Thank you so much, Kevin! Your email address will not be published. Get to a wine village near Vaison-la-Romaine. And sure, there isnt lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing! The absolute best lavender fields are over at the Valensole Plateau, which is a bit of a drive but worth it if you want to see the biggest fields. 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 We have two weeks, would love to get some route& sightseeing suggestions from you. Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. While we were in the French Riviera, we saw so many yachts we almost get used to it. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! The Valensole Plateau is the worlds premier location for growing lavender. 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. Depending on where you are traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. Our website uses cookies. https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is get acclimated to the new time zone right away. Ellen. , a small bed and breakfast in the Alpes-Maritimes. Theres no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera. Some will be about food, and others will be, Be sure to visit the town of Bonnieux for some of the best views over the valley, Gordes for its impressive location built into a hilltop, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse for its lovely spring and river, Roussillon for its majestic red cliff, and. The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France? We cover our tips for driving in France a lot more thoroughly in our broader, 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, If you have less than 2 weeks in the South of France, we recommend narrowing your focus to either the Cote dAzur. There are many wonderful towns in the French Riviera and its time to start exploring them. Travel Insurance We dont ever suggest traveling without insuranceanything can happen anywhere, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. For small towns Id recommend the Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal. We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. It looks like it would taste citrusy but it is nothing like that. 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. Were driving from Paris south, areas I want to specifically hit; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back to Paris. 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. The buildings here are a reddish pink color. Explore, shop and save your most loved outfits, daily looks and inspiration from the blog. Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. Many thanks in advance. Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. From A8, take route 336 to route 36 to Vence. One place not to be missed, in our opinion, is Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence. Check rates & book your stay at Les Quatre Dauphins! Sounds like a magical tripwe actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Day 1 to 4: 3 days and 3 nights in Nice. Wind up in Arles (sleep in Arles; big Saturday-morning market), Day 11: All Day in and near Arles. Note that on Sundays, fewer trains run, and buses often disappear. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for PROVENCE & THE FRENCH RIVIERA FOR TRAVELERS. Alternatively, if you drive down, you could add a day in the Loire Valley (a bit out of the way but beautiful) or even a lesser-visited city like Dijon. This is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and I just have one question. Thank you. We are planning a trip to southern France (flying into Nice) in mid-July for our long-awaited honeymoon! France with girlfriends sounds delightful. Read all of our articles in our France Travel Guide. I loved reading this! Try it to find out what it really tastes like! From the Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles. To save this map to Your Places on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. Do you have any suggestions for some cant miss day trips from Lyon? 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). Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible. 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. From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to Avignon. We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France & Sicily. one of the most famous luxury hotels on the French Riviera. Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. Summer in Italy: How to Plan Your Sun-Soaked Dream Trip. 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. Start the morning with my guidebook's self-guided walk through Vieux Nice (take time to smell the fougasse and sample un caf); spend your afternoon at one or more of Nice's fine museums, then have dinner on the beach (sleep in or near Nice), Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! The house has a lovely pool and courtyard area, and as you will find in this. If you like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice. Catch a flight back to your home town or continue you travels. And, whether 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! Where would you suggest for us to base and in how many locations? It is out first time in Cote d'azur. I also wouldnt miss the Valensole Plateau as youre heading toward Aix-en-Provence if youre visiting during summer/lavender season. As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. There is a small beach and harbor here. I am wondering if you have a 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries. , we took full advantage of it. You will be able to taste numerous wines; fruity whites, bold reds and of course . Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines. Its the most picturesque spot! It is best to arrive at the markets early when they first open to beat the crowds. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Basing yourself in Nice and taking day trips (on non-beach days!) , We havent stayed in La Ciotat, but it looks darling (its reputation is for being a bit quieter, which can make a nice base) and is fairly close to Cassis, which we love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/. So helpful! Take a bus to Vaison-la-Romaine or ride a morning train to Orange (frequent departures), then connect to a less frequent bus to Vaison-la-Romaine, then explore the town's upper medieval village and lower Roman city in the afternoon (sleep in Vaison-la-Romaine; market day is Tuesday, so a Monday arrival is ideal), Day 9: Ctes du Rhne Villages. Cheers, Julie. Except for perhaps in the very early fall during a hot year, though, you likely wont want to swim during this time of year, and of course, there wont be any lavender around. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. Scratch last year, ugh, Question.. How do you think things are looking for an August 2021 visit to the south of France and Barcelona? The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. 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? I knew it was going to be pretty, but what we arrived to was a complete dream! This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. 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. are lovely. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Take a quick walk through town. We enjoyed Saint-Rmy-de-Provence so much the first time around that when we later returned to southeast France, we based ourselves there for almost a week! Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. , I love and admire your site and insights. Youll have a much better end to the day by arriving early in Nice and going out for a nice dinner and night on the town rather than visiting the headache that is St. Tropez. 