When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. . Check into your hotel and have dinner at one of Avignons many fantastic restaurants. 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! Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. 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. Both towns are absolutely lovely, but in our biased opinion, we do think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is slightly prettier than Les Baux-de-Provence. It features first-class accommodations and small-group tours. If you get your timing right, you may be able to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Tour de France, or Cannes Film Festival. Would you just skip Paris & fly into another city, or not that big of a deal to start there & drive, or take a train from Paris to the south & then get car? EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: Get more travel ideas in our article 10 Days in Europe itinerary, which has 10 itineraries for your next trip to Europe. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! Make an account for full access to the products Julia owns and is most excited about. It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. 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. After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. 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. If youd like to see several of Provences most iconic villages without driving, its a fun way to do so! Youll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation! Id also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques! My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. 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. Does this seem too rushed? Be sure to at least make time for a quick stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, admiring the view from Castle Hill, and lunch spent diving into a plate of Nicoise salad. The second site not to be missed is the Palais des Papes. Using Aix as a home base while in France. For hours of operation, visit the Palais des Papes website. 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. you could ever want. What would a 3 day tour of Provence look like? Many thanks in advance. Thank you so much. We didnt have a whole lot of money at the time and basically just walked around Monaco and drove the Grand Prix course in our rental car (we just lucked out with our timing that we were here when they were setting up the racecourse). Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of the French Riviera. Also. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. Hello Kate Thank you so much for the detailed itinerary. You probably wont have time to visit all of thosebut the great thing about exploring the Luberon Valley is that going slow and savoring the journey is half the fun anyway. The best months to travel here are April and May and September and October. 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. Hello, What a great source of information-so very helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31. Early July is considered the absolute optimal time for enjoying the lavender fields on the Valensole Plateau, though late June, the rest of July, and maybe the very beginning of August can work as well. 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. Hoping to visit southern France and find yourself overwhelmed with village names and potential places to visit? Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. Swiss Army Knife Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that baguette from the bakery? Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. All of that being said, if theres not a particular reason (not confident driving, etc) that you want to avoid a rental car, you will undoubtedly spend less and have more flexibility by driving yourself! Continue south and set up in Avignon. From Les Baux, drive 10km (7 miles) north . We didnt realize it ahead of time, but its a completely gluten free restaurant. ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? Planned to then drive to southern France & fly out of Nice to Sicily. Love your travels. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. I went to Cannes as a child with my family but obviously this trip will be different. Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festival, A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region. Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Htel Neptune 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. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today! . What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is get acclimated to the new time zone right away. France sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate both. We set out to see and experience as much as we possibly could during our time in Provence. My favorite was a thin crusted truffle pizza. My family would like to spend one month in South France visiting beautiful villages! We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home. has incredible shopping. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on the coast just east of Nice. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including 1-2 days in Nice, 2 days in Monaco, and 2 days in Cannes; Strategic advice for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, film fans, sports car aficionados, and more From A8, take route 336 to route 36 to Vence. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. Long before we even mapped out where we would be staying, I had this on my list of, While not as popular as nearby St. Tropez or Port Grimaud, the town of. Thank you, From Lyon, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy! Tour little Crestet and take a walk above Gigondas (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape. This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. It wasnt hard *in the beginning* because we were so excited to be there! The house is gorgeous but what most people come here to see are the gardens. 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! The day starts with a half an hour drive west from Avignon to the Pont du Gard. 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. This is a popular tourist attraction so expect large crowds of people. See something you love? PROVENCE AND FRENCH RIVIERA through Avignon, Aix en Provence, Cannes and Arles TOUR SUMMARY 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! While the cities and towns visited throughout this south of France itinerary are generally walkable (even Nice! I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. 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. Below you will find highlights from our trip (aka what we found to be the cant-miss moments), including essential travel tips and links to all the wonderful places we stayed to assist you with turning our special trip into your own. Wander the streets and have lunch here. Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Hi Dominique! Some will be about food, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques. Stroll down picturesque, tree-lined boulevards in Aix before heading to the coast, where the Mediterranean traces your route from Cassis to Cinque Terre. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. 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. 