Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. 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. 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. 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. 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. Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you so desire. Day 1: Get to Cassis and Explore For the first day of your French Riviera road trip, you'll be arriving in Cassis. We can get another Airbnb or a hotel. The best weather is between April and October. How Long Does This South of France Itinerary Take? There are an abundance of poppy fields in Provence. 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. I will be in Paris then want to go to the South. 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. if so what area would be the best to stay? It wasnt hard *in the beginning* because we were so excited to be there! End your day with gelato from Fenocchio Glacier in Old Nice. If youre looking for a guide to antique shops around Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. Haha! Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Do you think things are opening up? . Choose your own departure city and dates. Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. From the Old Port you can take a two or three hour boat tour of the coastline. Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. Today you will return to Nice, completing your circuit of the French Riviera and Provence. LEARN MORE: A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and more. 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. Take a train to Isle-sur-la-Sorgue via Marseille or Nice (best to arrive on a Saturday or Wednesday, and awaken the next morning for market day); wander and explore the town, and consider a canoe ride down the crystal-clear Sorgue River (sleep in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue), Day 6: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and Avignon. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley, Day 10: Fly home (or extend your travels). Obviously not enough time to see both in detail, but thought we could get a basic overview & know if there was somewhere we want to return with more time. We hope that our Provence and French Riviera Travel Itinerary serves as an inspirational guide to your own French road trip. Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and youll feel like youre back in the Luberon Valley. Now it is time to leave the French Riviera and enter Provence. 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. Spring brings increased sunshine and temperatures, and businesses start to wake back up after the long winter. Could to suggest some of the villages to visit? There is a small beach and harbor here. 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. This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. Also, before heading home, we stopped in Gordes for drinks at. 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. 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 We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. is probably the most striking and most famous, but these other towns were some of our favorites as well: At the end of the day after exploring the. Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! Between Nice and Monaco are the three corniches, winding roads along the mountainous coastline. Day 3: Village-hopping road trip. See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. Towns will host markets on different days, so if you know you want to go to a market or a particular town, make sure to do some research first. Pick up your rental car as early as possible in Nice. Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! Thanks , That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! Cheers, Julie. Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. Our first time visiting Provence we made t, his mistake, staying only one or two nights at four different hotels. I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. We have reimagined our brand and blog for a better future. 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. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide. Ohand definitely grab a cup of coffee at the cafe just outside the town walls. The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. After lunch, take another uber or taxi to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat. I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. You can use one base in a pinch, but thatll mean a lot of driving each day. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! If you search Provence small group tours, thats where I found the results I think youre looking for (as opposed to Provence tours that mostly suggests day trips). Scary driving is a matter of perspective of course, but for confident drivers, the Riviera isnt too bad! Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. France sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate both. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc. Hi Kate! 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. Thanks. Avignon is a beautiful town and I think this would be a great home base for exploring Provence. The easiest way to get here is by uber or taxi. 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. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. Nice: Cote d'Azur, French Riviera, Saint Paul de Vence; Provence: Saint Remy, Journey Villa, Avignon, Les Baux, Culinary Experience; . Be sure to seek out the Christmas marketsa fun bonus of a winter trip. Thats not to say you couldnt stay longeryou absolutely could! Luckily, many of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand to give a quote based on size and weight. were so happy to have a home base during our time in Provence. 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. Im sure they exist, though Im not personally familiar with any! WE are novice travelers to France and are really seeking guidance on our first journey. It was built 2000 years ago. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. We were looking at an Airbnb in La Ciotat. Your itinerary will leave you tired at the end, but its definitely realistic. The best option is to fly into Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car . Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. Having the kitchen was a huge benefit for us (especially after visiting the markets in Aix-en-Provence), and wed be happy to stay again. We didnt realize it ahead of time, but its a completely gluten free restaurant. Read about how to see and do it all in our French Riviera and Provence itinerary. 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. 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! We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. If you click through a link on Our Escape Clause, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. , theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. Fill your South of France vacation to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary 5 days. Ventoux is a giant mountain that towers over this part of Provence. 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. From Antibes, it is just a 7 minute train ride to Cannes (get train times here). 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. In Monaco, stroll along the harbor, as this is the place to go yacht spotting. thank you for the wonderful blog! 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. . A Pastis is a local, alcoholic drink. Were talking about yachts that are large enough that staff needs to be employed to take care of them. Fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, honey, clothing, mattresses, and tires are just a few of the things that you can purchase here. 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. 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. Explore, shop and save your most loved outfits, daily looks and inspiration from the blog. Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. 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 . Would really only care to see Eiffel Tower at night, if that, on this trip. We were exhausted when we arrived, but it was 9am and we were not about to go to bed. Its much faster! . We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France & Sicily. From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. How to choose? You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. Called Rgion Sud or PACA, Southern France includes Provence, French Alps and Cte d'Azur. Top 10 things to do in the French Riviera. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. End the day with dinner and drinks in Marseille. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. The south of Francethe land of beautiful coastal cities, glitzy beaches, vineyards, lavender, and one of the worlds best cuisines. Consider having a home base rental home on your trip instead of, spending time checking in and out of hotels. 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. Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna A short drive or ferry ride from Como will take you to Bellagio. I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. 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. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct (sleep in Avignon), Day 10: The Camargue. The Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world! 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. Basing yourself in Nice and taking day trips (on non-beach days!) Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? 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. Are freely accessible. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. This south of France itinerary is for you! This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. So helpful! Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! Many thanks in advance. Hi Ellen! 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? Drive north to Vence or Grasse (you choose), then continue on to the Gorges du Verdon (sleep in tiny Aiguines or Moustiers-Ste-Marie), Day 5: Drive to Provence. It sits on 23 acres of vineyards, with everything from olive trees to lavender to rose gardens. Today is more of a leisurely day. We grabbed a basket from the house, filled it with cheeses, bread and wine, and found a scenic spot to watch the sunset. It really depends on your personal tastessome people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay in one base. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, This was a smaller boutique hotel that sat in the middle of a beautiful town with views of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. 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. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. You can stroll through the entire complex in less than an hour if you are quick, longer if you are a history buff. Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. Paris - Annecy - Provence - The French Riviera - Lyon by Train 5.0 out of 5 stars 1 Customer Feedbacks Share | 15 to 22+ Nights from $2,057* This sample price: priced within the past 7 days for arrival on 3/30/2023, departure from New York City (all Airports) (NY), US. There are several great restaurants that sit along the waters edge, a great place for lunch. 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. We personally explored the Luberon from a base of Aix-en-Provence. Stand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. 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. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci! Europe - French Riviera & Provence itinerary - Hi, My husband and I in our early 30s will be visiting French Riviera & Provence next week! The house is gorgeous but what most people come here to see are the gardens. Another tip we wish we were aware of before traveling, is to bring along swimsuits, cover ups, and towels in your travel bag. 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. Short version: Provence is part of the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur, which is located in southeastern France. Try it to find out what it really tastes like! 11 Days. We set out to see and experience as much as we possibly could during our time in Provence. 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. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, Im working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France. 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. Consider my guidebook's seaside walks in Cap Ferrat, or take the one-hour boat cruise from Nice's port. ), 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! Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. One early evening we decided to have a. . 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 Southern France's Provence and French Riviera are favorites of both the French and international visitors. We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. Having these saved me more than once during our last trip to France! Had we been there longer, I would have stopped in more shops. Avignon makes for an excellent base as well, as do the villages near the Alpilles (we adore Saint-Rmy-de-Provence), but the Luberon is the most classic option. Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France! The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. We also considered staying in Provence for a few days too. And sure, there isnt lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing! Driving in Provence is fairly simpleGPS directions work well, and you park outside the historic centers so you dont have to worry about driving on tiny roads. ), and Lourmarin for its idyllic beauty. This is one of the most famous luxury hotels in France and has built up quite the storied history (and held a number of famous guests) since it opened in 1913and its also a whimsical and wonderful place to stay today. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. 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. Stay in the know. If so, can you recommend a particular town or inn? Have lunch here, stroll through the city, and do a little shopping. 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 typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! I took my last trip based on your itineraries here. Renting a car would be ideal because that would make it easier to get around. So relax and savor Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, St-Tropez, or Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another day. , I love and admire your site and insights. Should I rent a car by myself or is that not recommended? Does this seem too rushed? Shop train tickets from Paris to the south of France today! tand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. Here is my recommendation for a road trip itinerary in the French Riviera starting in Nice: Arrival in Nice on Day 1. It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. The seemingly endless sea of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see. If you are here on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can go shopping at the market, which is amazing. Im not exaggerating when I say that the markets in Aix-en-Provence, which sell everything from flowers to fruits to fedoras, are some of the best that weve ever seen. I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. The advantage to taking a tour is having a designated driver who knows where to go, allowing you to sampleas much wine as you like. Sadly we havent been to Bordeaux or Montpellier yet (hopefully soon!). My husband and I are fully vaxed and cant wait to start travelling overseas again! The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. Make an Account. 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. Cheers, Julie. Visit Nmes (Roman amphitheater) in the morning and the Pont du Gard in the afternoon. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). We made great use of the pool and all of the lounging areas, eating breakfast on the patio and sipping wine in the evening. Parking is at the bottom of the village and a good 15 minute walk. Spend the day visiting Nmes (Roman amphitheater) and the Pont du Gard (Nmes works better first). 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. Thanks and much Appreciated for your help! From the Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles. 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. I loved reading this! (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. Its the most picturesque spot! I am thinking, is it possible to arrange a multi-day round trip in Province, to avoid renting a car? In. Our longest beach day was in. The Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueducts and built without mortar. Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. Is there somewhere you would suggest. https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. If you want to stay in only a handful of locations and have a more leisurely trip, though, you probably dont need a car. Region of Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur, which is located in southeastern France but you do get to wisteria. Baux, St. Remy, and youll be smitten with the views of vendors. Southern Alpilles ( on non-beach days! ) longer, I love and admire your site and.. Cannesamong other alluring destinationssaving the rest for another time ) and absolutely our... And taking day trips ( on non-beach days! ) is it to! 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