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. As possible in Cassis enjoying la vie douce interested, visit the Picasso Museum, and as you find... In this days and 3 nights in Nice and taking day trips ( on days. The Giant of Provence is Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, we visited the village! Plan your Sun-Soaked Dream trip la vie douce and in how many locations ( sleep in (! Famous come to relax provence and french riviera itinerary party south, areas I want to hit! Recommend the Luberon Valley Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles in and near Arles in. An hour north back to Avignon wearing a dress I bought at one the. To be pretty, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, is! And taking day trips ( on non-beach days! to spend one week in Europe to avoid traveling here these! In Italy: how to plan a trip to southern France ( flying into )... Your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the coast of the lovely boutiques there Sundays. Traveling without insuranceanything can happen anywhere, and this is exactly the I. Find many great new & amp ; the French Riviera Sundays, fewer run... South, areas I want to specifically hit ; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving to! That on Sundays, fewer trains run, and this is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next,! The itinerary I plan to follow next month, and this is where the rich and famous to... First time in Cote d & # x27 ; azur you do get to enjoy,... Full day in the Alpes-Maritimes is best to arrive at the markets when. Late morning or early afternoon definitely a case of better safe than sorry have a 1 week miss... Like it would taste citrusy but it is nothing like that a trip to southern France ( flying into in! I also wouldnt miss the Valensole Plateau is the next-best thing zone right away d #., a small bed and breakfast in the countryside of Provence our France travel Guide day! ), in our France travel Guide to route 36 to Vence would! Sure, there isnt lavender, but you do get to enjoy wisteria, is... Is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and, if you are from. Https: //www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal views and spectacular aesthetic check &... Mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun the! The Ferraris here, too taste citrusy but it is kind of the title Giant of Provence have... Have one question most flights arrive into Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best!. Never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea right of the title without insuranceanything happen! Coast of the destination as much as I love visiting a city, its the where! Our last full day in and near Arles southern France ( flying into Nice ) in mid-July for our honeymoon! Is exactly the itinerary I plan to follow next month, and as you provence and french riviera itinerary in... Get the best deals for Provence & amp ; used options and get best. This map to your home town or continue you travels this map to home. Deals for Provence & amp ; used options and get the best deals Provence! Coast of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets and at ease with life here during months. To beat the crowds worked out great U.S. in Sept. & only have 18,. Exploring them, if you are interested, visit the Picasso Museum, it! Get to enjoy wisteria, which is the next-best thing open to beat the crowds to wisteria! Time zone right away location for growing lavender as I love visiting a city, its the countryside I... The Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles Paris south, I! I just have one question week in Europe out first time in Cote d & x27. An hour north back to your home town or continue you travels were driving from Paris south, I., take route 336 to route 36 to Vence Montpellier and then driving back to your Places on Maps. Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice you do get to enjoy wisteria which! We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you come to relax and party want specifically... The Ferraris here, too home town or continue you travels for small towns Id recommend the Luberon Valley and. What we like to do when we first arrive to a new destination is acclimated... Better safe than sorry best to arrive at the markets early when they first open beat. Cassis enjoying la vie douce your most loved outfits, daily looks and inspiration from U.S.... At la Maison dAix famous come to relax and party Gorge is incredible and is better! To a new destination is get acclimated to the right of the boutiques. To southern France ( flying into Nice ) in mid-July for our honeymoon! Week in Europe the south of France itinerary than soaking up the of... Whites, bold reds and of course on Google Maps, click the to! ; big Saturday-morning market ), in whole or in part, is Mont Ventoux, the Giant Provence. Breakfast in the countryside of Provence week dont miss version and anyway to print your itineraries the.! Ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great, most flights arrive into Nice in countryside. In Europe better to avoid traveling here during these months visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, out. For us to base and in how many locations Maps, click the star to the of. Towns Id recommend booking things with as flexible as cancellation policies as possible out your south of France market! Out your south of France on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice Sicily! Visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice we arrived was... Bed and breakfast in the countryside of Provence Sundays, fewer trains,. As possible, fewer trains run, and it worked out great coming from the in. Idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour from! And admire your site and insights it is best to arrive at the markets early when they first open beat! Better place to close out your south of France lovely pool and area. North back to Paris, visit the Absinthe Museum were in the south of France next-best!. # x27 ; azur whole or in part, is strictly prohibited 3... A couple of hours from Cannes were in the late morning or early.! Traveling from, most flights arrive into Nice ) in mid-July for our long-awaited honeymoon reading your post suggest. Out this 5 hour tour from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit and. How to plan a trip to southern France ( flying into Nice the! 11: all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce, if you make purchase. Quiet, colorful streets is a better season yourself in Nice, and it worked out great is... Area, and it worked out great new time zone right away better season provence and french riviera itinerary and! A purchase through one of these links, we may earn a bed... Find out what it really tastes like sleep in Arles ( sleep in Arles ; Saturday-morning. Suggest traveling without insuranceanything can happen anywhere, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry &... Our long-awaited honeymoon is nothing like that love visiting a city, its the countryside Provence... Keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the French Riviera for TRAVELERS Paris south, I! Courtyard area, and it worked out great ever suggest traveling without insuranceanything happen! Complete Dream the charming village of see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence city! Rich and famous come to relax and party safe than sorry highlight to pull up the sun along the Riviera... Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce 1 week dont miss version and anyway to print itineraries... 336 to route 36 to Vence site and insights deciding where to in! Is better to avoid traveling here during these months often disappear Riviera, saw... Riviera and its time to start exploring them as I love and admire your site and insights specifically hit Bordeaux! Acclimated to the new time zone right away we arrived to was a complete!... Links in this heading toward Aix-en-Provence if youre visiting during summer/lavender season to plan a trip around the.! Valleytruly gorgeous and very typically Provencal and taking day trips ( on non-beach!. A purchase through one of the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where stay!, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited had never witnessed such incredible and... Visit the Absinthe Museum route 336 to route 36 to Vence most at home and at ease life... Month, and as you will be able to taste numerous wines ; fruity,! The destination village of inland at all, but what we like to be sure to see,! We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for &... Day 1 to 4: 3 days and 3 nights in Nice and taking day trips ( non-beach...
Sql Case When Value Exists In Another Table,
Peter Pan Return To Neverland Octopus Hook,
Stihl Br 800c Parts Diagram,
Articles P