aix-en-Provence and Nice.

That being said, we highly recommend basing yourselves at least once in a smaller village , too!

We’ve stayed in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both.

Aix-en-Provence

Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau — This is where we stayed when visiting Aix-en-Provence, and we loved it!

These studio apartments are within walking distance of central Aix-en-Provence and all its best markets, have access to affordable parking across the street, and are very clean and comfortable.

They’re not particularly charming, and the vibe is very “could be a modern hotel anywhere in the world”, but they absolutely get the job done for a budget or even mid-range traveler visiting Aix-en-Provence.

Having the kitchen was a huge benefit for us (especially after visiting the markets in Aix-en-Provence), and we’d be happy to stay again.

Check rates & book your stay at Séjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau!

Les Quatre Dauphins — Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Les Quatre Dauphins boasts light and bright decor–this is the kind of hotel that you dream of when booking a trip to the south of France!

Street parking is available nearby, and everything you could hope to visit within the center of Aix-en-Provence is at your fingertips when staying at Les Quatre Dauphins.

Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins!

La Maison d’Aix — This converted townhome makes the perfect luxury boutique hotel in Aix-en-Provence!

Boasting impeccable reviews–especially for the breakfast, cleanliness, and customer service at the hotel–luxury travelers will love both the creature comforts and central location of La Maison d’Aix.

Check rates & book your stay at La Maison d’Aix!

Boutique Hôtel Neptune Nice — This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhat–Nice is pricey!) on a budget while still keeping themselves within walking distance of Nice’s best highlights.

Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! The hotel is known for its impeccable location, and you can’t go wrong staying here on your south of France trip!

Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Hôtel Neptune Nice!

Le Dortoir — Featuring near-perfect reviews and a crisp, bright interior, Le Dortoir is an excellent option for visitors to Nice who want to enjoy a spacious hotel room… without Nice’s top-end luxury prices.

From Le Dortoir, you’ll be able to reach all of Nice’s highlights on foot, and its fabulous customer service ratings mean that you’ll be able to ask for advice on just about anywhere you want to go!

Check rates & book your stay at Le Dortoir!

Hotel Negresco — If you’ve seen photos of the French Riviera, there’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of the iconic Hotel Negresco, with its tiled dome and bright white facade.

This is one of the most famous luxury hotels in France and has built up quite the storied history (and held a number of famous guests) since it opened in 1913–and it’s also a whimsical and wonderful place to stay today.

Located right along the Promenade des Anglais, a stay at the ever-popular and unique Hotel Negresco is not something you’re likely to forget anytime soon.

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco!

The two biggest airports in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region are Marseille and Nice, and you can easily fly into either to start your trip to southern France.

If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that I’ve written it.

Alternatively, check the prices of flights to Geneva (on one of our trips to France, we flew into Geneva, spent a few days in the delightful city of Annecy , and then drove to Avignon to start exploring Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) .

And, of course, there’s always Paris!

You can easily take a train from Paris to Nice, Marseille, Avignon, or Aix-en-Provence, but be sure to account for that cost and travel time when planning your southern France itinerary!

Shop train tickets from Paris to the south of France today!

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France!

Unlike many other places, though, traveling during the high (read: summer) season here comes with enough advantages that unless you’re entirely allergic to crowds and high prices, I’d recommend planning your trip then.

Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season.

Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if you’re hoping for a classic trip.

The lavender fields will be blooming (July is the best time to aim for, though you might be lucky and still find some fields in early August), the beaches will be warm and lovely, and the sun will (most likely) be shining.

The downsides?

Everyone else also thinks this is the best time to visit the south of France, so prices will be high and crowds will be large.

While you’ll experience a bit more rain than in the summer, fall can be a lovely time to visit the south of France if you’re looking for reduced crowds and prices while still experiencing quite a bit of sunshine and some lovely markets.

Except for perhaps in the very early fall during a hot year, though, you likely won’t want to swim during this time of year, and of course, there won’t be any lavender around.

Winter is very quiet in the south of France, and if you visit during this time, expect to find some businesses (including accommodation) closed.

Winter definitely isn’t an ideal time to be experiencing this south of France itinerary, but if cold weather and closed businesses are a worthy trade for rock-bottom prices and a lack of crowds, winter might be an option for your trip!

Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) are lovely.

We love the south of France in the spring, and would happily visit in the spring again.

Spring brings increased sunshine and temperatures, and businesses start to wake back up after the long winter. 

Spring is also an excellent time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we have taken full advantage of when visiting during this time of year.

And sure, there isn’t lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing!

If you come during spring, though, pack for varying temperatures, and definitely bring plenty of layers to guard against the viciously cold mistral winds that whip through the region during this time of year.

Books About the South of France — What’s better to add to your packing list than a book about the region you’re visiting?

Provence in particular has spawned countless novels and memoirs–if you’re looking for an excellent starting point, Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence is a classic.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without insurance–anything can happen anywhere, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France.

Travel Adaptors for France — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

Pacsafe — We can’t recommend our Pacsafe enough: this travel safe is affordable, sturdy, easy to pack, and will help keep your valuables safe in your hotel room (not that you should need to worry much about theft in France, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!).

Bring a small pack of tissues, toss them in your day bag, and you won’t have to worry about it.

Having these saved me more than once during our last trip to France!

Tote Bag — Trust me: you’ll want a very sturdy reusable bag with you when you visit Provencal markets!

Hand Sanitizer — We’ve never been sorry to have this floating around in our day bag.

Swiss Army Knife — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that baguette from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation!

[convertkit form=3386241]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

42 thoughts on “Ultimate South of France Itinerary: Provence + French Riviera”

This is such a great guide! I love that you added books about the South of France as well. My husband & I just relocated to Amsterdam and we are planning a trip here for early July. Do you have any 2020 specific tips or anything you think might be closed or different?

Thank you so much, Mercedes! I wish I could offer some 2020 specific advice, but everything has been developing and changing so quickly that it’s hard to predict from one day to the next! Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, that’s generally where you’ll find the best of southern France anyway!

I loved reading this! I do have a question for you. I am interested in going to the South of France but would like to stay in a house or villa that we would use as home base, but do day trips to various areas. Is this possible to do? if so what area would be the best to stay? I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. Any input or advice would be so appreciated. Right now I am thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary.

Yes, that would absolutely be possible, and in fact is a great way to see the area. You can’t day trip everywhere from one base, but you can sure see a lot!

Personally, if I were renting a villa I’d look somewhere in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux. From there, you can reach the southern coast (we highly recommend Cassis in the surrounding area) on a day trip, as well as the Valensole Plateau, Avignon, Aix en Provence, etc.

If you also want to see Nice and the immediate surrounding area, you’d want to move into different lodging for that. 🙂

Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. You have now given me a starting point in planning my trip! I will be in touch as I plan! I am happy that I stumbled across your site.

Love your travels. We follow your travels and learned much from you when we did the 3-week family trip to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Italy in summer of 2019. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. Scratch last year, ugh…

Question.. How do you think things are looking for an August 2021 visit to the south of France and Barcelona? Using Aix as a home base while in France. Splitting 2 weeks up between Provence and Barcelona… (a little of each) thx

Thank you so much, Kevin! So glad we could help a couple of years ago.

I wish I knew exactly what the situation was going to look like in August–it seems likely that some travel will be open by then (both France and Spain have mentioned a desire to open to vaccinated tourists this summer), but as for what that will look like, no clue.

I’d recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. I’d also only recommend booking one country right now–whichever is your priority–and then giving it another couple of months to see how easy it will be to travel between the two (will you need to test or isolate, etc).

Anecdotally, borders just officially opened between all Spanish regions for Spanish residents and citizens this week, and France is experiencing a notoriously long and expansive list of restrictions. Could things be 100% normal by then? Maybe, but I’d bank on a contingency plan or two.

A bit long-winded, I know, and will likely be dated advice within a week, but that’s the best I can offer now! On a personal note, we’re planning to visit Europe this summer but stick to one country for ease/to limit the risks of things going wrong… at least that’s the plan as of today!

Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. Do you think things are opening up? Thanks,

I wish we knew! Things are definitely more open than they were a couple of months ago, but I’d say it’s still a bit of a gamble to plan on a trip to two countries right now. In theory, there’s supposed to be more news from the EU on this front June 7, but we’ll see!

Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. We are planning a trip to southern France (flying into Nice) in mid-July for our long-awaited honeymoon! We have about 2 weeks. What are your thoughts about 5 days in the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence, and then 3 days in Paris. Does this seem too rushed? I know you suggested 14 days in Provence and the French Riviera but we’ve never been to Paris! Thanks 🙂

That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! Your itinerary will leave you tired at the end, but it’s definitely realistic. 🙂

I’d recommend basing yourselves in one place in each the French Riviera and Provence to cut down on travel days that will eat into your exploring, aiming to only stay in 3 hotels/rentals during your honeymoon.

If you haven’t read it, we highly recommend checking out our 3 days in Paris itinerary as well: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/

Hi Kate! I loved discovering your site! My husband and I are fully vaxed and can’t wait to start travelling overseas again! Lots of missed celebrations…so our first planned trip is to France in September, I grew up there and can’t wait to share it with him. We’re driving from Paris south, areas I want to specifically hit; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back to Paris. We have two weeks, would love to get some route& sightseeing suggestions from you. Merci!

Thank you so much, Crystina!

Sadly we haven’t been to Bordeaux or Montpellier yet (hopefully soon!). Nice is fantastic–we highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. I’m not sure if you’re planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes.

You are covering a lot of ground in two weeks, especially with Paris too. If you’re only planning on visiting the city of Bordeaux, you may want to consider taking the fast train from Paris to Bordeaux and then from Bordeaux to Montpellier to speed things up, and then only rent a car in the southeast. Just food for thought!

Hello, this is simply superb, thank you very much for sharing this. This is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and I just have one question. I know you have mentioned Aix-en-Provence and Nice as two potential bases for the itinerary but I understand that may not be enough (i.e. not everything in your itinerary can be done has day trips from these 2 bases alone), and you also seem to have suggested 2 days in Luberon valley. So can you suggest a list of all the places we should use as our bases (overnight stays) so that we can cover all these places and yet not be packing/unpacking every other day? Many thanks in advance.

Hi Ricardo,

It really depends on your personal tastes–some people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay in one base. For the Luberon Valley, all the major towns such as Gordes and Roussillon have beautiful places to stay, but you’ll want to book in advance as they’re mostly small, boutique properties. We personally explored the Luberon from a base of Aix-en-Provence.

Thank you Kate, much appreciated.

Hi We are thinking of spending 1 week in Lyon and 1 week in Porto to relax and at the same time visit the sights in and around in Sept/Oct 22. Do you have any suggestions for some can’t miss day trips from Lyon? Thank you

Sounds like a wonderful trip!

From Lyon, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy! Here’s our post on it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-annecy-france/

Dijon is another great option, though I haven’t had a chance to visit yet.

So helpful! My daughter will be doing a course through SCAD in Lacoste in December and I will join her around the 15th to travel a bit before she comes home. I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. I am wondering if you have a “1 week don’t miss” version and anyway to print your itineraries. Thank you!!

December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely!

I’d consider skipping the Riviera and sticking to the areas surrounding the Luberon Valley since you’re short on time and visiting in winter.

Be sure to seek out the Christmas markets–a fun bonus of a winter trip. I know Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are supposed to have lovely ones, and I’m sure the smaller cities and towns will have plenty too.

Sadly I don’t have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them in the future!

My family would like to spend one month in South France visiting beautiful villages! Where would you suggest for us to base and in how many locations? Could to suggest some of the villages to visit? Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season?

Thanks and much Appreciated for your help!

Hi Han! Sounds like a wonderful trip.

June is a wonderful time to visit Provence, but I’d aim for the end of the month and into July if you want to catch the lavender fields at their best.

For a month, I’d probably base yourselves for 2 weeks in one of the villages in the Luberon Valley (or Aix-in-Provence if you prefer more of a city feel), and half in one of the cities on the French Riviera!

Hello, What a great source of information-so very helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31. Would it make sense for us to stay between Luberon Valley, Valensole and Verdon Gorge so that we have a single base while visiting both of those areas before we head down to Nice? If so, can you recommend a particular town or inn? Second question, it sounds like we may miss the lavender fields in bloom! If that is a highlight of those areas and there is so much to see elsewhere too, should we skip Luberon Valley since we are already squeezing quite a lot in?

Thanks so much, Mimi!

You can use one base in a pinch, but that’ll mean a lot of driving each day. I’d recommend maybe one base in the Luberon and then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge.

The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think it’s absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. 🙂

I love and admire your site and insights. I will be part of a group of 8 women, arriving in Paris in October for one week. We’d like to head visit the small towns/villages of the south of France. Do you have a one week recommendation that begins and ends in Paris, in October? We’ve been thinking of perhaps hiring a van and driver. Thank you so much. Ellen

Hi Ellen! Unfortunately, I don’t, but off the top of my head, I’d consider maybe Paris – Luberon Valley – Paris.

It’d be a busy itinerary, but the Luberon Valley has a high concentration of darling Provencal villages so you can see several in quick succession.

If your group is comfortable with it, I’d look into potentially taking a train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and then hiring a driver for the Provence portion.

Alternatively, if you drive down, you could add a day in the Loire Valley (a bit out of the way but beautiful) or even a lesser-visited city like Dijon.

Hope you guys have a wonderful trip! France with girlfriends sounds delightful.

Hello Kate Thank you so much for the detailed itinerary. I am meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Dominique! Near the French Riviera, hilltop towns like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are well worth adding in to mix up beach towns if you’re looking for great views. I also wouldn’t miss the Valensole Plateau as you’re heading toward Aix-en-Provence if you’re visiting during summer/lavender season.

Hello Kate, Thank you for such a helpful article! Great info! We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France & Sicily. We were thinking of flying in to Paris (assuming cheapest, easiest), only staying1-2 night there. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). Would really only care to see Eiffel Tower at night, if that, on this trip. Planned to then drive to southern France & fly out of Nice to Sicily. Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. Several questions. Would you just skip Paris & fly into another city, or not that big of a deal to start there & drive, or take a train from Paris to the south & then get car? Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. Is that all doable from one location, or see part from Nice, as I imagine will need to stay there a night or two to be in the area to catch a flight out. Last, how many days would you choose for France & how many for Sicily? Also, enjoyed your Sicily blog! Obviously not enough time to see both in detail, but thought we could get a basic overview & know if there was somewhere we want to return with more time. Thank you so much for your thoughts!

Sounds like a magical trip–we actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great.

If you’re not interested in seeing Paris on this trip, I’d definitely recommend checking flights to Nice as well, as that will save you time. If you do end up flying into Paris, definitely don’t drive to Provence/the Riviera, but instead book the fast train from Paris (probably to Aix-en-Provence). It’s much faster! However, book tickets in advance as prices for high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer.

Aix and Nice are both pretty big–not Paris big, but definitely small towns. For small towns I’d recommend the Luberon Valley–truly gorgeous and very typically “Provencal”. It’s where Gordes is as well as places like Bonneiux, Lourmarin, Roussillon, etc.

I’d think of that area–Aix + small Provencal villages–as a separate section from the Riviera. You’ll want one base there, and the one base on the coast.

Vence and Eze are both easy day trips from Nice, but if small towns are what you’re after, you may consider staying in one of them instead of Nice!

With 18 days you have some flexibility. I’d give Sicily a week minimum–with that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) at a pretty leisurely pace and enjoy some beach time!

Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! September is such a beautiful time to visit. 🙂

Hi! I love your site. I am having a hard time deciding where to go. I am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc. This time I want to go to the south of France but not sure the best way to do that if I am traveling solo. I will be in Paris then want to go to the South. I went to Cannes as a child with my family but obviously this trip will be different. I’d like a few beach dates where I can swim in the ocean, sit under an umbrella (basically being catered too lol) and then go out to fun dinners, walk around, shop (love antique markets etc.) Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? Should I rent a car by myself or is that not recommended? Is it scary driving the roads? I also don’t want to do too much traveling and instead chill in a few cities and talk it all in!

Your help would be awesome. Oh, I’m thinking early/mid September…

I think you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for.

Scary driving is a matter of perspective of course, but for confident drivers, the Riviera isn’t too bad! If you want to stay in only a handful of locations and have a more leisurely trip, though, you probably don’t need a car.

Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what you’re looking for, including Nice. You may want to look into Menton, too!

The hill towns about the Riviera are excellent for wandering around, restaurants, etc, but of course, you’re missing the beach.

Basing yourself in Nice and taking day trips (on non-beach days!) to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly.

Hello Kate, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. … Celebration of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years. We were looking at an Airbnb in La Ciotat. Is that a good place to stay to have opportunity for day trips? We also considered staying in Provence for a few days too. Is there somewhere you would suggest. We can get another Airbnb or a hotel. Someone suggested Avignon, but wondered if outside the city would be better. We will rent a car. WE are novice travelers to France and are really seeking guidance on our first journey. We just dont want to do a river cruise or a tour group really.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary! France sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate both. 🙂

We haven’t stayed in La Ciotat, but it looks darling (its reputation is for being a bit quieter, which can make a nice base) and is fairly close to Cassis, which we love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/

For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. I’d also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques!

If you want to spend time both on the coast and inland, I’d recommend choosing a second base as well.

For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms!), etc, we can’t recommend the Luberon Valley more highly. Villages like Gordes, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, etc, are an absolute delight, and the fun of the region is driving between them and visiting several in one stay.

Avignon makes for an excellent base as well, as do the villages near the Alpilles (we adore Saint-Rémy-de-Provence), but the Luberon is the most classic option.

All of the inland places I just listed are within day-tripping distance of each other, though, so you don’t necessarily have to pick and choose.

The absolute best lavender fields are over at the Valensole Plateau, which is a bit of a drive but worth it if you want to see the biggest fields.

Hello Kate, I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. … We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. We should be arriving in Nice on the 26th of June. We were thinking of staying in Nice and visit the surrounding areas and then going to Provence region before flying back to California. Do you have any recommendations for hotels we can check out for the two areas and also if there are any small tour groups (no river cruise 🙂 ) you think would be good to use since we do not have a lot of time this time around.

That’s a beautiful time to be in southern France–it’ll definitely be busy, but not quite the peak summer crowds of July and August yet!

We have recommended hotels for some of the most popular places to stay in the area under the “Where to Stay” section above, including Nice! Hotel Negresco is the most iconic choice for its history and location alone.

If you’re looking for a small group tour, I’d look for day trips to the Luberon Valley area, probably leaving from Aix-en-Provence or perhaps Avignon. If you’d like to see several of Provence’s most iconic villages without driving, it’s a fun way to do so! We’ve always driven ourselves, but if we were planning to book a day trip like that, we’d look on Get Your Guide, which we use regularly.

thank you for the wonderful blog! I am definitely going to Provence this spring/summer and already imagining sounds, colours and vibes of the beautiful villages and small towns that you described. I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? There are lots of half-day or full day trips, but some round one lasting for few days would be perfect, like we did in Scotland. What is, in your opinion best alternative to renting a car? Thanks& enjoy your trips in 2023!

I’m sure they exist, though I’m not personally familiar with any! Rick Steves, for example, has a tour that touches on Provence but it doesn’t really focus on it.

If you search “Provence small group tours”, that’s where I found the results I think you’re looking for (as opposed to “Provence tours” that mostly suggests day trips). I can’t personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though.

All of that being said, if there’s not a particular reason (not confident driving, etc) that you want to avoid a rental car, you will undoubtedly spend less and have more flexibility by driving yourself!

Driving in Provence is fairly simple–GPS directions work well, and you park outside the historic centers so you don’t have to worry about driving on tiny roads.

Hope you guys have a fantastic trip!