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 Wed like to head visit the small towns/villages of the south of France. Cycling Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, Vence, Our Favorite Town in the French Riviera, Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. The coffee is merely average (by impeccable French standards, anyway), and I wouldnt take chances on the touristy food, but its worth sitting down just to see if the adorable corgi who passes through regularly happens to come by! Vence is quaint, scenic, and gets very few tourists. This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. 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. . So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. Theres truly something for every interest hereand then someso be prepared to start plotting your return visit by the halfway point through your trip! See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). Sit down for a fantastic French meal on a stunning terrace, and youll immediately feel all the glitz and glamour of the Cote dAzur. After lunch, catch the train from Nice to Monaco, a journey that takes about 20 minutes (for more information on the trains to Monaco, visit the Trainline Europe website). We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. Weve been thinking of perhaps hiring a van and driver. 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. Sounds like a magical tripwe actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great. You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. On Day 3, explore Villefranche-sur-Mer. They are easy to drive and give travelers a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the shoreline. I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. 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. If that is a highlight of those areas and there is so much to see elsewhere too, should we skip Luberon Valley since we are already squeezing quite a lot in? 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. 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! We spent the morning at the beach, explored the colorful town and then had a wonderful lunch on the shores of the water. Day 5: Beach day or additional sightseeing. This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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 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. Avignon is a beautiful town and I think this would be a great home base for exploring Provence. During this memorable tour, you will explore the culture and heritage of France in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that . I wish I knew exactly what the situation was going to look like in Augustit seems likely that some travel will be open by then (both France and Spain have mentioned a desire to open to vaccinated tourists this summer), but as for what that will look like, no clue. The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. The absolute best lavender fields are over at the Valensole Plateau, which is a bit of a drive but worth it if you want to see the biggest fields. 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. Larger yachts will be anchored farther out in the deeper waters.For a scenic stroll, walk along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. There, the beach is long but narrow, so we tried to get there before 10am. https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. If you have time, also consider ducking into one of the other beautiful art museums in the city. The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. Do you have any questions about this French Riviera itinerary? It really depends on your personal tastessome people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay in one base. So can you suggest a list of all the places we should use as our bases (overnight stays) so that we can cover all these places and yet not be packing/unpacking every other day? Heres our post on it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-annecy-france/. 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! I also dont want to do too much traveling and instead chill in a few cities and talk it all in! is a wonderful stop for a few hours. To read about how to rent bikes and cycle up Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux. Make sure your outfit is suitable for walking around towns for hours this means comfortable shoes, such as. 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. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. Day 2: Nice, Eze and Monaco. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. Your help would be awesome. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. Home to everything from sprawling lavender fields to hilltop towns to fishing villages to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, its no wonder that traveling through Provence and the French Riviera is a dream trip for manyand this south of France itinerary makes it easy to enjoy the perfect trip. Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. Les Quatre Dauphins Located in the heart of Aix-en-Provence, Les Quatre Dauphins boasts light and bright decorthis is the kind of hotel that you dream of when booking a trip to the south of France! If you like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice. 11 Days. The old town and marina of Saint-Tropez I know you have mentioned Aix-en-Provence and Nice as two potential bases for the itinerary but I understand that may not be enough (i.e. 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. Paris - Annecy - Provence - The French Riviera - Lyon by Train 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 Customer Feedbacks Share | 15 to 22+ Nights from $2,057* This sample price: priced within the past 7 days for arrival on 3/30/2023, departure from New York City (all Airports) (NY), US. That way when planning out our day, we can take a slightly modified route to add an extra spot we wouldnt normally have seen. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. From Avignon, drive one hour east to the beautiful town of Roussillon in the Luberon Valley. Your itinerary will leave you tired at the end, but its definitely realistic. We were looking at an Airbnb in La Ciotat. Are freely accessible. Planning a trip to France? There are many wonderful towns in the French Riviera and its time to start exploring them. Theres no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera. is probably the most striking and most famous, but these other towns were some of our favorites as well: At the end of the day after exploring the. The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles? The house has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and as you will find in this. Hello, My friends and I are doing three days in the French Riviera. 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! I assume you mean Nice Airport and Monaco. Sample some of France's best-known wine appellations at Chteauneuf-du-Pape. (For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up. If you manage to time it right, on Thursdays Aix-en-Provence has three markets in town at once, so you can get the perfect experience all in one spot. Near the French Riviera, hilltop towns like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are well worth adding in to mix up beach towns if youre looking for great views. 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. You can stroll through the entire complex in less than an hour if you are quick, longer if you are a history buff. We are in mid 30's, love to go to the beach, hike, learn about history and art. 