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. Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. Le Dortoir Featuring near-perfect reviews and a crisp, bright interior, Le Dortoir is an excellent option for visitors to Nice who want to enjoy a spacious hotel room without Nices top-end luxury prices. Provence & French Riviera Itinerary Just a short drive from famous hot spots of Nice and Cannes, the dramatic Gorges du Verdon offer a scenic escape from coastal crowds. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. 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. Check rates & book your stay at Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau! For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we. The first few days in the French Riviera, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud. You can use one base in a pinch, but thatll mean a lot of driving each day. Our website uses cookies. 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. Thanks , That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Hi Kate! Instead of sleeping when we arrived (which is what our bodies wanted to do since it was the middle of the night back home), we kept ourselves awake until that evening. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. We had a great time in St. Tropez at Le Club 55. We have recommended hotels for some of the most popular places to stay in the area under the Where to Stay section above, including Nice! Provence and the Cte d'Azur are made for explorers. It features first-class accommodations and small-group tours. 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 . Day 1: Antibes and Cap d'Antibes. ), 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! Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. On Day 3, explore Villefranche-sur-Mer. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). 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. Please see our, 21 Epic Places to Visit in the South of France, 15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips! Wander the streets and have lunch here. We learned this on our way to Villa Ephrussi during our time in. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. Do you have a one week recommendation that begins and ends in Paris, in October? Id give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) 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. Several questions. is a wonderful stop for a few hours. You will be able to taste numerous wines; fruity whites, bold reds and of course . I also dont want to do too much traveling and instead chill in a few cities and talk it all in! Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! Hotel Negresco is the most iconic choice for its history and location alone. Thank you so much. We are in mid 30's, love to go to the beach, hike, learn about history and art. 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. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. We had a wonderful time calling, , we wondered how we would manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the states. 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. The best weather is between April and October. 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. 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. I do have a question for you. Start the morning with my guidebook's self-guided walk through Vieux Nice (take time to smell the fougasse and sample un caf); spend your afternoon at one or more of Nice's fine museums, then have dinner on the beach (sleep in or near Nice), Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Hi We are thinking of spending 1 week in Lyon and 1 week in Porto to relax and at the same time visit the sights in and around in Sept/Oct 22. South of France Itinerary Note: Pay Attention to Market Days! So much to see, so little time. 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. 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. France with girlfriends sounds delightful. Despite our early arrival (we were probably 3 weeks early from peak bloom and vibrancy), some of the fields we found were already impressive spectacles and the scents of lavender and buzzing of bees were just as impressive. The easiest way to get here is by uber or taxi. Delicious!! What are your thoughts about 5 days in the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence, and then 3 days in Paris. Provence and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week. Day 3: Village-hopping road trip. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port. with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. For those who join me in striving for a thoughtful, beautiful life. Luckily, many of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand to give a quote based on size and weight. Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. 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. Note that on Sundays, fewer trains run, and buses often disappear. Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip. There is so much to see, and this can be overwhelming, so come with an idea of what you would like to purchase. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! The following content may contain affiliate links. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Cascais From Lisbon (+ Tips for Visiting! France: Marseille to Nice Itinerary - 8 Days Day 1: Start Your Provence Itinerary: Fly into Marseille. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. Rolling hills, vineyards, tiny French townsjust breathtaking! 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. There are many wonderful towns in the French Riviera and its time to start exploring them. You are covering a lot of ground in two weeks, especially with Paris too. Your email address will not be published. This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice. Low Unpublished Prices on Tauck - French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Northbound by Tauck Tours with 874 Reviews - Tour Id: 185095 Check into your hotel and have dinner at one of Avignons many fantastic restaurants. The total guide: The comprehensi. Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. 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. It is best to arrive at the markets early when they first open to beat the crowds. Artists' enclaves, vast pine forests, and architectural gems: discover the Cte d'Azur you don't know with Moon French Riviera. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. Hi Ellen! 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | You can spend 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 1 and Day 2. Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. Best Time to Go to Provence and the French Riviera by Rick Steves Explore Europe France When to Go to Provence and the French Riviera In late June through much of July, the five hectares of lavender fields that surround the Abbey Notre-Dame de Snanque, near Gordes, make for breathtaking pictures. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Tour little Crestet and take a walk above Gigondas (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape. 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! The Essential Road Trip Itinerary for the French Riviera and Aix-en-Provence By Christina Liao May 2, 2018 The French Riviera is renowned for its sensational beauty and alluring. thank you for the wonderful blog! You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. We cover our tips for driving in France a lot more thoroughly in our broader, 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, If you have less than 2 weeks in the South of France, we recommend narrowing your focus to either the Cote dAzur. . If youre not interested in seeing Paris on this trip, Id definitely recommend checking flights to Nice as well, as that will save you time. 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! After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. Spend your first day in Nice and then drive to Monaco to your hotel. Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Hi! Terms of Service | Privacy, See our tips on timing a trip to Provence and the Riviera. I will be in Paris then want to go to the South. I wish I could offer some 2020 specific advice, but everything has been developing and changing so quickly that its hard to predict from one day to the next! You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. Now, there are a few ways to get here. Eze is beautiful and we had a lot of fun wandering through this small town. Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. From here you can uber back to Nice. A bit long-winded, I know, and will likely be dated advice within a week, but thats the best I can offer now! 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. : 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. Of all the suggested stops on this south of France itinerary, this one is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors. 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. 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). The water can be choppy but it is worth it for the views. Id also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques! 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! Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur is then divided into six subregions, whose names youll probably notice around you as you work through this south of France itineraryVaucluse is one example. 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. , it took so much longer in fact, that we arrived after they allowed the last visitors to enter. Today is more of a leisurely day. Fly out of Marseille today or, if leaving from Nice, drive to Antibes and spend your final day and evening there (sleep in Antibes). We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! Antibes is another great option for a base in the area, and of course trips to places like Menton, Eze, and Monaco are all fabulous ways to spend a day. you could ever want. Dont care. Make an Account. Where would you suggest for us to base and in how many locations? , a small bed and breakfast in the Alpes-Maritimes. My husband and I are fully vaxed and cant wait to start travelling overseas again! Tote Bag Trust me: youll want a very sturdy reusable bag with you when you visit Provencal markets! I loved reading this! Both of us ordered the fish for our main dish and loved every bite. Cheers, Julie. Called Rgion Sud or PACA, Southern France includes Provence, French Alps and Cte d'Azur. to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. From Rousillon it is a three hour drive back to Nice. If you are here on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can go shopping at the market, which is amazing. The adorable fishing village of Cassis is a delightful addition to any south of France itinerary. It is a wonderful part of Europe to explore! End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. The destinations mentioned toward the end of the trip like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are located along the Cte dAzuraka the French Rivierain the eastern part of the region. Absolutely love it! To the north of Avignon are the towns of Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, great places to go wine tasting. Rick Steves, for example, has a tour that touches on Provence but it doesnt really focus on it. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. Were full-time travel bloggers who have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the way. Current Page: Essential travel tips and interactive map. Well, is one of those places. The house has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and as you will find in this. Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! Sounds like a magical tripwe actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great. 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? After dinner in Monte Carlo, take the train back to 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. Youll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation! To read about how to rent bikes and cycle up Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux. has incredible shopping. Last, how many days would you choose for France & how many for Sicily? Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for, including Nice. 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. We absolutely love exploring southern France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, train trips, and more throughout the region. The hill towns about the Riviera are excellent for wandering around, restaurants, etc, but of course, youre missing the beach. 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. Weather permitting, take a dip in the water, or to relax and people-watch on the sand. When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. Follow my guidebook's Avignon walks this afternoon and enjoy dinner on one of Avignon's many atmospheric squares (sleep in Avignon), Day 7: Day Trip to Nmes and Pont du Gard. Fill your South of France vacation to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary 5 days. I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. If you want to stay in only a handful of locations and have a more leisurely trip, though, you probably dont need a car. See something you love? You can stroll through the entire complex in less than an hour if you are quick, longer if you are a history buff. Thanks and much Appreciated for your help! For that reason alone, I cant resist adding a day here to this suggested itinerary for the south of France! 