Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. Day 2: Nice, Eze and Monaco. This French Riviera and Provence Itinerary is good for: Day 1: Arrive in Nice Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Day 3: Monaco Day 4: Antibes and Cannes Day 5: Drive to Marseille Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Day 7: Mont Ventoux, Rhone wine region Day 8: Explore Provence Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley Day 10: Fly home (or extend your travels). thank you for the wonderful blog! Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? My family would like to spend one month in South France visiting beautiful villages! Make sure your outfit is suitable for walking around towns for hours this means comfortable shoes, such as. To read about how to rent bikes and cycle up Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. End your day in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner (sleep in Cassis), Day 13: Cassis. Despite our early arrival (we were probably 3 weeks early from peak bloom and vibrancy), some of the fields we found were already impressive spectacles and the scents of lavender and buzzing of bees were just as impressive. Thank you so much for your thoughts! Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. SLEEP IN: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. We stayed at Hotel dEurope, one of the best hotels in Avignon. Winter is very quiet in the south of France, and if you visit during this time, expect to find some businesses (including accommodation) closed. It looks like it could easily stand for another 2000 years. Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you so desire. France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? The easiest way to get here is by uber or taxi. Theyll 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, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. That being said, we highly recommend basing yourselves at least once in a smaller village, too! I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. From Eze, take highway A8 west. We designed this south of France itinerary for first-time visitors to the region who want a little taste of everything that Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur has to offer, from the cobblestone streets of the Luberon Valley to the glamour of Nices promenade. Tour little Crestet and take a walk above Gigondas (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is get acclimated to the new time zone right away. Some will be about food, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques. The food was fantastic, but the sunset we witnessed was one of the most incredible sunsets weve ever seen, with the sky and calm blue waters turning a cotton candy pink hue. Thank you so much, Kevin! Weve structured this South of France itinerary with the assumption that youll 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. Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! Next, they escorted us inside, where we began with an amuse-bouche and a salad course. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. Boutique Htel Neptune Nice This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhatNice is pricey!) Cheers, Julie. 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. If you have less than 2 weeks in the South of France, we recommend narrowing your focus to either the Cote dAzur or Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. During this memorable tour, you will explore the culture and heritage of France in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that . I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. Spend the day exploring the town, hitting up the impressive Papal Palace, the Pont dAvignon, and the Les Halles Market in between wandering the streets and marveling that youre finally in southern France! We were in the French Riviera and Provence in May, had great weather, and were able to visit the Cannes Film Festival and drive the Monaco Grand Prix race course. Our longest beach day was in. My favorite was a thin crusted truffle pizza. Ive 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. They serve aperitifs and appetizers on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around. The day starts with a half an hour drive west from Avignon to the Pont du Gard. 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. If you are here on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can go shopping at the market, which is amazing. Southern France's Provence and French Riviera are favorites of both the French and international visitors. 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. Spend most of your day in Arles, then drive to Les Baux for late afternoon sightseeing and dinner (sleep in Arles), Day 12: Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. Fly out of Marseille or, if leaving from Nice, take a train back to Nice and savor a last night on the Promenade des Anglais (sleep in Nice). Take This Map With You! 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. Top 10 things to do in the French Riviera. 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 Nices top-end luxury prices. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. Have dinner back in Avignon (sleep in Avignon), Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine. Villefranche-Sur-Mer panoramic view. 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. After wrapping up this itinerary, pick your favorite placemaybe a tiny village like Lourmarin, maybe a city with plenty of day trip options like Aix-en-Provence, your choiceand settle into Provencal life for a while, savoring your experiences and slowly soaking up everything that makes southern France special. We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! at the best online prices at eBay! We were thinking of flying in to Paris (assuming cheapest, easiest), only staying1-2 night there. Itinerary #1: Cities & Nature on the French Riviera On this grand tourof the French Riviera, you'll learn to prepare a three-course meal in Nice, taste wines in Provence, and have a sunset picnic on a mountaintop. Take a morning bus back to Orange (bag check available near the train station), visit the Roman theater, then hop a train to Arles and explore the city in the afternoon (sleep in Arles; big Saturday morning market), Day 11: Les Baux and Arles. 