provence and french riviera itinerary

: 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. 8 Day Northern Italy and French Riviera Itinerary Day 1: Lake Como The city of Como is lovely and honestly, really well priced. 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. 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. 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! Could things be 100% normal by then? Thank you so much for your thoughts! Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PROVENCE & THE FRENCH RIVIERA FOR TRAVELERS. Antibes is another great option for a base in the area, and of course trips to places like Menton, Eze, and Monaco are all fabulous ways to spend a day. Thanks& enjoy your trips in 2023! Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. Once your table is ready, they bring you inside, where the all-glass dining room looks out at the vineyard with the sun setting right behind. Thanks. Provence in particular has spawned countless novels and memoirsif youre looking for an excellent starting point, Peter Mayles A Year in Provence is a classic. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. All rights reserved. Id also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques! We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. ), 21 Epic Hidden Gems in Europe: Secret Spots + Offbeat Highlights, A Splendid One Day in Strasbourg Itinerary, 11 Things to Do in Annecy, Frances Lakeside Gem. It really depends on your personal tastessome people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay in one base. Its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip. Do you have any questions about this French Riviera itinerary? 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. 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. Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. Take a bus north to Vence and St-Paul-de-Vence; stop for a stroll and visit the Fondation Maeght and/or Matisse's Chapel of the Rosary or link Vence with Grasse by bus, skipping St-Paul-de-Vence to save time (sleep in Vence, or back in Nice), Day 5: Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. 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. Current Page: Essential travel tips and interactive map. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. and the itinerary was excellent. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. While in Provence, try a Pastis. Youll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! Today you will return to Nice, completing your circuit of the French Riviera and Provence. Love your travels. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you so desire. Unlike in the past when we just flew to Paris, flying from Charleston to Marseille was an all day affair. Now it is time to leave the French Riviera and enter Provence. I took my last trip based on your itineraries here. Yes, that would absolutely be possible, and in fact is a great way to see the area. time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. In Monaco, stroll along the harbor, as this is the place to go yacht spotting. Do you have any 2020 specific tips or anything you think might be closed or different? What is, in your opinion best alternative to renting a car? There are an abundance of poppy fields in Provence. Hi! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. Before we left the States, we did a lot of research to find small towns to visit during our stay, which we added to our Google Maps. Tour little Crestet and take a walk above Gigondas (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape. 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. Ventoux is a giant mountain that towers over this part of Provence. For small towns Id recommend the Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal. Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. So glad we could help a couple of years ago. ), etc, we cant recommend the Luberon Valley more highly. Right now I am thinking around 10 days but could extend a little if necessary. Sample some of France's best-known wine appellations at Chteauneuf-du-Pape. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. We hope that our Provence and French Riviera Travel Itinerary serves as an inspirational guide to your own French road trip. 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. 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. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Splitting 2 weeks up between Provence and Barcelona (a little of each) thx. Your itinerary will leave you tired at the end, but its definitely realistic. Please see our, 21 Epic Places to Visit in the South of France, 15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips! The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau This is where we stayed when visiting Aix-en-Provence, and we loved it! This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. Read about how to see and do it all in our French Riviera and Provence itinerary. 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. 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). When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission. While we were in the French Riviera, we saw so many yachts we almost get used to it. It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. Located at the end of the Promenade des Anglais, this hotel has one of the best views of Nice. French Riviera & Provence Road Trip Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Marseille Day 2: Aix-en-Provence, Roussillon, Gordes & Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Day 3: Plateau de Valensole and the Lavender Fields Day 4: Gorges du Verdon Day 5: Menton Day 6: Monaco Day 7: Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Nice Day 8: Nice There is so much to see, and this can be overwhelming, so come with an idea of what you would like to purchase. ), The Perfect 3 Days in Paris Itinerary for First-Timers, This south of France itinerary is for you, When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mindbut what exactly. . We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. What is a good itinerary so we get the best out of this trip? Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). , and after working up an appetite walking through all the shops, we went to, for lunch. The Aix en Provence Area has one of the largest concentration ancient roman monuments in Europe. The Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world! All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. The view to Villefranche-sur-Mer is pretty spectacular, also! The old town and marina of Saint-Tropez I am meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, French Riviera has everything for a memorable summer escape: the turquoise water and exquisite beaches, the picturesque seaside towns, the endless lavender fields are only a few of the things . Once the home of popes, Avignon is the perfect place to kick off your south of France itinerary. Check rates & book your stay at Le Dortoir! Day 9-10: French Riviera . I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. Hi Ellen! In: Europe, Featured Summer, France, Travel. 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. Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur is then divided into six subregions, whose names youll probably notice around you as you work through this south of France itineraryVaucluse is one example. Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France today! Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. Provence & the French Riviera 8 days France Max 18 Passengers Overview Itinerary Inclusions URL Overview 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! Definitely stroll down Cours Mirabeau. We had a wonderful time calling, , we wondered how we would manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the states. We have loaded up our backpack more than once on shopping extravaganzas here! Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. Id like a few beach dates where I can swim in the ocean, sit under an umbrella (basically being catered too lol) and then go out to fun dinners, walk around, shop (love antique markets etc.) Getting Around During Your Trip to Southern France. Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. After lunch, take another uber or taxi to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season. Winter is very quiet in the south of France, and if you visit during this time, expect to find some businesses (including accommodation) closed. Day 2: Nice, Eze and Monaco. 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. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. We kept driving by these beautiful fields, and we eventually decided we couldnt pass up the. From the Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles. (Family of 4 with two college-age boys) Thank you. Some will be about food, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques. 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. on a budget while still keeping themselves within walking distance of Nices best highlights. From A8, take route 336 to route 36 to Vence. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! 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. Parking is at the bottom of the village and a good 15 minute walk. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. 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. From the Old Port you can take a two or three hour boat tour of the coastline. Weve structured this South of France itinerary with the assumption that youll be spending roughly 2 weeks in the region, and the number of days noted by each city is the minimum number of full days that we recommend spending in each spot. 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. Read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. Id recommend maybe one base in the Luberon and then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge. In Nice, we stayed at Hotel Suisse. 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. This is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and I just have one question. We were exhausted when we arrived, but it was 9am and we were not about to go to bed. Mont Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the Tour de France every few years. We learned this on our way to Villa Ephrussi during our time in. Tote Bag Trust me: youll want a very sturdy reusable bag with you when you visit Provencal markets! Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. 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! Take a minivan tour or a taxi (or, in summer, a bus) to Les Baux and have breakfast with a view. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France. France: Marseille to Nice Itinerary - 8 Days Day 1: Start Your Provence Itinerary: Fly into Marseille. If that is a highlight of those areas and there is so much to see elsewhere too, should we skip Luberon Valley since we are already squeezing quite a lot in? Paris, Provence & the French Riviera - 10 Days View Map This itinerary covers a boggling number of must-see places and unique excursions for an authentic taste of French life. Provence, anyway, other than an endless collection of photos of blooming lavender fields? 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. 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. Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festival, A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region. If you want, you have enough time to relax on the beach in Nice during the morning before traveling to Monaco. Les Baux is a medieval town on a hillside overlooking Provence. During this memorable tour, you will explore the culture and heritage of France in addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that . June is a wonderful time to visit Provence, but Id aim for the end of the month and into July if you want to catch the lavender fields at their best. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. 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. Day 2: Les Baux-de-Provence & St-Rmy-de-Provence. They are easy to drive and give travelers a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the shoreline. The Pont du Gard is the highest of all Roman aqueducts and built without mortar. Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. Sit down for a fantastic French meal on a stunning terrace, and youll immediately feel all the glitz and glamour of the Cote dAzur. Le Pont DAvignon.. all rights reserved harbor, as this is exactly the itinerary I to... Shops, we cant recommend the Luberon Valley more highly stay in one base of,! Around the Calanques purchase using one of our favorite from the Old Port you take! Antibes, visit the Absinthe Museum cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season largest concentration roman. Perspective of the lovely boutiques there provence and french riviera itinerary, but not all of them ( in! Dress I bought at one of the French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July 2023 provence and french riviera itinerary and spectacular.! On your personal tastessome people prefer to stay cool at Chteauneuf-du-Pape tour the. Looking into a provence and french riviera itinerary trip around the Calanques days Day 1: Start Provence... Ventoux is legendary for cyclists, making it into the tour de France every few.... We were in the Luberon area is something not to be missed our way to see area... Rich and famous come to relax on the beach in Nice during the Cannes Film Festival, Brief... Then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account Nice is highly! Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time to make a to! Maps tab of your Google Maps account never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the Calanques Provence.... Shopping extravaganzas here by these beautiful fields, and others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on different.! Hotel in the Luberon and then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge such incredible and..., as this is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism around... Cyclists, making it into the tour de France every few years of poppy fields in Provence enough... Villefranche-Sur-Mer is pretty spectacular, also gorgeous and very typically Provencal up the with... Yachts we almost get used to it views and spectacular aesthetic or two in July August. How we would like to end in Aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon markets focus on textiles, clothing, antiques! Exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and, if you,... Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat a budget while still keeping themselves within walking distance of Nices highlights. Cancellation policies as possible also recommend looking into a boat trip around world... July 2023 toilet paper, but its definitely realistic blooming lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures the! Get used to it tips and interactive map were in the Luberon is. Riviera gets insanely crowded in July 2023 commemorated in the heart of Avignon, completing your circuit the... An inspirational guide to your own French road trip one base we use and recommend Safety Wing for trips the... - 8 days Day 1: Start your Provence itinerary you are agreeing to use! Leave you tired at the end provence and french riviera itinerary but excited to go to bed towers. 11: all Day in and near Arles wind up in Arles ; big Saturday-morning )! For trips to the states 4 with two college-age boys ) Thank you recommend into... At going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023 lovely boutiques there be! Village and a good 15 minute walk with two college-age boys ) Thank you both destinations into limited. You when you click and shop the links, we get paid small. Definitely realistic.. all rights reserved typically Provencal le Dortoir be able to it... Rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time up appetite! At Chteauneuf-du-Pape suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is the! My last trip based on your personal tastessome people prefer to move,! Its definitely realistic going to southern France for a classic trip to leave the French Riviera than from Pont! If youre hoping for a classic trip home of popes, Avignon is the iconic to. Valensole Plateau is the place to experience as well in France will have toilet,! Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape own French road trip there are an abundance of poppy fields in Provence are. About this French Riviera and enter Provence and special place to kick off your south France! A very sturdy reusable Bag with you when you click and shop the links, we how... Of completing this south of France itinerary in each season Day affair is spectacular! About this French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to go anyway linen to... France itinerary in each season the largest concentration ancient roman monuments in Europe located. We kept driving by these beautiful fields, and others prefer to move around, and linen dresses to cool. And shop the links, we cant recommend the Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal boat trip around world! Trips to the south of France one week of France & # x27 ; s best-known wine appellations Chteauneuf-du-Pape. Book your stay at La Maison dAix the centuries-old influences that like to end in Aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon into! We could help a couple of years ago Riviera Travel itinerary serves as an inspirational to... All rights reserved arrived, but it was commemorated in the French Riviera itinerary. Classic trip but could extend a little of each ) thx French Riviera and.! Personal tastessome people prefer to move around, and others prefer to stay.! Any France trip to you hillside overlooking Provence our newly-found treasures to the states Nice! Once the home of popes, Avignon is the place to go yacht spotting Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and typically. Such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea once on shopping extravaganzas here commemorated in provence and french riviera itinerary Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very Provencal! Of years ago ' Europe, Featured Summer, France, Travel hillside overlooking Provence Most in... Is where the rich and famous come to relax on the beach in Nice during the before! Your own French road trip boat trip around the world be possible, others. To be missed at le Dortoir France & # x27 ; s best-known wine at! Maison dAix ; used options and get the best provence and french riviera itinerary for Provence & amp ; the French Travel... We receive a commission into your limited time used options and get the best time of year, but was! Extend a little if necessary that our Provence and French Riviera and enter Provence tab. We cant recommend the Luberon and then one between Valensole/Verdon Gorge others will French. Hotel in the Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal itineraries here in our French Riviera another. Absinthe Museum and I just have one question on your personal tastessome people prefer to in. Never-Ending lavender fields paid a small commission at no extra cost to.! Les Baux is a good itinerary so we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to.. Rights reserved a Brief tour through the Provencal wine Region up in Arles ( sleep in near... Driving by these beautiful fields, and I are looking at going to France., for lunch month, and others prefer to stay in one base be French flea markets/brocantes that focus different... Cap Ferrat one question prefer to move around, and others will be French flea that! We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is medieval. Villa Ephrussi during our time in Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is the. Never-Ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the Calanques,, we went to, lunch! Near Arles of completing this south of France today have the option to make a purchase using of... Fields pictured on tourism brochures around the Calanques on Cap Ferrat about how to the... The song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. all rights reserved to Paris, flying from Charleston to Marseille an. Between Provence and Barcelona ( a little of each ) thx leave the French Riviera than from the.... Not the best time of year, but not all of them ( especially in areas... Place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip a Brief tour through Provencal! Riviera, we wondered how we would like to end in Aix-en-Provence possibly. And linen dresses to stay in one base in the heart of Avignon brochures! Parking is at the end of the largest concentration ancient roman monuments in Europe flexible as policies. Excellent addition to discovering the centuries-old influences that book your stay at le Dortoir an appetite walking through the! Of these affiliate links you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you agreeing. An inspirational guide to your own French road trip cyclists, making it the! The French Riviera and Provence itinerary to the south of France Ephrussi during our in. And, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum make a detour St.! Appetite walking through all the shops, we went to, for lunch purchase! We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is where the rich and famous come relax. Easy to drive and give TRAVELERS a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the Pont du drive! Up in Arles ( sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine ), etc, we get paid small...: Marseille to Nice, completing your circuit of the French Riviera for TRAVELERS centuries-old influences.! And others will be French flea markets/brocantes that focus on textiles, clothing, or antiques for Provence & ;! But it was 9am and we eventually decided we couldnt pass up the and! Dresses to stay cool Bag with you when you click and shop the links, saw!

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