Hi Kate, We are going to Provence and the Riviera for a short 5 days. I would love to see best of both. I’ll be arriving in Avignon around noon on the 20th July and thinking of staying in either Saint Remy or Bonnieux or anywhere in those regions that make it easy to see the main villages and possibly fit in a hike. I would love to see a vineyard and maybe olive grove/mill and thinking of heading to either Aix en Provence or Cassis for the afternoon of 22nd. I see there is a vineyard/olive mill near aix so could go there is that makes more sense. Hoping to do the boat ride in calanques probably morning of 23rd and then head to Nice as a base until 25th…. Late flight at 10pm that day. It would be helpful if you can help me figure out the best route to take and where to base myself in Provence. Worried it’s too busy in Avignon and Aix with the festivals.My husband loves Rose wine so hoping to do a tasting wherever possible. Only have to do one vineyard. We have a 13 year old so have to really balance all the activities. Probably some watersport beach time in the riviera.

Hi Kinnari,

Honestly I think that’s a very long to-do list for 5 days, so I’d recommend cutting back where you can!

If you’re not too particular about which villages you see in Provence, I’d consider focusing your time there around the Luberon Valley, as you’ll be able to see several different villages fairly quickly.

From there, you can head down to Cassis, spend most of the 23rd there, and then drive to Nice for the night, which gives you the 24th and maybe part of the 25th on the Riviera.

I’d only prioritize Avignon and Aix if you want to see them in particular–they’re lovely places, but if you’re hoping for a smaller village feel with hiking options, I don’t think they’re worth prioritizing on this trip.

We have 14 days in Provence /south of France Fly in and out of nice We want to go to Gordes de Vernon Aix de Provence Avignon Arles Moustiers Luberon villages Cassis Antibes at the end We want to do wine tastings and markets Is it a good idea to spend 3 or 4 nights in a few places to use as base Thanks

Hi Maureen,

Yes, that definitely works! I’d probably choose 3 bases in your case, to give yourself enough time in each surrounding area while also not having to travel too far for day trips.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Your perfect South of France itinerary with cost-cutting tips

July 12, 2019 by Steve Ertrachter Leave a Comment

Having taken my first trip to Europe over four decades ago, in numerous trips since, I have learned that many famous destinations are overpriced, or disappointing.  The South of France (Provence) exceeds all expectations for its Joie de vivre (joy of living), beauty, food, people, and sites.  After two trips in the past two years, I am counting the minutes until my next trip to this magical place. This guide to the South of France includes practical tips for visiting the South of France with an itinerary based on multiple trips and budget tips within each city!

Even if you don’t have time for two weeks in the South of France, you can still cut the itinerary to see Nice, Aix-en-Provence, and Arles.  This itinerary is a bit faster paced than some other South of France itineraries, so if you want to relax, I recommend spending more time in one city, such as Aix-en-Provence.  

• 0.1 Our itinerary for two weeks in the South of France
• 0.2 5 days in the South of France itinerary
• 1 Nice (2-3 days)
• 2 Aix-En-Provence (2 days)
• 3 Arles (2-3* days)
• 4.1 Avignon (3 days)
• 4.2 Optional day trips from Avignon in the South of France (1 day)
• 4.3 Have you been to the South of France? Let us know what you thought about our Provence itinerary!

Our itinerary for two weeks in the South of France

• Nice (2-3 days; ideally 4-5 days)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 days)
• Arles (2 days + 1 during festival season)

Avignon (3 days)

• Nimes (2 days)

5 days in the South of France itinerary

• Nice (2 days)
• Day trip from Nice to villages (1 day)

Nice (2-3 days)

Nice is a great starting point for seeing the South of France due to its good connections with other parts of France by bus, train, and plane.  Nice is world-famous for its beauty, many tourist destinations, food and its joie de vivre.

Essential stops include the Promenade des Anglais and the beaches. The Promenade has a very long boardwalk with many great restaurants and cafes which all have a great view of the Mediterranean Sea.  (These cafes aren’t exactly cheap.) The beaches are very rocky so if you want to go for a swim, be sure to bring sandals and a mat as the rocks can be uncomfortable.   

Close to the Promenade is Vieux Nice where there are many historic buildings on dating back 300 years ago.  There are many stores in this district where the Opera House is also located. Tickets for performances are reasonably priced and you will also see the interior of the building while catching a show.    

One important landmark is the Cours Saleya Market that is open seven days a week in the mornings.  Every day offers a different type of goods for sale.  When I was there in April, the Market had farm goods (vegetables, cheeses, salt), flowers, and other goods. Almost everything here is produced locally. Check the calendar so you can decide which type of products interest you.  Another perk is the opportunity to meet locals shopping for their families and avoiding obvious tourist traps. If you still in the market at noon, the cannon will be shot off!

Another landmark (not for vegans!) is the Marche de Liberation where fresh fish is for sale.  I was amazed by the size of the sardines and the other local fish. I am was amazed by the wide selection of fish being sold including tuna. 

Castle Hill (Colline du Château) is truly one of the must-see places in all of Southern France. It offers an incredible view of Nice from 300 feet above the city.  The first use of this site dates back to Ancient Greece in the 4 th century B.C.  The Romans later occupied it. Much of the buildings and the castle were destroyed over the centuries but the archaeological dig dates back to the Roman era. The elevator ride to the top is free, but to avoid a long wait arrive early in the morning. There are a nice cafe and a children’s playground on top of Castle Hill where you can enjoy the views for free.

Nice Port offers views of the many yachts in the harbor. Since I did not arrive by my personal yacht,  I booked a harbor tour by boat . The tour took us around the port for one hour.  Another great option is to use boats as transports to other cities.  The boat cruises offer many spectacular spots in the Mediterranean. In the summertime, there are ferries going to Monaco and other destinations.

Place Garibaldi is one of the main squares in the city.  There are many restaurants and famous gelato places in the square. In the evenings, there are many street performers including musicians in the square.  I encourage travelers to spend time here.

Albert 1er Garden is a lovely park close to the beach close on Place Messan.  The park dates back to one century. It is a great place to eat lunch, read a book, look at art exhibits among other activities. It is free and worth visiting.

The tram runs regularly throughout the city. Rather than buying one ticket at a time, I purchased a 10-trip that can be shared with multiple people.  The ten trip ticket lowers the cost by 50% as compared to buying a single ticket. We used up our tickets within two days.

Generally the closer you eat near Vieux Nice, Place Garibaldi, and other popular tourist destinations, the more that you’ll pay for lunch or dinner. I recommend that you take the tram to Nice Etoile, which is a big shopping mall.  This area (near Rue Biscarra) has lots of local restaurants with reasonable prices without the tourist crowds. I recommend Le Cenac although other choices are available on this street. The plat du jour specials were fantastic.

Aix-En-Provence (2 days)

After Nice, it is a great change of pace visiting Aix-En-Provence. It is a relaxed city with a long history going back to the Romans through Zola, Cezanne, Piaf, Picasso, Camus, and Sartre.  Aix earns substantial points for its class and culture.

Musee Granet is a world-class museum with two different separate buildings.  Each building has different collections. The main building has archaeological relics and classical paintings from Rembrandt and other masters. The second building Granet XXE, Jean Planque Collection, has numerous works painted by modern artists including Renoir, Gauguin, Van Gogh, and Picasso. 

I particularly loved the Granet XXE as a lover of modern art. Since you will be issued two tickets and the two buildings are separated, safeguard the entrance tickets. There is a short walk between the buildings. In France, students under age 26 and those under 18 generally receive free admission to museums, so be sure to bring your student ID! (Click for budget

Atelier Cezanne (Cezanne’s studio) is just outside of town and easily reachable via bus and open for tours. Unfortunately, there are no sketches in the studio. Visitors can see Cezanne’s workspace and see his inspiration for many of his paintings. The tours are offered throughout the day and provided in English and French at different times. Make a reservation as the studio is very small and due to the popularity, it sells out early. Save time to work around the grounds since they are beautiful.

The Outdoor Market is very popular with locals. The Market is located next to La Rotonde where clothing, fruits, vegetables, and records are for sale. Check the calendar since each day since the Market specializes different merchants and products for sale during the week. 

We stayed at a charming boutique hotel called Cezanne Hotel close to the central train station that we loved. The breakfast was great along with the central location.

Cours Mirabeau is the main avenue in the center of town. I spent time strolling around this famous street with its many trees and stores. It offers a wide selection of cafes. There are many museums in this district. I particularly enjoyed the wide boulevard and should be experienced while in Aix.

Old Aix dates back more than 300 years ago with many historic buildings. I spent time strolling around these famous streets with its many trees and stores. It offers a wide selection of cafes. Spend time looking at the architectural wonders from an earlier age.

Calisson is the local pastry that is sold everywhere in Aix.  You can find it everywhere. Caisson is a mixture of almonds, melons, oranges and other ingredients. Sample one at the numerous stores throughout Aix.

Our favorite restaurant in Aix-En-Provence is Aix is La Brocherie , 9 Rue Fernand Dol. The restaurant offers tremendous value in a casual setting. La Brocherie is next to Granet XXE. The luncheon menu has an open salad bar with various types of seafood and many fresh vegetables at a low price. Skip breakfast if you are going there for lunch since the selection is amazing. The hot meals are also very reasonably priced. The restaurant was formerly the horse barn for royalty and the building shows its historic past. (Be warned the chefs stop cooking before 2 pm.)

The Tourist Office sells City Passes in durations of 24, 48 and 72 hours. Depending upon your length of stay and interests, it offers savings especially if you want to see many sites in a limited period. I recommend that you compare the price of the City Pass against the separate admissions and in all likelihood, the City Pass will save you money if you intend to visit multiple museums.

Arles (2-3* days)

One of my personal highlights of visiting the South of France has to be Arles.  This charming town was a major inspiration to Vincent Van Gogh who lived here and famously painted the sunflowers here!  Beyond Van Gogh, Arles is a charming town with a stunning arena from Roman times and other Roman ruins. You can see most of the highlights within one day in Arles.

One of the best reasons to visit Arles is its easy access to the Camargue National Park.  This stunning marsh preserve is home to wild bulls, horses, flamingos, and other birds. If you love nature, we highly recommend spending at least a day exploring this stunning national park. 

There are many ways of seeing the Camargue including using a tour guide.  ( Click to book a tour to the Camargue with a guide .) For more information about bird watching in Camargue National Park on your own, I recommend this independent travel guide to Camargue National Park .

Another highlight of Arles has to be its unique Easter festivities.  We visited in time for Easter this year and it was definitely worth the extra time spent here.  We enjoyed watching flamingo dancers! (You can read more about why you should visit Arles and the holiday season here.)

I stayed at a great 3* hotel called Hotel le Calendal very close to the Arena and theatre that I stayed at.  Although it’s touted as a three-star hotel, I believe that it should be rated as a 4* hotel for its value and hospitality.  The manager told me that Rick Steves stays in the hotel when in Arles. 

Nimes (1 day)

If you want to take an exciting side trip from Arles, Nimes is only 30 minutes by direct train. Nimes is one of my favorite cities in Provence and in my opinion, an essential place to visit. Nimes dates back to 4000 BC, but the Romans called it Nemausus. It was one of the main cities in Gaul during the Roman period.  

Festivals are frequently held in Nimes, including the running of the bulls. Check the Tourist Board to see the upcoming events. I was amazed to see Les Arenes as it was one of the largest arenas in the Roman empire. It is smaller than the Roman Colosseum, but still has a capacity of 22,000 seats. It is still used today for tours, concerts, bullfights, and other events year-round. I was able to walk on the ground where the Gladiators once fought.

La Maison Carree is over 2,000 years old and considered one of the excellent landmarks in France from the Roman era. It was dedicated to the grandsons of Caesar and has been restored by numerous parties to the current state. Thomas Jefferson wrote that this building exceeds anything in Rome, Greece, or Palmyra. He used the design for designing buildings in the United States.

Temple of Diana (next to Jardin de la Fontaine) is a former Roman temple dating back to the 2nd century. It is free to explore the building’s architecture. It has not been restored, but admission is free and it’s worth it to imagine this building in its glory.

Next to the Temple is the Jardin de la Fontaine. It was the first public European garden in the 1800s. It is very large and has a beautiful garden with Mediterranean plants. Great place to picnic or simply enjoy a coffee or tea from the cart vendors.

Les Halles is a terrific market that has great local vegetables, cheeses, bread, seafood, meat and other locally produced foods with low prices. Everything is fresh and has tables to enjoy your food. It is cheaper than a conventional restaurant.

Avignon is one of the largest cities of Provence and the South of France. I recommend that you spend one to two days within the city and at least one day seeing visiting nearby sites.

One must-see places in Avignon is the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes.)  It dates back to the 14 th century.  Although very few objects remain today, the virtual reality tablet provided upon your entrance, which shows what the Palace looked like in the 14 th century when occupied by the Pope.  It is an amazing and unforgettable place.  Buy tickets early to avoid lines.

Nearby is the Pont Saint Benezet (Pont d’ Avignon) that crosses the Rhone River. It was originally built in the 12 th century and has been destroyed many times and rebuilt on numerous occasions. You will need a ticket to cross the Bridge.  You can buy this at the Palace. We liked the audio tour! It has a great view of the Palace. 

Be sure to visit the Avignon’s Les Halles (Market)  for its great food. Many locals regularly shop for produce, bread, fish, meats, and chickens although it closes at 2 PM.  I enjoyed the omelets and cheeses. I particularly loved the olives and fresh sardines.  

We stayed at the Hotel Novotel Avignon. It is located opposite the old city walls and a short walk from the Central train station. 

Optional day trips from Avignon in the South of France (1 day)

Nearby towns have incredible sites but require a car or tour.  Normally, I do not like to do day tours, but renting a car can also be expensive and this can be a money saver.  Public transportation makes it difficult to see all the sites in one day on your own. We paid about $80 per person for a five-hour tour of the surrounding area and it was worth it! We highly recommend this tour because of the guide and convenience. It covers the following places. (You’ll find other tours from Avignon as well.)

Pont du Gard is the tallest Roman aqueduct in the world and one of the landmarks of the South of France. It dates back to the 1 st Century to Augustus.  It has been visited for centuries by many notables including Napoleon III, numerous Kings of France with good reason!  This is one of my favorite sites in Provence. I was amazed that it is still standing. 

Les Baux de Provence is a historic French town dating back to the 11 th century. It is abandoned today and it in the National Park. It has an ancient village and a castle.  This charming village is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. The area has been traced back to the Bronze age.

Gordes is a town built on a cliff of a mountain. Some of the buildings date back to the 11 th century and the town offers amazing views of the countryside. There are many historic buildings and I spend time seeing the village’s Castle and Market.

Roussillon is a beautiful small town made with natural ochre (red-ish) minerals. Its red cliffs are incredible. While there, be sure to visit the clock tower and wander the beautiful streets. This is a popular destination for artists.

Have you been to the South of France? Let us know what you thought about our Provence itinerary!

• Tips for visiting the South of France on a budget
• Why you should visit Arles

About Steve Ertrachter

New Yorker–born and raised. Lover of tennis. Curious. Frugal and independent traveler who believes that travel yields an understanding of different cultures. 10% of the magic behind Wanderlustingk.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

Epic South Of France Itinerary: 14 Days With Tips [2024]

• Post author: Nicoletta
• Reading time: 89 mins read
• Post last modified: February 29, 2024
• Post comments: 0 Comments

This itinerary will take you to the beautiful corners of southern France . Don’t expect to relax on the beach or visit the French Riviera. South of France has other spectacular places that you need to explore.

I traveled to the south of France many times , visiting all the places on this itinerary. And it always excited me – it’s truly the most beautiful part of France . After seeing it all, I’ve put together this itinerary based on my experience so you can see the highlights, too.

We’ll visit the most beautiful  French cities ,  medieval towns , a  miracle town , natural wonders , and end even the  highest European peak , Mount Blanc.

Let’s get started!

✈ Travel Resources For Your Trip ✈

Here are some of my favorite travel resources I use for my travel adventures.

Overview Of The South Of France Itinerary For 14 Days

Here is an overview of what you can expect from this itinerary in southern France. I’ve designed a basic 14-day road trip , which you can follow.

If you only have 10 days or less , scroll down to see more tips and places I recommend visiting on a 10-day trip.

Map Of South Of France Itinerary

Here is a map of this 14-day road trip through southern France. Save it and follow it once you travel:

Excited To Visit French Riviera?

Don’t be disappointed if you expected a few places from the French Riviera and Provence in this itinerary. I’ve also designed a full  French Riviera itinerary  for 7 days for you. So, if you want to visit the French Riviera, take that itinerary.

How To Get To Southern France

You can get south of France by plane, train, or bus .

This itinerary starts in Bordeaux , in the southwestern part of France. The fastest and most convenient way to reach it is to fly.

Flying To South Of France

Bordeaux has an airport with good international connections, so you can reach it by plane.

The biggest airports in southern France are :

✈ Lyon ✈ Nice ✈ Marseille

If you have trouble finding good plane tickets to Bordeaux, you can also fly to these airports instead.

➡ Check out flights to Bordeaux with great deals here.

Getting To Southern France By Train

You can also take trains if you’re visiting southern France from other French cities or neighboring countries (like Spain , Germany, or Switzerland ). It’s fast, convenient, and often cheap to travel on the French TGV – high-speed trains .

➡ Get the best train deals to southern France & Bordeaux via Trainline.

Getting To South Of France By Bus

Alternatively, you can also take a bus to get to Bordeaux . It’s a slow option, but it’s the cheapest. So it’s great if you’re on a budget.

The most common bus companies covering routes in southern France are Flixbus and the local OUI French company.

➡ Check out bus connections to Bordeaux here.

How To Get Around Southern France & Make This Itinerary

The best way to get around southern France is by car . That’s why I’ve also designed this itinerary as a road trip . It’s difficult and time-consuming to get to some of the places by bus or train. You would waste a lot of time changing trains and buses .

With a car, you’ll have a lot of flexibility and get to the most beautiful places, which aren’t accessible by trains and buses.

So I recommend renting a car in Bordeaux on day 3. of this itinerary. Rent it for 11 days and return it to Lyon on day 13.

RENT A CAR FOR YOUR ITINERARY

Rent A Car Via Discover Cars – best prices and big selection of car rentals. PRO TIP: Check ratings of the company you choose before booking ( ratings can be off ). Go on Google, see ratings of the car rental company, then book on Discover Cars.

0. DAY: ARRIVE IN BORDEAUX

Welcome to France, the most visited country in Europe . It’s time to explore its southern part with this itinerary.

You might have  arrived in Paris  on your flight. Or you’ve been exploring other countries around France and want to continue to the south of France. You can  take a train to Bordeaux .

Today, check in to your accommodation and get your first impression of Bordeaux. Then, you can head to the riverside and the promenade for a nice dinner and enjoy the nightlife.

Evening Cruise With A Glass Of Wine

One activity I recommend for tonight is hopping on a  cruise on the River Garonne . You’ll see the city from a different angle and learn some interesting things about it.

Of course, a  glass of wine  won’t be missing. It’s a good start to your trip.

➡ Book the cruise in Bordeaux here.

Where To Stay In Bordeaux: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOTEL MADAME – budget-friendly hotel HOTEL DE SEZE & SPA – mid-range hotel HOTEL SINGULIER BORDEAUX – luxury hotel VILLA REALE – luxury apartment

1. DAY: BORDEAUX

Bordeaux, the  world’s wine capital , is the city that truly deserves to be the first one on this itinerary. It surprised me in many ways, so let’s explore it together.

Bordeaux is mainly known for its delicious wine and is named the  City of Art and History . Once you arrive, you’ll first notice the spectacular  Miroir D’Eau  in front of the  Place de la Bourse . The Water Mirror is  the largest reflecting pool  in the world.

Around 80% of the land around Bordeaux is used for  wine production . Today, you’ll get to taste some of them.

Let’s see what Bordeaux has to offer.

