If you’re headed to the South of France soon, lucky you! This region of France is one of the most charming places you’ll ever travel. And this 10 day South of France itinerary will help you make the most of your time there with helpful tips like what’s worth seeing, the best places to stay, and how to get around.
Stroll through the charming streets of Aix-en-Provence, spend the day paddling on the vibrant blue waters of the Verdon Gorge, and take in the beauty and culture of the iconic French Riviera. This is the only itinerary you’ll need to plan your 10 day trip to the South of France.
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Map Of Your 10 Day South Of France Itinerary
Use this map for your 10 day South of France itinerary to see all the points of interest mentioned. This will help you visualize your itinerary, plan ahead, and locate each destination.
Included are recommended hotels, restaurants, shopping, and important locations. This should help you visualize your itinerary and see where things are in relation to one another.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The South Of France?
If you’re planning to visit the South of France, it’s most likely to enjoy the region’s beaches and natural beauty. You can of course enjoy the South of France any time of year. But, there are certain times where the area’s highlights shine best.
Summer in the South of France is definitely the high season. From June to August, you’ll find the warmest temperatures and biggest influx of visitors. If you’re visiting the South of France specifically for the beaches and coastal areas, this is a great time to visit. Just prepare to spend a bit more on accommodation and run into more crowds.
Mid June to late July in Provence brings the iconic lavender fields to life. If you’re hoping to see the lavender in bloom, be sure to time your trip accordingly.
The shoulder seasons in the South of France are the months right before and after the Summer high season. Expect less crowds, cooler temperatures, and lower prices.
April – May in Provence and the French Riviera are a bit cooler and calmer. While the weather may not be as predictably gorgeous as in the Summer, it can be more bearable during the heat of the day. The sea may not be quite warm enough to enjoy at this time of year, however.
September and October are my preference of the two shoulder seasons in the South of France. French and international tourists alike have mostly gone home at the end of Summer. The weather has cooled down a bit, yet the Mediterranean is still warm enough to enjoy.
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How Many Days Do I Need For The South Of France?
It really depends on how much time you have and what you want to see and do. You can get a taste of the South of France in as little as 3 days, if it were all you had. It would also be quite easy to spend months in the South of France and not see it all.
I personally think 7-10 days is the perfect amount of time to see a good bit of the region, while also balancing realistic PTO allowances.
This is a 10 day South of France itinerary, but you could easily do it in 7, 8, or 9 days depending on your availability. You’d simply shorten your time on the beginning or end of the itinerary. Or, you could choose to narrow down your exploring to one area rather than multiple.
For example, you could decide to spend all of your trip on the Riviera. Or skip the beach and opt to spend the entirety of your trip in lavender country in Provence. This will also entirely depend on your preferred travel pacing, whether you like to move fast or linger for a while.
Either way, you’ll be so charmed by the South of France that you’ll be plotting your return before you even leave!
Read Also: 2 Day Porto Itinerary: Hidden Gems & Must See Sites
Best Places To Go In The South Of France
The South of France is a phrase that really refers to quite a large area of France. While many people associate the phrase with the coast, it truly encompasses a wide variety of landscapes and geography.
Technically, the South of France, or often referred to as le Midi in French, spans from France’s border with Spain in the west to its border with Italy in the east. It includes regions like Occitania, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, parts of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and more.
For the purposes of this itinerary, we’ll be sticking to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. This includes the areas of Provence and the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur).
If you have 10 days in the South of France, it’s best to stick to one general location. You don’t really want to spend all of your time just trying to get from Point A to Point B.
Due to it’s location, visiting the South of France could very easily be tacked onto a visit to Spain or Italy. Just east of Nice and Monaco is the Italian Riviera along the Ligurian Sea. You can very easily cross into Italy and be eating authentic Italian pizza and gelato in no time!
Barcelona is located west of the South of France, a 7-8 hour drive from Nice. Though it’s a day’s worth of driving, it would very much be possible to combine these two iconic destinations into one trip.
Read Also: 22 Things To Do In Florence, Italy While On Holiday
How To Get Around On A 10 Day South of France Itinerary
Luckily, you can get around the South of France quite easily by either train or car. Of course, each has it’s pros and cons, so let’s discuss them.
For many people, a mixture of the two options may be the best solution. I will give an example below of just how to do so!