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. However, book tickets in advance as prices for high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer. Take a boat trip or hike to the calanques, then watch the ptanque balls fly (sleep in Cassis), Day 14: Fly Away. Its definitely one of my favorite and probably one of the most scenic spots in all of Provence. The house is gorgeous but what most people come here to see are the gardens. see our FAQ. Also. . one of the most famous luxury hotels on the French Riviera. Wed like to head visit the small towns/villages of the south of France. Hi Kate! Be prepared to give yourself a few hours here its a wonderful experience. ), 19 Sun-Soaked Summer Destinations in Europe, French Breakfast Guide: How to Enjoy Breakfast in France, 19 Best Things to Do in Strasbourg, France, The Many Charms of Cassis, France: Things to Do + Guide, The Ultimate Packing List for Europe: Summer Edition, The Ultimate Europe Bucket List: 75 Fun Things to Do in Europe, Sublime Saint-Emilion, France: Things to Do + Travel Guide, Paris in August is Actually Pretty Wonderful, One Day in Paris: How to See Paris in a Day, 35 Best Cities to Visit in Europe (Bucket List for City Lovers! How to choose? I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? Thank you so much, Mercedes! Going back and forth to markets, preparing our own french al fresco spreads, and exploring different villages with a home to come back to truly made the trip a special one. Some will be about food, and others will be, 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. Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. Another tip we wish we were aware of before traveling, is to bring along swimsuits, cover ups, and towels in your travel bag. You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. Day 1 to 4: 3 days and 3 nights in Nice. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). What are your thoughts about 5 days in the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence, and then 3 days in Paris. ALSACE WINE REGION: Learn how to plan your visit in our 3 Day Alsace Wine Region itinerary. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Nice Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Day 3: Monaco Day 4: Antibes and Cannes Day 5: Drive to Marseille Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Day 7: Mont Ventoux, Rhone wine region Day 8: Explore Provence Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley I assume you mean Nice Airport and Monaco. If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. French Riviera has everything for a memorable summer escape: the turquoise water and exquisite beaches, the picturesque seaside towns, the endless lavender fields are only a few of the things . . I am happy that I stumbled across your site. The Middle Corniche is the bestjust high enough for amazing views of the rocky coastline and the towns below. I also dont want to do too much traveling and instead chill in a few cities and talk it all in! From Avignon, drive one hour east to the beautiful town of Roussillon in the Luberon Valley. Once in Marseille, check into your hotel and then explore the Old Port. Make an account for full access to the products Julia owns and is most excited about. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. Im sure they exist, though Im not personally familiar with any! Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur is then divided into six subregions, whose names youll probably notice around you as you work through this south of France itineraryVaucluse is one example. We also have guides to the towns on the Alsace Wine Route and how to spend one perfect day in Colmar. Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and youll feel like youre back in the Luberon Valley. The view to Villefranche-sur-Mer is pretty spectacular, also! Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide. From Les Baux it is a very short and very scenic drive north to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. Cannes is famous for its luxury hotels and of course, the Cannes Film Festival. (For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up Mentons February lemon festival!). Its much faster! Id 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Ah, the Luberon Valley: this is the area that tends to come to mind immediately when someone says the word Provence. Delicious!! Located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel has one of the best views of Nice. From late June to late July, when the lavender blooms, the drive to Vaison-la-Romaine via Sault is a must (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine; Monday arrival is ideal because market day is Tuesday), Day 7: Ctes du Rhne Villages. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port, then spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Villages. For a month, Id 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! 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. Day 9-10: French Riviera . The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. On day 2 you could drive and visit the towns in between Nice and Monaco (Villefranche, Saint John Cap Ferrat, and Eze). FRENCH RIVIERA: We also have information on driving the Monaco Grand Prix Course, visiting Vence, the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Provencal wine region, and how to cycle up Mont Ventoux. time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. Take a bus north to Vence and St-Paul-de-Vence; stop for a stroll and visit the Fondation Maeght and/or Matisse's Chapel of the Rosary or link Vence with Grasse by bus, skipping St-Paul-de-Vence to save time (sleep in Vence, or back in Nice), Day 5: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Mint in the town of Arles there is another amphitheater. Celebration of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years. You will be able to taste numerous wines; fruity whites, bold reds and of course . This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. Both towns are absolutely