Sighseeing In Bordeaux

🔆 Water Mirror (Miroir D’Eau) 🔆 Place de la Bourse 🔆 La Grosse Chloche 🔆 Bordeaux Cathedral 🔆 Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux 🔆 Quais de Bordeaux 🔆 La Cité du Vin

🔆 Place De La Bourse

Jacques Gabriel, Louis XV’s favorite architect , designed the entrance to the old city of Bourdeaux, Place de la Bourse.

Before entering, admire the extensive  Water Mirror  and cool yourself during the hot summer months.

🔆 La Grosse Cloche

The big bell above the former dungeon from the 18th century is super impressive. Nowadays, you won’t hear the bell as locals only use it on special occasions such as Bastille Day . The tower building alone is beautiful, with nice ornaments, so check it out.

In the past, it hosted a small prison . Locals kept offenders inside closed with a 10-centimeter-thick door for months.

🔆 Bordeaux Cathedral

Bordeaux Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, had hard times during the  French Revolution .

Like other important French buildings, it lost its decorations and was damaged significantly. Walk up to the  Tour Pey Berland bell tower  for great city views.

🔆 Grand Théâtre De Bordeaux

Built in 1780, it had the original French monarchy style. After the revolution, they changed the way it looks now.

The best way to experience it is to see a show by the  Bordeaux National Opera , consisting of 110 orchestra musicians, 37 choral artists, and 38 dancers.

🔆 Quais De Bordeaux

Once you come out of the old town, walk alongside the  Bordeaux promenade  until you reach the wine museum. There are many restaurants and cafes , so stop and have a little break on the way.

I loved walking through the promenade; it has a great atmosphere.

🔆 La Cité Du Vin

Perhaps the main reason for visiting Bordeaux is its spectacular wine museum. The building has been constructed in the  shape of a wine carafe  or, as professional sommeliers would say, a decanter.

Inside, you’ll learn about the  history of wine , its  production , and various places where it’s produced. After the tour, stop at the bar to taste the local wine you’ve seen in the museum.

It’s one of the best experiences in Bordeaux. Even if you don’t drink wine, come to see the museum building . It’s cool.

➡ Get a skip-the-line ticket to the wine museum + wine tasting after here.

Bordeaux Guided Walking Tour

Join this guided tour of Bordeaux with a local guide if you want to learn more about its history and hear exciting stories

Don’t forget to try  ‘caneles’  – a local  French dessert  that originated here. It’s a rum and vanilla-flavored pastry with custard cream in the middle and a caramelized crust.

Enjoy Bordeaux today with everything it offers.

Tomorrow, we’ll stay in the region and do a beautiful half-day trip visiting a famous winery and having a picnic in the French countryside .

2. DAY: BORDEAUX ⇒ HALF-DAY WINE TOUR

Good morning to Bordeaux. I hope you slept well and didn’t drink too much wine yesterday :D… Because we are heading to one of the most famous  wine locations  in southern France,  St. Emilion village .

We’ll do a  half-day tour of the wine yards  with  wine tasting . Of course, a  French picnic  with stunning views of the French countryside won’t be missing.

The  Romans  brought the  wine-making tradition  to this region in the 2nd century. During these guided tours, you’ll  experience real wine production  and taste some of the world’s best wine classes.

Visit St. Emilion & Wine-Tasting With French Picnic

You recommend joining one of these excursions from Bordeaux today. You can visit  St. Emilion village  to learn about its history and wine production. After, you’ll experience  wine tasting  in one of the local chateaus.

Or you can  visit 2 different wineries , modern and traditional. Then, enjoy great  wine tasting  and  picnic in the French countryside .

Book one of the excursions if you want to have fun on this day.  Transportation  from and back to Bordeaux  is included .

3. DAY: BORDEAUX ⇒ DUNES DE PILAT ⇒ LOURDES

Let’s drive further south today. We’ll  sleep in a miracle town  tonight (just my internal name for the place). But before, we’ll drive to see a natural wonder.

In the morning, drive from Bordeaux to the  Dunes de Pilat . First drive direction  Bassin d’Arcachon . Follow the signs with the name  ‘Biscarosse/Dune du Pyla.’  

The  car park  is located just 400m from the dunes. So stop the car and head to the dunes.

Distance Bordeaux ⇒ Dunes De Pilat by car: approx. 1 hour (67 km/42 miles)

Dunes De Pilat

Dunes de Pilat is  the tallest sand dune in Europe . It’s situated  60 km (37 miles) from Bordeaux  in the famous Archacon Bay . It gets 2 million visitors per year.

Surf down on a bodyboard and have fun with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean .

The dune is 500 wide, 107 high, and almost 3 km (1.8 miles) long, so you have a lot to explore.

Drive To Lourdes

Once you have enough of the dunes, head further south to our destination for today. It’s a little miracle town of Lourdes at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains .

Check in to your accommodation in the evening. Tomorrow, we’ll have the whole day to explore the town and its hidden gems.

Distance Dunes De Pilat ⇒ Lourdes by car: approx. 3 hours (265 km/165 miles)

Where To Stay In Lourdes: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

LOGIS HOTEL CASTEL DE MIRAMBEL – budget-friendly hotel GRAND HOTEL MODERNE – mid-range hotel GRAND HOTEL GALLIA & SPA – luxury hotel

4. DAY: LOURDES

I fell in love with this town after visiting. It has a special charm, and the atmosphere is great.

Lourdes is one of the most famous  pilgrimage destinations in Europe  and the entire world. It’s because  the Virgin Mary appeared  in the local cave 18 times to the 14-year-old peasant girl  Bernadette .

However, nobody believed her when she saw the Virgin Mary. Eventually, they even  imprisoned her  because they believed she was lying to the authorities and making fun of them.

Nevertheless, Bernadette persisted and stood up for the truth, which made the place so beloved among visitors and pilgrims nowadays.

The Story Of Bernadette & Virgin Mary Apparitions

One day, Mary asked Bernadette to dig into the local cave to find a  natural spring . People soon realized that it had  healing effects , and news spread it to the entire world. It’s how Lourdes became a famous  pilgrimage destination .

In 1863, locals created a statue of  the Virgin Mary  on the exact spot  in the cave  where she appeared.

In January 1860, the Catholic Church finally declared that the apparitions of the Virgin Mary were true. Later on, they built the basilica to honor the apparitions.

Nowadays, the  Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and the healing effects of Lourdes water from the local spring  gets millions of visitors yearly, including many pilgrims.

After, many of them head off for the famous  Camino de Santiago pilgrimage  in Spain (which I completed, and it was an experience of a lifetime).

Signtseeing In Lourdes

🔆 The Sancutary Of Our Lady Of Lourdes 🔆 Château Fort 🔆 Pic Du Jer 🔆 Le Cachot 🔆 Moulin De Boly 🔆 Les Halles Market

Head to the Sanctuary of Our Lady in the morning and experience the special atmosphere.

After, walk behind to see the cave with the healing spring.

Walk through the old town and go up to the spectacular  Château Fort . The castle stands on the hill overlooking the whole town, so you’ll get the  best views .

For extra stunning views,  take a funicular  to the top of  Pic du Jer  in the afternoon.

Get local snacks at the  Les Halles market  before seeing the rest of the sites.

Don’t forget to visit  Le Cachot , where the family lived after Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary. This room used to be a  prison  and was the place where Bernadette prayed to the Virgin Mary.

Afterward, head to the  Moulin de Boly , which was the house where Bernadette’s family used to live.

Candelit Procession In The Evening

In the evening, you can join the  Candelit procession march with candles  from the cave with the statue of the Virgin Mary towards the sanctuary. It  starts at 9 pm  and takes about  90 minutes . Light up your candle and pray/wish for something to become true.

It takes place  from April until October  every year.

Enjoy Lourdes, and have fun! Tomorrow, we’ll continue visiting other highlights of southern France.

5. DAY: LOURDES ⇒ CARCASSONNE ⇒ TOULOUSE

Today, we’ll visit one of southern France’s biggest and most beautiful cities, Toulouse . But before, let’s explore a charming medieval town on the way.

Pack your bags in the morning and set off to Carcassonne.

Distance Lourdes ⇒ Carcassonne by car: approx. 2 hours & 45 minutes (261 km/162 miles)

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is  one of the strongest fortifications in France,  and it was very difficult to defeat in the past, even during the 100 Years’ War.

Its city  walls are 3km long  (1.9 miles) and include  52 huge towers . It became mainly famous thanks to the French poem Gustav Nadaud.

Carcassone and St. Mont Michel are one of the most beautiful French medieval castles and compete for the title of being the  most visited monument in France . The site is spectacular , and I highly recommend making a stop here.

There are 50 houses where residents live permanently within the city walls nowadays.

Carcassonne Smartphone Tour

Follow this smartphone game and learn about the history of Carcassonne on a self-guided tour.

Later on, drive to  Toulouse city.  Take your time; tomorrow, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city. Check in to your accommodation and get the first glimpse of the place.

Distance Carcassonne ⇒ Toulouse by car: approx. 1 hour & 20 minutes (95 km/59 miles)

Where To Stay In Toulouse: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOTEL CROIX BARAGNON – budget-friendly hotel PLAZA HOTEL CAPITOLE – mid-range hotel LE GRAND BALCON HOTEL – mid-range hotel BOUTIQUE HOTEL SOCLO – luxury hotel

6. DAY: TOULOUSE

Good morning to Toulouse, known as the  ‘Pink City’ . It’s because locals used  pale-colored bricks  in the past to build the buildings. Some claim that these houses turn pink during  sunset .

It’s also the fourth largest city in France and offers you a lot of art. 

One of the main reasons to stay in this city for a day is to explore the  headquarters of European Airbus  and the  French space agency . Thanks to that, Toulouse has become Europe’s  largest center for aerospace .

You’ll have the whole day to wander around the city. Below are some sightseeing suggestions for you.

Sightseeing In Toulouse

🔆 Place Du Capitol 🔆 Basilique Saint-Sernin 🔆 Toulouse Cathedral 🔆 Canal Du Midi 🔆 Cité De l’Espace

🔆 Canal Du Midi

Canal du Midi is an impressive engineering work from the 17th century, ordered by Louis XIV – Canal des Deux Mers  (Canal of the Two Seas) . It was constructed to connect the Mediterranean with the Atlantic Ocean and is  430 km long .

Canal du Midi takes up 230 km (143 miles) from the entire stretch. It runs from Toulouse to the coastal town of Sète on the eastern Mediterranean French coast.

You can walk alongside it and enjoy the views.

🔆 Cité De l’Espace

Explore space on Earth inside this theme park. See the proper-size model of the  European Ariane 5 rocket , which has already completed 70 missions. After, watch a show inside its  planetarium .

Enjoy French Cousine In Toulouse

Then, come back to the center; try  French cassoulet , a casserole made with various types of meat, including pork, goose, duck, broth, and haricot beans. It also comes with  Toulouse sausage , the dish’s main component.

Or go for  Roquefort cheese  with a nice salad. Of course, accompany your food with delicious local  French wine .

Enjoy your evening with a glass of wine and delicious food.

7. DAY: TOULOUSE ⇒ ALBI ⇒ MARSEILLE

Today, we’re heading to the eastern coastline of southern France and the Mediterranean side. On the way, we’ll again stop to see a much-worthy charming French town, Albi .

Albi is a small medieval town unique for its red-brick buildings , old mills, and an outstanding cathedral. Walk through the tiny cobbled streets while exploring the most important sites.

Distance Toulouse ⇒ Albi by car: approx. 1 hour (76 km/47 miles)

Sightseeing In Albi

🔆 Cathedral Saint Cecile 🔆 Pont Vieux 🔆 Saint-Salvi & Collegiate Church 🔆 Albi’s Covered Market 🔆 Barbie Palace Gardens

🔆 Cathedral Saint Cecile

One thing that makes this cathedral unique and why it stands out from the others is its  fortress  design. It’ll surprise you with beautiful ornaments , carved statues, stained-glass windows, and frescos inside .

🔆 Pont Vieux

Pont Vieux, the  Old Bridge  built above the  River Tarn , makes this town so charming. It’s almost 1000 years old and was mainly built for  trading purposes . Nowadays, it’s one of Albi’s most important landmarks.

🔆 Covered Market

Head to the Albi’s covered market to smell the fresh flavors of local fruits and vegetables, meat, and delicacies.

Try some fresh French cheese with a baguette and bread. Have some lunch and feel the special atmosphere of this place.

*Note that the market is closed on Mondays .

🔆 Barbie Palace Gardens

Barbie Palace Gardens are quite similar to those in  Versailles . Except they’re much smaller. You can take some nice photos and get  panoramic views  of the town and the River Tarn.

One thing you must try when visiting Albi is the famous  ‘Earthquake’ cocktail . Toulouse-Lautrec, an alcoholic French artist from Albi, first made it. It’s a combination of cognac and absinthe.

Drive To Marseille

After you have enough exploring Albi, make your way to the Mediterranean French city , Marseille.

Again, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city tomorrow. So for now, check in to your accommodation and rest well.

In the evening, you can enjoy a glass of wine on its promenade with the views of the harbor and its stunning cathedral.

Distance Albi ⇒ Marseille by car: approx. 4 hours & 30 minutes (366 km/227 miles)

Where To Stay In Marseille: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

PLACE AUX HUILES – apartment NH COLLECTION MARSEILLE – mid-range hotel SOFITEL MARSEILLE VIEUX PORT – mid-range hotel with views of the port

8. DAY: MARSEILLE

Welcome to Marseille,  the oldest city in France , founded by the Greeks in 600 BC.

Marseille has various things to do , interesting sights, and a seaside promenade with a harbor, which gives the city a unique charm. So, let’s explore it together today.

Interesting Facts About Marseille

The city has played a vital role in history. Marseille is the city where local volunteers first sang the  French anthem . That’s why the anthem was named  ‘ La Marseillaise.’

The Vieux-Port (old port) was Marseille’s most important  economic center  in the past. It connected the city to other colonies in  North Africa , such as Morocco, Tunis, and Algeria. That is why you’ll find a significant part of the population originating from Africa.

The city is mainly famous worldwide for its soap  Savon de Marseille .

💡 FUN FACT: Savon de Marseille is traditionally made by mixing Mediterranean seawater, olive oil, and alkaline ash from sea plants. After, they heat it for a couple of days. The entire production can take up to 1 month.

Sightseeing In Marseille

🔆 Notre-Dame De La Garde  🔆 Vieux Port 🔆 Château D’If 🔆 Cathédral De La Major 🔆 MuCEM – Museum of Europe & Mediterranean Civilizations 🔆 La Panier – Oldest District

The first thing you’ll notice when arriving in Marseille is its impressive  cathedral  on the top of the hill. It was the highlight of Marseille for me. You’ll get  stunning views  from the cathedral, so don’t miss it.

The  Vieuw-Port  is the social and cultural center of the city. Head there for lunch or dinner and get local drinks.

Château d’If  is another relevant sight not to be missed. It used to be a prison, which was converted into a fortress. You’ll have to walk 1.5km to reach it. The fortress was also featured in the novel  ‘ The Count of Montecristo .

Also, take advantage of the nearby  beaches  and enjoy the Mediterranean. If you’re a  kite surfer , it might become your new  paradise , as the wind is often very strong.

Food & Drinks In Marseille

You can’t miss trying the local dish when you’re in Marseille. It’s a  fish stew  traditionally cooked by the fishermen, called  Bouillabaisse . They couldn’t sell their rockfish on the market, so they created the stew and tried to sell it this way.

Pastis  is a  traditional drink  prepared from aniseed and flavored with licorice root. Around 130 million liters of this drink are sold in France per year.

Head to the  Old Port – Vieux Port for great bars and restaurants.

Guided Tours In Marseille

I recommend the following tours in Marseille. One is a 3.5-hour bike tour (on electric bikes), on which you’ll see the city’s highlights . And the other one is a food tour . Click on the images below and book one of the tours:

9. DAY: MARSEILLE ⇒ AVIGNON

Today, we’ll go to another very significant French city from the past. It has mainly  religious importance  and is packed with history.

In the morning, take your time for a good breakfast. If you missed any sightseeing in Marseille yesterday, catch up this morning .

In the afternoon , drive up to Avignon . Check in to your accommodation in Avignon and get the first glimpse of the city. Tomorrow, you’ll have the entire day to explore it.

Distance Marseille ⇒ Avignon by car: approx. 1 hour & 30 minutes (100 km/62 miles)

Where To Stay In Avignon: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

GARLANDE HOTEL AVIGNON CENTER – budget-friendly hotel HOTEL DE L’HORLOGE – mid-range hotel LE CLOS SALUCES – luxury hotel

10. DAY: AVIGNON

Avignon, also known as the city of Popes, used to be an important religious center in the 14th century. It’s because  Pope Clement V  decided to  leave Rome  due to corruption and political problems and  establish the pope’s new base  in this French city.

This event is also historically known as the  Great Schism  when the Catholic Church and its papacy split apart. It resulted in a  rivalry between the popes in Rome and in Avignon , who fought to establish official administrative offices of the Catholic Church.

Nowadays, the city attracts visitors worldwide thanks to its rich history, medieval buildings, and great social life.

If you visit Avignon in July, don’t miss the annual  Avignon Theatre Festival . During 3 weeks, you can admire local dances, performances, and musical shows.

Let’s explore Avignon today.

Sightseeing In Avignon

🔆 Palace Of The Popes 🔆 Sur Le Pont d’Avignon 🔆 Les Halles 🔆 Museum Calvet 🔆 Palais Du Roure

The main attraction and reason I took you to Avignon is to see the  Pope’s Palace . It has brought importance to the city and played a significant role in the history of France and Europe .

The nine popes who left Rome lived in the palace. Nowadays, you can  explore their apartments  and  worship places . It has remarkable architecture and beautiful murals.

Afterward, don’t forget to check out the  Les Halles market . Even local  chefs  who have  Michelin Star restaurants  come to the market to get fresh and delicious ingredients daily. Try local food, taste some cheese, and finish with tasty wine.

Enjoy another day exploring French history and the stories from the Catholic Church in Avignon.

Avignon Guided Food Tour

If you’d like to learn more about Avignong through gastronomy and local drinks, join this guided food tour of Avignon . You’ll taste local delicacies and hear interesting stories from a local on your guided tour.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue driving up to a beautiful town at the foothill of the Alps. You’ll also get to see the  highest European mountain ,  Mount Blanc . So stay tuned for the next adventure.

11. DAY: AVIGNON ⇒ ANNECY ⇒ CHAMONIX

Let’s take a break from bigger towns packed with history and sights. It’s time to experience beautiful oases at the  foothills of the snowy Alps  and a picturesque lake. Today, we’re heading to Annecy and Chamonix.

In the morning,  drive to Annecy . Enjoy the town, visit its castle, and picnic on the lake shores , or have some  Swiss Raclette  in one of the shops.

After, drive to the alpine town Chamonix , where we’ll stay the next two nights.

Distance Avignon ⇒ Annecy by car: approx. 3 hours & 20 minutes (339 km/210 miles)

Annecy is located in southeast France and is one of the most beautiful towns. Its  lake is one of the cleanest in Europe . You can  go   paddleboarding or yachting , or take a small boat and explore the lake for a while.

Annecy also has a couple of nice  beaches . You can swim and refresh yourself in the crystal-clear lake as well.

We’re next to Switzerland , so you’ll already feel some  Swiss influence . You can try some  Raclette , a typical  Swiss melted cheese  served on a piece of bread.

Sightseeing In Annecy

🔆 Old Town 🔆 Palace De l’Île 🔆 Pont Des Amours 🔆 Lake Annecy

🔆 Explore Old Town Annecy

Annecy is also known as the  Venice of the Alps . You can get lost in its tiny streets intertwined with canals. Its colored houses only add up to this town’s whole experience and beauty.

It’s time to do some  people-watching , have ice cream, a French croissant, or a coffee. Then enjoy local shops and buy some souvenirs.

