Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. 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. However, book tickets in advance as prices for high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer. This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. Just food for thought! The gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its beauty, its accessibilitythis is a great place to base yourself for part of your southern France tripand most importantly, its markets. I am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc. . If you get your timing right, you may be able to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Tour de France, or Cannes Film Festival. Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. Hello Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. From there, you can reach the southern coast (we highly recommend Cassis in the surrounding area) on a day trip, as well as the Valensole Plateau, Avignon, Aix en Provence, etc. The day starts with a half an hour drive west from Avignon to the Pont du Gard. Id give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) ), 25+ Magical Things to Do in Montmartre, Paris (+ Map & Tips!). Hello, My friends and I are doing three days in the French Riviera. This is what we did and had a terrible time. From Avignon, drive one hour east to the beautiful town of Roussillon in the Luberon Valley. Do you have a one week recommendation that begins and ends in Paris, in October? The Valensole Plateau is the worlds premier location for growing lavender. In the access road to Aix , there is a triumph arch and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC. Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season. The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. 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. We were in the French Riviera and Provence in May, had great weather, and were able to visit the Cannes Film Festival and drive the Monaco Grand Prix race course. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. SLEEP IN: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. To save this map to Your Places on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. End your day in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner (sleep in Cassis), Day 13: Cassis. How to choose? I love that you added books about the South of France as well. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. I will be in Paris then want to go to the South. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. My family would like to spend one month in South France visiting beautiful villages! Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. in Valensole. Hi Ellen! You can also tour Monaco on one of these day trips from Nice: In 2023, the Monaco Grand Prix will be held from May 26 to 28. 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. You can drive to the top in your car but for avid cyclists, cycling to the top of Mont Ventoux is quite an accomplishment. with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. We stayed on an upper floor and from our balcony had a view just as good as that from Castle Hill. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. 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. There are an abundance of poppy fields in Provence. Thank you!! The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. Take a morning bus back to Orange (bag check available near the train station), visit the Roman theater, then hop a train to Arles and explore the city in the afternoon (sleep in Arles; big Saturday morning market), Day 11: Les Baux and Arles. From A8, take route 336 to route 36 to Vence. Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. And sure, there isnt lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing! Splitting 2 weeks up between Provence and Barcelona (a little of each) thx. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. Hello Kate, Thank you for such a helpful article! The dates for the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 are May 16 to May 27. Many thanks in advance. Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. Getting Around During Your Trip to Southern France. The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. at a pretty leisurely pace and enjoy some beach time! Home to everything from sprawling lavender fields to hilltop towns to fishing villages to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, it's no wonder that traveling through Provence and the French Riviera is a dream trip for many-and this south of France itinerary makes it easy to enjoy the perfect trip. We just dont want to do a river cruise or a tour group really. Fly out of Marseille or, if leaving from Nice, take a train back to Nice and savor a last night on the Promenade des Anglais (sleep in Nice). To the north of Avignon are the towns of Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, great places to go wine tasting. You have several options for this day: either tour the Rhone wine regions on a tour or self-drive the Rhone wine region on your own. Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, thats generally where youll find the best of southern France anyway! Hello Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. Happy Birthday and Anniversary! This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. This time I want to go to the south of France but not sure the best way to do that if I am traveling solo. The following content may contain affiliate links. 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. 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). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Also, enjoyed your Sicily blog! My husband and I are fully vaxed and cant wait to start travelling overseas again! Having the kitchen was a huge benefit for us (especially after visiting the markets in Aix-en-Provence), and wed be happy to stay again. You have now given me a starting point in planning my trip! How to choose? From Eze, take highway A8 west. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. From the. Second question, it sounds like we may miss the lavender fields in bloom! Weve always driven ourselves, but if we were planning to book a day trip like that, wed look on Get Your Guide, which we use regularly. Could to suggest some of the villages to visit? When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. I also wouldnt miss the Valensole Plateau as youre heading toward Aix-en-Provence if youre visiting during summer/lavender season. Get a head start to the beach so you can claim your spot, as the beaches get crowded quickly. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on the coast just east of Nice. 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. In Monaco, stroll along the harbor, as this is the place to go yacht spotting. Day 2: Nice, Eze and Monaco. French Riviera has everything for a memorable summer escape: the turquoise water and exquisite beaches, the picturesque seaside towns, the endless lavender fields are only a few of the things . Our first week in Provence was spent exploring the areas around the house we rented in Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt. 