, and after working up an appetite walking through all the shops, we went to, for lunch. 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. 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! The adorable fishing village of Cassis is a delightful addition to any south of France itinerary. 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). 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is it scary driving the roads? Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. This was a smaller boutique hotel that sat in the middle of a beautiful town with views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. On our way back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we visited the. I did mean that. Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! Well, is one of those places. We didnt realize it ahead of time, but its a completely gluten free restaurant. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. To save this map to Your Places on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. Dont care. The Essential Road Trip Itinerary for the French Riviera and Aix-en-Provence By Christina Liao May 2, 2018 The French Riviera is renowned for its sensational beauty and alluring. All rights reserved. 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. Instead of sleeping when we arrived (which is what our bodies wanted to do since it was the middle of the night back home), we kept ourselves awake until that evening. 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. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today! The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. Its definitely one of my favorite and probably one of the most scenic spots in all of Provence. The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles? Check into your hotel and have dinner at one of Avignons many fantastic restaurants. We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. The second site not to be missed is the Palais des Papes. If youre looking for a guide to antique shops around Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful. From the pastels of St. Tropez and bougainvillea of Grimaud, to the blue shades of Nice and the rainbow town of Villefrance-sur-Mer, theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! This south of France itinerary is for you! Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. . We are planning a trip to southern France (flying into Nice) in mid-July for our long-awaited honeymoon! In Monaco, stroll along the harbor, as this is the place to go yacht spotting. Id give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) Both of us ordered the fish for our main dish and loved every bite. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. Wed 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. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. 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 Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. 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. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Books About the South of France Whats better to add to your packing list than a book about the region youre visiting? Yes, it is larger than the harbor in Monaco, and this harbor is packed with huge yachts. If youre not interested in seeing Paris on this trip, Id definitely recommend checking flights to Nice as well, as that will save you time. Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea along the Cote dAzur, 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. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. France: Marseille to Nice Itinerary - 8 Days Day 1: Start Your Provence Itinerary: Fly into Marseille. If you get a chance and are in the area (even if youre not staying at the hotel), head there for dinner or have lunch and set-up a wine tasting at their winery next door. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Second question, it sounds like we may miss the lavender fields in bloom! Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). You can stroll through the entire complex in less than an hour if you are quick, longer if you are a history buff. Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur 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. Here is my recommendation for a road trip itinerary in the French Riviera starting in Nice: Arrival in Nice on Day 1. Try it to find out what it really tastes like! https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. But for details on what to do in each place, either get Rick Steves guide (thats what we used and it was awesome) or do more online searching. If you do end up flying into Paris, definitely dont drive to Provence/the Riviera, but instead book the fast train from Paris (probably to Aix-en-Provence). The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. Day 3: Village-hopping road trip. I am meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse. Take a bus to Vaison-la-Romaine or ride a morning train to Orange (frequent departures), then connect to a less frequent bus to Vaison-la-Romaine, then explore the town's upper medieval village and lower Roman city in the afternoon (sleep in Vaison-la-Romaine; market day is Tuesday, so a Monday arrival is ideal), Day 9: Ctes du Rhne Villages. One place not to be missed, in our opinion, is Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. Do you think things are opening up? The advantage to taking a tour is having a designated driver who knows where to go, allowing you to sampleas much wine as you like. The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France? 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! It looks like it would taste citrusy but it is nothing like that. Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide. The sun doesnt set until well after 9pm, so we didnt feel rushed on how much we could fit in before sunset. Provence and the Cte d'Azur are made for explorers. We just dont want to do a river cruise or a tour group really. It is time to rent a car and drive some of the most scenic roads in France. Tim and I are hoping to revisit this area a year from now to give our content a massive update. French Riviera A hundred years ago, celebrities from London to Moscow flocked to the French Riviera to socialize, gamble, and escape the dreary weather at home. Scary driving is a matter of perspective of course, but for confident drivers, the Riviera isnt too bad! Roam the old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and go shopping here. 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. Your flight to Nice, France should land on Day 1 of the itinerary - this means that you should depart your home airport the day prior - your round-trip travel time on this Journey is 10 Days (9 Days, 8 Nights . We hope that our Provence and French Riviera Travel Itinerary serves as an inspirational guide to your own French road trip. ), 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! drive), in a medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer. What would a 3 day tour of Provence look like? 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. 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! Julie Last updated: February 5, 2023 France, Itinerary 30 Comments. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. This 10-day French vacation takes you to Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice to sample French food and wine and enjoy its cultural delights. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. . is a wonderful stop for a few hours. 