🔆 Palace De l’Île

Visit the castle from the 12th century, which used to be a  prison , a  courthouse , and a  lord’s residence  back then. Now, it’s a history museum, so if you love history, it’s the place to be in Annecy.

🔆 Pont Des Amours

The legend has it that if  two lovers kiss on the bridge , they’ll stay together forever. But don’t worry if you’re single; it has  stunning scenery , so you should also check it out.

May you meet your loved one right there.

Drive To Chamonix

Spend some time at the lake , breathing fresh air and enjoying the mountain views before heading to our destination today – Chamonix.

Chamonix is one of the most beautiful alpine towns in Europe . Check in to your accommodation, and enjoy some more Raclett or Swiss Fondue for dinner.

Tomorrow, we’ll make one of the most spectacular mountain excursions ever.

Distance Annecy ⇒ Chamonix by car: approx. 1 hour & 15 minutes (101 km/63 miles)

Where To Stay In Chamonix: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

CHALET HOTEL LE PRIEURE & SPA LES BALCONS DU SAVOY CHALET HOTEL HERMITAGE HOTEL DE L’ARVE BY HAPPY CULTURE

12. DAY: CHAMONIX & MT. BLANC

Welcome to Chamonix and the Savoy region of France.

Chamonix is a charming French town below the highest European mountain, Mount Blanc . It’s one of the most beautiful towns in Europe and offers plenty of activities to do.

One of the most famous mountain excursions why people come here is Aiguille du Midi and Mt. Blanc. Besides, you can go hiking and enjoy the Alps .

Today, I recommend visiting Aiguille du Midi and see Mt. Blanc. You’ll love it.

Aiguille Du Midi

Take a cable car from Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi. From there, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the French , Swiss , and Italian Alps .

Then, take a lift further and get close to Mont Blanc . From there, you’ll be able to spot Switzerland and even Italy. The views are just stunning.

Be sure to take extra layers of clothes as it’s quite cold even in summer.

See the picture below of how the Aiguille du Midi station looks like.

Step Into The Void

The Void is a  glass room with 3 glass walls  and a glass floor on the terrace of Aiguille du Midi. If you’re scared of heights, you should overcome them because that’s an incredible experience .

Standing on the top of the highest European mountains , not having the floor below you, is intimidating, but at the same time, very exciting.

Panoramic Mt. Blanc Cable Car

After you have explored the entire Aiguille du Midi station, you can continue with the panoramic cable car. It’s the highest cable car in the world and the closest you can get to Mt. Blanc, the highest European peak.

You’ll take a scenic ride and see the mountain from different angles. It’s an unforgettable experience, and the views are breathtaking .

Whenever you have enough of the views, return to Chamonix.

PRO TIP: I recommend making the entire excursion in the morning right after the cable car starts operating. This way, you’ll avoid crowds.

Activities In Chamonix

In the afternoon, you can also visit the amusement park in Chamonix. Take a ride on the thrilling Chamonix Lupe alpine coaster and have fun.

You can also do paragliding around and enjoy views of the unique surroundings.

Enjoy the town with everything it offers, and stay one more night.

13. DAY: CHAMONIX ⇒ LYON

Good morning to Chamonix. I hope you got the most out of this cute town. If you want, you can stay in the morning, go hiking, or enjoy more activities.

After that, it’s time to head to our last destination on this itinerary.

Distance Chamonix ⇒ Chamonix by car: approx. 2 hours & 40 minutes (230 km/143 miles)

Check in to your accommodation. Depending on when you arrive in the city, you can already explore some sights .

Check out the next day for sightseeing ideas. Or spend the entire day in Chamonix hiking and drive to Lyon in the evening .

Tomorrow, you’ll have the entire day to explore the city.

Where To Stay In Lyon: My TOP TIPS For Accommodation

HOTEL LE ROOSEVELT LYON – mid-range hotel MHL – MAISON HOTEL LYON – boutique mid-range hotel BOSCOLO LYON HOTEL & SPA – luxury hotel

14. DAY: LYON

We’ll end our road trip in the city of Lyon. It’s the  third biggest French city  after Paris and Marseille and  the second richest city  in France.

Lyon marks the end of our itinerary. So take some time to enjoy the city today .

After, you’ll have great connections to anywhere else in Europe . So keep exploring if the time and budget allow you to do so.

Sightseeing In Lyon

🔆 Cathedral Notre-Dame De Fourvière 🔆 Lyon Cathedral 🔆 Musem Of Fine Arts Of Lyon 🔆 Vieux Lyon – Old Town

The city gained importance in the 17th century as it became the  European capital of silk  manufacturing. There is still some  underground passage , which silk weavers used in the past.

Lyon also has other passages called traboules, which helped people  escape Nazi occupation  during World War II.

For the best views, walk up to the  Cathedral Notre-Dame de Fourvière  or  take a funicular .

10-Day Southern France Itinerary

If you only have 10 days to explore southern France, here is what I’d do. You can choose the places you like from my base 14-day itinerary or make it a 10-day trip .

Or follow my suggestions below. Just skip Lourdes and Marseille from the basic itinerary :

Practical Tips For Visiting Southern France

To help you plan your trip to the south of France even in more detail, I’ve got some more tips for you. See when the best time to visit is, how many days to spend, what to pack, and what budget you’ll need.

How Many Days Do You Need In South Of France?

You need between 10 and 14 days to explore southern France. It’s a large area and offers so much (as you can see in this itinerary). So spend a minimum of 10 days .

The optimal number of days to enjoy everything the regions offer is 14 days .

Best Time To Visit Southern France

The best time to visit southern France is  late May, June, July, August, and September . You’ll enjoy all the activities, hiking, and cultural sights during these months. The weather is also pleasant.

If you want  less crowds in the sights  and cities, visit at the  end of May, June, and September .

For  hiking in Chamonix  and the French Alps, the best time to visit is the  end of June, July, and August .

What To Pack For Your Trip To Southern France

You’ll need a  variety of clothes  for this itinerary. From  summer clothes  to hiking stuff and a warmer jacket if you decide to make the Mt. Blanc excursion.

Here is a  quick packing list  for your trip:

🎁  T-Shirts 🎁 Dresses 🎁 Hat 🎁 Sunscreen 🎁 Shorts 🎁 Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk a lot) 🎁 Dresses

🎁  Swimming suite 🎁 Sandals 🎁 Hiking/Trekking boots 🎁 Hiking pants & T-Shirts 🎁 Waterproof jacket 🎁 Sweater

Cost Of A Road Trip In Southern France

The budget for a 14-day road trip to southern France per person ( mid-range traveler ) is $2310 .

This is a very realistic budget for mid-range travelers who want to stay in nice hotels, rent a car and travel conveniently, enjoy the mountains, walking tours, and each location’s activities.

Here is a breakdown of this French itinerary budget for each travel category:

So the total budget for a 14-day trip to southern France , without restricting yourself too much and enjoying everything the country offers, is $2310 per person .

Budget Breakdown For Different Traveler Styles

Here is a quick overview of the budget for every type of traveler:

➡ 14-day itinerary budget for backpackers and travelers on the budget: $850 ➡ 14-day itinerary budget for mid-range travelers : $2310 ➡ 14-day itinerary budget for luxury travelers : up to $3600

NOTE: This is an approximate budget based on my calculations and spending during my 14-day trip to southern France. The budget will vary based on every traveler’s preferences .

Is South Of France Safe?

Yes, southern France is safe . There is not much to be worried about. If I’m completely honest with you, I felt the least safe in Marseille. 

But overall, there is not much danger. So  use your common sense , don’t walk with your bag open, and  be aware of pickpockets in bigger cities  like Marseille and Lyon. Otherwise, it’s safe.

France is ranked n.  64 in the Global Safety Index , which is safer than the Netherlands, Italy, Canada, or Hungary.

In the mountains,   check the weather forecast  before you go hiking. I recommend starting your hike in the morning, as the weather can get worse in the afternoon.

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about southern France. Check my answers below:

Where Is A Good Base To Explore South Of France?

Toulouse, Marseille, and Lyon are the best base to explore southern France. Make these cities your base depending on what region in southern France you want to explore.

What Is The Best Way To Tour The South Of France?

The best way to tour southern France is by car . There are places which aren’t easily accessible by train or bus. And you’d spend a lot of time traveling around. So with a car, you’ll have a lot of flexibility and enjoy everything fully.

Is It Expensive To Vacation In The South Of France?

It’s mid expensive to make holidays in southern France. Expect to spend about $165 per day as a mid-range traveler , including accommodation, activities, rental car, and food.

The good thing about southern France is that it offers a wide range of prices and options , so you can adjust the price of your itinerary.

WRAP-UP: South Of France Itinerary 14 Days

This is the ultimate itinerary for southern France. It’ll help you explore all the highlights and take you to the most beautiful spots, cultural places full of history, and breathtaking mountains. South of France is honestly one of my favorite travel destinations in Europe . It’s filled with so much beauty – I’m sure you’ll fall in love.

If you have any questions or need help planning your itinerary , contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com . I’ll gladly help you.

Happy Travels!

More Tips For France Travel

Looking to visit more places in France? Check out my related articles:

Epic French Riviera Itinerary For 7 Days

Medieval Castles In France To Perfect Your Itinerary

5 Best Trains From Paris To Switzerland: Ultimate Guide

Fastest Way From Paris To Zermatt: Revealed!

About the author: Nicoletta  is a travel enthusiast and passionate language learner. While traveling, she loves to connect with locals using her language skills to learn about new cultures. Look for her skiing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring new destinations as she designs travel itineraries for her clients.

FRANCE: Interested in more articles for France? Check out my France Travel Page :

You Might Also Like

Best Of Prague Itinerary: 3 Days In Prague With Map & Tips [2024]

Best Of Southern Spain Itinerary: 10 Days In Andalusia [2024]

Best Of Nicaragua Itinerary: 7 Days With Tips & Map [2024]

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

South of France and Spain Itinerary 10 Days: All You Need to Know

Hello World

Dreaming of wandering through the breathtaking South of France and Spain itinerary?

A single day hardly scratches the surface. Allocate at least 10 days to capture the essence and splendor of this captivating region.

But with an abundance of sights and activities, planning a trip to the south of France and Spain can be pretty difficult.

But fear not!

This travel blog has crafted a seamless 10-day itinerary for you, covering both the South of France and Spain, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.

Travel across coasts to discover the ever-changing tapestry of architecture, landscapes, and cultural nuances, with each city and town presenting its own unique world of discovery.

So, why delay making a vibrant scene of the journey to awaken your senses? Keep reading all the way through. You’re in for an adventure that’s too good to pass up.

Key Takeaways: ➜ Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with iconic dishes like bouillabaisse in Marseille and tapas in Barcelona, enhancing your travel experience. ➜ Engage yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region, from exploring Gaudí’s architectural wonders in Spain to the charming streets of Nice.

Overview of The South of France and Spain Itinerary

Ready to transform your south of France and Spain trip into an unforgettable journey?

Look no further! We’ve put together a comprehensive 10-day itinerary to guide you through the spots effortlessly:

Destination 1: Nice – The Heart of the French Riviera

Welcome to Nice- the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean Coast.

A visit to this ancient Greek-founded gem and modern seaside hotspot is the best decision you can make- guaranteed.

However, don’t rush – take your time to explore the city’s rich history and lively present. From glamorous beaches and luxurious yachts to beautiful villages, this region offers it all.

Travel Options

Getting to Nice is a breeze!

You can hop on a direct flight to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport or take a scenic train ride from major cities like Paris. Once you’re there, buses and trains make getting around a piece of cake.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

• Drive to Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Explore Villa Ephrussi Rothschild’s gardens
• Stroll along Promenade des Anglais and enjoy beach clubs
• Experience the glitz of Monaco and Montecarlo
• Indulge in a welcome dinner with local specialties
• Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Town (Vieux Ville) to explore the charming, narrow streets

Day 2: Coastal Splendor and Cultural Delights

• Visit the harbor town of Cannes
• Explore the historic town of Antibes
• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Saint Tropez
• Drive up to St. Paul for panoramic views above Nice

Where to Stay?

• Luxury: Hotel Boscolo Exedra Nice
• Mid-range: The Jay Hotel
• Budget: Villa Saint Exupery Beach

Top Eateries

• Bar des Oiseaux: Offers daily-changing, seasonal dishes with a focus on fresh pasta like ravioli and seafood linguine. Interestingly, these are all set in a vibrant and pop-art decorated space.
• Peixes: Known for outstanding seafood, featuring a menu rich in raw dishes such as ceviche and tartar. Here, you’ll also find hot meals like octopus with gnocchi.
• Bistro d’Antoine: A Michelin-starred gem nestled in Old Nice, serving refined French cuisine on bustling cobblestone streets.
• Le Galet: Beachside dining at its finest, where you can enjoy meals with the sound of the surf and fresh sea air enhancing the experience.

Destination 2: Marseille

The next stop of the day on your south of France and Spain itinerary is Marseille- France’s largest city on the Mediterranean coast . A drive from Nice to Marseille along the French Riviera is no less than a dreamy experience.

You’ll traverse breathtaking coastal roads, soaking in stunning sea views and exploring charming towns along the way. All you need to do is simply rent a car and let the scenic route unveil its beauty and capture picturesque landscapes.

• For an enchanting experience, you can take the train through Eastern Provence and explore Roussillon’s beauty.
• And if you’re dreaming of seeing the iconic lavender fields near Marseille, opting for a rental car or a day trip from a nearby city in Provence is the perfect choice.

Day 3: Wandering Streets and Blissful Expedition in Purchases

• Wander around the Vieux Port and take a boat tour to Cassis.
• Walk through street art and take pleasure in watching street performers.
• Stop by charming some small towns like Gordes and historical Avignon, St. Remy, and Les Baux.
• Visit the Pont du Gard Aqueduct, Avignon’s Palace of the Popes, and Arles’ Roman Forum.
• Explore MuCEM and savor lunch at L’Entrecote du Port.

Day 4: Relish Enjoyable Activities and Art and Culture

• Find treasures in Boutiques
• Stroll through La Panier
• Savor delicious pasta, meat, and seafood at Restaurant Chez Ze
• Visit the summer market to find handcrafted accessories, local jewelry, paintings, and beyond
• Spend the afternoon with a sunset at a white sandy beach like Cap Croisette
• Enjoy dive sites in the Calanques.
• Luxury: InterContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu
• Mid-range: Hotel C2-Marseille
• Budget: Meininger Marseille Centre La Joliette
• La Fabriquerie: A deli and wine bar showcasing freshly made seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Note that it’s sure to catch your eye and palate.
• Le Café de l’Abbaye: A charming neighborhood spot on a steep slope. This restaurant welcomes its guests from noon until night for cozy dining experiences.
• Tuba Club: A sunny hotel restaurant offering seasonal dishes like coal-cooked fish of the day and harissa tajine with panisse, along with creative cocktails.
• Limmat: Delivers maximum flavor for minimal prices, featuring dishes such as crushed carrots and anchovies with samphire and clam risotto with fennel and preserved lemons.

Destination 3: Montpellier

Having revealed Marseille’s secret treasures, it’s now the perfect moment to discover the enchanting city of Montpellier.

Situated just inland from France’s southern coastline, Montpellier is famed for its stunning cathedrals and wide boulevards.

You should allocate at least two days to explore this city.

Why? Because the city has an abundance of fantastic activities available, check out how to utilize your time in Montpellier:

• Jump on an SNCF train departing every three hours, with tickets ranging from $24 to $45. You’ll find yourself in Montpellier in just 1 hour and 59 minutes!
• Prefer a daily option ? Renfe Viajeros has got you covered with its once-daily service.
• For a more budget-friendly journey, consider taking a BlaBlaCar bus, which offers hourly trips from Marseille.
• Plus, Montpellier’s extensive bus network connects you to major European cities like Berlin, Milan, and Rome.

Day 5: Scenic Villages, Cathar castles and medieval streets

• Visit Narbonne to admire the majestic St. Just and Saint Pasteur Cathedrals
• Explore the scenic village of Lagrasse, nestled in the River Orbieu Valley within the wine-rich Corbières hills
• Spend the afternoon at Fontfroide Abbey, a well-preserved Cistercian monument
• Discover the fascinating Cathar castles like Montsegur and Puivert, along with the picturesque villages of Gruissan and Sète

Day 6: Day Trip to Saint Martin de Londres & Self-Guided Day Hike in Cevennes National Park

• Start your day in Montpellier exploring medieval history on the St. Jacques de Compostelle trail
• Discover Montpellier’s growth under Aragon’s rule into a key hub for commerce and medicine
• Explore restored medieval Matelles village and St. Martin de Londres Church
• Escape to Cevennes National Park
• Enjoy gentle strolls and challenging hikes on the hills
• Explore the “labyrinth of hills.”
• Luxury: Domaine de Verchant
• Mid-range: Grand Hotel du Midi Montpellier
• Budget: Hotel Colisee
• Ripailles: A quintessentially French restaurant in Montpellier’s center, featuring chequered tablecloths and stone walls. It specializes in rotisserie poultry, lamb shoulders, and roasted suckling pigs with fresh, seasonal sides.
• Les t’OCqués: Offers a vibrant menu primarily based on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. The exclusive dishes of this restaurant include- beef Parmentier confit with sweet potato, daily fish with fresh tagliatelle and shellfish, and white chocolate mousse.
• Pat’Daniel’s: An exceptionally friendly and quirky restaurant where the entire menu is infused with the taste of Jack Daniel’s. Here, you are sure to get a unique culinary experience.

Destination 4: Barcelona

Located in the northeastern part of Spain in the Catalonia region, it holds the title of the country’s most-visited city.

Transfer to Barcelona from Montpellier by train and explore the lively Catalan capital, including Gaudi’s architecture and Las Ramblas.

Nothing compares to the delight of exploring the best of Barcelona. So, reserve at least two days for this adventure and learn how to maximize your time to its fullest potential.

• Level Airlines offers non-stop flights from international cities like New York, San Francisco, and Buenos Aires, making Barcelona easily accessible.
• Looking for affordable airfares. The great news is that Skyscanner acts as a portal to budget-friendly flights, ensuring your journey to Barcelona doesn’t break the bank.
• When enjoying train travel, note that Barcelona Sants serves as the central train hub. This option is ideal for those who enjoy the scenic beauty and romance of rail travel.

Day 7: Gaudí’s Dreamscape with Flavors and Cultures Abound

• Savor tapas for Lunch in Tapas Bar and enjoy vermouth
• Enjoy Parc de Montjuïc
• Feel Las Ramblas buzz, a mosaic of life and sound
• Check out Casa Batlló- a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Take a self-guided tour of the Cathedral and Towers

Day 8: Lively Catalan Capital

• Visit the Gothic Quarter to explore the Palau de la Música Catalana – an architectural jewel of Catalan Art Nouveau
• Visit Gaudi’s masterpiece church Sagrada Familia and his designed Parc Guell
• Walk through different stores in Boqueria Market
• Spend the afternoon at beachside or seafood restaurants
• Luxury: The Barcelona Edition
• Mid-range: Hotel Chic & Basic Ramblas
• Budget: St. Christopher’s Inn
• Batea: Offers top-notch produce at unbeatable prices in central Barcelona. The specialty of this restaurant lies in its fresh ingredients, prepared with creativity and care.
• Besta: Elevates common pairings to new heights with combinations like chicken and shrimp or meatballs and squid.
• Dos Palillos: Merges Japanese ingredients with Spanish flair. You’ll be amazed by the unique fusion menu there that truly captivates and surprises.
• Aürt: Features a seasonally changing menu that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. It’s a special place for laid-back foodies who are looking for a leisurely dining experience.

Destination 5: Donostia-San Sebastian

Last but not least, you shouldn’t miss taking at least a two-day tour of the pristine beaches of San Sebastian.

Wondering what’s the catch here? Well, it’s a haven with three stunning shores: Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, and the vibrant Zurriola (or Gros Beach).

But, this is not the end; it offers more than just these beautiful beaches.