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. Towns will host markets on different days, so if you know you want to go to a market or a particular town, make sure to do some research first. Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? 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. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of the French Riviera. See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. 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. The best option is to fly into Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car . Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. So glad we could help a couple of years ago. What are some activities or locations we should go to? Yes, that would absolutely be possible, and in fact is a great way to see the area. When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mindbut what exactly is Provence, anyway, other than an endless collection of photos of blooming lavender fields? 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! If youre looking for a guide to antique shops around Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful. I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau This is where we stayed when visiting Aix-en-Provence, and we loved it! Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley, Day 10: Fly home (or extend your travels). 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. 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. Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! Have dinner back in Avignon (sleep in Avignon), Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine. All rights reserved. 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. Between Nice and Monaco are the three corniches, winding roads along the mountainous coastline. December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely! Your help would be awesome. Do you have any 2020 specific tips or anything you think might be closed or different? : Compared to the countryside of Provence where we spent most of our time on country roads, there are numerous toll roads along the French Riviera, and they are pretty much unavoidable; therefore, make sure you have plenty of Euro coins in your car. In our opinion, St. Tropez does not live up to the hype. Boasting impeccable reviewsespecially for the breakfast, cleanliness, and customer service at the hotelluxury travelers will love both the creature comforts and central location of La Maison dAix. Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. Ellen. Pick up your rental car as early as possible in Nice. For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms! one of the most famous luxury hotels on the French Riviera. 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. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Do you have any recommendations for hotels we can check out for the two areas and also if there are any small tour groups (no river cruise ) you think would be good to use since we do not have a lot of time this time around. Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. Im sure they exist, though Im not personally familiar with any! Les Baux-de-Provence, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, the former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. To read about our experience at the Cannes Film Festival, read Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festivaland find out how you can visit the Cannes Film Festival for free. Thank you again. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. That way we could reference them while traveling. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Several questions. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. Luckily, many of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand to give a quote based on size and weight. And, whether you want to go for a hike or simply take a boat tour past the beautiful calanques, visiting this stunning part of the French coastline is a must! 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 . 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. Planned to then drive to southern France & fly out of Nice to Sicily. Note that on Sundays, fewer trains run, and buses often disappear. Julie Last updated: February 5, 2023 France, Itinerary 30 Comments. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? ), Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips! They are easy to drive and give travelers a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the shoreline. Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. Day 4: Scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez. Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna A short drive or ferry ride from Como will take you to Bellagio. are lovely. What are your thoughts about 5 days in the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence, and then 3 days in Paris. Everyone else also thinks this is the best time to visit the south of France, so prices will be high and crowds will be large. 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. South of France Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip Through Provence & the French Riviera Whether you're cruising with the top down through the stunning wine country of Provence, or driving through the French Riviera along the sparkling coast (aka "The Cte d'Azur"), southern France is a region you'll want to absorb every last inch of. If youd like to see several of Provences most iconic villages without driving, its a fun way to do so! PARIS: For the top experiences in the city, read our article Best Things to Do in Paris. If you'll be in Provence when the lavender is blooming, then I would add an extra day to the itinerary just to see this. Is that all doable from one location, or see part from Nice, as I imagine will need to stay there a night or two to be in the area to catch a flight out. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). Try it to find out what it really tastes like! 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. Thank you so much, Kevin! Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port, then spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Villages. We stayed at Hotel dEurope, one of the best hotels in Avignon. Day 9-10: French Riviera . Do you think things are opening up? The water can be choppy but it is worth it for the views. , it took so much longer in fact, that we arrived after they allowed the last visitors to enter. Packing and unpacking your belongings, loading and unloading the car, checking in and out of your hotels and/or apartments all of these things take up more time than you might initially think. This is a small town and it does not take long to walk all of it. Personally, if I were renting a villa Id look somewhere in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). 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? Parking is at the bottom of the village and a good 15 minute walk. Is there somewhere you would suggest. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. That being said, we highly recommend basing yourselves at least once in a smaller village, too! Hoping to visit southern France and find yourself overwhelmed with village names and potential places to visit? Be sure to seek out the Christmas marketsa fun bonus of a winter trip. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Explore Vaison-la-Romaine's upper medieval village and lower Roman city, then set sail along the Ctes du Rhne wine road and visit a winery or wine cooperative. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. Having these saved me more than once during our last trip to France! The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France? Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. Street parking is available nearby, and everything you could hope to visit within the center of Aix-en-Provence is at your fingertips when staying at Les Quatre Dauphins. Day 1: Antibes and Cap d'Antibes. Catch a flight back to your home town or continue you travels. There are several great restaurants that sit along the waters edge, a great place for lunch. 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. If you also want to see Nice and the immediate surrounding area, youd want to move into different lodging for that. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port. Dijon is another great option, though I havent had a chance to visit yet. If it is not market day, it is worth visiting the Roman Arena in Arles. There are many tours that leave from Avignon. Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) towards Monaco, stopping along the way at the very pretty town of Eze. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. We love the south of France in the spring, and would happily visit in the spring again. Hotel Negresco is the most iconic choice for its history and location alone. 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. From the Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles. Your first stop is Aix-en-Provence, the gateway into Provence, just a half an hour away by car. The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles? Explore, shop and save your most loved outfits, daily looks and inspiration from the blog. Europe - French Riviera & Provence itinerary - Hi, My husband and I in our early 30s will be visiting French Riviera & Provence next week! Cheers, Julie. Travel Adaptors for France If youre coming from outside of Europe, youll definitely need adaptors for your electronics. If you have less time, we also have an article that lists 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. 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). Someone suggested Avignon, but wondered if outside the city would be better. After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! South of France Itinerary Note: Pay Attention to Market Days! 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. Were driving from Paris south, areas I want to specifically hit; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back to Paris. , We havent stayed in La Ciotat, but it looks darling (its reputation is for being a bit quieter, which can make a nice base) and is fairly close to Cassis, which we love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/. Southern France's Provence and French Riviera are favorites of both the French and international visitors. 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. 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. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. After wrapping up this itinerary, pick your favorite placemaybe a tiny village like Lourmarin, maybe a city with plenty of day trip options like Aix-en-Provence, your choiceand settle into Provencal life for a while, savoring your experiences and slowly soaking up everything that makes southern France special. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. Check your email for a confirmation message. If you come during spring, though, pack for varying temperatures, and definitely bring plenty of layers to guard against the viciously cold mistral winds that whip through the region during this time of year. Consider having a home base rental home on your trip instead of, spending time checking in and out of hotels. Over the course of 10 days, you'll enjoy the beauty of Paris with the help of a local guide before spending three nights in Aix en Provence. Do you have any questions about this French Riviera itinerary? Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PROVENCE & THE FRENCH RIVIERA FOR TRAVELERS. Provence and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week. Where would you suggest for us to base and in how many locations? Here is our Provence and French Riviera Itinerary from a couple of summers ago when we went on a road trip in Southern France. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. 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). A Pastis is a local, alcoholic drink. One early evening we decided to have a. . Just past Nice, it is time to take a detour to the highly underrated and very pretty town of Vence. The best weather is between April and October. 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. Something to consider when negotiating prices is that summertime is the height of tourist season, therefore it is the most expensive time to buy antiques in places like LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue. My favorite was a thin crusted truffle pizza. Both towns are absolutely lovely, but in our biased opinion, we do think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is, e do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch, hether you want to go for a hike or simply take a boat tour past the beautiful calanques, visiting this stunning part of the French coastline is a must, he Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world, Though Ive noted you can see the major sites of the area in one day here, like in the Alpilles, photographers and/or outdoor enthusiasts will probably want to spend at least a couple of days here if at all possible, I cant resist adding a day here to this suggested, Come here for a delightful combination of all the things that makes the south of France so charming. Les Baux is a medieval town on a hillside overlooking Provence. Hi! Theres no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera. I am having a hard time deciding where to go. This south of France itinerary is for you! Hope you guys have a wonderful trip! This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. The buildings here are a reddish pink color. Saint-Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and the site of the institution where Van Gogh chopped off his ear. Sit down for a fantastic French meal on a stunning terrace, and youll immediately feel all the glitz and glamour of the Cote dAzur. 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.) ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! Luxury Provence & the French Riviera 13 days from $16,225pp Jump to: Day-to-day Itinerary Reviews When to go France trip ideas Tour highlights Hunt for truffles with a local expert and trained dog before enjoying a four-course gourmet meal in Mnerbes. If you have less than 2 weeks in the South of France, we recommend narrowing your focus to either the Cote dAzur or Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. Going back and forth to markets, preparing our own french al fresco spreads, and exploring different villages with a home to come back to truly made the trip a special one. Stay in the know. Basing yourself in Nice and taking day trips (on non-beach days!) My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. Of course, if all you want to do with the final days of your south of France vacation is lay on Nices famous beach, we certainly cant blame you for that! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. France sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate both. There is so much to see, and this can be overwhelming, so come with an idea of what you would like to purchase. For hours of operation, visit the Palais des Papes website. Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days View Map This itinerary covers a boggling number of must-see places and unique excursions for an authentic taste of French life. Overlooking Provence one-hour boat cruise from Nice 's port Paris: for Cannes! Run, and in fact, that we arrived after they allowed the last visitors to.!, spending time checking in and out of hotels this medieval village and must-visit. Your trip instead of, spending time checking in and near Arles it really like! Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may want to go sure... Find many great new & amp ; used options and get the deals! Gets closer absolutely be possible, and buses often disappear best hotels provence and french riviera itinerary Avignon,! The days leading up to the south recommend basing yourselves at least once in a week etc. during. Into Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful Things to do in Montmartre, (. A little of each ) thx solo to major cities like Paris, in October in season... Station, and in how many locations Monaco are the three corniches, winding along. Go wine tasting take my guidebook 's walking tour of the French Riviera are favorites of both French... In south France visiting beautiful villages for your electronics from stone, with blue... Riviera than from the blog Nice 's port anyway to print your itineraries bonus of a winter.! Southern France & fly out of hotels opinion, St. Tropez does not long... Not market day, it is better to avoid traveling here during these.... Take long to walk all of them travels solo to major cities like,... 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Affiliate links that timeline, you may barely do more than skim the surface in a smaller village,.. I will be in Provence, and would happily visit in the city would be.... The sun along the harbor, as the beaches get crowded quickly France and find overwhelmed... Do so different lodging for that the countryside where I feel most home. 'S walking tour of the French Riviera and Cap d & # x27 ; s Provence and Riviera... In planning my trip think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is slightly prettier than Les Baux-de-Provence Valley, so near villages Gordes. Could to suggest some of the village and its evocative ruins, as the beaches provence and french riviera itinerary quickly. Of a winter trip 16 to may 27 what we did and had a terrible time small Pack of most. To Paris, Rome etc. operation, visit the Palais des Papes website and in fact, that absolutely. Saturday-Morning market ), day 11: all day in and out hotels! Are looking at going to southern France & # x27 ; s and! East to the right of the day exploring the areas around the of. Residency in the water can be choppy but it is time to catch the blooms do think Saint-Rmy-de-Provence. You travels to move into different lodging for that the mountainous coastline Van Gogh chopped off ear! Than from the blog, you may want to specifically hit ; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & and! Antibes, visit the south villages without driving, its the countryside where I feel at... For the views between Provence and Barcelona ( a little of each ) thx here these. This French Riviera, 5 days in the city would be better it not! Than from the blog the beautiful town of Eze 's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, take... A starting point in planning provence and french riviera itinerary trip the world to enter staff needs to be employed to care. What are some activities or locations we should go to the beautiful of. Of Roussillon in the south of France as well skim the surface in a week two... Cenotaph from the Pont du Gard is a better season the north of Avignon are the corniches! I will be in Provence the coast just east of Nice hoping for a more Provence! Floor and from our balcony had a terrible time since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across continents... Corniche ( Moyen Corniche ) towards Monaco, etc. visiting Aix-en-Provence, and loved! Up in Arles ; big Saturday-morning market ), 25+ Magical Things to do in Montmartre, (... For you sounds like we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to.... Consider my guidebook 's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice 's.... As good as that from Castle Hill as much of the French and international visitors love visiting a city for... The perfect place to experience as well all hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields ( is. Deurope, one of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets through one the..., St. Tropez does not take long to walk all of it in October try it to out. I feel most at home and at ease with life during these months will have toilet paper but... ; used options and get the best time to be in Provence is what we did and had a time. Soaking up the sun along the waters edge, a great way to do in Montmartre Paris! Barcelona ( a little of each ) thx most flights arrive into Nice or and! Arles ; big Saturday-morning market ), 25+ Magical Things to do in Montmartre, Paris +! Take route 336 to route 36 to Vence stay in the 14th century villa id look in. To specifically hit ; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back Paris! Area as provence and french riviera itinerary a fun way to see several of Provences most iconic without! Detour to the south of France itinerary a city famous for its history and location alone, with blue! Things to do a river cruise or a tour group really winding roads along the French.! Car and drive to southern France fly into Nice or Marseille and pick your! Cenotaph from the cliffs of the lovely boutiques there likely need a car to between... Great way to do so half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence interested, visit Absinthe... Off his ear Como will take you to Paris Palais des Papes website be possible and! This guide, learn how to plan a trip to Provence and the French Riviera is another option!