Getting Around The South Of France By Train
Getting around exclusively by train on your trip to France is entirely possible. The French train system, or SNCF, has quite a robust network of connections. We’ve been to France multiple times, and every time have used the trains for getting around to great success. I use Omio to find train routes, itineraries, and tickets.
However, trains have their obvious limitations that require a bit more pre-planning. Timetables, limited destinations, and even unexpected service disruptions or strikes can cause some issues while planning your trip.
But, trains offer a simplicity that getting around by car can’t. You can nap, book your next activity, and even fix a reservation all while on a train without taking your eyes off the road. No need to worry about where to park your car while out and about or at your hotel or rental. They also eliminate the need to get an international driver’s license and insurance.
So, if renting a car in a foreign country does not sound like something you want to do, don’t sweat it!
It would be entirely possible to do this itinerary strictly by train (with some small modifications in Provence and on Day 4, as I get into below).
The itinerary would look something like this: Fly into Marseilles, train to Aix-en-Provence, hire a tour to see Provence, train straight to Nice or stop for a day trip to Cassis or even St. Tropez, then spend the rest of your time in Nice and the surrounding towns. Once in Nice, it’s very easy to get just about anywhere you want to go by train.
Getting Around The South Of France By Rental Car
Renting a car in the South of France offers some real autonomy you can’t get by sticking exclusively to trains. The biggest benefit to renting a car for this kind of trip is being able to get off the beaten path a bit. Especially in Provence, you would really see the benefit to having a car.
There are lots of little villages and towns in this region of France that are simply not accessible by train alone. For example, many of the villages in Provence are tucked up in the mountains, set high on a hill, and must be visited in a car. The Verdon Gorge does not have a train stop, and can only be reached by driving or on a tour.
However, once you’re in the French Riviera, having a car may actually be an issue. Depending on where you stay, you’ll need to work out parking. Whether it’s paid street parking, or your rental apartment or hotel offer free parking, it can be a hassle.
And because the train along the coast of the Côte d’Azur is very easy and convenient to use, you’ll potentially not even really want to use your car.
But, it’s nice to have it for the day you return to the airport. While there is certainly a train that connects the center of Nice to the Nice airport (NCE), training with all your luggage can be quite a hassle.
Final Word On Trains vs. Rental Cars In The South Of France
So, all of that being said, I think you need to look at your specific itinerary and decide what works best for you.
If you’re sticking to the French Riviera, you really don’t need a car (though you can certainly rent one if you really want to). If you’re visiting just Provence, you can get to Aix-en-Provence without a car, but will struggle to explore the rest of the region by train.
And if you’re replicating this 10 day South of France itinerary to do it just as we did, I recommend you rent a car. You won’t regret the flexibility it gives you, and you can easily enough figure out parking where needed.
I rent all of my cars through Rentalcars.com, and use my travel credit card’s built in rental car insurance to cover any accidents we may have.
If it is helpful for you to know how we handled the car/train situation, this is what we did. We took an Uber from the Marseilles Airport to Aix-en-Provence (because our flight landed after the last train of the day). Then, we rented a car in Aix-en-Provence, which we used to tour Provence and it’s towns. We drove from Aix to Nice, with a stop at the Verdon Gorge along the way. Once in Nice, we rented an apartment with a garage, and only took the car out a few times to drive to Antibes and into Nice for dinner one night.
Where To Stay On A 10 Day South of France Itinerary?
There are a plethora of amazing hotels and local rentals available all over the South of France. What kind of place you decide to stay in will just depend on preference.
As for which areas to stay in, this itinerary will recommend you stay in just two locations, then do day trips from there. Day trips are THE way to do the South of France. Pick a ‘home base’ and go out from there to see what you want to see. It’s never convenient to pack up and move every day or every other day.
Best Places To Stay In Provence
In Provence, I highly recommend staying in Aix-en-Provence for really authentic and relaxed Provençal vibes. In fact, Aix-en-Provence was my favorite city we visited in all of 2025!
Aix-en-Provence is a city, with all the amenities you may want. But it isn’t too big that it’s difficult to navigate or get around by foot. Plus, it’s a great base to explore the rest of the region from. This city is quite literally one of my favorite places I’ve ever traveled to.
But, if you want an even more intimate experience in Provence, I recommend staying in one of the many small towns in the region. My favorites and a few that I think would make a good base to explore from were Lourmarin and Gordes.
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Where To Stay In The French Riviera
For your time on the Riviera, you have lots of options. People tend to choose to stay in Nice as it’s the largest city in the region. However, if you’re renting a car (and really even if you aren’t) you have lots of other options to choose from.