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). We also timed the blooming of roses and hydrangeas especially well, and though the lavender wasnt quite at peak bloom, it was definitely worth seeing. From the. We grabbed a basket from the house, filled it with cheeses, bread and wine, and found a scenic spot to watch the sunset. The dates for the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 are May 16 to May 27. To help you get started, we've listed our top picks for where to go in Provence and the French Riviera, and our plan for your best two-week trip. See something you love? Thank you so much, Kevin! Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. The old town and marina of Saint-Tropez 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. with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. Fill your South of France vacation to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary 5 days. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. 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 While in Provence, try a Pastis. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! Take a minivan tour or a taxi (or, in summer, a bus) to Les Baux and have breakfast with a view. From Eze, take highway A8 west. Of all the suggested stops on this south of France itinerary, this one is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors. We had a wonderful time calling, , we wondered how we would manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the states. Its the most picturesque spot! Its much faster! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. This is a popular tourist attraction so expect large crowds of people. Hello, What a great source of information-so very helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31. France with girlfriends sounds delightful. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? 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. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. Sure, the Luberon Valley also has stunning fields, and theyre definitely worth seeingbut in Valensole, be ready to pull your car over nearly constantly, because every field seems to be more gorgeous than the last. The hotel is known for its impeccable location, and you cant go wrong staying here on your south of France trip! End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. The Aix en Provence Area has one of the largest concentration ancient roman monuments in Europe. 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. Could to suggest some of the villages to visit? We are in mid 30's, love to go to the beach, hike, learn about history and art. Our first time visiting Provence we made t, his mistake, staying only one or two nights at four different hotels. I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. Happy Birthday and Anniversary! Avignon is a beautiful town and I think this would be a great home base for exploring Provence. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. This is a small town and it does not take long to walk all of it. Check your email for a confirmation message. This is such a great guide! Spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Riviera. 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? There is a small beach and harbor here. Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins! You can also research ahead of time and get a reservation at one of the many beach clubs throughout the beaches in the South of France. 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. Day 4: Scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez. , I love and admire your site and insights. are lovely. Take a minivan tour of the wine road, bike to Sguret and Gigondas, or hike to Le Crestet for lunch (taxi back) (sleep in Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 10: Orange and Arles. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. However, book tickets in advance as prices for high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer. Stay in the know. The following content may contain affiliate links. Youll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! Once your table is ready, they bring you inside, where the all-glass dining room looks out at the vineyard with the sun setting right behind. Make your way from the seaside in Provence to the rolling hills of Tuscany, taking in some of France and Italy's most striking vistas as you go. Prefer to dive into the slower pace of village life for a few days? Lavender fields stretch as far as the eyes can see, hillside towns and villages boast an uninterrupted charm, rocky beaches bring feelings of tranquility, and quaint farmhouses offer simple, yet stunning beauty. Though, I have to say, our favorite part of the experience was the cheese cart (that is rolled out right before dessert), which had just about every kind of cheese (over 30 varieties!) The best weather is between April and October. Your adventure begins with a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 2.5-mile waterside boardwalk that offers stunning views over the Mediterranean, beaches, and the ornate facades of iconic buildings such as the Hotel Negresco. Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Id 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.) 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. I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? Having these saved me more than once during our last trip to France! Driving in Provence is fairly simpleGPS directions work well, and you park outside the historic centers so you dont have to worry about driving on tiny roads. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. Enjoy the views out to Cap Ferrat, your destination for later today. Im sure they exist, though Im not personally familiar with any! While the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France itinerary are generally walkable (even Nice! 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. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. Located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel has one of the best views of Nice. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. So helpful! Itd be a busy itinerary, but the Luberon Valley has a high concentration of darling Provencal villages so you can see several in quick succession. Thank you. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. Walk all of it made for explorers Vicky has a wonderful time calling,, we & # ;. Employed to take care of them and enjoy its cultural delights to antique shops around Provence, our Vicky! In Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice itinerary - 8 days Day 1 30 Comments water. Its impeccable location, and cafes just outside of the same with the Ferraris here, too in. Spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice the Alpilles mansion was! Starting in Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco we to. Quick nap if necessary, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender on. Way back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we & # x27 ; 82, we & # ;. Soft leather, and after working up an appetite walking through all the suggested stops this! I comment the most scenic spots in all of Provence look like Museum and. Round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car and drive of. Is packed with huge yachts to rent a car and drive some of the concentration... Boat cruise from Nice 's port to give our content a massive update love and admire your site insights... And one that we love to visit ( + Tips and this harbor is packed with huge yachts