• Consider flying into San Sebastian, which offers convenience with four airports nearby, including two international ones. A direct flight from Barcelona is the fastest method, taking just over an hour.
• The Alvia high-speed train provides direct service from Barcelona to San Sebastian, with a journey time of approximately 5 hours and 33 minutes. The trip combines comfort with scenic views.
• While Donostia (San Sebastian) is compact and pedestrian-friendly, renting a car offers the freedom to explore surrounding towns and cider houses. Perfect for those planning longer stays or for exploring on days with soothing weather.

Day 9: Beachside Relaxation and Urban Exploration

• Discover the chic Playa de la Concha, the epitome of opulence, against the backdrop of breathtaking coastal beauty
• Explore elegance in the Romantic Center: 19th-century splendor with chic shops, bars, and culinary delights
• Dive into Parte Vieja, the ultimate hub for nightlife lovers.

Day 10: Culinary Excellence of Michelin-starred restaurants

• Have a leisurely breakfast at a café in the Romantic Center, soaking up the historic atmosphere
• Explore world-renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs
• Enjoy a scenic hike up to Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city and the bay
• Conclude the day with a pintxo (small snack) crawl through the Parte Vieja, tasting local Basque specialties
• Luxury: Hotel Maria Cristina
• Mid-range: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
• Budget: Pension Aida
• Rekondo: Delights with excellent local produce in light-hearted dishes, such as crispy, tender spider crab dumplings, and squid ink-colored bao buns.
• Ganbara: A favorite haunt for San Sebastian’s culinary elite. It offers delicacies like crab tartlets, stuffed croissants, roast hake, and char-grilled txuleta.
• Narru: Known for its simple and subtly luxurious food, Narru has been a beloved spot behind La Concha Beach for years. The menu includes simple yet delicious dishes.

Getting Back Home

Your scenic tour of the South of France and Spain has reached its final chapter.

Ready to head back to the USA?

Here are the key details for flights from San Sebastian to major American cities, along with average flight costs.

Travel Tips for South of France and Spain Itinerary

As you are planning to make a wonderful trip to two culturally rich and diverse regions, learning travel tips for maximizing your experience is a must.

They are as follows:

Transportation

• For those planning a Spain and South France itinerary, consider renting a car to enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace.
• However, for journeys between major cities like Barcelona and San Sebastian, using high-speed trains or taking flights can serve as quicker and more convenient methods of transportation.

Accommodation

If you’re thinking of making a tour to the south of France and Spain, booking 1-2 months in advance, especially in peak seasons, will be your best bet.

For what? Simple to secure the best deals.

Also, consider staying in central locations to easily explore each city on foot. Beach lovers should look for seaside resorts or villas for unforgettable views.

Charming bed-and-breakfasts in the countryside will allow you to experience local hospitality.

Seasonal Considerations

So, take note that it’s always better to plan the trip during the shoulder season- April to mid-June of Spring or September to mid-October of Fall . During these days, the weather is lovely and the tourist crowds are more manageable.

On the other hand, late May to early June is also an ideal time for visiting both regions. Prices of accommodation remain at standard rates during this time and the weather is neither excessively hot nor uncomfortably cold.

Cultural Experiences

Feeling bewildered about how to deepen your cultural immersion in Barcelona and Southern France?

Here are the secrets to elevating your experience with these indispensable insights, crafted just for curious travelers like you:

• Check out Vieux Nice (Old Town) for its beautiful architecture and vibrant vibe.
• Dive into history and culture at the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM).
• Engage yourself with history by exploring ancient Roman ruins and iconic landmarks.
• Attend local festivals to witness the vibrant customs and traditions.
• Wander the medieval lanes of the Old Town (Écusson) to see the city’s historical side.
• See the Sagrada Família and other stunning works by Antoni Gaudí.
• Join the crowd at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in September, a must-see for movie lovers and star-watchers.

Closing Notes

Your comprehensive South of France and Spain itinerary includes every dreamy aspect of your journey from A to Z. This guide has it all, with suggestions on dining, drinking, and accommodations.

Hopefully, it also ensures your entire itinerary is a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.

From the sun-kissed beaches of the French Riviera to the historic streets of Barcelona, each day embraces new adventures and sights. This remarkable adventure promises an incredible exploration of two countries’s most cherished treasures, where every stop is simply an invitation to indulge in the finer things.

So, let this be the moment your dreams take flight. There’s no better time than now.

Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many days in South of France is enough?

To truly experience the beauty of the South of France, spending a week or two is recommended. This way, you can leisurely take in the stunning scenery and explore at a pace that suits you best.

How many days to visit Spain and France?

Spend two weeks exploring Spain and France to discover the best landmarks, the countryside, medieval towns, and wine-tasting areas, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. This journey offers a rich taste of both countries’ diverse offerings.

What is the best way to travel between France and Spain?

Flying from Spain to France is the quickest option, taking 4 hours and 12 minutes and costing between €26 – €190. Other choices include a 7 hours and 57 minutes train ride (€160 – €280) or a 13hours and 2–minute bus journey (€65 – €210).

Where can I base myself in South of France?

In the south of France, consider basing yourself in cities like Nice, Marseille, or Aix en Provence for their strategic locations. Their access to major attractions and vibrant local culture make them ideal starting points for exploration.

How many days in Spain is enough?

Well, your exploration time in Spain depends on your interests and travel style. However, 10 days allows for experiencing key highlights and crafting unforgettable memories.

How many days should I visit Spain for?

Staying longer in Spain is beneficial, yet two weeks is optimal to understand the country’s essence. This duration allows exploration of major highlights and personal interests in attractions or regions.

Kayla D. Martinez

Senior Travel Writer

South of France and Italy Itinerary for 10 Days at 5 Amazing Destinations!

How much does food cost in paris france: a concise guide in 2024, you may also like, how to plan a perfect venice to verona day trip, 2 day trip to dolomites from venice tour, private gondola ride venice with prosecco to feel the venetian romance, 7 convenient ways from venice marco polo airport to venice city centre, what does the venice city pass include, why is st mark’s square venice famous, things to do in venice on a budget that won’t break your bank, how to book a gondola ride in venice, 18 best places to visit in venice, italy, do you need a visa to travel to italy as a us citizen.

Social Profiles

• Destinations
• Inspirations
• Trips Ideas
• Trip Planning
• Travel News
• Editors' Packs

Useful links

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Cookie Policy

The Best 10 Day South of France Road Trip Itinerary

• David Angel

Welcome to my South of France Road Trip itinerary guide, taking in the best of both Provence and Occitanie.

Driving in the South of France enables you to see far more than public transport does. You can get off the beaten path, seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in France along the way.

This road trip itinerary is packed with suggestions, and if you have a few more days available, there are plenty of possibilities for discovering even more amazing places.

I’ve devised this southern France road trip itinerary to include some of the best of Provence and the region to the west, Occitanie. The latter, covering southwest France, used to be known as Languedoc & Roussillon.

Provence is perhaps better known than Occitanie – but over several trips I’ve found both are equally compelling. This itinerary is an amalgamation of two of the south of France road trips I have done. It also takes you around six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The first few days are spent driving short distances around the west of Provence before heading west. You eventually return via the fascinating city of Albi, enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in France along the way.

Table of Contents

South of France Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – avignon.

Avignon, my suggested starting point for this south of France vacation, is one of the best cities in France to visit. It’s best known as the City of Popes – six Popes presided from there in the 13 th and 14 th centuries.

The Palais des Papes – the Popes’ Palace – is one of the highlights. The immense fortified palace is one of the greatest Gothic buildings in France, and still dominates the whole city.

Avignon is also renowned because of the famous song, Sur le pont d’Avignon . The Pont Saint-Bénézet is named after the local saint who claimed he had a vision telling him to build a bridge on the site.

The location was unsuitable: the original 12th-century bridge was destroyed by floods, and just four arches of its replacement survive.

I suggest sticking to one day in Avignon , simply because there is so much to see elsewhere. It may well be worth considering a guided walking tour of Avignon , which will cover the main sights I’ve mentioned and the Notre Dame des Doms Cathedral near the Papal Palace.

There are also several more churches to explore, including those of St Didier and St Pierre, and the formidable circuit of town walls.

Also take a walk to the Rue des Teinturiers, one of the prettiest streets in Avignon. It’s set along a canal in an area once lived in by the city’s dyers and tanners, and one of their waterwheels is still preserved.

Places To Stay In Avignon

Hotel d’Europe : 5-star luxury on one of the loveliest squares in Avignon

La Mirande – 5-star elegance next to the Palais des Papes

Les Jardins de Baracane :  gorgeous 17 th century guesthouse      

Day 2 – Around Avignon – Pont du Gard, Orange And More

I suggest using Avignon as a base for the first part of this south of France road trip as there is such an abundance of day trips from Avignon . 

One of the best things about staying in Avignon is that so many of the best places to visit in Provence are within reach by public transport. That said, a great many places to see in Provence can only be reached by car.

The drawback of using public transport in the south of France is that you’re limited to seeing one place a day. Driving allows you to cover more ground more quickly, and on the second day of your South of France vacation you can easily reach two World Heritage Sites and explore some of the best of Côtes du Rhône wine country.    

Start the day by heading west along the N100 from Avignon, continuing to Remoulins and following the D19 towards the Pont du Gard. It’s one of the most iconic bridges in Europe , a triple-layered arched aqueduct built in the 1 st century AD. The Romans built it to supply the nearby town of Nemausus with water.

It’s remarkably well preserved, among the outstanding Roman monuments in Europe. The Aqueduct is a few minutes’ walk from the car park and small museum devoted to the Pont.

After a couple of hours at the Pont du Gard, return to Remoulins and then join the A9 motorway (toll applies) for the short journey (around 30 km from where you join the motorway) to Orange. Follow the signs to the centre of Orange, a provincial town to the north of Avignon.

Here you’ll need a couple of hours to visit two more amazing Roman sights (which make up another World Heritage Site). The Arc de Triomphe d’Orange is beautifully preserved, especially its exceptional bas-reliefs. It’s believed to date from the reign of the first Roman Emperor, Caesar Augustus, and there is also an inscription dedicated to his successor, Tiberius.

The other unmissable sight in Orange is the Théâtre Antique, or Ancient Theatre. Again, it’s incredibly well reserved, with an intact stage wall. The statue in the stage wall is of Emperor Augustus, during whose reign it was probably built. The Theatre has been used to stage productions again since the 19 th century.

The stage is an astonishing 60 metres wide, and dramas and comedies would have been performed on it in ancient times. Nowadays it’s used for opera performances, especially during the summertime Choregies d’Orange festival.

You can return to Orange via the backroads around the famous wine village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Alternatively, a more scenic route takes you east via Violes to the Dentelles de Montmirail, Beaumes-de-Venise and Carpentras before swinging south-east to Avignon.  

Day 3 – Avignon to Arles

We leave Avignon behind on the third morning of our South of France road trip, gently making our way a short distance down to the Rhone to the gorgeous World Heritage city of Arles.

Begin the day by driving the 10 miles (16 km) south from Avignon to the gorgeous little town of St Remy de Provence. I’ve stopped here numerous times over the years, and always found something new to intrigue me.

It’s mainly known for its connection to Vincent van Gogh, who made several of his most famous paintings there, including Starry Night and Olive trees with the Alpilles in the background . He produced these while a patient at what was then known as the Saint-Paul Asylum, on the southern edge of the town.

This is now known as the Centre Culturel Saint-Paul de Mausole, and is next to the same groves of olive trees van Gogh painted. These are, in turn, next to the ancient Roman city of Glanum. Two of the best-preserved monuments – the Mausoleum of the Julii and Triumphal Arch – are on the west side of the road, while the rest of the city is on the other side.

The settlement pre-dated the Romans, who occupied the site until it was ransacked around 260 AD by the Alemanni.  The ruins of the main town are substantial, including part of a temple, a well-preserved main street, baths and a spring.

Head south over the jagged hills of the Alpilles range, from which you emerge with a view of the vast coastal plain.  The D5 road continues around to Les Baux de Provence, one of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’.   

It’s certainly one of the most dramatically sited villages in France, occupying a limestone outcrop with superb views in all directions. The village is huddled below the ruined medieval castle, which ruled over more than 70 villages before the line of succession ended in the 15 th century.

Most of the old village is given over to tourism, with many of the houses now used as galleries or gift shops. But don’t be put off. I’ve visited the village three times, and most recently loved the walks around the Val d’Enfer (the Valley of Hell) to the north of the village.

The views there are superb, and if you have time I also suggest visiting Les Carrières de Lumières , a series of underground caverns that hosts some amazing art installations. At the time of writing they have a Dutch theme, with Vermeer, van Gogh and Mondrian featured.

The village also gave its name to bauxite, an aluminium ore quarried to exhaustion until the end of the 20 th century. Your day is almost done. It’s a 20-minute drive – around 8 miles (14 km) south-east to the wonderful city of Arles, where I suggest staying two nights.

Where To Stay In Arles

Hotel de l’Anglais:  wonderful guesthouse in the heart of Old Arles

Hotel de l’Amphitheatre

Hotel Spa Le Calendal

Day 4 – Arles

Arles may just be our favourite city in Provence. I’ve visited several times over the years, and it’s a great base for a day – even several. It’s the gateway to the Camargue, the wetlands of the Rhone delta, and like Avignon, makes a great base for day trips in the south of France.  

Some of you may prefer Arles to Avignon – it’s more vivid, bright and colourful than its more austere neighbour to the north. Arles, another UNESCO World Heritage city, has two main draws for its visitors: its Roman sites and Vincent van Gogh association.

The Roman amphitheatre, which holds crowds of 25,000, was completed a few years after the Colosseum in Rome. It’s in excellent condition, and like its counterpart in Nimes, hosts bullfighting (but no killing), and concerts.  It’s an awesome venue for events like this, and an absolute must-see if you visit Arles.

The Roman Theatre is a short distance away. It would have been of similar size to the Roman Theatre in Orange, but is in worse state of preservation. The most intriguing of the Roman sites in Arles is Les Alyscamps, a Roman-era necropolis that continued to be Arles’ principal burial ground a thousand years after they had gone.  Roman burial grounds were traditionally outside the city walls, as was the case here.

Vincent van Gogh moved to Arles in 1888, and though some of his time there could be described as turbulent, it was also one of the most productive of his lifetime.  Arles undoubtedly inspired him. It was where he produced the likes of Starry Night Over the Rhone , The Yellow House , Café Terrace At Night , L’Arlesienne and some of his famous still-lifes and studies of chairs.

He left Arles for St-Remy in May 1889, having spent time at the Hospital (now L’Espace van Gogh). If you have an interest in van Gogh, you should also make time to visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh , which usually has a small collection of his paintings on display.

Aficionados of modern architecture should also seek out Luma Arles. It’s an arts and cultural centre, the distinctive work of Frank Gehry.  The architect of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Dancing House Prague completed this commission in 2021, and it’s one of his best.  I love the description of the Tower in the Guardian just after its completion – ‘Bacofoil scrunched by an invisible fist’.

Day 5 – Arles to Carcassonne

The fifth day of your South of France road trip is really down to you. It’s a two-hour drive, mostly along the A9 autoroute, to your next stop, Carcassonne. You may wish to see more of Arles. Or perhaps you may wish to get to Carcassonne as early as possible.

On the other hand, there is the option of heading south to the fascinating Camargue, or visiting some intriguing seaside towns very close by. I spent a couple of days of my first south of France road trip, back in the summer of 1988, in this area and have always meant to return.

We meandered around the Camargue for a while, camping near the beautiful old seaside town of Le Grau du Roi, on the western edge of the wetland area. Le Grau is a few miles along the coast from La Grande Motte, a resort built in the 1960s and 1970s.

I wrote in my journal at the time that it was ‘a seaside resort for aliens’. Many of the buildings – designed by Jean Balladur – are pyramid-like constructions. They were supposedly inspired by some of the pyramids of Central America, but always struck me as being more futuristic.

The medieval fortress town of Aigues-Mortes is a few miles along the coast on the D62. The town walls are superb, the architecture of much of the small town likewise. It’s on the shore of the Camargue, on the edge of a vast expanse of salt flats.  I haven’t returned there since the ‘80s, but would recommend anyone intrigued enough to go exploring.

Head for the A709 and then the A9 autoroute south of Montpellier. La Languedocienne takes you past the splendid old cities of Beziers and Narbonne, and at the latter take the A61 to your next stop, the fortified town of Carcassonne.

Places To Stay in Carcassonne

Hotel de la Cite & Spa MGallery : stunning 5-star hotel in the medieval citadel

Sowell Hotels Les Chevaliers : fine 4star in the Ville Basse, with some of the best views in town

Day 6 – Carcassonne

Carcassonne is one of the great icons of France and most beautiful castles in Europe.  The city – close to the Mediterranean and trade routes – has been fortified to some degree since Roman times.

The Visigoths took over the city, and the Carolingians, under Pepin the Short, took over in the 8 th century. The city was also renowned as one of the main refuges of the Cathars, Christians with what the Catholic Church considered heretical beliefs. As part of the Albigensian Crusade, thousands were brutally expelled from Carcassonne.

I’ve visited Carcassonne on three south of France road trips, and each time the initial sight of it has blown me away. The Cité de Carcassonne – the Citadel – encompasses the Old Town and Castle (Chateau Comtal), its 50 or more towers and turrets and immense walls visible from many miles away.  

It’s an amazing sight from the Pont Vieux – the long medieval bridge across the river Aude – and from the vineyards that surround the town. The Cité is quite small and only takes a few hours to explore, including its gateways and ramparts and the Basilica of St Nazaire. 

Each time I’ve visited I’ve ended up spending more time in the Ville Basse – the modern lower town – than the Cité.  A restored medieval citadel isn’t really conducive to day-to-day modern life, and this is where you’ll find more Carcassonne restaurants and hotels.

While there, don’t miss the Cathedral of Saint-Michel, which replaced the Basilica in the Cité as the region’s mother church in 1803. Also take a drive into the surrounding countryside to appreciate some of the amazing views of the Cité.  Some of the best are from the vineyards surrounding the town.

Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is on the doorstep of another – the Canal du Midi. This amazing feat of engineering was completed in the mid-17 th century. The 240-kilometre waterway links the city of Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea, and Carcassonne is near the mid-point of the Canal.

Day 7 – Carcassonne to Albi

The drive between these two World Heritage cities takes you over the unheralded Montagne Noire (Black Mountain). It also crosses from the Aude departement to Tarn, of which Albi is the capital.

The Montagne Noire is a vast upland forest area, and the D118 winds its way up and over the top. It takes you as far as the outskirts of the fine town of Castres , a name familiar to rugby fans around Europe. I only stopped for lunch for an hour or so, with just enough time to admire the quirky tanners’ houses above the Agout river.

A few old friends from Wales have visited to watch rugby there, and are very enamoured with the town. I’d be inclined to press on towards Albi, but there are plenty of other things to see in Castres, including a Goya Museum.

Continuing northwards, you eventually pass the turnoff for the gorgeous medieval village of Lautrec. If the name is familiar, it’s the ancestral village of the family of artist Henri de Toulouse—Lautrec, more on whom shortly. There’s a beautiful square surrounded by characteristic local brick and timber houses, and a fine 17 th century windmill on the hill above the village.

Eventually you reach the red-brick wonder of Albi, long one of my favourite cities in France. Park, check in and head straight for the most striking building in the city, the extraordinary Cathédrale Ste Cécile.

Its exterior looks more like a forbidding fortress than a place of worship. This was the intention of Bishop Bernard de Castanet, who began the Cathedral in the aftermath of the 13th-century Albigensian Crusade.

This campaign had seen the defeat of the Cathar heretics, so the new Cathedral was all about projecting Bernard’s power.  Although he did cut costs somewhat by using brick rather than stone. Albi Cathedral is said to be the biggest brick building in the world. I’m pretty sure that it isn’t (mighty Malbork Castle in Poland is bigger) but it’s a hugely impressive edifice.