Personally, I didn’t love Nice. It’s a big tourist city that comes with all the big tourist city things. Especially the main tourist areas are crowded with overpriced restaurants, expensive (but not particularly nice) hotel rooms, and pickpockets.
I would make the case that you should actually not stay in Nice, but instead pick one of the smaller towns nearby. If you’re looking for a more tranquil experience, you’ll find it here. The only exception here is that of course Nice is going to be the best option if you’re really on a tight budget.
We decided to stay in Villefrance-sur-Mer, just 5 minutes outside of the center of Nice, and had a really relaxed and intimate experience. This little town is popular with day trippers from Nice, but as soon as the sun goes down, it turns into the best kept secret in the Riviera.
Other smaller towns to consider as an alternative to Nice are Antibes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and Menton.
In the Riviera, we decided to stay in a reasonably priced apartment in Villefrance-sur-Mer with incredible views. It was a modest little place, but offered us quick access to the beach and stunning views of the harbor.
Where To Stay In Nice
– Luxury: Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel
– Mid-range: Hôtel Le Soleia by Inwood Hotels, Hotel Gounod
– Budget: Studio Duplex Carré d’Or
Where To Stay Near Villefranche-sur-Mer
– Apartment: Le Panomagique (very similar to where we stayed)
– Best Location: Welcome Hotel
– Luxury: Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Best 10 Day South of France Itinerary
Let’s get into your 10 Day South of France Itinerary to Provence and the French Riviera. Prepare yourself for absolutely charming streets, incredible French cuisine, and jaw-dropping blue water.
As always, this itinerary is entirely customizable, but will give you a really good basis to begin your planning. Change it as you see fit!
Days 1 – 3: Provence
If you’ve ever pictured the French countryside, Provence is likely the region of France that comes to mind. Rolling lavender fields, beautiful French architecture, provincial markets, and handmade soap abound here!
I don’t think a trip to the South of France is complete without spending some good time exploring the unique villages of this area. You’ll fall in love with the charm and effortless beauty of Provence!
If you’re spending a few days here, I recommend you spend at least one full day in Aix-en-Provence, and one other day exploring the other towns nearby.
Where to stay in Provence
There is no shortage of little towns to stay in while in Provence. If you want to be secluded, stay in the countryside, and get away for a time, you most definitely can here.
However, Aix-en-Provence, or Aix for short, is truly the shining jewel of this region. While it is a city, it’s small enough and walkable enough in the city center to not feel big at all. There is boutique shopping galore (and even a Sezane!) and tons of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
One of our favorite meals of 2025 was right here in Aix. I could have wandered the streets for days just taking in it’s effortless appeal. And if you’re a photographer, or just love to take pictures while on vacation, you’ll drool over Aix’s many hidden corners.
If you’re staying in Provence, you’ll definitely want to stay in the city center. The center of town is really quite walkable, so anywhere you find a place you like will work. We stayed in a little apartment, and it was a great option for the price, if a little small. But the location was convenient for getting to after parking our car in a lot nearby.
But, if you find a place you really love that’s just outside of the city center, it’s quite easy to just walk over!
Hotels In Aix-en-Provence
Luxury: Le Pigonnet – Espirit de France
Mid-Range: Hôtel des Augustins
Budget: Studio Charmant Hyper Center
Amazing Hotels In Other Areas Of Provence
– Château de la Gaude
– Le Moulin, A Beaumier Hotel
– Airelles Gordes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best Things To Do In Provence
Provence is best known for it’s cliffside villages carved into stone, lavender fields, abbeys, handmade soap, and relaxing ambiance.
In my opinion, Provence is best seen from Aix-en-Provence, as discussed above, with day trips to other highlights. There are some truly jaw-dropping cliffside villages you just have to see while here!
This region of France is not full of ‘to do’s’ and ‘must visits’, but rather inspires a slow paced travel experience. Take your time wandering, admiring architecture, thumbing through wares at markets, and people watching while sipping an espresso at le café.
I recommend you spend one full day in the city of Aix-en-Provence, and another full day exploring the nearby villages. Pick 2-3 towns to see on your day of exploring outside of the city so you don’t get overwhelmed. You’ll want to stay and enjoy them for a little while!
And if you are exploring the region without a car, I recommend you book a day tour of the area with a guide. This will definitely be the most efficient way to get around!