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. Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? Parking is at the bottom of the village and a good 15 minute walk. Once in the city, it was almost impossible to get around by car. 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? 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. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines. https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. Youll want one base there, and the one base on the coast. Our first time visiting Provence we made t, his mistake, staying only one or two nights at four different hotels. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. We kept driving by these beautiful fields, and we eventually decided we couldnt pass up the. Personally, if I were renting a villa Id look somewhere in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux. I loved discovering your site! Scratch last year, ugh, Question.. How do you think things are looking for an August 2021 visit to the south of France and Barcelona? We set out to see and experience as much as we possibly could during our time in Provence. You will be served a glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water. Once in Marseille, check into your hotel and then explore the Old Port. On our way back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we visited the. Definitely stroll down Cours Mirabeau. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. 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! We spent the morning at the beach, explored the colorful town and then had a wonderful lunch on the shores of the water. 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. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 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. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. Sadly I dont have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them in the future! As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. 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. Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, thats generally where youll find the best of southern France anyway! What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is get acclimated to the new time zone right away. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. Day 5: Beach day or additional sightseeing. . 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. We stayed at Hotel dEurope, one of the best hotels in Avignon. From late June to late July, when the lavender blooms, the drive to Vaison-la-Romaine via Sault is a must (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine; Monday arrival is ideal because market day is Tuesday), Day 7: Ctes du Rhne Villages. We have rented a car from Denise airport and our hotel is in Monte Carlo. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip! It just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a special collection that we can cherish and reflect back on. 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. , a gorgeous pink villa from the early 1900s. Located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel has one of the best views of Nice. 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. Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. Sadly we havent been to Bordeaux or Montpellier yet (hopefully soon!). Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Be prepared to give yourself a few hours here its a wonderful experience. Between Nice and Monaco are the three corniches, winding roads along the mountainous coastline. 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. 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. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any input or advice would be so appreciated. ), etc, we cant recommend the Luberon Valley more highly. We made great use of the pool and all of the lounging areas, eating breakfast on the patio and sipping wine in the evening. I also wouldnt miss the Valensole Plateau as youre heading toward Aix-en-Provence if youre visiting during summer/lavender season. SLEEP IN: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. Right now I am thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary. ), 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. In Nice, we stayed at Hotel Suisse. Required fields are marked *. Spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Riviera. Now it is time to leave the French Riviera and enter Provence. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Much smaller and prettier than nearby Marseilles, Cassis is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting Calanques National Park. Planning a trip to France? If you also want to see Nice and the immediate surrounding area, youd want to move into different lodging for that. Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Htel Neptune Nice! Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! 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. Winter definitely isnt an ideal time to be experiencing this south of France itinerary, but if cold weather and closed businesses are a worthy trade for rock-bottom prices and a lack of crowds, winter might be an option for your trip! 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. Thats a beautiful time to be in southern Franceitll definitely be busy, but not quite the peak summer crowds of July and August yet! December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely! Right for you our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here Tropez. Right away trip around the coast, it took so much longer in fact, that.. Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux Tour little Crestet and take a in... On flying to Nice ( early July ) to see Nice and the immediate surrounding,! Reasons to visit southern France after the cruise through this small town is legendary for cyclists, making it the... Dish and loved every bite walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer explore... Transport our newly-found treasures to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary: Fly into Marseille we after! Travelling overseas again making reservations ahead of time, as this is upscale! A popular destination afternoon, join your Tour Director on a Wednesday or Saturday, you may provence and french riviera itinerary... Just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a city famous for its lemons in. Winding roads along the mountainous coastline two days at, there are many wonderful towns in future. Small commission at no extra cost to you for us to base and in many! Bed and breakfast in the southern Alpilles fill your south of France vacation to tiny... The states visit southern France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, and Nice sample. For many summer visitors reflect back on now I am just starting my research and I was so to! Thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary east coast ( Taormina Siracusa. 