I strongly recommend taking a walk down the hill to the River Tarn to admire the view of the city with the Cathedral looming above.  It’s particularly striking at sunrise, when the first light of the day glances across the red-brick buildings. Albi Cathedral is so different inside. I remember expecting a bare, austere interior, like a vast empty hall in a Castle. Not at all. It’s positively lavish and extravagant.

I was particularly struck by the beautifully painted vaults, which run the length of the church. This would have been done in the late 15 th and early 16 th centuries. The walls are also beautifully decorated, with the 15 th -century Last Judgment mural at the west end of the nave the oldest surviving work.

Places To Stay In Albi

Hotel Alchimy: 4-star with luxury suites in the historical centre

Hostellerie du Grand St-Antoine

La Voute du 26   – amazing apartment in medieval house in the historic centre of Albi  

Day 8 – Albi and Albigeois Region

There are enough things to do in Albi to keep you there for two or three days. It’s one of the most underrated cities in France, a place rich in medieval architecture. Other cities (Toulouse) and towns in the region also have the distinctive red brick houses with timber frames – as does Lautrec, from the previous day of this South of France itinerary.

Start the day at the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum , housed next door to the Cathedral in the Bishops’ Palace, the Palais de la Berbie. The superb collection of Toulouse-Lautrec’s works was donated to his home city in 1922. He was famous for his Parisian posters and also drawings and paintings, and some of his best-known works are included in the collection, including the Moulin Rouge Masked Ball poster.

Spend more time exploring the less-known Albi sights, including the Maison du Vieil Alby (House of Old Albi, open afternoons only) and the Saint-Salvi church and cloister.      I was fortunate to have allowed myself three days in Albi, leaving time for a short drive north into the Albigeois, the countryside north of Albi. 

The main draw in the area is the gorgeous hilltop town of Cordes-sur-Ciel. It’s a beautiful rambling medieval town built on a steep hill, its cobbled streets full of galleries. It seemed to be pitched towards curious visitors, but when we visited, in April, there were very few of us around.

If Cordes is busy in summer and you really want to step back in time, head around 10 miles west to the village of Penne. It’s somewhere I yearn to return, an extraordinary village crowned by a wonky medieval castle. It’s in my personal most beautiful villages in France list, for sure.  

Day 9 – Albi to Millau

With great reluctance, we bid farewell to Albi to head east towards the southern end of the Massif Central. On this day we visit one of the great modern famous landmarks in France . And there is the option of visiting the home of one of the best blue cheeses in the world, if your tastebuds are so inclined.

We suggest following the D999 east from Albi into the Aveyron department, a journey of around 60 miles (100 km).  ass through the pretty town of Saint-Affrique before you reach the cheese mecca of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon. 

This small village is paradise to blue cheese fiends like us, and I ate one of the best sandwiches of my life there. The contents were no more than a very large chunk of bread and a huge helping of Roquefort cheese, but this was my food paradise.

The story goes that a shepherd left a piece of cheese in the high pastures, retrieving it months later to find it covered in mould. He supposedly tried a bite, and so one of the most famous cheeses in France was born.

See Also: What Is France Famous For? 

It’s a half-hour drive from there through the Grands Causses Regional Natural Park to Millau. These days it’s best-known as the nearest town to the Viaduc de Millau – or Millau Viaduct.

This magnificent bridge is the tallest in Europe, 270 metres above the Tarn valley floor at one point. One of its piers is 1143 feet (348 metres) high – which is considerably taller than the Eiffel Tower.

From Roquefort, I suggest rejoining the D999 and turning right, heading east to the nearest junction of the A75 autoroute (motorway). Join the autoroute, heading left (north) where you enjoy astounding views of the bridge and landscape below.

Turn off the A75 at the next junction, and follow the road around to the rest area (Aire du Viaduc de Millau) and viewpoint. From there you get a stunning view, with the piers of the bridge very close to each other. I also suggest driving around the Tarn Valley below the Viaduct to seek out more views of it.

One of my favourites is the beautiful village of Peyre, roughly a mile west of the Viaduct. This is where our dusk image of the Viaduct was shot.  

Hotels In Millau

Couvent de la Salette :  the best luxury bet in Millau, beautiful rooms in a centuries-old former convent

Domaine des Ondes – great guesthouse with wonderful mountain views

Day 10 – Millau to Avignon

Before the Viaduct was built, Millau was best-known as the gateway to the Gorges du Tarn. The upper reaches of the river flow through this spectacular narrow gorge on its way west, where it eventually meets the broad Garonne river.

Follow the D187 north out of Millau, continuing north-east to Le Rozier. From there, you have the option of heading 10 miles north to the best viewpoint in the Gorges du Tarn, the Point Sublime, which commands a breathtaking view of the valley.

From there, double back to Millau or head south via minor roads via Nant, to join the D7. This becomes the D999 a few miles to the east, and from here you continue into the Cevennes.  briefly stopped) and Saint Hippolyte du Fort. The D999 takes you all the way to Nimes, home to of the greatest Roman monuments in France and an enchanting old centre.  

You could overnight in Nimes or continue to Avignon – entirely up to you. I’ve stayed in Nimes twice, both times for one night, and would gladly do so again. The Maison Carrée, a 2 nd century AD Roman Temple, is one of the best-reserved ancient buildings anywhere in the world. It’s an astonishing sight, especially at dusk when the floodlights give it a magical aura.  

The Temple is on the same square as the Carré d’Art, a contemporary arts centre and museum designed by Norman Foster (who also designed the Viaduc de Millau. Even if a little Roman monument fatigue is beginning to creep in, the Arènes of Nimes is a must-see. Like that of Arles, this amphitheatre is in superb condition and still used for concerts and events.  

Getting To The South Of France

If you’re flying long-haul to France, from North America or Australia, it makes sense to fly to Paris, then catch the TGV (fast train) south to Avignon. You can then pick up your hire car from there. We recommend discover cars , who we use ourselves to find the best car rental deal in the area we’re exploring.

If you’re flying to the south of France from elsewhere in Europe, there are a multitude of airports in southern France to choose from.

You don’t necessarily have to start this south of France road trip from Avignon – you could easily do so from Carcassonne, which has a small airport that is a hub for budget carrier Ryanair.

I’ve flown into several other airports across the region, including Nimes (another Ryanair option), Marseille and Nice. You can also fly to Lyon (less than two hours’ drive north of Avignon) or even Grenoble, in the heart of the French Alps.  

South of France Road Trip – Final Thoughts

I hope this south of France road trip itinerary gives you some inspiration. It’s an astounding part of the world, and this mixture of Provence and Occitanie will encourage you to delve deeper into one, or both, of them.  

Check out more of our Europe road trip articles here:

• Normandy Road Trip – 7 days itinerary through gorgeous Normandy
• Portugal Road Trip – Alentejo – exploring the borderlands and backwoods of south-east Portugal
• Pembrokeshire Road Trip – 5 days around glorious West Wales
• Snowdonia Road Trip – 4 road itineraries around Eryri

David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times.  David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.

Your Ultimate Guide to Day Tripping Around the South of France

• By Catherine Rickman
• May 10, 2024

The South of France might conjure images of long, lazy summer days, where boredom is only interrupted by beachside bottles of wine and inappropriate romantic affairs. Think, And God Created Woman , or Bonjour Tristesse . But for the more active traveler, the proximity of the pretty beach towns along the Côte d’Azur makes the region ideal for day trips. Without any effort at all, you can bop about all over the Riviera without breaking a sweat. Here’s how:

Marseille is an ideal basecamp for exploring the Riviera. France’s second largest city, Marseille is a busy port town that dates back to Roman times, and has been influenced over the centuries by Italian, Spanish, and North African cultures due to its role as a major trading hub. It’s cheaper than many other cities on the coast, and most trains in the region connect at Marseille Saint-Charles, so it’s perfectly positioned for those wanting as much access as possible. You could easily spend a week in the city, but it might serve you to set aside three days or so for Marseille, and the rest of the week for day trips. Here are some worth traveling out of the city for: 

From Marseille, one of the best things to do is see the Parc National des Calanques, which sits in between Marseille and the village of Cassis. Calanques are a type of inlet walled off by steep cliffs on either side, a natural feature of the region. They’re beautiful for hiking and swimming in the clear blue waters, or seen from the deck of a boat.

There are two ways to see the calanques. The first, which is cheaper, requires a whole day. Take the M08 bus (which costs €2.20) from Marseille to the town of Cassis, then hike the trail through the three major calanques: Port Miou, Port Pin, and d’En-vau. Bring some proper hiking shoes, a bathing suit for Port Pin, and pick up a paper map at the tourism office, because you’ll lose service the second you reach the trail. Port Miou and Port Pin are light hiking and family friendly, but the trail from Port Pin to d’En-vau will require a little more hiking cachet. Check bus schedules in advance, because you could get stuck waiting several hours for the next one. (There is a train to Cassis, but the station is far from the town and the national park.) Cassis isn’t much more than a pretty little harbor, so if you end up waiting there’s not much to entertain yourself with aside from the beach and a few restaurants.

The shorter option is to take a cruise boat through the Croisières Marseille Calanques . The two-hour “essential” trip costs €25 roundtrip, while the three-hour “integral” trip costs €30. You’ll get to visit 6 calanques between Sugiton and Sormiou with the “essential” trip, and 12 calanques between Port Miou and Sormiou with the “integral” trip. In this version, you skip Cassis altogether, and can do as many calanques as you could possibly want in an afternoon.

Aix-en-Provence

Technically part of the same metropolitan region, Aix-en-Provence can be viewed as Marseille’s snootier little sister. It’s about 45 minutes by train, or 30 minutes by bus ( the L050 ). Aix is a beautiful little town, kept impeccably cleaned and preserved by a thriving tourism industry. The city center can be walked in about 15 minutes top to bottom, but it’s worth getting lost in for a day. Very posh and a little pricey, it’s set up for a walking tour in the morning (check their tourism office ), a long lazy lunch, an afternoon of museums or shopping, and maybe an apéro or a light dinner before catching the train back to Marseille.

Glitzy, glamorous Cannes is known for its world-famous film festival in May, which kicks off the summer season with a bang. Pristine beaches dotted with restaurants where the beach umbrella alone will cost you a hefty fee make it a fabulous place to splurge for a weekend. But it’s also a convenient jumping off point thanks to the ferries that run from Cannes to places like Saint-Tropez and Juan-les-Pins during the high season.

Saint-Tropez

If you’re traveling without a car and dreaming about playing Brigitte Bardot in the resort town of Saint-Tropez, there’s only one main option to get there. From the end of May through the end of September (with only two trips per week in October and none in the winter or early spring), you can take a boat with the Trans Côte d’Azur ferry company from Cannes to Saint-Tropez. Depending on the month, there’s one ferry there in the morning, and one back in the evening, giving you about five hours to explore the town. It’s not cheap, at €55 roundtrip, and it’ll take you one hour and fifteen minutes each way.

Halfway between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is less flashy but just as prestigious. It’s fifteen minutes from Cannes by train, and costs about €3 each way. The Port Vauban, where the wealthy stash their Maltese superyachts, is larger than you might expect, so take your time meandering around it. Spend the morning hiking up the trail to the medieval Fort Carré, before the sun gets too hot, and take in the postcard views from the top of the fortress. Climb back down and get lunch in the village, then spend the afternoon looking at art in one of the city’s many small galleries, or in the Picasso Museum on the water. Stick around for dinner, or head back to Cannes at any time.

To complete the Riviera trifecta, once you’ve explored Cannes and Antibes, it’s time to go to Nice. Once a resort town for English and Russian aristocracies, Nice retains its old world, old money charm, while remaining true to the Italian, Corsican, and Occitan influences of the region. It shouldn’t take you more than two days to wander the Old Town, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, snack on socca from a cart at the market , and try to get comfortable on the city’s rocky beaches. But it’s a good connection point for seeing some of the smaller villages on the Côte d’Azur. The best way to do this is to rent a car (the smaller the better), though driving up the narrow, winding cliffside roads, with their razor sharp turns, is not for the faint of heart.

The medieval village of Èze is visible from a distance thanks to its hillside perch. There is technically a bus from Nice to Èze, but it drops you at the bottom of the mountain, and it’s an hour walk uphill from there, so you’re much better off going by car. It’s a truly magical place, with its tiny cobblestoned streets lined with stone houses, dripping with flowering vines. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into a fairytale, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity for a photo op. After you’ve spent the morning posing, stop at Deli’ for a delicious lunch, and don’t forget to pick up some local olive oil on your way out. (We mean it.)

Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Since Èze can be done in half a day, use your afternoon to explore Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is just a quick 15 minute drive south. Explore the Villa Ephrussi , a stunning pink Belle Époque mansion with expansive gardens, each inspired by a different country or theme. There’s also the “Greek Villa,” the Villa Kérylos , nearby. Finish up with dinner in Saint-Jean’s pretty little port. If you prefer an outdoorsy adventure, you can walk the trail around the peninsula of Saint-Jean, which takes roughly two hours, and gives you an option of beaches: the lowkey, local Plage des Marinières; or the upscale Paloma.

If you want to make a full-day trip to Saint-Jean, take the local train from Nice to Beaulieu-sur-Mer (about 10 minutes), do the villas in the morning, and save the hike or the beaches for the afternoon.

You actually don’t need a car to visit Menton from Nice, as you can take a local train that’ll get you there in about 40 minutes (about the same as the driving time). The bright reds, yellows, and oranges of the village’s houses, with their Italianate red tiled roofs, stand out strikingly against the rich blue of the ocean. It feels like stepping into a painting. Great for a half day of exploration and a gelato on the beach before taking the train back.

Saint Paul de Vence

Another half-day adventure, Saint Paul de Vence is a gorgeous bonus trip if you have the time. With similar medieval stone architecture to that of Èze, it’s a surprisingly arty little town full of galleries and pop art that really “pops” in its anachronistic setting. It’s a 40-minute drive east of Nice, far from the sea but surrounded by picturesque forests dotted with larger, more modern houses. Walk in the footsteps of artists like Marc Chagall, who spent the last three decades of his life in this little town.

What is the most affordable way to travel in South of France?

Many cities in the South of France can be reached by train, including Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence, which is far more affordable than renting a car.

What is the most affordable destination in France to visit?

France has many smaller towns that are beautiful but don’t have tourism economies, making them more affordable to visit.

Catherine Rickman is a writer and professional francophile who has lived in Paris, New York, and Berlin. She is currently road tripping around France, and you can follow her adventures on Instagram  @catrickman . All photos in this piece are hers, with the exception of Saint-Tropez, which was borrowed from Wikimedia Commons.

Also Read: 8 Tiny French Beach Towns to Escape to This Summer

Frenchly newsletter.

Get your weekly dose of frenchly’s news..

Between Earth and Sea: a Picturesque Summer Holiday in France with Explore Cognac

Noovo plus: capturing the essence of french elegance on american roads, exploring international education in paris: embrace the ermitage way of life , paris weather by month: average temperatures and packing tips.

You love France? This is your site! As an Amazon Associate, Frenchly earns from qualify purchases.

• Subscribe to the Newsletter
• Editorial Guidelines
• Privacy Policy
• Get in Touch
• Advertise with us

Frenchly Newsletter.

Get your weekly dose of frenchly stuff..

The Ultimate 4 Day South of France Itinerary

Disclosure Policy : Some links are affiliate links meaning I may make a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support!

The South of France is many people’s idea of a dream vacation and I couldn’t agree more. Especially in mid-Summer when the lavender fields are in bloom and you can take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.  The lifestyle is so relaxed and I can’t wait to return. Read on for trips and the ultimate South of France itinerary!

Table of Contents

What should I know?

You can arrive by train or plane into Nice or Marseille. You can also take the train into Avignon.  Wherever you land, I’d highly recommend renting a car so you can go at your own pace.  Driving here is not very stressful so it shouldn’t take away from your holiday bliss.

I’d recommend visiting in early July when the lavender fields are likely to be in full bloom and the weather is warm enough to swim in the sea.  If lavender isn’t a top priority, September would also be a great time once the summer holidays are over and the towns are a bit quieter (i.e. rates are lower).

South of France Itinerary Snapshot:

Day One : Nice to Provence

Day one assumes your south of France itinerary begins in Nice. You can either fly here or take the train from various cities in Europe. Pick up your rental car from the terminal and hit the road!

You’re first heading towards L’Isle sur la Sorgue which has a truly spectacular Sunday market that starts at 6am and starts to wrap up mid-afternoon (although officially it goes until 6pm).  The drive will take about 2.5 hours and remember you will be paying tolls along the way which can add up. Parking can be tough close to the market but there is plenty of free parking a little further outside of the city.  We parked along the Route de Cavaillon very easily.

Plan to spend a few hours walking around the market, perhaps purchasing some lavender (this is the cheapest and freshest lavender I saw available anywhere so I’d recommend scooping up those bags if you’re at all interested).  There is also lots of great linen, soap, etc. to purchase.  We had a roast chicken with potatoes from one of the vendors for lunch alongside the river which seemed to be a popular option. We also purchased the sweetest strawberries and flat peaches plus almond cookies from les Secrets de Lola.  I’d recommend stocking up on some snacks.

Once you’re content from your French market experience, consider checking out Avignon for an hour or two.  It will take you about 45 minutes to drive here from L’Isle sur la Sorgue.  Avignon is a fun city walk around but felt a bit touristy to us.  We stayed for about an hour (1/2 of which was spent driving in the narrow streets of the city center by accident! Try to park outside the city center and just walk in to save yourself a minor headache.)

From here, head to Pont du Gard.  I would highly recommend visiting Pont du Gard.   It’s an incredible aqueduct commissioned by the Romans and is the highest of all the Roman aqueducts.  It’s in really good shape so it’s worthwhile to see a piece of accessible history up close.  You will need to pay to enter the park and pay to park as well. If interested, you could plan to spend time alongside the river soaking in the turquoise waters.

From here, head to your accommodation.  I’d recommend staying in a B&B somewhere around Gordes.  We had a wonderful experience with Les chambres de’Adeline, although it was a little further out in Murs as we were trying to save some money.  Adeline’s breakfast was the best start to our day – she had a side pastry table because our regular breakfast table was so full of other goodies!  Her lavender honey for the pastries is something I swear I can still taste. For dinner, grab something in Gordes or enjoy snacks you purchased at the market on the patio of your B&B and overlook the valleys. 

Day Two: Provence to Nice

After a delicious French breakfast at your B&B, head to Sénanque Abbey to see a beautiful monastery with lavender in the front.  You don’t need to spend much time here but it is a lovely setting and great way to start your day.

Then, drive about 20 minutes to Rousillion.  En route, you may feel the need to pull off to see some of the lavender fields or stop at a farmer’s stand for some fresh strawberries, as we did.  While the town itself is a bit small and can feel a bit touristy, we enjoyed the quick walk at the Rousillon Ochre Trail.  The color of the soil is bright orange and feels a little out of this world.

After a big breakfast and snacks from the farmer’s stand, we were good for the afternoon and didn’t stop for lunch but you certainly could along the way.  Then, head to Plateau de Valensole to see more gorgeous lavender fields before driving south to the lovely turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix, where you can kayak the Verdon Gorge.  You can rent a kayak just south from the Pont du Galetas at a reasonable rate. 

Start your drive back to Nice now which should take about 2 hours.  The longer you stay off the main roads, the less you’ll pay in tolls but if you’re in a hurry, you can take the A8 earlier on to save about 15 minutes.

I’d recommend turning the car back in now as you don’t need a vehicle in Nice itself.  From the airport, you can take the city bus into Nice for €1.50.   There is a tourist bus (98 and 99) you can take but it’s more expensive and really doesn’t save you much time. Plus, I’d rather not take something that makes me stand out as a tourist.  Apparently, there is now an airport tram option as well into the city so check that out.

