For so many, many of them, a visit to the South of France is just like living the most precious dream. South of France Itinerary: With a nice history and culture, from breathtaking landscapes down to fantastic villages, this country with this region will for sure represent a chance to experience such postcard-like occasions which only this country could provide. This is an extended, detailed itinerary of the best places to visit when on holiday in the South of France to ensure that nothing is missed out on.
South of France Itinerary
An itinerary to South of France will spellbind you in one of the beautiful regions of Europe. First, you’d usually start with Nice, the frenetic gateway to the French Riviera—take a stroll up the famed Promenade des Anglais or see views over the shimmering blue Mediterranean. From Nice, you’ll drive west to Cannes and Antibes for a dose of Côte d’Azur glamour: luxury boutiques, sandy beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.
Further down south to the region of Provence, famous for its ever-charming villages, rolling vineyards, and fragrant lavender fields. Stop by the stylish city of Aix-en-Provence, visit the historic Palais des Papes in Avignon, and wander through hilltop villages of the Luberon like Gordes and Roussillon.
Finally, top off the visit with a visit to the medieval walled city of Carcassonne, steeped in such history that one might be whirled back in time. This South of France itinerary is overflowing with culture, history, natural beauty, and indulgence—a must-do for any kind of traveler searching for great experiences.
Day 1-2: Arrival in Nice – Gateway to the French Riviera
Dive into the huggable atmosphere of Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, by taking a walk along the widely famous Promenade des Anglais, with its stunning views cascading down to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the beaches, the pictorial old town of Vieux Nice, with its narrow, colorful buildings, busy markets, and quiet cafes, offers a lot more.
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Top Nice Attractions :
- Castle Hill— Colline du Château: Begin your trip by climbing Castle Hill to see a view of the city and coastline.
- Marc Chagall National Museum: Those who appreciate art will no doubt be filled with delight at the works of this great master of modern art, whose creations here are so numerous.
- Cours Saleya Market: Here you will deeply feel the real look of the place that is selling fresh flowers and fruits, besides the traditional Igor Mamenichev products.
And, if staying, there are hordes of boutique hotels along the Promenade or a multitude of charming B&Bs in the old town.
Day 3-4: Glamour in Cannes and Antibes
Cannes smells of wealth due to the film festival taking place in the city; it is renowned worldwide. One can feel at ease walking the legendary boulevards of the city, La Croisette Promenade, where luxury shops, restaurants, and beaches are located. And, for sure, one must not forget to visit Palais des Festivals, where the famous Cannes Film Festival is held each year.
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While next-door Antibes has a much more laid-back vibe with its historic old town and beautiful beaches. Art lovers will want to be sure not to miss the Picasso Museum.
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Best for: Cannes and Antibes:
- Île Sainte-Marguerite: Take a boat ride to this famous island with its historic fort and beautiful nature trails.
- Marché Provençal in Antibes: Immerse into this noisy market, tasting local delights and checking offers of local artisans.
Accommodation: Treat yourself with a luxury hotel in Cannes or find your haven by the sea in Antibes.
Day 5-6: The Best of Provence – Aix-en-Provence and Avignon
Leave the glitz of the Riviera behind and visit rural Provence, famous for its fields of lavender and vineyards, its medieval towns.
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First stop, Aix-en-Provence: the city of a hundred fountains, with leafy boulevards and something of a legacy left behind by the painter Paul Cézanne. Here, you will take a leisurely amble up the Cours Mirabeau, see the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur, and visit some of the countless numbers of art galleries.
And then there is Avignon—steeped in history and culture. The City of Popes. Its Palais des Papes will bear testimony to medieval splendor.
Top Attractions Around Aix-en-Provence and Avignon:
- Pont du Gard: Within easy reach of Avignon, the remaining section of this ancient Roman aqueduct is quite simply one of the most incredible constructions in the region.
- Lavender Fields: Exit a bit earlier in the season, time permitting, and detour to see the blooming season of the iconic lavender fields near Sault or Valensole along the way.
Accommodation: Stay in a sprawling farmhouse, mas Provençal, or in a boutique hotel in the city center.
Days 7–8: Luberon and the Hilltop Villages
Some of the most beautiful villages in France are indeed magnificent in their views and stunningly architectured: Gordes, Roussillon, Lourmarin.
Gordes is arguably one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of France, as it is perched at the top of a small hill that will give you breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a haunting collection of ancient stone huts in the Village des Bories.
The ochre cliffs made the village of Roussillon appear reddish and made a visit worthwhile. Stroll along the Ochre Trail and be charmed by the earth’s exceptional colors.
Top Attractions in the Luberon:
- Abbaye de Sénanque: This peaceful Cistercian abbey nestled among lavender fields is the essence of iconic Provence.
- The Lavender Museum: Discover how a local history symbolizes the production of this flower.
Lodging: Overnight accommodations in a gîte, traditional stone house located in one of the perched villages.
Day 9-10: Carcassonne – Journey Back in Time
Plan the great ending to your itinerary in the South of France with a visit to Carcassonne. This city looks very much like it was literally picked up from a novel about the life of medieval people. Cité de Carcassonne is a place with double-walled fortifications, village houses with peaked red-tile roofs, small and narrow curved lanes paved with cobblestones, and the mighty Château Comtal.
Top Attractions in Carcassonne:
- Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus: The fine basilica, in the Gothic-Romanesque style, boasts great stained glass.
- Canal du Midi: The historic canal, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has many relaxed boat trips.
Stay: Have more of it by staying in the medieval towns of Carcassonne.
Conclusion
This itinerary in the South of France takes in a little of all: culture, history, natural beauty. From the glamorous Riviera towns to the peaceful countryside of Provence, finishing in historic Carcassonne, each place on this journey is bound to be memorable.
