From the. Much smaller and prettier than nearby Marseilles, Cassis is also the perfect jumping-off point for visiting Calanques National Park. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. Luckily, many of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand to give a quote based on size and weight. Yes, that would absolutely be possible, and in fact is a great way to see the area. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Continue south and set up in Avignon. Travel Adaptors for France If youre coming from outside of Europe, youll definitely need adaptors for your electronics. They serve aperitifs and appetizers on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around. Once in Marseille, check into your hotel and then explore the Old Port. tand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. 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 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. 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. End your day with gelato from Fenocchio Glacier in Old Nice. Visit Nmes (Roman amphitheater) in the morning and the Pont du Gard in the afternoon. This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. The sun doesnt set until well after 9pm, so we didnt feel rushed on how much we could fit in before sunset. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. 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. I went to Cannes as a child with my family but obviously this trip will be different. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! For those who join me in striving for a thoughtful, beautiful life. Famed for its casinos and yachting community, Monaco . The seemingly endless sea of blue and white umbrellas was quite a sight to see. 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! This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. . There are several great restaurants that sit along the waters edge, a great place for lunch. The old town and marina of Saint-Tropez This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. Youll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along for your south of France vacation! Renting a car would be ideal because that would make it easier to get around. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. 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. 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. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! End the day with dinner and drinks in Marseille. Read about how to see and do it all in our French Riviera and Provence itinerary. 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. PROVENCE AND FRENCH RIVIERA through Avignon, Aix en Provence, Cannes and Arles TOUR SUMMARY Glamour, picturesque villages and stunning mountain scenery: this tour through the French Riviera and Provence is sure to impress with its diversity and dramatic beauty! Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. 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. France sounds like a fantastic way to celebrate both. From Avignon, spend the 3 days exploring the towns, villages, and wineries in Provence. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. 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. If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. 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. Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. Make sure your outfit is suitable for walking around towns for hours this means comfortable shoes, such as. Hi Dominique! It was built 2000 years ago. 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). The information is easily discoverable. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). Unlike in the past when we just flew to Paris, flying from Charleston to Marseille was an all day affair. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur is an immense region that is absolutely packed with things to do, from strolling past lavender fields to perusing markets to going on adventurous hikes to relaxing on the beach, and so much more. 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. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. We typically focus on travel in the USA and Europe (especially in our beloved Italy), but feature destinations across the world! Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. . Its much faster! in Bonnieux. It is a wonderful part of Europe to explore! FRENCH RIVIERA: We also have information on driving the Monaco Grand Prix Course, visiting Vence, the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Provencal wine region, and how to cycle up Mont Ventoux. 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. I did mean that. We will rent a car. Catch a flight back to your home town or continue you travels. Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) 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. Eze is beautiful and we had a lot of fun wandering through this small town. 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. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. The day starts with a half an hour drive west from Avignon to the Pont du Gard. Weve stayed in Saint-Rmy-de-Provence and Lourmarin and absolutely loved our experiences in both. The Aix en Provence Area has one of the largest concentration ancient roman monuments in Europe. End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. The following content may contain affiliate links. Hello, this is simply superb, thank you very much for sharing this. The dates for the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 are May 16 to May 27. I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. Cheers, Julie. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. , theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. Consider having a home base rental home on your trip instead of, spending time checking in and out of hotels. South of France Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip Through Provence & the French Riviera Whether you're cruising with the top down through the stunning wine country of Provence, or driving through the French Riviera along the sparkling coast (aka "The Cte d'Azur"), southern France is a region you'll want to absorb every last inch of. We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. This is a popular tourist attraction so expect large crowds of people. There is a small beach and harbor here. Our longest beach day was in. ), Planning a Trip to Paris in 11 Easy Steps (+ First Time in Paris Tips! All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. I took my last trip based on your itineraries here. We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France & Sicily. WE are novice travelers to France and are really seeking guidance on our first journey. Youll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They are easy to drive and give travelers a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the shoreline. 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! France with girlfriends sounds delightful. Using Aix as a home base while in France. Near the French Riviera, hilltop towns like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are well worth adding in to mix up beach towns if youre looking for great views. Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. 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. 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. Provence and the French Riviera in particular are so treasure-filled that you may barely do more than skim the surface in a week. If you have time, also consider ducking into one of the other beautiful art museums in the city. Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. at a pretty leisurely pace and enjoy some beach time! My husband & I just relocated to Amsterdam and we are planning a trip here for early July. You can tour the arena and if you are really lucky you may even get to see a bull fight. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. You can use one base in a pinch, but thatll mean a lot of driving each day. The easiest way to get here is by uber or taxi. . 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. 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. We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. , and we enjoyed an incredible lunch there. Thanks for subscribing! Check your email for a confirmation message. ), How to Take the Perfect Day Trip to Cascais From Lisbon (+ Tips for Visiting! 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. Here is our Provence and French Riviera Itinerary from a couple of summers ago when we went on a road trip in Southern France. Hello, My friends and I are doing three days in the French Riviera. You may want to look into Menton, too! Planning a trip to France? Would you just skip Paris & fly into another city, or not that big of a deal to start there & drive, or take a train from Paris to the south & then get car? Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. Right now I am thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary. In our opinion, St. Tropez does not live up to the hype. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. and the itinerary was excellent. 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! We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. Basing yourself in Nice and taking day trips (on non-beach days!) It just arrived and its even more beautiful than we remember, a special collection that we can cherish and reflect back on. 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. If you get your timing right, you may be able to see the Monaco Grand Prix, Tour de France, or Cannes Film Festival. 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. If you like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice. 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. 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!) Short version: Provence is part of the French administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur, which is located in southeastern France. 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. I know you suggested 14 days in Provence and the French Riviera but weve never been to Paris! If youd like to get out of town for a bit in the afternoon, the 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct is incredibly impressive and only a 30-minute drive from Avignon. Thank you so much, Mercedes! 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. Take the train or bus to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, explore, and have lunch. Both of us ordered the fish for our main dish and loved every bite. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. Free shipping for many products! 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. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. If you'll be in Provence when the lavender is blooming, then I would add an extra day to the itinerary just to see this. Instead of sleeping when we arrived (which is what our bodies wanted to do since it was the middle of the night back home), we kept ourselves awake until that evening. I am definitely going to Provence this spring/summer and already imagining sounds, colours and vibes of the beautiful villages and small towns that you described. Spend your first day in Nice and then drive to Monaco to your hotel. Youll want one base there, and the one base on the coast. 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. In theory, theres supposed to be more news from the EU on this front June 7, but well see! 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. ), 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! 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. News from the shoreline on non-beach days! and in fact is a popular tourist so! 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