Check into your accommodation (we stayed at an Airbnb in the eastern part of Nice on Rue Neuve which was a great location) and then head out for dinner. 

We went to a local butcher (Chez Francis) to get a roast chicken and then grabbed some sides from the nearby grocery store (Monoprix) which worked out really well so we could have a low-key dinner at home.

If you still have some energy after this long day, walk the streets at night which are a gorgeous golden color in the night lights and stop for a gelato at Fenocchio.  This was one of my favorite nights of this south of France itinerary!

Day Three: Exploring Nice

Find a local bakery for some breakfast pastries.  We enjoyed Boulangerie Blanc.  Perhaps stroll through the flower market (Cours Saleya) and stock up on lavender if you didn’t get enough in Provence. 

From the market, head up the stairs to the top of Castle Hill.  En route you’ll have great views back over Nice and the sea. 

Consider this a great afternoon to just relax by the beach.  Note that it’s a pebble beach which I actually love because you don’t get sand stuck to everything, it can feel really good on your back and the sound of rocks knocking against each other as they come up to shore is the most tranquil sound. 

We love our time at the seaside reading books so we just grabbed a pizza from Al Taglio with a refreshing Coca-Cola and a San Pellegrino for our dinner and headed back to the beach.  We also had a piece of pecan pie we bought after our breakfast at Boulangerie Blanc that we enjoyed for dessert 🙂

Day Four: Day trip to Monaco

Consider checking out another bakery for some pastries before heading to the bus to Monaco for the easiest and cheapest day trip to another country ever.

To get to Monaco, you can take pubic bus #100 for just €1.50.  Don’t take the express bus, as it won’t go along the water the whole way which is part of the fun of this bus ride. 

Monaco is fun to walk around and there are beautiful parks.  Of course, check out the Casino.  Walk up to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco as well and you’ll have great views of the port along the way. 

If you’re interested in fine dining, there are plenty of options for you.  Most of the middle-range fare options I found felt a bit touristy or at least like nothing special.  Therefore, we decided to head back to Nice and eat there.

On your way back to Nice, you could consider stopping to see the beautiful Botanical Garden and walk Nietzche’s Footpath.  To get to Eze, you’ll take a different bus (I believe it’s Bus #112 you’ll catch from Monaco). There also appear to be more quaint restaurant options here if you’d like to eat before heading back to Nice (on bus #112 or 82 I think – check out bestofniceblog.com for more information).

Once back in Nice, consider walking alongside the Promenade des Anglais this evening before dinner. For dinner, try the local food Socca.  We went to Chez Theresa in the old part of town for socca and pizza slices which were delicious.  From here, we went back to Fenocchio for one more delicious gelato.

Of course, there are many options for post dinner drinks to toast a wonderful time in the South of France!

Are you ready to plan this ultimate South of France itinerary?! For more global trip inspiration, read my articles here !

If you have more time, consider adding on a day in Marseilles, stopping by Cannes or plan for some time at the smaller, more local beaches between Nice and Monaco which you can get to on Bus #100.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

You may also enjoy...

The Ultimate 8 Day Itinerary to Banff National Park and Jasper

11 Epic Things To Do in Key West Florida

A Mid Century Modern Living Room with Room & Board

The Ultimate South of France Itinerary: One Week Road Trip Guide and Map

• Pinterest 361

Trying to plan out your South of France Itinerary? Here’s how to hit the highlights on a one-week road trip. 

The South of France is heaven on earth. It smells like fresh lavender, has delicious cheese and boasts pristine nature that inspired some of the world’s most renowned artists.

The ideal time of year to visit is in the summer when the lavender and sunflower fields are in bloom. This is also the most in-demand season but thankfully Provence is filled with wide open spaces so it rarely feels crowded. 

The best way to see the region is by renting a car and driving yourself since public transport is sparse between villages and arranged tours don’t allow you to see things at your own schedule. Driving here is easy — you drive on the right side of the road, tolls are automatically billed to your credit card and there’s ample parking outside of the big cities. You can rent a car with just your license and passport. 

The following is a schedule I put together for one week in the South of France, allowing you to hit all the major highlights in record time. You can still follow this itinerary if you go during a different season besides summer but the route won’t be as scenic. It will also be significantly harder to drive on narrow mountain roads come winter. 

Day 1: Arrive in France 

Flying into Paris is likely your most affordable option, so I suggest you start there. You can take a day to acclimate and enjoy the city, perhaps stopping by the Eiffel Tower or going to a museum you haven’t seen before if this is a return visit. 

Another option is to fly into Nice or Marseilles. Choose whichever one gets you there the cheapest since you have a long drive ahead of you either way.

No matter where you fly into, take it easy on the first day and make sure you have lots of energy before you hit the road. 

Day 2: Head to Provence 

From Paris you can catch a high-speed train to Avignon, where you can rent a car. I picked up a car in Avignon and returned it to Nice when the week was over. Avignon is the middle of Provence and makes a great starting point. I passed through the city but you can feel free to explore a little when you arrive. 

If you’re not coming from Paris, you can head straight to Saint Remy de Provence . Once there, I recommend that you go for lunch at Da Peppe , they serve pasta in a cheese wheel that’s orgasmic. 

Afterwards, head to Monastery Saint-Paul de Mausole , where Vincent Van Gogh was committed and spent his later years. You can see a model of his room there, the same one featured in the famous painting, “The Bedroom.”

When you’re ready, go south towards Arles. On the way, stop by Carrières de Lumières , a former quarry that projects images of art onto the interior walls, played to music. It is absolutely magical, so much so that the popular Atelier des Lumieres was created in Paris in its image. 

Day 3: Explore Arles 

Arles is where Van Gogh lived and worked for many years, creating more than 300 paintings and drawing. The main draw here is the Van Gogh walking trail , which allows you to visit the real-life places featured in his masterpieces, like the view of the Rhone in starry night over the Rhone and the yellow cafe seen in Cafe Terrace at Night. 

There’s a visitor’s center where you can get a map to do a self-guided tour on your own for €1. If you go at a leisurely pace, it’ll take you roughly half a day. You can also do a guided tour, offered by the Tourism Office on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the late afternoon or take a bike tour of the city. 

RELATED POST: FINDING VAN GOGH IN ARLES ON A SELF-GUIDED ART ROUTE

Day 4: Gordes and Rousillon

The next morning, head from Arles to Gordes to visit the Senanque Abbey . You’ll need to get an early start as the drive over is filled with magnificent sunflower fields and you’ll be tempted to stop every five minutes.

The Senanque Abbey is one of the most photographed places in Provence and is packed with people who want to capture the lavender fields. Aim to be there before 10 a.m. so you can beat the tour buses. 

Next, head to Fontaine-de-Vaucluse . The area is built around a natural spring and is beautiful for just walking around and perusing. When you’re ready, make your way to  Rousillon . This is a unique village with red rock formations that are great for hiking. Hit the road by 3-4 p.m. since you have to drive to Castellane and it’s a long, windy mountain road to get there.

If you have time you can stop by the L’Occitane Factory in Manosque on the way, getting fancy hand lotion straight from the source. 

RELATED POST: VISITING THE SENANQUE ABBEY IN GORDES, FRANCE

Day 5: Castellane

The main reason to go to Castellane is to visit the Gorge du Verdon , widely regarded as the Grand Canyon of Europe. This gorgeous, turquoise river ends in lake called Lac de Sainte Croix . Here, you can rent paddleboat or kayaks and take in the gorgeous setting. This is the perfect activity on a warm summer day.

Those looking for adventure can find different outfitters in Castellane that offer everything from climbing to canyoning. If you visit in the winter, the mountains near the gorge have skiing available. 

RELATED POST: HOW TO VISIT LAC DE SAINTE CROIX IN CASTELLANE, FRANCE

Day 6: Cannes 

Cannes is a resort town on the French Riviera widely known for its international film festival. This is a place to relax after a long week of sightseeing and is a favorite of the rich and famous. Sit in the sun, have a drink and stroll the Promenade de la Croisette .

If you’re a fan of fine fragrances, visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie to see how perfume is made. Cannes offers more by way of shopping and yachting than arts and culture, so if you’re looking for the latter spend a day in Marseilles after Arles instead. 

Day 7: Nice

Finish your week-long road trip in Nice. There are several museums here, including the Matisse Museum , but if it’s a sunny day you won’t want to be indoors. Walk throughout old Nice, with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings.

If you want to be transported to a different destination, check out the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral. It boasts traditional Russian architecture reminiscent of the famous church in Russia and a collection of national artifacts inside. 

I always take advantage of the opportunity to see Russian art when available since it’s not allowed to leave the country without permission and, as such, is rarely seen outside of Russian borders. 

While there’s no shortage of things to do in Nice , you can also get to Monaco in under an hour by bus or train, knocking out the second smallest country in the world in one afternoon. 

There are many ways that you could mold this itinerary to fit your needs. You could start and end in Nice or Marseilles. You could do it backwards, from the French Riviera heading inwards to Provence. 

You also have the ability to extend your stay at certain places, or cut out cities and attractions altogether. No matter your preferences, the South of France is always a good idea.

Till next time, safe travels!  

My Amazon Picks:

Note, this post contains affiliate links. See my privacy policy for details.

Liked this post? Pin me below:

Faith Coates

Wednesday 18th of March 2020

I was headed to France before CV but had to cancel so I get to enjoy it vicariously through your article so I will be prepared for my trip.

Friday 2nd of August 2019

this is very nice and the places are unique from other places most people visit,

Monday 20th of May 2019

As I am French I can confirm that this road trip is very interesting. Thank you for highlighting my beautiful country that is a little tormented now ... Congratulations on this beautiful article!

Jen on a Jet Plane

Saturday 25th of May 2019

I appreciate that Coco, I absolutely fell in love with your country!

Wednesday 27th of March 2019

This is really a great article! I love it when people use Google maps embedded in their blog posts. This makes your blog post such a great ressource when touring around France!

Thursday 28th of March 2019

Thank you Sarah, happy to be of service!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

Dreaming of the South of France

It's time to plan your very own French fairy tale in magical le Midi.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

From the fragrant lavender fields of Provence and the beautiful beaches of the Côte d'Azur to the renowned vineyards of the Rhône Valley, there are endless reasons to visit the South of France. While some travelers arrive looking for flashy five-star hotels, designer shopping, and A-list celebs, others hope to lose themselves in twisting cobblestone streets, sprawling farmlands, and quiet hilltop villages. Whatever your style, you're sure to leave feeling lucky to have experienced this spectacular slice of European paradise.

Related Articles

One-week South of France by train itinerary

Posted on Last updated: June 5, 2024

Explore the South of France by train in just one week on this Provence and Côte d’Azur rail itinerary, visiting historic towns and coastal resorts including Avignon, Arles, Cassis, Antibes, Nice and Monaco.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Soak up the sunshine and sea air on this South of France by train itinerary which takes you through Provence and along the glamorous Côte d’Azur. Starting in the historic cities of Avignon and Arles, the route heads southeast to the fishing village of Cassis before hugging the coastline as it passes through Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Èze and Monaco.

The fairly short distances mean you can explore the region in one week without spending too much time travelling. This South of France rail itinerary will show you which trains to take, how much they cost, how to book and what to see and do along the way.

Day 1: Avignon

Start your South of France by train trip with a full day in Avignon . It’s one of Provence’s biggest cities, with impressive art and architecture thanks to the 14th-century Popes, who fled Rome and made Avignon their base. Take a look around the Palais des Papes – their huge fortress palace is now a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next door is the Musée du Petit Palais, which specialises in Italian religious art and is just one of Avignon’s five art museums. Shop for tasty Provençal produce at the Las Halles Markets or just grab an aperitif and watch the world go by in Place de l’Horloge.

Or you can dance Sur le Pont d’Avignon (on the Avignon Bridge). It partly collapsed in the mid-17th century so don’t try to get all the way across, but was immortalised in a French children’s song. Instead you can take a short trip on the free ferry to L’île de la Barthelasse, a peaceful 700-hectare island with miles of walking and cycling paths.

Where to stay in Avignon: La Banasterie * is the oldest B&B in Avignon, in a 16th-century building close to the Palais des Papes. Its six rooms – three standard, two suites and an apartment – are set around a terrace. There’s lots of communal space, with four lounges including a bar and library, and a gourmet breakfast is included.

Read more: Ponts and palaces: The best things to do in Avignon

Day 2: Day trip to Arles

The following morning, take a day trip to the nearby city of Arles. Local TER (regional) trains run from Avignon Central station to Arles around once an hour and take 20 minutes – for example you could catch the 09.53 and be in Arles at 10.12. You don’t need to reserve TER trains and fares are fixed so you can buy tickets at the station on the day.

Arles is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and there are plenty of well-preserved remnants of its Roman past. Like Les Arènes amphitheatre which was constructed in 90 AD, the Théâtre Antique d’Arles and the Thermes de Constantin Roman baths.

Wander through the picturesque streets which inspired Vincent Van Gogh, who painted over 200 paintings in just one year (and cut off his ear) while living in Arles. Some of his works are on display at the Van Gogh Foundation alongside those of other artists. You can also visit the Place du Forum which inspired his painting Café Terrace at Night .

Alternatively, instead of Arles you could take a day trip from Avignon to the Luberon lavender fields * or the Côtes du Rhône wine villages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas .* But neither are easy to reach by public transport so are best done on a tour.

Day 3: Avignon > Cassis

The next day, catch the train for the 1 hour 25 minute journey to Cassis . First take the 09.14 train from Avignon Centrale for the five-minute journey to Avignon TGV station on the edge of town. There you catch the 09.50 OUIGO high-speed train to Marseille, arriving at 10.24, where you change onto the 10.44 TER service to Cassis that gets in at 11.39.

Cassis is a pretty Provençal fishing village, with a harbour full of colourful fishing boats surrounded by restaurants and overlooked by a hilltop castle (now a luxury B&B). Stroll the backstreets, shop for local Marseille soap and feast on local seafood.

Cassis also has some lovely sandy beaches – the Plage de la Grande Mer is closest to town and Plage du Bestouan just a short walk away. But some of the best beaches are in the Calanques National Park on the edge of town. Calanques are steep-sided rocky inlets and the park has 26 of them – you can explore the closest on foot or on a boat trip.

Where to stay in Cassis: The Art Deco Hôtel Les Roches Blanches * is right on the seafont, with terraced gardens leading down to the water. This historic hotel, which hosted big names like Winston Churchill and Edith Piaf, has been restored in five-star style, with infinity and waterfall pools, a spa, three restaurants and a waterfront bar.

Read more: Castles and calanques: The best things to do in Cassis

Day 4: Cassis > Cannes and Antibes

Next head east towards the glittering Côte d’Azur. First take a 08.27 TER local train from Cassis to Toulon (note that Cassis station is on the edge of town so it’s easiest to take a taxi there), then change onto the 09.15 TGV to Cannes, which arrives at 10.35.

Spend the next few hours in Cannes (there are lockers at the train station if you need to store your bags). As the home of the famous film festival, Cannes is synonymous with glamour. Promenade along the Boulevard de la Croisette, window shop in designer boutiques, pose on the film festival red carpet, or visit the old quarter Le Suquet.

After lunch, get back on the train for the short journey on to Antibes . It only takes 11 minutes by TER local train and there are frequent departures, so you can choose what time you want to leave. Then spend the rest of the day exploring Antibes.

The 16th-century walled town of Vieil Antibes is a maze of narrow cobbled streets and pastel buildings, with waves crashing on the ramparts. Over the years it’s inspired artists like Monet and Picasso, whose former home is now the Musée Picasso *. Or discover a more modern Antibes’ with superyacht spotting in the Mediterrean’s largest marina.

Where to stay in Antibes: The Mas Djoliba * hotel is in a quiet area just a few minutes’ walk from the beach, surrounded by beautiful gardens and with an outdoor pool, terrace and petanque court. Its 13 bedrooms are spread over three floors, with a mix of singles, doubles and triples, as well as two suites with a sea-view or garden terrace.

Read more: Boats and beaches: The best things to do in Antibes

Day 5: Antibes > Nice

Spend the morning seeing more of Antibes. If the sun is shining (and it usually is), there are several sandy beaches running to the south of the old town. Or you can take a walk across the headland to the neighbouring Art Deco seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins.

Take a lunchtime train to Nice, like the 12.20 TER service from Antibes which arrives at 12.47 (again there are lots of trains along this route so you can leave earlier or later if you prefer as fares are fixed and you don’t need to book in advance). Then you have the afternoon to spend in Nice, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights.

Explore the narrow streets of Vieux Nice with an audioguide walking tour ,* which takes in the Cours Saleya food and flower market, Saint Reparata Cathedral, the Colline du Château with its panoramic views across the bay and Lympia Port. Then end the day with a sunset walk past the palm trees along the seafront Promenade des Anglais.

Where to stay in Nice: Palais Salaya * has a great location right in the pedestrianised heart of Nice’s Old Town. An 18th-century townhouse has been converted into 26 luxurious rooms, suites and apartments sleeping two to eight people, each with their own kitchens. It’s smartly decorated with white walls and bright, colourful artworks and textiles.

Day 6: Day trip to Èze and Monaco

The train line running along the coastline means Nice is in a great location to take day trips around the area. And today’s itinerary takes in two contrasting destinations nearby – the medieval hilltop town of Èze and the millionaires’ playground of Monte Carlo.

Both are connected to Nice by train and bus (all trains today are local TER trains so don’t need to be booked in advance). Èze is just 13 minutes by train from Nice, but the train stops at Èze-sur-Mer and the main village of Èze is perched on a cliff above, so it’s a 45-minute climb or you can catch the bus either from the train station or direct from Nice.

Medieval Èze is surrounded by thick walls, and inside there’s a maze of cobbled streets filled with hotels, restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and craft workshops. Visit L’Eglise d’Èze and admire the views from the Jardin Exotique d’Èze gardens.

Then travel on from Èze to Monaco after lunch. Again there’s the choice of the train from Èze-sur-Mer, which takes 7 minutes, or the bus either to the train station or direct to Monaco. Glitzy Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and is known for its royal family, its casino, its Grand Prix and its huge number of millionaires.

Wander around the Old Town and visit the Prince’s Palace, admire the views from the Port de Fontvieille viewpoint, walk the Formula 1 track and watch the high-rollers in the casino. Then have dinner in Monaco before heading back to Nice – the journey takes 23 minutes and trains run at least every 30 minutes so you can stay out as long as you like.

Day 7: Nice

Spend the final day of your South of France by train trip trying a few more things to do in Nice . The city has lots of museums, with two dedicated to the artists Henry Matisse and Marc Chagall, modern and contemporary art at the MAMAC, and over 500 vintage musical instruments at the Palais Lascaris. Or just catch a last burst of sun on the beach.

Then if you’re flying back home, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is a 10-minute walk from Nice Saint-Augustin station, which is five minutes by train from Nice Ville.

If you’ve got more time to spare, you can travel further east along the coast from Nice into Italy. The towns of Ventimiglia (60 minutes) and San Remo (90 minutes) are just over the border. Or carry on to the city of Genoa (3 hours), where you can pick up the coastal train which runs through the villages of the Cinque Terre . There are also direct daytime and sleeper services between Nice and Paris (from 5 hours 40 minutes).

How much does it cost?

When you’re planning a South of France rail trip, you can either book individual tickets or get a railpass, which can be a better deal if you’re under 28, want more flexibility or are booking late. Here’s how the prices break down for the two different options on this route.

Individual tickets

Ticket prices vary depending on how early you book, with a limited number of cheap tickets available. So book as early as possible – on most routes you can book four months in advance – but beware these tickets are non-transferable so you’re tied to a specific train. Using the cheapest fares, the cost of trains on this route starts at €79.20.