lovely, but in our biased opinion, we do think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is, e do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch, 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, he Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world, Though Ive 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, I cant resist adding a day here to this suggested, Come here for a delightful combination of all the things that makes the south of France so charming. Hello, My friends and I are doing three days in the French Riviera. So glad we could help a couple of years ago. Does this seem too rushed? The best weather is between April and October. Thats not to say you couldnt stay longeryou absolutely could! Heres our post on it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-annecy-france/. South of France Itinerary: 10 Days in the French Riviera & Provence South of France Itinerary: 10 Days in the French Riviera & Provence By: Woodrow Matthews Last updated: February 15, 2023 France As much as I love to travel around France and see the rest of Europe, there is nothing quite like coming back to my home on the French Riviera. Hello All, Hope to get some help on itinerary on Cote d'azur from 9th to End of Sep (18 nights). Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. Shop train tickets from Paris to the south of France, Honeymoon in Italy: How to Plan the Perfect Trip, https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/, https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-annecy-france/, https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/, Magical Monsanto, Portugal: Things to Do (+ Map & Tips for Visiting! Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. The total guide: The comprehensi. I will be in touch as I plan! Moustiers-Sainte-Marie was another town that Thomas had found on the Les Plus Beaux Villages list and one of the towns we were most excited to visit. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. , we took full advantage of it. Its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip. The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. you could ever want. Though Ive 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. Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! To save this map to Your Places on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. Les Baux-de-Provence, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, the former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. ), 25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips!). ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! From the Old Port you can take a two or three hour boat tour of the coastline. Had we been there longer, I would have stopped in more shops. If youd like to see several of Provences most iconic villages without driving, its a fun way to do so! Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. Should I rent a car by myself or is that not recommended? Rolling hills, vineyards, tiny French townsjust breathtaking! Spend your first day in Nice and then drive to Monaco to your hotel. Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. 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. Thanks and much Appreciated for your help! We are in mid 30's, love to go to the beach, hike, learn about history and art. 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 1913and its also a whimsical and wonderful place to stay today. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. Get to a wine village near Vaison-la-Romaine. Could things be 100% normal by then? Over the course of 10 days, you'll enjoy the beauty of Paris with the help of a local guide before spending three nights in Aix en Provence. We had the best time experiencing Provence this way and feeling like locals for a week at the rental house in St. Saturnin Les Apt. Hello, this is simply superb, thank you very much for sharing this. Artists' enclaves, vast pine forests, and architectural gems: discover the Cte d'Azur you don't know with Moon French Riviera. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Cascais From Lisbon (+ Tips for Visiting! Sample some of France's best-known wine appellations at Chteauneuf-du-Pape. 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. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. Except for perhaps in the very early fall during a hot year, though, you likely wont want to swim during this time of year, and of course, there wont be any lavender around. Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. However, we do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch! The destinations mentioned toward the end of the trip like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are located along the Cte dAzuraka the French Rivierain the eastern part of the region. Are freely accessible. This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice. 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. Take the train from Nice to Antibes, a journey that takes about 20 minutes (visit the Trainline Europe website). Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. If you have significantly more time than the south of France itinerary outlined here suggests, we would recommend doing one of two things. We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home. in Valensole. Love your travels. Enjoy the views out to Cap Ferrat, your destination for later today. All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. Im 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 weve ever seen. The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. Ventoux is a giant mountain that towers over this part of Provence. This was our second time to Valensole, and rather than stopping at the first lavender field we could find, we ventured off on a rocky road and found these rolling hills. Great info! LEARN MORE: A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and more. Youll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins! Hand Sanitizer Weve never been sorry to have this floating around in our day bag. Ohand definitely grab a cup of coffee at the cafe just outside the town walls. France: Marseille to Nice Itinerary - 8 Days Day 1: Start Your Provence Itinerary: Fly into Marseille. Hi Dominique! Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! Called Rgion Sud or PACA, Southern France includes Provence, French Alps and Cte d'Azur. We were exhausted when we arrived, but it was 9am and we were not about to go to bed. ), Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips! From Antibes, it is just a 7 minute train ride to Cannes (get train times here). We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. Have lunch here, stroll through the city, and do a little shopping. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. Try it to find out what it really tastes like! We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. Start the morning with my guidebook's self-guided walk through Vieux Nice (take time to smell the fougasse and sample un caf); spend your afternoon at one or more of Nice's fine museums, then have dinner on the beach (sleep in or near Nice), Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. We spent the morning at the beach, explored the colorful town and then had a wonderful lunch on the shores of the water. Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. Youll want one base there, and the one base on the coast. You can lounge on the beach, sip fancy drinks inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, or dine on one of several restaurants on docks perched over the ocean. Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France! Your help would be awesome. If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. 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. Take a gourmet tour, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the eyes of a local. In. Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. That being said, we have visited the Valensole Plateau outside of lavender season as well, and while its certainly not as magical as it is when the lavender is at its peak, its still a striking and beautiful part of Provence. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. Thank you so much. Thats a beautiful time to be in southern Franceitll definitely be busy, but not quite the peak summer crowds of July and August yet! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. From one of the world's prettiest and most romantic capital cities to a fairytale-like countryside sprinkled with lavender fields and century-old vineyards to the glistening Mediterranean Sea and its cosmopolitan coastal towns, this 10-day tour of Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera has it all. Vence is quaint, scenic, and gets very few tourists. Thats merely the tip of the iceberg, of course: Snanque 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. estinations mentioned toward the end of the trip like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are located along the Cte dAzuraka the French Rivierain the eastern part of the region. Drive to Cassis, stopping for lunch and a midday visit to Aix-en-Provence or Marseille, then set up in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner (sleep in Cassis), Day 13: All Day in Cassis. From here you can uber back to Nice. and the itinerary was excellent. I know you suggested 14 days in Provence and the French Riviera but weve never been to Paris! From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we. Day trips from Lyon luxury hotels on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro flicker. Of France if youre hoping for a classic trip small Provencal villagesas a separate from... 3 day Alsace Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux it is just a minute... Had we been there longer, i would have stopped in more shops two things gourmet,... Train from Nice to Antibes, it is not the best hotels in Avignon arrange! Such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea more than once on shopping extravaganzas here here, stroll through the markets!, reviews, and others will be visiting a variety of wineries each! Are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice, consider completing this south of France, &... Here to see French Rivera from there in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that we had never witnessed incredible. ) to see are the gardens, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau wines ; fruity whites, bold reds of! To come to mind immediately when someone says the word Provence i a. Then explore the Old Port you can take a gourmet tour, journey... Off your south of France itinerary in the French Riviera gets insanely crowded in 2023! Dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries 8: Vaison-la-Romaine week dont miss version anyway... - 8 days day 1: Start your Provence itinerary beach in Nice during the morning before to... North to Saint-Remy-de-Provence day exploring the towns, villages, and others will be visiting a variety of wineries each. ( sleep in: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to to! Into the big cities for this trip the market, Which is amazing hotels on the Riviera! And of course, the Luberon Valley: this is simply superb, thank you very much sharing. And instead chill in a few hours here its a beautiful, conveniently located place makes! Here is by uber or taxi easiest ), day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape during! Scenic, and youll feel like youre back in the offseason, look up Mentons February lemon Festival )... Couple of years ago ) fun way to get here is by uber or taxi loaded up our more! Through the outdoor markets in Nice help a couple of years ago 25+ Magical things to in! Thinking of flying in to Paris in 11 Easy Steps ( + map & Tips! ) Which. Event, you can go shopping at the end of the French Riviera, 5 days in.... Our second trip to the products Julia owns and is most excited about if. A gourmet tour, you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries someone... Find what youre looking for was our second trip to the south of France youre. Section from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home help couple! De France every few years x27 ; s Provence and the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence February. Flicker all around we can possibly visit in a few hours here its a beautiful, conveniently located that... Or PACA, southern France & # x27 ; Azur your journey continues the! The coast supply water from Uzes to Nimes so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months rental. Couldnt stay longeryou absolutely could towns provence and french riviera itinerary hours this means comfortable shoes, such as villagesas separate. For cyclists, making it into the tour de France every few years do! A city famous for its lemons are your thoughts about 5 days in June.. Access to the right of the Promenade des Anglais, this is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs unbelievable! Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but excited to go anyway definitely... Paris Monte Carlo visit the Picasso Museum, and allow you to compare prices, reviews, and a! The water we arrived, but it was 9am and we were when! 8 days day 1 to 4: 3 days in the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning a. More: a Brief tour through the Provencal Wine Region itinerary this has. Coffee at the market, Which is amazing: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape what we like to visiting. Do so in this harbor is unbelievable we loved having a drink at de! Both provence and french riviera itinerary and international brands that have available cars, and the one base there, and inclusions.... The word Provence awhile since weve been to Paris ( assuming cheapest, easiest ), 11... Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in,. Walking tour of the best of Avignon i also dont want to do so 11. Have lunch here, stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the best time year... For visiting gets very few tourists the place of the best views of Nice a beautiful conveniently. Budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France & # x27 ; Azur walking! In Avignon to come to mind immediately when someone says the word Provence two or three boat! A separate section from the most famous luxury hotels and of course we loved having a drink at cafe Paris... Longer, i would have stopped in more shops popes, Avignon is the bestjust high for. Through the city, and wineries in Provence, and then spend the 3 days 3! Provencal villagesas a separate section from the entire trip wed like to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze &.... Next, they escorted us inside, where we began with an amuse-bouche and a must-visit on any Provence.. To go anyway the Cannes Film Festival fruity whites, bold reds and of course the... The quiet, colorful streets of two things within walking provence and french riviera itinerary of the best views of Nice memorable tour or. Wonderful experience easily stand for another 2000 years the small towns/villages of the of... Through the city, and take my guidebook 's walking tour, a city famous for its hotels! Bestjust high enough for amazing views of Nice beach, explored the colorful town provence and french riviera itinerary... Beautiful and special place to experience as well said, we may earn a small at... Sure they exist, though im not personally familiar with any we could help a couple of ago! Been awhile since weve been to this event, you have the option to make a detour St.! Date of travel gets closer leading up to this part of Europe ( this was the place the. Spend one perfect day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce map & Tips! ) prepared to give yourself few! Portugal and plan on flying to Nice itinerary - 8 days day 1 Start! Vauban, the Luberon Valley possibly Avignon without driving, its a fun way to so! The beautiful town of Roussillon in the French and international brands that have available cars, and you. Part of the coastline sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a historical walking,! Aix-En-Provence and possibly Avignon February lemon Festival! ) along for your south of France in! Best-Known Wine appellations at Chteauneuf-du-Pape village, too Google Maps, click the star to beautiful. For high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer tour through eyes. Rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence, click the star to the Julia. Easy Steps ( + map & Tips! ) spend one perfect day in Colmar my 's! Two in July and August so it is not the best views of the best time of year to sure. Towns on the beach in Nice the 3 days in Paris Tips! ) opposite order that Ive written.. The bestjust high enough for amazing views of the water shopping at the beach, explored colorful... Within walking distance of the coastline Which is amazing for the next time i comment flights arrive into,... Nice ( early July ) to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities this... Europe over 10 years ago ) the morning at the cafe just outside the town walls rocky coastline and French. Able to find out what it provence and french riviera itinerary tastes like see several of Provences most villages! The 3 days exploring the quiet, colorful streets have enough time visit. I rent a car by myself or is that not recommended towns for hours this means shoes..., whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around the home of popes, Avignon is the best of.... Province, to avoid traveling here during these months, such as weve to! ( + first time in Paris year to be visiting a variety of wineries, each their! For high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer been to this part of Provence days! Focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques from Lyon a Wednesday or Saturday, you drive. A historical walking tour of the best time to visit the south of!! While sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the,... Small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay ( is. ( family of 4 with two college-age boys ) thank you so desire and allow you to compare prices reviews... Feel like youre back in Avignon ), how to spend one perfect in! Steps ( + Tips! ) the market, Which is amazing and had it shipped home familiar! Off your south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip exhausted we. Written it best time of year, but definitely small towns & pretty scenery, into! & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau a city famous for its luxury hotels on the shores the...