Best Tours In Aix-en-Provence
– Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting (4.7 ⭐️)
– Luberon Hilltop Villages Half-Day Tour (4.8 ⭐️)
– Luberon Villages Full-Day Tour From Aix-en-Provence (4.9 ⭐️)
Aix-en-Provence
Your base for your time in Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. The center of the city is old, with winding streets and lovely architecture. Markets are the city’s signature, where you’ll find fresh produce, handmade goods, and locals milling about.
The majority of your time will likely be spent in the city center, which you can very easily walk. As you walk around, you’ll find tons of great shopping, markets, and restaurants.
Make an effort to explore one of the city’s markets. Our favorite was the textiles and crafts market on Cours Mirabeau. It’s open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30am-1pm.
You’ll find a beautiful flower market located in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning. This central square is a lively spot often filled with outdoor seating to enjoy an espresso or cocktail. It’s also home to our go to quick lunch spot, Pizza Capri Hôtel de Ville.
Just around the corner, you’ll find the best madeleines in Aix-en-Provence at Christophe Madeleines. These soft, moist cookies are a staple of this region. They usually feature local flavors like lemon, lavender, or orange. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a light dessert. My favorite flavors are almond and lemon!
If you love to shop, Aix-en-Provence has so much to offer. Head into Sézane for high quality, beautiful French fashion at fair prices. If you’re looking for some French perfume as a souvenir you can enjoy at home, pop into Fragonard. And there are tons of local shops selling French made clothing and home goods. You just have to wander and find your favorites for yourself!
And don’t miss a visit to the stunning Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence. The cathedral is built upon the site of the 1st-century Roman forum of Aix. We loved the cathedral’s architecture so much, we bought a print of the building at the Cours Mirabeau market.
Where To Eat In Aix-en-Provence
– Breakfast: Brunchaila Aix
– Lunch: Pizza Capri Hôtel de ville (for a quick bite)
– Dinner: Le Bouillon Aixois (our personal favorite!)
– For a treat: Le Madeleines de Christoph
Gordes
Probably the poshest town in Provence, Gordes is known for attracting celebrities and millionaires alike on holiday. But, that doesn’t mean you and I aren’t invited! Gordes is one of the best stops to make while exploring Provence.
Carved into the cliffs with views to die for, you’ll be blown away by this town’s beauty. While the town itself is quite small, the views are not.
It’s a perfect stop for lunch or just to wander around the small streets to find the best views. We stopped into Gordes around sunset for dinner and had a lovely meal at La Trinquette. Just next door is a popular spot for drinks and appetizers with amazing views, called Le TIGrr.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque
Just a few minutes driving from Gordes is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This 12th century monastery has a long history you can learn about through their on-site tours.
It’s a stunning stop, especially during lavender season, when the rows of lavender bushes are in full bloom.
Monks still live at the Abbaye today, caring for the property and it’s lavender fields and bees. Inside, you can buy lavender and honey products made by the monks.
I recommend you stop by the abbey before heading into Gordes. And, take a tour of the grounds if time allows. Otherwise, spend a little time here simply admiring the architecture.
Lourmarin
I wish we had spent more time in Lourmarin. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful places we visited in all of Provence. It’s the perfect place to stop in for lunch after walking around to take in it’s quaint charm.
However, to be clear, this isn’t the kind of place with a ‘to do’ list. Spend your time wandering and taking it slow in Lourmarin.
There is a main street with lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops that you can’t miss. This is the best place to eat and do some people watching while enjoying the relaxed ambiance of Lourmarin.
And, Lourmarin is my first recommendation for a town to stay in if you want a quieter spot than Aix! It’s quite centrally located, but smaller than Aix-en-Provence.
While in Lourmarin, stop into Au Panem for a little freshly baked pain au chocolat. Pop your head into the many little stores selling high quality home goods, clothes, and other goodies. Have a quick bite at Café Gaby or a longer meal at La Louche à Beurre.
Where To Stay In Lourmarin
– Le Moulin, a Beaumier Hotel
– La Maison de Lourmarin
– Le Passage
Roussillon
Known for it’s bright orange buildings colored by it’s nearby large ochre deposits, Roussillon is a great stop on a tour of Provence and the Luberon Valley. The village stands upon an ochre ridge, with views of the surrounding valley.
Another small Provençal town, you’ll find it’s perfect for a quick stop to admire it’s uniquely colored buildings and browse it’s artisan shops. If you’re interested in learning more about the former ochre quarries of the area, you can hike the Sentier des Ocres trail nearby.