• Avignon > Arles: €8.70 each way (fixed price)
• Avignon > Cassis: from €19
• Cassis > Cannes: from €24.60
• Cannes > Antibes: €3.30 (fixed price)
• Antibes > Nice: €5.20 (fixed price)
• Nice > Èze > Monaco > Nice: €3.10 + €2.20 + €4.40 (all fixed price)

The railpass option

There are also various rail passes available through InterRail (for European residents) and Eurail (for non-European residents), which cover individual countries or the whole region and are valid for different periods of time, varying from four days to three months.

The South of France by train itinerary involves five travel days in one country, so the best option is the One Country France pass for 5 travel days within 1 month . This costs €207 adults, €179 youths (aged 12–27) or €186 seniors (aged 60+) in second class.

As well as the pass, you also need to pay an extra compulsory reservation fee if you’re using France’s high-speed, long-distance trains or sleeper services – but not TER trains.

The only journey passholders need to make a reservation for on this itinerary is Cassis to Cannes, which costs €12. But passes aren’t valid on OUIGO low-cost train services, so you would need to take an earlier or later train from Avignon to Cassis.

Reservations can be made at any train station or online through the InterRail/Eurail reservations service for a fee of €2. I’ve recommended the quickest and easiest routes. But you can often avoid reservation fees by taking local trains which usually don’t require reservations – though they’re likely to be slower with more changes along the way.

How to book

If you’re not using a rail pass, the two trips worth booking in advance are Avignon to Cassis and Cassis to Cannes, as there are cheap advance tickets available. The other tickets are all on TER local trains so you can buy them at the station on the day for the same price.

There are a variety of websites where you can book French train journeys, but often the best deals are though the official railway company site, which is SNCF Connect for France.

You can also book tickets for European trains with Omio * or The Trainline . The advantage is they cover multiple countries, you can see prices in €, £ or $, use international credit cards and print or use mobile tickets, but they do charge a small booking fee.

Don’t want to do it yourself? You can also book a custom trip based on this South of France by train itinerary through our partners Byway ,* the flight-free holiday platform. And you can save £100 off your first booking using the code LUCE100 if you book before the end of June 2024.

Looking for somewhere to stay in the South of France?

Save for later

You might also like

10 fabulous French weekend break ideas

Europe by train: Five great one-week rail trip routes

Tips for planning a European rail trip on a budget

Saturday 27th of May 2023

Thank you very much for this itinerary.

I've found that coming up with a good itinerary for France via train was a bit tougher than I expected. This is very helpful!

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

Thanks – great to hear it was useful!

• How to Tie a Tie
• Best Coffee Beans
• How to Shape a Beard
• Best Sweaters for Men
• Most Expensive Cognac
• Monos vs Away Luggage
• Best Luxury Hotel Chains
• Fastest Cars in the World
• Ernest Hemingway Books
• What Does CBD Feel Like?
• Canada Goose Alternatives
• Fastest Motorcycles in the World

The best places to visit in the south of France: These charming spots are must-see

Is le midi calling your name.

Are you thinking about visiting the south of France? Southern France, also known in French as le Midi, consists of the regions of France that border the Atlantic Ocean, Spain , and the Mediterranean Sea. From the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera to the historic towns nestled in Provence, this region offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. If this area is calling your name, then consider these south of France cities and towns for your next getaway.

Saint-Tropez

Montpellier, plan your trip to the south of france today.

Nice is nestled on the French Riviera and boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The city is both beautiful and historic, with several cultural gems located around the city. Whether you want to relax on a pristine beach or take a walk down charming cobblestone streets, Nice has something for you.

Things to do

• Marc Chagall National Museum: This museum is home to an impressive collection of Chagall’s works.
• Old Town: Explore the narrow streets of Old Town, which features shops, cafes, and Baroque architecture.
• Promenade des Anglais: This iconic seaside boulevard is perfect for a peaceful walk.

Cannes is one of the best south of France cities and is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Famous for its annual film festival, its palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette is adorned with lavish hotels and luxury boutiques. Visitors in Cannes can relax on white sandy beaches, explore historic sites, and indulge in fresh seafood with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.

• What to do in Nashville: Don’t miss out on these incredible activities
• Olympian Tom Daley shares his top European travel spots for sports enthusiasts
• Travel tips: Why you need to set a flight alert even after you book a flight
• La Croisette: Walk this famous promenade lined with luxury boutiques and hotels.
• Palais des Festivals: Visit the venue of the renowned Cannes Film Festival.
• Mus é e des explorations du monde: This museum features 19th-century Riviera landscape art and instruments in a medieval tower.

Saint-Tropez, a former fishing village turned glamorous resort town, is easily one of the best places to visit in the south of France. Its iconic port is lined with luxury yachts from all over the world, while its cobblestone streets are filled with several shops, restaurants, and galleries for visitors to enjoy. Saint-Tropez is also known for its nightlife scene, which has long attracted artists and celebrities from all over the world.

• La Citadelle: Walk around this 17th-century fortress and enjoy the panoramic views.
• Plage de Pampelonne: Relax on this world-famous beach.
• Old Port: In this area, you’ll find luxury yachts and waterfront dining options.

Avignon is located in the heart of Provence and is known for its rich culture and beautiful architecture. The breathtaking Palais des Papes stands as a testament to its former papal power, while the iconic Pont d’Avignon bridges the Rh ô ne River. If you are visiting in July, then check out the Festival d’Avignon, which is the oldest existent festival in France.

• Avignon Festival: If you are visiting in July, check out this performing arts festival.
• Palace of the Popes: Tour this iconic Gothic palace.
• Mus é e de Petit Palais: This art museum features works by artists from the Renaissance era.

Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its beautiful architecture and Roman treasures. The well-preserved Roman Amphitheatre hosts several events throughout the year, while the cityscape was the inspiration for many of Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings. The city was first built in 6th Century BC, and is now home to over 50,000 people.

• Roman Amphitheatre: This ancient arena is still in use today.
• Van Gogh Trail: Follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh, who painted many of his masterpieces here.
• Camargue Natural Park: Explore unique wildlife at this nearby park.

Marseille is France’s oldest city, founded in 600 BC by Greek settlers. This vibrant city is a main landing point for immigrants from the other side of the Mediterranean Sea and is therefore a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and landscapes. Marseille is home to several eclectic neighborhoods, a vibrant arts scene, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

• Basilica of Notre-Dame of la Garde: This grand basilica is located at the city’s highest point.
• Château d’If: Take a boat out to this gorgeous island, which features a 16th-century castle and former prison. 
• Marseille Cathedral: Take a walk around this luxurious 1800s cathedral.

When visiting the south of France, Montpellier is a must-see. Its elegant boulevards are peppered with fountains and cafes, while its medieval old town boasts winding streets and hidden squares. Home to the prestigious University of Montpellier, the city buzzes with cultural events, vibrant nightlife, and a youthful energy.

• Place de la Com édie: Wander around this central square at the heart of the city.
• Museé Fabre: Admire this museum’s impressive collection of European art.
• Promenade du Peyrou: Take a stroll through this area and enjoy views of the Arc de Triomphe and aqueduct.

Mougins is a quaint hilltop village situated in the French Riviera. This cozy village is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean, making it the perfect relaxing getaway for travelers to the south of France. If you want to enjoy a taste of city life when visiting the area, Cannes is just a 15-minute drive from Mougins.

• Museum of Classical Art: This museum features works by Picasso and Warhol, as well as ancient art.
• Parc de la Valmasque: Enjoy a walk or picnic in this beautiful park.
• Mougins Village: Wander through this charming old village filled with art galleries and cozy restaurants.

The south of France offers a wide variety of experiences for all types of travelers. From the glitz of Cannes to the peaceful beauty of Mougins, the south of France promises an unforgettable travel experience.

For the best weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting these south of France cities during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). However, each season brings its own unique charm, from the amazing festivals of summer to the festive Christmas markets of winter.

Editors' Recommendations

• Need travel inspiration? These are the absolute best places to visit in July
• This is the best time to visit Portugal
• How to check for bed bugs: Every traveler needs to know this
• These are the 10 best things to do in San Diego, according to a local
• Don’t commit a faux pas: Your guide to tipping around the world
• Advice and how-tos
• Advice and insights
• Destinations

Finding cheap flights can feel like a full-time job, with prices varying wildly across different booking sites and search engines. Spend too little time searching, and you could easily overpay. But go down an endless rabbit hole of flight searches, and the "deal" you scored may not be worth the hassle. 

The good news is that not all flight search engines are created equal. Some make it easier to find great deals without the headache of combing through countless options and websites. When you use the right flight booking site for your needs, you can take the stress out of trip planning while still saving big. 

When you want to escape, Switzerland provides the ultimate playground. Jagged peaks cut into the horizon, the high alpine putting nature’s majesty on display. Hiking and biking trails let you roam and explore, with vast meadows and vistas around every turn. World-class terrain greets skiers and snowboarders, like Mont Fort at 4 Vallées in Verbier. Cuisines like fondue or Älplermagronen offer unique tastes and textures.

That’s a lot to take in, and if it’s your first time, you might be wondering the best time to visit Switzerland. If you’re looking for low crowds and good deals, specific periods let you play on a budget. On the other hand, different seasons feature ideal weather or winter fun. Whatever you’re after, we’ll steer you right on your alpine vacation. The Alps on a budget or perfect weather? Here’s when to visit Switzerland

With its 750 miles of total coastline presenting idyllic beaches, clear, warm waters, and some of the best surfing, fishing, diving, and snorkeling spot on Earth, many people associate Hawaii's opportunities for outdoor recreation with the water. But if you fail to look inland and don't discover that hiking Hawaii in a golden opportunity, you're missing out -- big time.

Like the biggest mountain on Earth, if you measure Mauna Kea from its base under the ocean to its summit at 13,803 feet above sea level. Like Hi'ilawe Falls, a waterfall with a main drop some 1,200 feet in height. Like miles of perfectly pristine beaches completely devoid of human development.

• Cover Letters
• Jobs I've Applied To
• Saved Searches
• Subscriptions

Marine Corps

Coast guard.

• Space Force
• Military Podcasts
• Benefits Home
• Military Pay and Money
• Veteran Health Care
• VA eBenefits
• Veteran Job Search
• Military Skills Translator
• Upload Your Resume
• Veteran Employment Project
• Vet Friendly Employers
• Career Advice
• Military Life Home
• Military Trivia Game
• Veterans Day
• Spouse & Family
• Military History
• Discounts Home
• Featured Discounts
• Veterans Day Restaurant Discounts
• Electronics
• Join the Military Home
• Contact a Recruiter
• Military Fitness

Russian Flotilla Off Florida Coast Sparks Deployment of US Navy Destroyers, Planes

The Pentagon deployed three Navy destroyers and maritime patrol aircraft this week to keep tabs on a group of Russian ships that conducted missile exercises and reportedly got within 30 miles of the Florida coast.

"In accordance with standard procedure, we've been actively monitoring the Russian ships as they transit the Atlantic Ocean within international waters," a defense official, who spoke on the condition his name not be used, told Military.com in an emailed statement Wednesday.

The official added that "air and maritime assets under U.S. Northern Command have conducted operations to ensure the defense of the United States and Canada," but wouldn't elaborate on what those assets were. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh also wasn't able to offer specifics at a briefing to reporters Wednesday.

Read Next: Lasting Grief but Few Answers: Families of Troops Killed in Osprey Crashes React to Hearing on Troubled Aircraft

In contrast, Russia has been very clear about what ships were deployed and what they were up to.

Russian state-run media announced last week that a group of four ships, including a frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine, would be making a port call in Havana between June 12 and June 17.

On Tuesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in an online post that the ships conducted exercises in the use of "high-precision missile weapons in the Atlantic Ocean" and included video shot aboard the vessels.

"As part of the exercise, the crews of a frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine practiced the use of high-precision missile weapons using computer-simulated naval targets that represent naval groups of a mock enemy and are located at a distance of over 600 kilometers," the statement said, while noting no missiles were launched.

The Pentagon would not say what U.S. assets were deployed in response to the Russian presence, but online amateur analysts used public flight and ship-tracking data to identify the three destroyers as the USS Truxtun, USS Donald Cook and USS Delbert D. Black on Tuesday.

They also identified U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft as part of the response.

The defense official who spoke with Military.com on Wednesday would go only so far as to say that the Navy's U.S. 2nd Fleet, U.S. 4th Fleet, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area and Canadian Joint Task Force Atlantic were all "conducting routine operations throughout the Atlantic, and we will continue to operate and engage from a position of strength."

A Defense Department photo of the Truxtun taken last week noted that the destroyer was sailing with the Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Québec and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stone -- two ships that online analysts also suspected to be responding to the Russians.

Online analysts also estimated that the Russian flotilla got within 25 miles of shore. The Miami Herald, citing unnamed U.S. officials, reported that the ships sailed "less than 30 miles off South Florida's coast" on Tuesday.

According to images uploaded to sites such as Telegram by Russian state-run outlets, the Russian ships , including the frigate and the submarine, pulled into Havana on Wednesday.

Singh, the Pentagon spokeswoman, downplayed the presence of the flotilla by telling reporters that "we've seen them do this -- these type of port calls before -- and these are routine naval visits that we've seen under different administrations."

"We're always constantly going to monitor any foreign vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters ... but these exercises don't pose a threat to the United States," she added.

However, unlike prior port visits that involved less-advanced Russian vessels, the submarine and the frigate are some of the newest and most advanced Russian warships currently in that country's arsenal.

The frigate, the "Admiral Gorshkov," was commissioned in 2018.

Meanwhile, the submarine, the "Kazan," was commissioned in 2021 and is similar to U.S. guided-missile nuclear submarines, capable of carrying a range of anti-ship and land attack missiles, including the hypersonic "Zircon" anti-ship missile, according to an analysis by the U.K.-based think tank Royal United Services Institute , or RUSI.

RUSI's report noted that the Kazan has " a reported level of quietness comparable to the very best Western [nuclear submarines] and a long-range strike capability which exceeds that seen on most Western assets."

USNI News reported in 2014 that a U.S. Navy official in charge of its submarine program was so impressed with that class of Russian submarine that he had a model of the lead boat -- the Severodvinsk -- placed outside his office so that he could look at it daily.

The defense official who spoke with Military.com said that, while Russian naval visits to Cuba are routine, they have "ratcheted up because of U.S. support to Ukraine and exercise activity in support of our NATO allies."

"We should expect more of this activity going forward," the official added.

Related: Navy Relieved 12 Commanders in 6 Months -- Including 3 Firings that Were Never Publicly Announced

Konstantin Toropin

You May Also Like

Troops with the illnesses who served in specific geographic areas since the Persian Gulf War may be eligible for disability...

Lt. Col. Laurence Paik, who is assigned as a reserve intelligence and foreign area officer with the Marine Innovation Unit...

NATO members agreed last year to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. The surge in spending reflects...

Lt. Col. Ryan Vazquez also testified that there were limitations on forcing the gunman, reservist Robert Card, to adhere to a...

Military News

• Investigations and Features
• Military Opinion

Select Service

• National Guard

Most Popular Military News

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in an online post that the ships conducted exercises in the use of "high-precision...

A decade of declining recruitment numbers for the Army is almost entirely attributable to a significant drop in male...

The service announced Friday that it relieved Cmdr. David Ruhlig on June 3 "due to a loss of confidence in his ability to...

For the second year in a row, the House approved its version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, mostly along...

The U.S. military launched the disinformation campaign following a decision by then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper to loosen...

Latest Benefits Info

• Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI): What You Need to Know
• 8 Keys to Understanding VA Loan Occupancy Rules
• Paying for School with Federal Aid
• The GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program Explained
• VA Health Care Eligibility

More Military Headlines

The jury selection process is raising alarm for Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart's defense team, especially given that only six of...

A pair of bills advanced last week in the House seeks to end the mission that was billed as the Biden administration's...

• Lawmakers Move to Defund US Military's Gaza Aid Pier After Torrent of Problems
• Army Lieutenant Colonel Says Lewiston Shooter Had 'Low Threat' Profile upon Leaving Hospital
• 'A Betrayal': How a Decorated Army Officer Fell from Grace in a University ROTC Sex Scandal
• Court-Martial for Air Force General Accused of Sexual Assault Being Held This Week in Texas
• State Air Guard Units Could Be Moved to Space Force Despite Governors' Opposition Under Senate Proposal
• Lasting Grief but Few Answers: Families of Troops Killed in Osprey Crashes React to Hearing on Troubled Aircraft
• A Year After the Titan's Tragic Dive, Deep-Sea Explorers Vow to Pursue Ocean's Mysteries
• US Aircraft Carrier Counters False Houthi Claims with 'Taco Tuesdays' as Deployment Stretches On
• US Military Targets Houthi Radar Sites in Yemen After a Merchant Sailor Goes Missing

Military Benefits Updates

• The Next Deadline for Backdated PACT Act Payments Is Coming Soon. Here’s What You Need to Know
• VA Fertility Benefits for Military Veterans
• Virginia Veterans Rally the Troops, State Leaders in Support of Education Benefits
• Into the Deep: Marine Breaks National Freediving Record with 73-Meter Plunge into Mexico Sinkhole
• Massive Search at Hawaii Marine Corps Training Ground Fails to Find Alleged Poachers Carrying Gun, Knife
• Marine Corps Museum Opens 'Respite Room' as New Way to Help Visitors Deal with PTSD
• Coast Guard Relieves Commander of Biggest Station for Failing to Act on Harassment Claims
• From the Coast Guard to NASA: How Andre Douglas Became a Rarity Among Astronauts

Entertainment

• Watch 'Band of Brothers' Cast Members Jump into Normandy for D-Day's 80th Anniversary
• ‘World of Tanks’ Wants You to Invade Normandy During D-Day
• Idris Elba Explores the Lost Stories of World War II Service Members of Color in Nat Geo's 'Erased'

Exploring the South of France: A Road Trip Adventure

W hen one envisions France, they might picture the Eiffel Tower, croissants or the romantic streets of Paris. While these iconic images certainly define the country, there’s another side of France. It’s more serene, sun-kissed and splendid side waiting to be discovered in the South of France.

For your next vacation consider a road trip through the South of France from four major cities: Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Marseille.

Why Road Trip the South of France?

France is known for its efficient rail system and well-connected cities, but road tripping offers a different perspective. It allows you to break free from schedules and create your own adventure. The South of France is a road tripper’s dream. The region has diverse landscapes from the azure waters of the Mediterranean to the rolling vineyards of Provence and the picturesque villages of the French Riviera. A road trip provides the freedom to explore these treasures at your own pace.

Getting Started: Renting a Car

Before you hit the road, you’ll need a reliable set of wheels. Renting a car in France is relatively straightforward. Major cities, like Cannes, Nice, Monaco and Marseille, have several rental agencies. Booking in advance online is often the best approach to secure a competitive rate and ensure the availability of your preferred vehicle.

Cannes: Where the Glitz Meets the Sea

Start your South of France road trip in Cannes, a city synonymous with glamour and the world-famous film festival. From Cannes, set your course eastward along the A8 highway, which will take you on a scenic route towards Nice.

Nice: Gateway to the French Riviera

Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera, is your next destination. Park your car and explore the Old Town (Vieux Nice) with its narrow streets, vibrant markets and charming cafes. Don’t forget to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for breathtaking Mediterranean views. As you leave Nice, consider taking the mesmerizing Route des Grandes Alpes, which winds through picturesque mountain scenery.

Monaco: A Touch of Luxury

A short drive east of Nice brings you to the tiny yet opulent principality of Monaco. Known for its wealth and elegance, Monaco is a haven for luxury car enthusiasts. Take a spin on the world-famous Formula 1 circuit, visit the grand Casino de Monte-Carlo, and explore the Jardin Exotique for panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline.

Marseille: Where History and Modernity Meet

Continue your South of France adventure by heading west along the A8 and A7 highways towards Marseille. Marseille is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. Visit the Old Port (Vieux-Port), explore the historic Le Panier district, and go to the iconic Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Each location offers spectacular city views.