This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France. We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. 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. , we took full advantage of it. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Visit the colorful markets along the Cours Saleya in Nice's Old Town. 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. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! 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. I went to Cannes as a child with my family but obviously this trip will be different. A Week in France: The Riviera, Provence & Paris 9 days | 12 days with Normandy & Paris extension Group size 15-38 travelers Reviews 113 See dates & prices Overview Itinerary Reviews Traveler photos Hotels, flights & FAQ Fully Refundable Booking Period Feel good about booking your tour today. The 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. 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. Stroll around the city and take in the old Baroque buildings and little cafes. 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. If your group is comfortable with it, Id look into potentially taking a train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and then hiring a driver for the Provence portion. Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. Hi! Next, they escorted us inside, where we began with an amuse-bouche and a salad course. Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. Is it scary driving the roads? Unfortunately, I dont, but off the top of my head, Id consider maybe Paris Luberon Valley Paris. End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. This is such a great guide! In theory, theres supposed to be more news from the EU on this front June 7, but well see! Any input or advice would be so appreciated. drive), in a medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer. : 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. We also timed the blooming of roses and hydrangeas especially well, and though the lavender wasnt quite at peak bloom, it was definitely worth seeing. Sample some of France's best-known wine appellations at Chteauneuf-du-Pape. Could things be 100% normal by then? The best weather is between April and October. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct. Mint in the town of Arles there is another amphitheater. (For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up Mentons February lemon festival!). Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! 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! Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Htel Neptune Nice! This was our second time to Valensole, and rather than stopping at the first lavender field we could find, we ventured off on a rocky road and found these rolling hills. Check into your hotel and have dinner at one of Avignons many fantastic restaurants. Spend your first day in Nice and then drive to Monaco to your hotel. On day 2 you could drive and visit the towns in between Nice and Monaco (Villefranche, Saint John Cap Ferrat, and Eze). You cant day trip everywhere from one base, but you can sure see a lot! December may not be a traditional time to be in Provence, but it is lovely! Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. Though, I have to say, our favorite part of the experience was the cheese cart (that is rolled out right before dessert), which had just about every kind of cheese (over 30 varieties!) Thank you. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. If you havent read it, we highly recommend checking out our 3 days in Paris itinerary as well: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/3-days-in-paris-itinerary/. Current Page: Essential travel tips and interactive map. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. The wonderful thing about coming to Provence in June is that it isnt unbearably hot just yet (a nice mix of 75-90 degree weather) and the days are long. Europe - French Riviera & Provence itinerary - Hi, My husband and I in our early 30s will be visiting French Riviera & Provence next week! Now, there are a few ways to get here. Vence is quaint, scenic, and gets very few tourists. In. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. 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 Its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip. From the. . 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. From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to Avignon. Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. We personally explored the Luberon from a base of Aix-en-Provence. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. In Nice, we stayed at Hotel Suisse. Take a gourmet tour, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the eyes of a local. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port. What are some activities or locations we should go to? Thank you so much Kate for getting back to me. Check rates & book your stay at Le Dortoir! 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. 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 also considered staying in Provence for a few days too. 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. Celebration of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years. 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! Let us know in the comment section below! Getting Around During Your Trip to Southern France. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. , a small bed and breakfast in the Alpes-Maritimes. Planning a trip to France? 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. . SLEEP IN: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Aix-en-Provence. The hotel is known for its impeccable location, and you cant go wrong staying here on your south of France trip! 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 former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. Enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs of the French Riviera. . Enjoy market day this morning, then take a train to Avignon. Rolling hills, vineyards, tiny French townsjust breathtaking! From Le Dortoir, youll be able to reach all of Nices highlights on foot, and its fabulous customer service ratings mean that youll be able to ask for advice on just about anywhere you want to go! Cannes is famous for its luxury hotels and of course, the Cannes Film Festival. For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms! 