If you have time, also consider ducking into one of the other beautiful art museums in the city. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? , a gorgeous pink villa from the early 1900s. We kept driving by these beautiful fields, and we eventually decided we couldnt pass up the. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. Portable USB Charger Dont stress about your phone dying while youre spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your south of France packing list. 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! Parking is at the bottom of the village and a good 15 minute walk. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. Winter is very quiet in the south of France, and if you visit during this time, expect to find some businesses (including accommodation) closed. I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. , we took full advantage of it. There is a small beach and harbor here. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. Spend the day visiting Nmes (Roman amphitheater) and the Pont du Gard (Nmes works better first). From the. Youll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! Thanks. Someone suggested Avignon, but wondered if outside the city would be better. ALSACE WINE REGION: Learn how to plan your visit in our 3 Day Alsace Wine Region itinerary. Hello All, Hope to get some help on itinerary on Cote d'azur from 9th to End of Sep (18 nights). This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. 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. 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. See something you love? It just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a special collection that we can cherish and reflect back on. 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. Id also only recommend booking one country right nowwhichever is your priorityand then giving it another couple of months to see how easy it will be to travel between the two (will you need to test or isolate, etc). The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! . We enjoyed Saint-Rmy-de-Provence so much the first time around that when we later returned to southeast France, we based ourselves there for almost a week! Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. One place not to be missed, in our opinion, is Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. You may want to look into Menton, too! We stayed at Hotel dEurope, one of the best hotels in Avignon. Consider having a home base rental home on your trip instead of, spending time checking in and out of hotels. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. If you want to spend time both on the coast and inland, Id recommend choosing a second base as well. For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. 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. Tim and I are hoping to revisit this area a year from now to give our content a massive update. Provence and the Cte d'Azur are made for explorers. From Eze, take highway A8 west. It sits on 23 acres of vineyards, with everything from olive trees to lavender to rose gardens. Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. It was built 2000 years ago. Itinerary #1: Cities & Nature on the French Riviera On this grand tourof the French Riviera, you'll learn to prepare a three-course meal in Nice, taste wines in Provence, and have a sunset picnic on a mountaintop. 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. 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). Its much faster! Were driving from Paris south, areas I want to specifically hit; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back to Paris. Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. It features first-class accommodations and small-group tours. While we enjoyed our room, hotel and town, access to the hotel was difficult as only very compact cars can drive all the way to the hotel. Any input or advice would be so appreciated. September is such a beautiful time to visit. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. With more time in southern France, you cant go wrong with spending a lot more time along the French Riviera, especially if youre visiting during the high season. The seemingly endless sea of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. 8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary Day 1: Lake Como The city of Como is lovely and honestly, really well priced. Here is my recommendation for a road trip itinerary in the French Riviera starting in Nice: Arrival in Nice on Day 1. 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. Have lunch here, stroll through the city, and do a little shopping. 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 Where would we stay as a base for the trip? This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. Have dinner back in Avignon (sleep in Avignon), Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine. After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. 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. Right now I am thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. I assume you mean Nice Airport and Monaco. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on the coast just east of Nice. From one of the world's prettiest and most romantic capital cities to a fairytale-like countryside sprinkled with lavender fields and century-old vineyards to the glistening Mediterranean Sea and its cosmopolitan coastal towns, this 10-day tour of Paris, Provence, and the French Riviera has it all. The two biggest airports in the Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur region are Marseille and Nice, and you can easily fly into either to start your trip to southern France. 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. The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. The hill towns about the Riviera are excellent for wandering around, restaurants, etc, but of course, youre missing the beach. December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely! Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. Is this possible to do? Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. 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. 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. 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. Theres no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera. Youll have a much better end to the day by arriving early in Nice and going out for a nice dinner and night on the town rather than visiting the headache that is St. Tropez. 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. Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France! While in Provence, try a Pastis. Start your day touring the Roman theater in Orange and consider a quick stop in Chteauneuf-du-Pape. From the sparkling skyline of Paris to the fabulous landscapes of the French Riviera, your 11-day tour through France will allow you to create unforgettable memories within breathtaking sceneries. Photo: Claudio Vincenti. I do have a question for you. Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. In our opinion, St. Tropez does not live up to the hype. I wish we knew! Scratch last year, ugh, Question.. How do you think things are looking for an August 2021 visit to the south of France and Barcelona? 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. That being said, it certainly doesnt need to be your only destination along the French Riviera! Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Make an Account. Sure, the Luberon Valley also has stunning fields, and theyre definitely worth seeingbut in Valensole, be ready to pull your car over nearly constantly, because every field seems to be more gorgeous than the last. The food was fantastic, but the sunset we witnessed was one of the most incredible sunsets weve ever seen, with the sky and calm blue waters turning a cotton candy pink hue. Read about how to see and do it all in our French Riviera and Provence itinerary. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 Located right along the Promenade des Anglais, a stay at the ever-popular and unique Hotel Negresco is not something youre likely to forget anytime soon. 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. If it is not market day, it is worth visiting the Roman Arena in Arles. Provence in particular has spawned countless novels and memoirsif youre looking for an excellent starting point, Peter Mayles A Year in Provence is a classic. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? Absolutely love it! 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. 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. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. very similar to the one of Nimes. you could ever want. The dates for the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 are May 16 to May 27. time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. Second question, it sounds like we may miss the lavender fields in bloom! Make sure your outfit is suitable for walking around towns for hours this means comfortable shoes, such as. We had heard many people rave about it, and the restaurant lived up to all the incredible reviews. Be sure to seek out the Christmas marketsa fun bonus of a winter trip. If you like the idea of taking a walking tour of Nice, here are several ideas. I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. Do you have any 2020 specific tips or anything you think might be closed or different? Does this seem too rushed? ), 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. The day starts with a half an hour drive west from Avignon to the Pont du Gard. Id also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques! France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. 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. Spend the day exploring the town, hitting up the impressive Papal Palace, the Pont dAvignon, and the Les Halles Market in between wandering the streets and marveling that youre finally in southern France! During this memorable tour, you will explore the culture and heritage of France in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that . Next, they escorted us inside, where we began with an amuse-bouche and a salad course. Theres truly something for every interest hereand then someso be prepared to start plotting your return visit by the halfway point through your trip! Renting a car would be ideal because that would make it easier to get around. Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! We were exhausted when we arrived, but it was 9am and we were not about to go to bed. It is out first time in Cote d'azur. 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. With 18 days you have some flexibility. We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. From Les Baux it is a very short and very scenic drive north to Saint-Remy-de-Provence. You know those hotels that look nice online but really blow you away in person? ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. While youll experience a bit more rain than in the summer, fall can be a lovely time to visit the south of France if youre looking for reduced crowds and prices while still experiencing quite a bit of sunshine and some lovely markets. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! Tuesday and Saturday are great backup options. if so what area would be the best to stay? Spring is also an excellent time of year to be exploring Provencal markets, something that we have taken full advantage of when visiting during this time of year. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. For that reason alone, I cant resist adding a day here to this suggested itinerary for the south of France! 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. Take a quick walk through town. Now, there are a few ways to get here. Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. thank you for the wonderful blog! Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. Yes, it is larger than the harbor in Monaco, and this harbor is packed with huge yachts. ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) towards Monaco, stopping along the way at the very pretty town of Eze. My favorite was a thin crusted truffle pizza. What are some activities or locations we should go to? Boutique Htel Neptune Nice This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhatNice is pricey!) Using Aix as a home base while in France. Also, before heading home, we stopped in Gordes for drinks at. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Rick Steves, for example, has a tour that touches on Provence but it doesnt really focus on it. Day 1 to 4: 3 days and 3 nights in Nice. : 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. Vence is quaint, scenic, and gets very few tourists. The adorable fishing village of Cassis is a delightful addition to any south of France itinerary. Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Wander the streets and have lunch here. has incredible shopping. For hours of operation, visit the Palais des Papes website. As the largest city in the region and home to a good airport, glamorous Nice is the obvious final stop for your south of France trip. 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