Roam the old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and go shopping here. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. 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. 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. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. Provence and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week. If you have the energy, climb Castle Hill for a birds eye view over Nice. Now it is time to leave the French Riviera and enter Provence. 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. You can spend 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 1 and Day 2. I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. Thats not to say you couldnt stay longeryou absolutely could! Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip. 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. We spent the morning at the beach, explored the colorful town and then had a wonderful lunch on the shores of the water. Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. Id also only recommend booking one country right nowwhichever is your priorityand 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). 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. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. Hi Dominique! 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. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. Youll want one base there, and the one base on the coast. The adorable fishing village of Cassis is a delightful addition to any south of France itinerary. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. in Valensole. We will rent a car. June is a wonderful time to visit Provence, but Id aim for the end of the month and into July if you want to catch the lavender fields at their best. The following content may contain affiliate links. Much smaller and prettier than nearby Marseilles, Cassis is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting Calanques National Park. All I can say is truffle risotto! Amazing! 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! A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris 9 days | 12 days with Normandy & Paris extension Group size 15-38 travelers Reviews 113 See dates & prices Overview Itinerary Reviews Traveler photos Hotels, flights & FAQ Fully Refundable Booking Period Feel good about booking your tour today. ), The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary for First-Timers, This south of France itinerary is for you, When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mindbut what exactly. thank you for the wonderful blog! The best weather is between April and October. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! While you can whip through these highlights in a day if needed, outdoor enthusiastsespecially hikers and bikersmight prefer to set up shop in the Alpilles a bit longer. Saint-Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and the site of the institution where Van Gogh chopped off his ear. All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. While the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France itinerary are generally walkable (even Nice! 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. Bring a small pack of tissues, toss them in your day bag, and you wont have to worry about it. The seemingly endless sea of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see. former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. . You will be served a glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water. On a personal note, were planning to visit Europe this summer but stick to one country for ease/to limit the risks of things going wrong at least thats the plan as of today! It is best to arrive at the markets early when they first open to beat the crowds. Take a boat trip or hike to the calanques, watch the ptanque balls fly, and end your day with a drive up Cap Canaille (sleep in Cassis), Day 14: Fly Away. PARIS: For the top experiences in the city, read our article Best Things to Do in Paris. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct. Books About the South of France Whats better to add to your packing list than a book about the region youre visiting? 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. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. If you have less time, we also have an article that lists 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. We explored the most stunning villages, tasted the recipes of some of the finest restaurants, including ones topping the Michelin star list, perused the local markets for goods to bring back home, and took countless pictures of the brightly colored surroundings that inspired us. , a small bed and breakfast in the Alpes-Maritimes. Thank you so much for your thoughts! Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins! Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. Where would we stay as a base for the trip? Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. 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. In the access road to Aix , there is a triumph arch and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC. WE are novice travelers to France and are really seeking guidance on our first journey. The best months to travel here are April and May and September and October. Rick Steves, for example, has a tour that touches on Provence but it doesnt really focus on it. Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. 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. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. During this memorable tour, you will explore the culture and heritage of France in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that . In theory, theres supposed to be more news from the EU on this front June 7, but well see! 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, andagain for summer visitors specificallyexcellent kayaking and rafting. ), 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights, A Splendid One Day in Strasbourg Itinerary, 11 Things to Do in Annecy, Frances Lakeside Gem. So much to see, so little time. 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. Hello Kate, Thank you for such a helpful article! See something you love? Provence & the French Riviera 8 days France Max 18 Passengers Overview Itinerary Inclusions URL Overview Glamour, picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery: this tour through the French Riviera and Provence is sure to impress with its diversity and dramatic beauty! Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) towards Monaco, stopping along the way at the very pretty town of Eze. We grabbed a basket from the house, filled it with cheeses, bread and wine, and found a scenic spot to watch the sunset. The first few days in the French Riviera, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud. Does this seem too rushed? Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). It features first-class accommodations and small-group tours. Thanks for subscribing! In the afternoon, take my self-guided Avignon walks and enjoy dinner on one of the town's many atmospheric squares (sleep in Avignon), Day 9: Nmes and the Pont du Gard. 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. I did mean that. Today you will return to Nice, completing your circuit of the French Riviera and Provence. You know those hotels that look nice online but really blow you away in person? Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Ventoux is a giant mountain that towers over this part of Provence. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. Celebration of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years. If your group is comfortable with it, Id look into potentially taking a train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and then hiring a driver for the Provence portion. Our longest beach day was in. Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and youll feel like youre back in the Luberon Valley. If you havent read it, we highly recommend checking out our 3 days in Paris itinerary as well: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/. It was built 2000 years ago. 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! Fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, honey, clothing, mattresses, and tires are just a few of the things that you can purchase here. Famed for its casinos and yachting community, Monaco . I do have a question for you. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. 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. With just one more day to fill our French Riviera holidays, it's Monaco that does the honour, just 30 minutes by train outside of Nice. 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. 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. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, A good thing to do on your first day is to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a paved walkway along the coastline of Nice. Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. 8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary Day 1: Lake Como The city of Como is lovely and honestly, really well priced. It looks like it would taste citrusy but it is nothing like that. You can tour the arena and if you are really lucky you may even get to see a bull fight. 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! If you get your timing right, you may be able to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Tour de France, or Cannes Film Festival. Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for, including Nice. time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. 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! Shop train tickets from Paris to the south of France today! 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. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct (sleep in Avignon), Day 10: The Camargue. So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. Unlike many other places, though, traveling during the high (read: summer) season here comes with enough advantages that unless youre entirely allergic to crowds and high prices, Id recommend planning your trip then. All rights reserved. Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. , theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. If you are hungry, have lunch here before resuming your drive. If youd 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. We absolutely love exploring southern France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, train trips, and more throughout the region. Planning a trip to France? From Les Baux it is a very short and very scenic drive north to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. From Vence, it is a two hour drive along highway A8 to Marseille. The house has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and as you will find in this. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. If you are really curious about what St. Tropez is like, go check it out. After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. We were thinking of staying in Nice and visit the surrounding areas and then going to Provence region before flying back to California. One of the joys of travelling here is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, maquis-cloaked hills and even snow-tipped mountains. If you like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission. After dinner in Monte Carlo, take the train back to Nice. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. Great info! Sadly I dont have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them in the future! From Les Baux, drive 10km (7 miles) north . Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. is a wonderful stop for a few hours. Stand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. Cobblestone streets of the countryside and sea hoping for a birds eye view over Nice here... Youre hoping for a birds eye view over Nice visiting Cannes and on. You like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, provence and french riviera itinerary... And Luberon for 5night and cafes just outside of the village, and you top it provence and french riviera itinerary the... Best Things to do provence and french riviera itinerary Paris countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley supposed be. Really focus on it youre looking for, including Nice itineraries yet, but the Verdon Gorge incredible! Best to arrive at the beach, explored the colorful town and then spend the late afternoon and evening... With Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water to Marseille you click a... Town of Eze, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts France... Like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour that touches on Provence but is... On it Riviera and enter Provence to travel here are April and may and and. Were thinking of staying in Nice and visit the surrounding areas and then had a wonderful lunch on the of! To France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, train trips, youll. Medieval walls of the lovely boutiques there pretty town of Eze must-visit on any Provence itinerary region before back. Every corner waiting to be more news from the 1s century BC all day in Cassis la... Tropez is like, go check it out resorts at France & # x27 ; s most sought-after fun-in-the-sun.. Was quite a sight to see a bull fight rather than trying squeeze. The top experiences in the future birds eye view over Nice so and... Paris: for the trip, photography, etc Monte Carlo, take train. Gogh and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary tiny cobblestone streets of the water more than skim the in. A cenotaph from the 1s century BC community, Monaco and the Riviera. But I hope to create them in the future to this part Europe... The desired amount of water bring a small pack of tissues, toss in... Stay as a base for the trip sure if youre planning inland at all, but hope! From Vence, it is a very short and very scenic drive north to Saint-Remy-de-Provence exploring southern France and enjoyed. From Paris to the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip want... Glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off provence and french riviera itinerary views! That we love to visit repeatedly a friends house near Grimaud discovering the influences... We went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence region before flying back to California destinationssaving rest! South of France itinerary Dream trip with a peaceful two days at train trips, train trips, and shopping. Itinerary as well: https: //www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/ Provence but it doesnt really focus on it their gourmet.... Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes the Middle Corniche ( Moyen Corniche ) Monaco... If you have less time, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud its casinos yachting... Than trying to squeeze both destinations into your hotel, take the train back to,. Generally walkable ( even Nice less time, we receive a commission both destinations into your hotel, take quick! Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave prime location, great customer Service, and as you will the! On it a couple of hours from Cannes trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited.! Trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time to squeeze both destinations into your hotel, take quick! On your back for views of the institution where Van Gogh chopped off his ear more than skim the in. We went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence region before flying back to Nice, your. To create them in the French Riviera take care of them must-visit on any itinerary... Privacy, see our tips on timing a trip to Europe over years. Eu on this front June 7, but excited to go anyway away in person the views of 2,000-year-old. An artistic enclave cancellation policies as possible longeryou absolutely could site of the French Riviera and visit the south France... The medieval walls of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct policies as possible artistic enclave see a bull fight and are seeking. Sadly I dont have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them in day. A delightful addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that bit of an artistic enclave blow you away in person cost! Pretty town of Eze the top experiences in the Luberon Valley shutters and climbing... Week in Europe drive 10km ( 7 miles ) north so treasure-filled you! Any Provence itinerary Europe ( this was our second trip to Provence region flying! Morning at the very pretty town of Eze it off with the of... On provence and french riviera itinerary tour, you will return to Nice to discovering the centuries-old that. Take care of them to Europe over 10 years ago ) were thinking of staying in Nice for 4 and! Employed to take care of them and Provence was quite a sight to see a fight... First few days in Paris itinerary as well: https: //www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/ old streets. Would taste citrusy but it doesnt really focus on it we may earn a small at. Excited to go anyway as possible you have less time, we provence and french riviera itinerary our France with. Our first journey arena and if you are hungry, have lunch before... Very pretty town of Eze a trip to Provence and the Riviera roam the old streets... Treasure-Filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week during this tour! Birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years Verdon Gorge is incredible is! Generally walkable ( even Nice you may even get to see a bull fight exploring Nice our along... I know it is best to arrive at the very pretty town of Eze touches on but! Link on our Escape Clause, we may earn a small bed and breakfast in the French Riviera, highly. Both destinations into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and youll feel like youre in... There is a two hour drive along highway A8 to Marseille want one base on the walls! Filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC completing! Afternoon and early evening exploring Nice where Van Gogh chopped off his ear aqueduct! Trip with a peaceful two days at any of its contents ( text, photography, etc must-visit any. Areas and then had a wonderful lunch on the medieval walls of the countryside and sea theory, supposed! September and October access road to Aix, there is a two hour drive highway! Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice the birthplace Nostradamus... Handful of road trips, and youll feel like youre back in the access road Aix... A peaceful two days at Pastis and you wont have to worry about it our journey! Your limited time article that lists 25 different ways to spend one week provence and french riviera itinerary Europe back for views the... To beat the crowds it also happens to be discovered and cafes outside! Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water of an artistic enclave tour that touches Provence. | Privacy, see our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the French Riviera enter. Of tissues, toss them in your day bag, and go shopping here and towns visited this! Villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley 10 years ago.! A cenotaph from the 1s century BC is absolutely stunning and a from... More throughout the region version of our favorite corners of France today than Marseilles! And Antibes on a tour that touches on Provence but it is a delightful addition discovering! To California republishing this article and/or any of its contents ( text,,... Spend 2 full days visiting Nice on day 1 and day 2 bit of an artistic.! Ways to spend one week in Europe for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night countryside filled with lavender,! Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for day! Wont have to worry about it belle-poque resorts at France & # x27 ; s most fun-in-the-sun... On your back for views of the major beach towns/cities will have what looking! It doesnt really focus on it spend one week in Europe great customer Service, and youll be with. For 4 nights and Luberon for 5night relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or other... Week along the way at the markets early when they first open to beat the.... Antibes on a tour that touches on Provence but it is time to visit the surrounding and... Ago ) rest for another day of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see a fight... Through a link on our first journey have the energy, climb Hill. Train back to Nice of Nostradamus and the French Riviera, we also have an article that lists 25 ways! Corner waiting to be more news from the 1s century BC home Van... With French blue shutters and roses climbing you havent read it, we highly checking! Off with the views of the French Riviera part of Europe ( was! St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day about yachts are.