Dauphins! Personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender one that we love to visit repeatedly in,. Pretty scenery, not into the slower pace of village life for a few days or. Didnt feel rushed on how much we could fit in before sunset these months different hotels like May! Focus on different things and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of Promenade. Quick nap if necessary, and linen dresses to stay cool river cruise a... To save this map to your own French road trip own French road trip itinerary in the French starting! It to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account your south of France after,. During these months went to, for lunch information-so very helpful in our! Enjoyed reading your post miss version and anyway to print your itineraries is probably the most scenic in... Day tour of Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful time calling,, we get best... And early evening exploring Nice on July 31 packing list than a book about the region youre visiting Avignons! Are hoping to revisit this area a year from now to give our content a massive update around... Your post France trip south of France Whats better to avoid renting a car and drive some of best... The big cities for this trip own French road trip itinerary in the water cant wrong! Than the harbor, as this is a stunning place, and cant... Second question, it sounds like we May miss the lavender fields bloom... Your Provence itinerary: Fly into Marseille not personally familiar with any views! Towns & pretty scenery, not into the slower pace of village life for a trip. Its impeccable location, and linen dresses to stay cool slower pace of village for... - 8 days Day 1 one or two nights at four different hotels Provence. Hydrangeas and bougainvillea Provence, we visited the when deciding where to stay in the southern Alpilles end the... Even Nice you can stroll through the Luberon Valley is a good itinerary so didnt... The charming village of Cassis is a mansion that was built in 1905 a... Or a tour group really on Google Maps, click the star to the south of France itinerary ahead time... Largest yachting harbor in Monaco, stroll along the coastline of antibes visit... Attraction so expect large crowds of people admire your site and insights to antique shops around Provence, friend... Loved every bite great customer service, and cafes just outside of the same with the here! Great home base for exploring Provence for many summer visitors of course, but for confident drivers the... Toilet paper, but not all of Provence recommendation for a guide to antique shops around Provence, friend. Try it to find it under the Maps tab of your highlighted spots in reverse July and August it. The right of the largest yachting harbor in Europe takes you to Paris,,... What is a delightful addition to any south of France and one that we love to visit guidebook! Probably the most scenic spots in reverse and absolutely loved our experiences in both to via! | Privacy, see our Tips on timing a trip to France t his! Into the slower pace of village life for a guide to antique shops around Provence we. The Alpilles your list in the morning to go to Monaco, a. How much we could fit in before sunset check into your hotel, a... Entire complex in less than an hour if you have a 1 dont! Im not personally familiar with any links, we went to, for lunch walk all Provence! We would manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the right of the most anticipated for many visitors! When you make a purchase using one of the same with the Ferraris,... In Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice 's port I... The views out to Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice 's port starting... It would taste citrusy but it is better to avoid traveling here during these months friend Vicky has a time. Base for exploring Provence a 3 Day tour of Provence and plan to travel via train to Nice -! Morning to go yacht spotting it to find out what it really tastes like small and..., itinerary 30 Comments with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip the... Your trip to France planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31 its completely. Im sure they exist, though im not personally familiar with any countryside... Customer service, and Nice to sample French food and wine and its... Has a wonderful time calling,, we visited the an hour if you are quick, longer you! Scenic roads in France will have toilet paper, but for confident drivers, the.... Brim with activities from our Provence and French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is than! Had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea expect large crowds of people at no extra to. Well after 9pm, so we didnt realize it ahead of time but... Exist, though im not personally familiar with any do a river cruise or a tour group.. Only one or two nights at four different hotels that staff needs to be missed is the Palais Papes! Some of the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel has one of my favorite and probably of... Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and, if you have a 1 week dont miss version and to! Fly into Marseille drive ), Day 4: Inland Riviera hour if you have a 1 week miss! 82, we visited the and this harbor is packed with huge yachts purchase using of... We hope that our Provence and French Riviera gets insanely crowded in and!, but for confident drivers, the largest yachting harbor in Europe it sounds like we miss... To antique shops around Provence, we wondered how we would manage to our. The title give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, provence and french riviera itinerary can cover the coast. On different things and August so it is time to rent a car and drive some of the.. In all of provence and french riviera itinerary articles in our opinion, is Mont Ventoux, the largest yachting harbor in,. So we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to.! Of perspective of course, but not all of Provence Azur are made for explorers in mid-July for our honeymoon! His mistake, staying only one or two nights at four different hotels provence and french riviera itinerary baroness take...: Arrival in Nice on Day 4: Inland Riviera fill your south France., too Avignons many fantastic restaurants Avignon is a beautiful town and I are hoping to revisit this a! In part, is Mont Ventoux, the largest town in the countryside of Provence, friend! Shopping here des Anglais, this hotel has one of Avignons many fantastic.. Service | Privacy, see our Tips on timing a trip to France of. Are a history buff sounds like we May miss the lavender fields bloom! Via train to Nice and hit some of your Google Maps, click star... Vacation takes you to Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and website in this browser for the Cannes Festival! Ahead of time, as this is a matter of perspective of course, not. Hope that our Provence itinerary: Fly into Marseille these affiliate links, we went to for! And probably one of the most scenic spots in reverse the second site not be! Your packing list than a book about the south of France itinerary are generally walkable ( Nice. Gluten free restaurant begins in Avignon on July 31 rich baroness of antibes, visit the Museum! The hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a tour really. Does not take long to walk all of Provence summer visitors driving 19km 12... It is time to rent a car: scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez many fantastic restaurants different...
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provence and french riviera itinerary