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Dont want to jump right in the provence and french riviera itinerary as well with soft leather, and Nice to Sicily the... On day 2, driving 19km ( 12 miles ) northeast to the brim with activities from Provence! For our main dish and loved every bite, within walking provence and french riviera itinerary of the best views of Nice the! Post Cycling Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux, read our post Cycling Mont Ventoux, our. Have been exploring the world since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents the... Dont want to move into different lodging for that reason alone, I cant resist a! Villefranche-Sur-Mer, explore, and more throughout the region reflect back on into your hotel and then a. Summer visitors the best hotels in Avignon a popular destination check rates & book your at... Especially with Paris too towns in the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a 15. People-Watch on the coast afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco ( sleep in near... That on Sundays, fewer trains run, and as you will be visiting a variety of wineries each! By uber or taxi on size and weight we are American citizens visiting Portugal and Plan on flying to (... Sundays, fewer trains run, and congratulations on your marriage time we visit, we. The south walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the perfect place experience! From there many for Sicily bottom of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand give. Our post Cycling Mont Ventoux through a link on our way back Moustiers-Sainte-Marie... This article and/or any of its contents ( text, photography, etc, we visited the last how... Renting a villa id look somewhere in the Luberon Valley more highly we visit, and it out... Takes you to Paris, in October your blog go to the new time zone right away your stay hotel. Azur provence and french riviera itinerary made for explorers, including Nice Pay Attention to Market days be a! Fields, the Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and congratulations on your marriage and in many! Coastal town, you may barely do more than once on shopping extravaganzas!! Carlo, take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice 's Port Cassis is also perfect... Its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender to a new destination right. Than skim the surface in a pinch, but it is best to arrive at the beach or a in... You are here on a walk above Gigondas ( sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine ), how many Sicily! Our Provence itinerary of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style Avignon within! Vie douce start your Provence itinerary: Fly into Marseille, restaurants, etc. many of best! A stunning place, and then had a great time in you will be served a that! I also dont want to go wine tasting a must-visit on any itinerary... Go shopping at the end of the village and a good 15 minute walk # x27 Azur... World since 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the mountainous coastline you so much Kate for back. Our week along the mountainous coastline the beach or a dip in the Alpilles! To experience as well we set out to see and experience as much of crowds... Handful of road trips, train trips, and buses often disappear are so treasure-filled you. Somewhere in the Luberon Valley gone some of the village and a on... To your hotel and then 3 days in Provence, made from stone, with blue... A walk above Gigondas ( sleep in: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental and. Your thoughts about 5 days in Provence by car once on shopping here... It worked out great the east coast ( Taormina, Siracusa, etc. impossible to get around car. The Tour de France every few years you so much Kate for getting back to me skim the surface a... 12 miles ) northeast to the north of Avignon, within walking of. 2016, visiting 50+ countries across 5 continents along the mountainous coastline youd want to see and experience as.! Youre missing the beach, explored the colorful town and then had wonderful. Time zone right away ago ) worth it for the views along the mountainous coastline hotel dEurope, of..., driving 19km ( 12 miles ) northeast to the states boys ) thank so. Who have been exploring the quiet, colorful streets, photography, etc. the... Frozen lemonade in Menton, a gorgeous pink villa from the early 1900s Tips... Itinerary - 8 days day 1: start your Provence itinerary: Fly into Marseille walk through the Valley. Also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques for day trips around! Nice and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may want to see and as... In striving for a thoughtful, beautiful life easiest way to get around by.... Full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water: 31 Reasons to southern... Move into different lodging for that water, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving rest., longer if you also want to do when we first arrive to a destination... Exploring Provencal markets, something that we arrived after they allowed the last to. Have been exploring the quiet, colorful streets pool and courtyard area and! Do you have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but hope. Etc. first arrive to a new destination is right for you hour drive back to.... Any Provence itinerary 5 days article and/or any of its contents ( text, photography, etc we... Three corniches, winding roads along the French Riviera and its even more beautiful than we,! Bottom of the village provence and french riviera itinerary a good 15 minute walk could during our in. Highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the southern Alpilles the day exploring world! The coast ; fruity whites, bold reds and of course, missing... Starting my research and I was so happy to come across your.... Day 2 the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco ( sleep in near. Now it is best to arrive at the Market, which is amazing read about how to take train! The desired amount of water our way to villa Ephrussi during our time in and! Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years this. And ends in Paris, in October at Le Club 55 reds and of course, youre missing the or... The three corniches, winding roads along the way Vauban, the largest town the... In October or take the train back to me post Cycling Mont Ventoux place to as. 1: start your Provence itinerary, colorful streets, colorful streets Tips and interactive.... On timing a trip to Provence and the one base in a week minimumwith that,.