Visit the town hall square, Place de la Mairie, as you wander around the little streets of Roussillon. The Roussillon Market is held every Thursday morning, with vendors selling locally made Provençal goods. And you’ll notice as you explore, that Roussillon has lots of little art galleries. Pop in and see if anything catches your eye!
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
This Provençal town is built on top of the crystal clear Sorgue River. It’s the perfect place to wander around and take pictures, stop for lunch on the water, or even canoe! You can rent a canoe and paddle down the Sorgue River towards L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue if you’re feeling adventurous.
There are many hiking trails around Fontaine-de-Vaucluse if you’re feeling up to stretching your legs. Take a hike up to the ruins of Château de Philippe de Cabassolle for a panoramic view.
Find the start of the Sorgue at the powerful and mysterious spring that serves as it’s source. It’s just a short walk to the Gouffre de Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, or Vaucluse Spring.
l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Another town built upon the Sorgue River, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a stunning Provençal town sometimes called the ‘Venice of Provence’. It’s famous for it’s antique shops, markets, and historic waterfront.
If you’re looking for French antiques to take home as a souvenir, check out Le Village des Antiquaires de la gare or the Marché de L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. The town’s main flea market is open on Sundays on Avenue des 4 Otages, with a regular market on Thursdays in the same spot.
Spend some time walking the canals of the town, admiring the historic waterwheels. Then, take a seat at any of the restaurants or cafes along the river for an espresso before heading to your next stop of the day.
Day 4: Lavender Fields & The Verdon Gorge (+ Car Free Alternative Option)
The fourth day of your 10 day South of France road trip will very depending on which mode of transportation you’re using. If you’re driving around with a rental car, head to the Verdon Gorge via Valensole and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
If you’re traveling to the Riviera by train this day, check out the car-free alternative route I’ve laid out further below.
Valensole is located in one of the best areas to see lavender fields in bloom. As you drive from Aix-en-Provence to Valensole, you’ll see rows and rows of bright lavender.
Stop in the town of Valensole to grab some lavender products, if you want. And be sure to stop at the 24/7 baguette vending machine at Boulange de la Fontaine!
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
The small mountain town of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. And as soon as you walk into the center of town, you’ll see why. The town is built directly on top of a natural waterfall, and features lots of vantage points to view the impressive architecture.
You’ll find a Provençal market in town every Friday morning, all year long. Fresh produce (grab some of the cherries if they’re in season) and local food products are the specialty. We grabbed some cherries, olives, and nuts to snack on through the day.
If you look up while in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, you’ll notice a star hung between the limestone cliffs that tower of the town. While the origin of the star is not confirmed, there are many legends as to how and why it came to be in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. One of those legends claims a local lord hung the star after returning from a Crusade in the 12th-century to thank the Virgin Mary for her protection.
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is only a few minutes away from the Verdon Gorge, so if you need a place to stop for food or sunscreen, this is it!
If you decide to stop in town for lunch, check out La Cantine or La Bastide de Moustiers for top rated fare.
Verdon Gorge
One of my absolute favorite stops on our 10 day South of France itinerary was the Verdon Gorge. I had seen so many pictures of this place and wondered if the water really was that blue in real life. Well, I can report, it is!
When the sun is out, the rock particles in the glacial water reflect sunlight in a way that gives the water a striking blue color. It really creates the most amazing scene of the stunning Le Verdon as it flows below striking limestone cliffs.
The best way to see the Verdon Gorge is by renting a kayak, paddle boat, or small electric boat to cruise the gorge. You can rent any of these options right at the parking lot located by the Pont du Galetas bridge.
We rented our paddle boat for €50 and had it for 2 hours. One hour is not quite enough to relax and enjoy the gorge, while three would likely be a bit long. You’ll need a photo ID to reserve the boat, but you don’t need to do so ahead of time online.
We brought snacks, a towel, sunscreen, and water along, as well. Halfway through our float, we broke out the baguette we got in Valensole, cherries from Moustier-Sainte-Marie, and sardines from Portugal for a delicious lunch!
After you return your paddle boat or kayak, head to your accommodation in the Riviera! There are multiple routes to get to Nice, so I’d rely on GPS to get you the rest of the way.
Car Free Alternative Route Provence to French Riviera
If you are planning on not renting a car for your 10 day South of France itinerary, you’ll take a slightly different route to Nice. But, don’t worry! This day can still be filled with adventurous, vibrant blue water activities.
