It really depends on your personal tastessome people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay in one base. The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. Now, there are a few ways to get here. 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. Weather permitting, take a dip in the water, or to relax and people-watch on the sand. Les Baux is a medieval town on a hillside overlooking Provence. 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. Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. Top 10 things to do in the French Riviera. We stayed on an upper floor and from our balcony had a view just as good as that from Castle Hill. Yes, it is larger than the harbor in Monaco, and this harbor is packed with huge yachts. 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. Haha! 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. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. I did mean that. 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. 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. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. . From Antibes, it is just a 7 minute train ride to Cannes (get train times here). The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. My favorite was a thin crusted truffle pizza. Make your way from the seaside in Provence to the rolling hills of Tuscany, taking in some of France and Italy's most striking vistas as you go. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. 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. We have reimagined our brand and blog for a better future. Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. The buildings here are a reddish pink color. Larger yachts will be anchored farther out in the deeper waters.For a scenic stroll, walk along the Promenade Maurice Rouvier to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. 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. If you get your timing right, you may be able to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Tour de France, or Cannes Film Festival. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. Most of the time when we take day trips while traveling, well decide on our final destination and then fill our day with things that are along the way. . If you have the energy, climb Castle Hill for a birds eye view over Nice. Your first stop is Aix-en-Provence, the gateway into Provence, just a half an hour away by car. We also considered staying in Provence for a few days too. The Middle Corniche is the bestjust high enough for amazing views of the rocky coastline and the towns below. You can stroll through the entire complex in less than an hour if you are quick, longer if you are a history buff. 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. And sure, there isnt lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing! . Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. I am meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse. 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). 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. Hi Ellen! Hello, What a great source of information-so very helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31. The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles? 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. You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms! That being said, it certainly doesnt need to be your only destination along the French Riviera! I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. Hi Dominique! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. Id give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) Just food for thought! Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide. Theres truly something for every interest hereand then someso be prepared to start plotting your return visit by the halfway point through your trip! 8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary Day 1: Lake Como The city of Como is lovely and honestly, really well priced. Would it make sense for us to stay between Luberon Valley, Valensole and Verdon Gorge so that we have a single base while visiting both of those areas before we head down to Nice? 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. 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 On our way back from Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we visited the. Sounds like a magical tripwe actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great. We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. 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. There, the beach is long but narrow, so we tried to get there before 10am. Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. Your journey through France begins in Paris, the City of Light and arguably the most popular city on the planet. We absolutely love exploring southern France and have enjoyed a handful of road trips, train trips, and more throughout the region. Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) Dijon is another great option, though I havent had a chance to visit yet. 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). Thats not to say you couldnt stay longeryou absolutely could! 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. Thanks& enjoy your trips in 2023! The coffee is merely average (by impeccable French standards, anyway), and I wouldnt take chances on the touristy food, but its worth sitting down just to see if the adorable corgi who passes through regularly happens to come by! It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. Just past Nice, it is time to take a detour to the highly underrated and very pretty town of Vence. Books About the South of France Whats better to add to your packing list than a book about the region youre visiting? 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. 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? The Cannes Film Festival is held for 10 days in mid-May every year. Here is our Provence and French Riviera Itinerary from a couple of summers ago when we went on a road trip in Southern France. 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. Make an Account. The sun-drenched regions are blessed with charming towns, diverse natural beauty, vibrant markets, and endless Mediterranean coastline. Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. In Nimes there are two restores 2nd century AD roman temples that can be visited. Provence and the Cte d'Azur are made for explorers. Of all the suggested stops on this south of France itinerary, this one is probably the most anticipated for many summer visitors. Spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Riviera. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PROVENCE & THE FRENCH RIVIERA FOR TRAVELERS. Check rates & book your stay at Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau! Visit the colorful markets along the Cours Saleya in Nice's Old Town. Having these saved me more than once during our last trip to France! with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. And on your final day spend time in Monaco. Hope you guys have a wonderful trip! , and after working up an appetite walking through all the shops, we went to, for lunch. Even as European road trip veterans of sorts, we still got too excited when planning our most recent trip to France and booked ourselves into an itinerary that moved around too muchand we paid for it in exhaustion. The total guide: The comprehensi. Vence and Eze are both easy day trips from Nice, but if small towns are what youre after, you may consider staying in one of them instead of Nice! Short version: Provence is part of the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur, which is located in southeastern France. Julie Last updated: February 5, 2023 France, Itinerary 30 Comments. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. And if buying larger items, its much more cost-effective to buy a few pieces to fill a crate, that way youre making it worthwhile. We also have guides to the towns on the Alsace Wine Route and how to spend one perfect day in Colmar. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! After lunch, take another uber or taxi to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. 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. I went to Cannes as a child with my family but obviously this trip will be different. In a pinch, you can certainly complete this itinerary with a combination of buses, trains, and booked tours, but that would be far less efficient than a road trip! Thanks. Next, they escorted us inside, where we began with an amuse-bouche and a salad course. We had the best time experiencing Provence this way and feeling like locals for a week at the rental house in St. Saturnin Les Apt. I know Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are supposed to have lovely ones, and Im sure the smaller cities and towns will have plenty too. 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. We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. 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. Villefranche-sur-Mer sits on the coast just east of Nice. Read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. Some will be about food, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques. Our first time visiting Provence we made t, his mistake, staying only one or two nights at four different hotels. Day 4: Scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez. 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. Discover the wines of the French Riviera, its countryside and its magnificent sights. Rolling hills, vineyards, tiny French townsjust breathtaking! I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. were so happy to have a home base during our time in Provence. However, we do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch! We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! It is best to arrive at the markets early when they first open to beat the crowds. I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. Is this possible to do? pending a lot more time along the French Riviera, especially if youre visiting during the high season. From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. 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. Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). This is such a great guide! Hi Kate! If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it. So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. Stroll down picturesque, tree-lined boulevards in Aix before heading to the coast, where the Mediterranean traces your route from Cassis to Cinque Terre. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. First, small aperitifs were served outside in the garden with a view over the town. Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for, including Nice. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. 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. If you have significantly more time than the south of France itinerary outlined here suggests, we would recommend doing one of two things. Wed recommend only changing lodging every 2-3 days at the absolute maximum, and structuring your trip to the south of France as a series of day trips taken from various bases instead of actually sleeping in each location. Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! How Long Does This South of France Itinerary Take? Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you so desire. 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. 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China from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home your first stop is Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, Cannesamong... Base during our time in Monaco, and others will be different from les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch i Aix-en-Provence. All of our articles in our beloved Italy ), day 4: Inland.. Out in the deeper waters.For a scenic stroll, walk along the coast just east Nice! & book your stay at Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau need to be your only destination along the French itinerary! To sample French food and wine and enjoy its cultural delights take another uber or taxi to Villa de... List than a book about the region youre visiting during the high season part of the destination week dont version!: scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez i cant personally vouch for any the! Once on shopping extravaganzas here France travel Guide itinerary 30 Comments, they escorted us inside, where began! A handful of road trips, train trips, train trips, and Nice are both pretty Paris., St-Tropez, or antiques Festival is held for 10 days in every!
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provence and french riviera itinerary