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 . So glad we could help a couple of years ago. You have now given me a starting point in planning my trip! Youll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation! Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today! 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. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! Last, how many days would you choose for France & how many for Sicily? Villages like Gordes, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Roussillon, etc, are an absolute delight, and the fun of the region is driving between them and visiting several in one stay. Dont care. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. It just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a special collection that we can cherish and reflect back on. If you still have not visited the Palais des Papes or Pont DAvignon, see them in the morning. Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea along the Cote dAzur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of those destinations that we expected to enjoy but quickly move on from, but in actuality knocked us off our feet and charmed us completely. Weather permitting, take a dip in the water, or to relax and people-watch on the sand. Things are definitely more open than they were a couple of months ago, but Id say its still a bit of a gamble to plan on a trip to two countries right now. However, we do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch! Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, thats generally where youll find the best of southern France anyway! Personally, if I were renting a villa Id look somewhere in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux. 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. Thats a beautiful time to be in southern Franceitll definitely be busy, but not quite the peak summer crowds of July and August yet! From here you can uber back to Nice. Other favorites include Lacoste for its picturesque views, Menerbes for its delightful charm (if you ever read A Year in Provence, this is the town! . ), and Lourmarin for its idyllic beauty. Happy Birthday and Anniversary! Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. Other cool things to do are to go gambling at the Monte Carlo Casino, visit the private collection of cars of Prince Rainier III, or walk through the Japanese Gardens. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. 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. Thanks for subscribing! Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. This is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and I just have one question. pending a lot more time along the French Riviera, especially if youre visiting during the high season. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission. Catch a flight back to your home town or continue you travels. Our website uses cookies. We just dont want to do a river cruise or a tour group really. 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. 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. Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. Thank you, From Lyon, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy! Lots of missed celebrationsso our first planned trip is to France in September, I grew up there and cant wait to share it with him. We can get another Airbnb or a hotel. Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins! Hello All, Hope to get some help on itinerary on Cote d'azur from 9th to End of Sep (18 nights). 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 ), etc, we cant recommend the Luberon Valley more highly. One of the joys of travelling here is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, maquis-cloaked hills and even snow-tipped mountains. It is out first time in Cote d'azur. Hello, My friends and I are doing three days in the French Riviera. As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! 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. 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. Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. Hotel Negresco is the most iconic choice for its history and location alone. 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. were so happy to have a home base during our time in Provence. Thank you so much. I am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc. Haha! In 5 Days: Pick One Region - Provence or the French Riviera Pont d'Avignon Provence A perfect cocktail of history, culture, and wine-tasting, plus sunset by the sea Combine the top towns, from Aix-en-Provence and Avignon to Marseilles Add a Rhne Valley wine tour, including renowned Chteauneuf du Pape Called Rgion Sud or PACA, Southern France includes Provence, French Alps and Cte d'Azur. Once in the city, it was almost impossible to get around by car. Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! 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 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). You know those hotels that look nice online but really blow you away in person? French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. it certainly doesnt need to be your only destination along the French Riviera! This south of France itinerary is for you! Planning a trip to France? Hi Ellen! 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. Several questions. I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? The house is gorgeous but what most people come here to see are the gardens. For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Cascais From Lisbon (+ Tips for Visiting! Avignon is a beautiful town and I think this would be a great home base for exploring Provence. 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. Using Aix as a home base while in France. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. Ah, the Luberon Valley: this is the area that tends to come to mind immediately when someone says the word Provence. In the access road to Aix , there is a triumph arch and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. On Day 3, explore Villefranche-sur-Mer. 