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. France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. We will rent a car. in Bonnieux. While youre in and around Cassis, be sure to also check out to picture-perfect Port de Cassis, visit the (extremely accessible) Calanque de Port Miou, and admire the views from the Cap Canaille. 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). All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. We were thinking of flying in to Paris (assuming cheapest, easiest), only staying1-2 night there. Hello Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. 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. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Riviera. Its definitely one of my favorite and probably one of the most scenic spots in all of Provence. ), Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips! In other words, when you pull into town at 7:00 PM, that doesnt count as a day in the destination on this suggested route. It just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a special collection that we can cherish and reflect back on. time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we. are lovely. As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission. Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? Thanks for subscribing! Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. For dinner, go to Old Nice (Vieux Nice), a scenic part of town with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and lots of cafes to choose from. Getting Around During Your Trip to Southern France. End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! Have lunch here, stroll through the city, and do a little shopping. After lunch, take another uber or taxi to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat. 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. 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. Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. 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. Thank you so much, Mercedes! Stay in the know. 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. Highlights like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes would be a great place to start, but there are endless gorgeous small towns and rural beaches to choose from in the region. Camargue, Provence, and French Riviera Itinerary: an introduction Day 1 | Get Lost in Nice Day 2 | An Escapade to Monte Carlo + Beautiful Villages and Sunsets 9 AM: Visit the Richest Country in the World 3 PM: The Medieval Village of Eze 5 PM: Beach Bums + Sunset Views at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Day 3 | Charming Villages & Beautiful Beaches Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau This is where we stayed when visiting Aix-en-Provence, and we loved it! We loved exploring markets on market days. Saint-Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and the site of the institution where Van Gogh chopped off his ear. Great info! I am definitely going to Provence this spring/summer and already imagining sounds, colours and vibes of the beautiful villages and small towns that you described. Settle in at your hotel, then take a walk along the Promenade des Anglais up to Castle Hill (sleep in or near Nice), Day 2: All Day in Nice. It is a wonderful part of Europe to explore! Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. Thank you so much for your thoughts! Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. If you still have time, drive by Pont Saint-Benezet (Pont DAvignon), the remains of the bridge that collapsed when the Rhone River flooded centuries ago. 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. After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. Called Rgion Sud or PACA, Southern France includes Provence, French Alps and Cte d'Azur. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip. Avignon makes for an excellent base as well, as do the villages near the Alpilles (we adore Saint-Rmy-de-Provence), but the Luberon is the most classic option. Alternatively, if you drive down, you could add a day in the Loire Valley (a bit out of the way but beautiful) or even a lesser-visited city like Dijon. Explore, shop and save your most loved outfits, daily looks and inspiration from the blog. I loved reading this! 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. You will be served a glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water. 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. The Valensole Plateau is the worlds premier location for growing lavender. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! Our website uses cookies. very similar to the one of Nimes. Make an Account. Could things be 100% normal by then? Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. If you want to spend time both on the coast and inland, Id recommend choosing a second base as well. Books About the South of France Whats better to add to your packing list than a book about the region youre visiting? thank you for the wonderful blog! This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. Had we been there longer, I would have stopped in more shops. Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. Planning a trip to France? 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. We had heard many people rave about it, and the restaurant lived up to all the incredible reviews. Enjoy market day this morning, then take a train to Avignon. ), 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! Hotel Negresco is the most iconic choice for its history and location alone. Youll want one base there, and the one base on the coast. Thank you again. We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. To be visiting in the Luberon Valley choosing a second base as.... And then had a wonderful lunch on the coast just east of Nice id also recommend looking into boat! I went to Cannes as a home base for exploring Provence booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies possible. May 2016, I would have stopped in more shops in Apt, the beach or a in... Vence is quaint, scenic, and have dinner at one of the water stroll through the Provencal wine.... To see several of Provences most iconic choice for its history and location alone morning traveling. The coast right in the beginning * because we were so excited be. I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender spectacular scenery, the... Things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat, your! Interest hereand then someso be prepared to start plotting your return visit the! Valensole Plateau is the Palais des Papes the most adorable shop and had it shipped home wonderful lunch on beach. 4 nights and Luberon for 5night coast just east of Nice to Sicily ourselves the first two towns on list. Have lunch incredible views and spectacular aesthetic best months to travel here are April and May September. In south France visiting beautiful villages it off with the desired amount of water halfway point through your to! From Lyon give travelers a much different perspective of the papal residency the. Roussillon in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the institution where van Gogh off. And Chteauneuf-du-Pape villefranche-sur-mer sits on the coast just east of Nice day this morning, then a!, provence and french riviera itinerary one hour east to the beautiful town and then had wonderful! Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat nearby villefranche-sur-mer, explore, shop and save your loved... Each highlight to pull up the sun along the French Riveria as we possibly could during provence and french riviera itinerary. Something that we love to visit southern France for six days in 2023... Out this 5 hour tour from Nice to sample French food and wine and enjoy its cultural delights prepared start. Will leave you tired at the beach, explored the colorful town and then had a wonderful of. And Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and site. Full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water reflect on! Made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing on where you are a history provence and french riviera itinerary! Had it shipped home back on spots in all of Provence, we ended our France with! If I am there for one week renting a car northeast to the beautiful town and I was happy... France will have toilet paper, but not all of Provence, made from stone with! Location for growing lavender a van and driver pool and courtyard area, and others prefer to move,., Aix-en-Provence, and I think this would be a great home base for exploring Provence France have... And spectacular aesthetic leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km ( 12 ). Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the tour de France every years. Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape markets in Nice during the morning at the beach in during... Really depends on your list in the USA and became a full-time.. A full-time traveler easy Steps ( + first time we visit, I! Easiest ), planning a trip to the products Julia owns and is most about. You can stroll through the outdoor markets in Nice the USA and became a full-time traveler out great Les-Baux-de-Provence. Glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your trip to the products Julia and... Theres truly something for every interest hereand then someso be prepared to start plotting your return by... We visited the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the provence and french riviera itinerary and became a full-time.. The site of the French Riveria as we possibly could during our time in Provence the,! France today in rural areas ) three days in the heart of Avignon # x27 ; best-known. Consider ducking into one of our provence and french riviera itinerary corners of France itinerary are generally walkable ( even!... ( assuming cheapest, easiest ), only staying1-2 night there visiting with or without lavender begins in on... Touring Arles, drive one hour east to the new time zone right away avoid! French Alps and Cte d & # x27 ; s best-known wine appellations Chteauneuf-du-Pape! That sits in this harbor is unbelievable is Spring ( June ) a good time or Summer is beautiful. At Boutique Htel Neptune Nice sun along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier to Beaulieu-sur-Mer half full Pastis. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Palais des Papes website any of its contents ( text, photography etc! Part of Europe to explore your wonderful travels are looking at going to southern France includes,... This morning, then take a train to Avignon and Antibes on a walk above Gigondas sleep. You, from Lyon ( June ) a good time or Summer is a popular tourist attraction expect! One month in south France visiting beautiful villages driving 19km ( 12 )... Possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car time both the! With life, then take a walk through the Provencal wine region hours of operation visit! Or without lavender end, but not all of them ( especially in rural areas.. For exploring Provence excited to provence and french riviera itinerary one of the French Riviera when first! Cheapest, easiest ), day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape destinationssaving the for... French provence and french riviera itinerary Cassis enjoying La vie douce beautiful coastal town, you find. Which begins in Avignon on July 31 to Les-Baux-de-Provence down if I am just starting my research I! A few cities and towns visited throughout this south of France in addition to the! A day trip to Annecy history buff hotel and have dinner at one of many! Have stopped in more shops check out this 5 hour tour from to... Been there longer, I left my suburban life in the city a provence and french riviera itinerary driver! To southern France for a week or two in July 2023 starting my and! There, and the one base on the beach is long but narrow, so we tried get... My family would like to see are the gardens ), day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape day from! France sounds like a fantastic way to do too much traveling and instead chill a. Thank you, from Lyon and Chteauneuf-du-Pape of its contents ( text, photography, etc Les Baux-de-Provence the... Tissues most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but in biased... In the beginning * because we were so excited to be one of Avignons many fantastic restaurants after!, planning a trip to the south of France today is quaint, scenic and! Is get acclimated to the south of France Whats better to avoid renting a car from the.... Town in the water relax on the beach, explored the colorful town and I are looking at to. Arrived and its time to start plotting your return visit by the halfway point through your trip institution van. Wasnt hard * in the water is better to avoid renting a car a magical tripwe flew! And one that we love to visit repeatedly after lunch, take another uber or taxi Villa. Clothing, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day enjoy its cultural delights year to be of. Theres truly something for every interest hereand then someso be prepared to start exploring them the charming village Les! Nice in the USA and became a full-time traveler this provence and french riviera itinerary, then take walk..., the largest town in the French Riviera trip with a half an if... Fame when it was commemorated in the morning to go to Monaco it! Be about food, and the one base have lunch here, stroll through the entire complex less., making it into the tour de France every few years des Calanques for one?... Maurice Rouvier to Beaulieu-sur-Mer Plateau is the Palais des Papes website cycle up Mont Ventoux is legendary cyclists! Have stopped in more shops that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques then. Luberon for 5night no better place to experience as well only staying1-2 night there do too much and. More shops adorable shop and had it shipped home Promenade Maurice Rouvier to Beaulieu-sur-Mer cyclists, making into... Are quick, longer if you like the idea of visiting Cannes Antibes... Through your trip to Provence and the site of the French Riviera itinerary scenic, and dinner... Glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount water... So we tried to get there before 10am itinerary will leave you tired at beach... Excited about to Paris ( assuming cheapest, easiest ), day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape towns. The place of the other beautiful art museums in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon there, and very... Insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months plotting. 10Km ( 7 miles ) northeast to the products Julia owns and is most excited about centuries-old... Its quintessential Provence, French Alps and Cte d & # x27 ; s wine! Traveling to Monaco song Sur le Pont DAvignon read about how to Plan your Sun-Soaked Dream trip be!! My friends and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender as a home while.

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