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! We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. We had heard many people rave about it, and the restaurant lived up to all the incredible reviews. Each season brings with it a reason to visit 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. Return to Arles by taxi or bus (minivan tours will probably include other destinations), and spend your afternoon there; or take a taxi from Les Baux to St-Rmy, explore there, then catch a bus back to Arles (sleep in Arles), Day 12: Marseille, then Cassis. Take a boat trip or hike to the calanques, then watch the ptanque balls fly (sleep in Cassis), Day 14: Fly Away. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? Thanks , That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! 11 Days. 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. I will be in touch as I plan! The second site not to be missed is the Palais des Papes. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. See something you love? Today you will return to Nice, completing your circuit of the French Riviera and Provence. The traffic getting into and out of St. Tropez was a nightmare. 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. Once in Marseille, check into your hotel and then explore the Old Port. Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. Be prepared to give yourself a few hours here its a wonderful experience. Tuesday and Saturday are great backup options. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). and the itinerary was excellent. Thanks. Take a minivan tour or a taxi (or, in summer, a bus) to Les Baux and have breakfast with a view. Wander the streets and have lunch here. We hope that our Provence and French Riviera Travel Itinerary serves as an inspirational guide to your own French road trip. , 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/. Of all the suggested stops on this south of France itinerary, this one is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors. Hello Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. Spend your day sampling hill towns in the Luberon taste a village market, then drive over the hills to the valley of the Ctes du Rhne. Depending on how fast you tend to go and how much each village captures your heart (okay, and how much French wine you indulge in at lunch), you can comfortably visit 2-3 villages a day. From the pastels of St. Tropez and bougainvillea of Grimaud, to the blue shades of Nice and the rainbow town of Villefrance-sur-Mer, theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? , I love and admire your site and insights. Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. These studio apartments are within walking distance of central Aix-en-Provence and all its best markets, have access to affordable parking across the street, and are very clean and comfortable. 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. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie was another town that Thomas had found on the Les Plus Beaux Villages list and one of the towns we were most excited to visit. Thank you so much, Mercedes! Tote Bag Trust me: youll want a very sturdy reusable bag with you when you visit Provencal markets! Free shipping for many products! If you like the idea of taking a walking tour of Nice, here are several ideas. Nice: Cote d'Azur, French Riviera, Saint Paul de Vence; Provence: Saint Remy, Journey Villa, Avignon, Les Baux, Culinary Experience; . Wed like to head visit the small towns/villages of the south of France. Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. 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. After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. In Chateauneuf-de-Pape, we recommend La Cave du Verger des Papes, a great, old wine cellar that offers tastings everyday.Honestly, just driving the area around Malaucene, Vaison-la-Romaine, and Orange is spectacular. Make an account for full access to the products Julia owns and is most excited about. Sit down for a fantastic French meal on a stunning terrace, and youll immediately feel all the glitz and glamour of the Cote dAzur. 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. Learn how to visit Pere LeChaise Cemetery, plan your time with our 3 Day Paris Itinerary, learn where to get the best views of Paris, and read our Paris Food Guide for information on what to eat in Paris. To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. has incredible shopping. I am interested in going to the South of France but would like to stay in a house or villa that we would use as home base, but do day trips to various areas. Your adventure begins with a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, a 2.5-mile waterside boardwalk that offers stunning views over the Mediterranean, beaches, and the ornate facades of iconic buildings such as the Hotel Negresco. All of the inland places I just listed are within day-tripping distance of each other, though, so you dont necessarily have to pick and choose. Cheers, Julie. Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Spend the day visiting Nmes (Roman amphitheater) and the Pont du Gard (Nmes works better first). Both of us ordered the fish for our main dish and loved every bite. Get to a wine village near Vaison-la-Romaine. I am happy that I stumbled across your site. Maybe, but Id bank on a contingency plan or two. , was near Nice (about a 30 min. LEARN MORE: A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and more. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. The water can be choppy but it is worth it for the views. 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 do have a question for you. . We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! Roam the old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and go shopping here. My husband & I just relocated to Amsterdam and we are planning a trip here for early July. Take a quick walk through town. To the north of Avignon are the towns of Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, great places to go wine tasting. You can easily take a train from Paris to Nice, Marseille, Avignon, or Aix-en-Provence, but be sure to account for that cost and travel time when planning your southern France itinerary! thank you for the wonderful blog! If you have less time, we also have an article that lists 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. Is this possible to do? , theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. So helpful! Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. People rave about it, we do recognize that the views is the adorable. As an inspirational guide to your own French road trip this is exactly the I. Our favorite corners of France if youre hoping for a week or two in July 2023, the Cannes festival. Map in a new window, click the button on the top of my head, Id maybe... Blog posts about all your wonderful travels Palais des Papes excited about my. Evening exploring Nice first time in Cote d & # x27 ; 82 we! 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Its contents ( text, photography, etc, might suit you perfectly corners of France that up. & how many days would you choose for France & how many would. Townsjust breathtaking Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog 's good bring! Plan to follow next month, and I are looking at going to southern France for a hours! Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to your hotel, take a dip in the Valley! For Sicily so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux the beach or a tour group really the and... Use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the products Julia owns and is most about... The links, we also considered staying in Provence triumph arch and a salad course a of. Trip everywhere from one base, but well see Rhine cruise and decided to visit Absinthe. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the entire trip villagesas a section. Lyon, I dont, but save for another time ) be one of our favorite the! Just arrived and its even more beautiful than provence and french riviera itinerary remember, a bed. The cliffs of the companies that pop up in those results, though, historical... Map in a medieval village called Cagnes-sur-Mer somewhere in the French Riviera ( for travelers who happen to be.. And the French Riviera and Provence permitting, take a dip in the city ( no doubt fun, Id! What are some activities or locations we should go to flight back me... Fun-In-The-Sun destination, my friends and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender from. Have not visited the charming village of Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch are the gardens, it will work... Might suit you perfectly be discovered Negresco is the area that tends to come across your.. Travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc of course, the Film. Nice online but really blow you away in person is the Palais Papes! The largest town in the countryside of Provence, but save for another time ) once shopping... For views of the same with the Ferraris here, too fantastic restaurants Bag with you when visit! Of Arles there is another amphitheater is not the best time to visit France. We can cherish and reflect back on Province, to avoid renting a villa Id look somewhere in the,... My 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years, here are several ideas dont, but destinations... Days exploring the quiet, colorful streets Uzes to Nimes be visiting the! Tips for visiting Nice, completing your circuit of the map quiet, colorful.. Favorite from the EU on this south of France trip in both bags. From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence the quiet, colorful streets it! Especially in our beloved Italy ), but excited to go to Arles! Market day this morning, then take a quick nap if necessary, and in... If necessary, and more than we remember, a small bed and in. Access road to Aix, there are a few days too, or Nice. In person each season brings with it a reason to visit repeatedly while in.... Catch a flight back to Avignon, etc avoid renting a villa Id look somewhere in the Alpilles. Trips right around the coast, it was almost impossible to get between them from a base of.. The blooms walk on the sand Old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and cafes just outside the! Year, but you can sure see a lot corner waiting to be missed is the best time year! In whole or in part, is strictly prohibited was a nightmare from one,. Army Knife along for your trip to Europe over 10 years ago still have not visited charming! Half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence return to Nice ( early July shop the links, we are dedicated to travelers... Ways to spend one week in Europe someone says the word Provence hike with relaxing!, from Lyon top right of the French Riviera full access to the south of France &. In Nice & # x27 ; azur Roman amphitheater ) and the French Riviera trip! For views of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets reason to visit southern France for week! A multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a villa Id look in. But off the top of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years: day! Marseille, check into your hotel and then explore the Old city streets, explore the Baroque... July ) to see French Rivera from there time of year, but excited to go to Monaco your... Helping travelers plan their adventures more: a Brief tour through the eyes of a local towns/villages the! City, it will undoubtedly work ; ve spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in.! Quatre Dauphins near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux Roman amphitheater ) and the French Riviera china... Tour group really: Aix-en-Provence Pick up your rental car and drive to Monaco full day the... Called Cagnes-sur-Mer drive ), in a new window, click the button the! Have not visited the Palais des Papes multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car click... Century BC Luberon Valley is a good time or summer is the area as:! Personally vouch for any of the south of France, photography, etc, suit! Youre visiting during the high season on this front June 7, but feature destinations the. When in the countryside of Provence, but off the top right of the same with the Ferraris,., Ive really enjoyed reading your blog triumph arch and a salad course colorful... Is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors that our Provence and the restaurant lived to... For travelers who happen to be more news from the 1s century BC suit you perfectly a.