From Aix-en-Provence, you can catch a train back towards Marseilles. Either spend the day exploring Marseilles before hopping on a train to Nice, or venture over to Cassis. This beautiful small town on the coast is the gateway to the Calanques, a stunning 20km stretch of limestone cliffs designated as a National Park.
Either Marseilles or Cassis can easily be added as a stop on this day as you make your way towards Nice. Just be sure to check train schedules and availability to not miss the last train of the day to Nice or your final destination.
If you want to visit the Calanques and don’t have a car, I highly recommend you book a tour from Cassis. There are boat tours, kayak tours, and even snorkeling tours available from Cassis. Just be sure you time it right with your train to Nice!
Calanques Tours From Cassis
– Calanques National Park Sea Kayaking Tour (4.5 ⭐️)
– 3 Calanques Half-Day Hiking Tour With Swimming (4.6 ⭐️)
– Calanques National Park Standup Paddle Board Tour (4.7 ⭐️)
You could also choose to spend an entire day in Cassis, and hop on to a train to Nice the next day if you’re worried about timing. If you do decide to stay the night, I’d stay here!
Days 5 – 10: French Riviera
One of the most iconic destinations in the South of France is the French Riviera, or the Côte d’Azur. I recommend spending a good portion of your 10 day South of France itinerary exploring the stunning Blue Coast.
In the French Riviera you’ll find jaw dropping beaches, colorful French and Italian inspired cuisine, and beautiful little coastal towns.
For the last five days of your 10 day South of France itinerary, plan day trips from your home base. Here is an example itinerary of how I would spend the last half of this trip:
Day 5: Day in Nice or small town like Saint Paul de Vence or Eze
Day 6: Day trip to Monaco & Cap d’Ail
Day 7: Day trip to Antibes, Provencal Market, Bay of Billionaires or other beach
Day 8: Day in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Day 9: Day trip to Menton, pop over to Italy if desired!
Day 10: Day doing anything you missed & flight home
But, of course, you can change up this sample itinerary however you’d like depending on weather and interests. For the reason, and since you have a home base and can do these day trips in any order, I go into detail below about each destination separately. You can mix and match as you like!
Where To Stay In The French Riviera
While in the French Riviera, it’s best to pick a base to do day trips from. I recommend staying somewhere central with easy access to much of the coast.
There are a few different options of where to stay in the French Riviera depending on what vibe you’re looking for. The French Riviera has a very bougie reputation, but it isn’t all like that. There are some adorable laid back towns to stay in that feel fancy without the price tag.
To help you narrow it down, my top two recommendations for where to stay are Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Without a doubt, Nice is the most popular place to stay in the French Riviera. It’s a large city with lots of accommodation options for every budget. The city offers a wide variety of food options, nightlife, and beaches.
Personally, we decided to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Located just 5-10 minutes from the center of Nice, this small town is a perfect alternative to the big city of Nice.
We wanted to stay somewhere close to all of our ideal day trips that wasn’t busy. Villefranche-sur-Mer was exactly what we were looking for and we recommend it to everyone! I wasn’t that interested in spending much time in Nice itself, so this spot was perfect.
Best Tours In The French Riviera
– From Nice: Best of the French Riviera Full Day Tour (4.8 ⭐️)
– No Diet Club: Unique Local Food In Nice With Tastings (4.9 ⭐️)
– Drive & Follow 3 Wheel Scenic Tour (4.9 ⭐️)
– Lerins Islands Boat Tour with Snorkeling (4.9 ⭐️)
Best Day Trips And Things To Do In The French Riviera
Nice
Nice is the largest city in the French Riviera, so there is a lot to do. If you’re not staying in Nice, it’s a great spot for a day trip. However, I’d say it’s my last recommendation for a day trip, so if there are other towns you want to see, prioritize those first.
The beaches in Nice are front in center if you make your way down toward the sea. While there are some free sections of the beach to access, there are also lots of popular beach clubs to spend the day at. The main beach in Nice is a pebble beach, making a beach chair rental a great idea.
I’d recommend Plage Beau Rivage if you’re looking for a stylish but simple beach club. It’s the largest beach club on the promenade and has a fun retro theme! It’s recommended to call ahead to book a chair.
Given it’s the largest city in the French Riviera, Nice is filled with culture. Visit the Musee Matisse or Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMAC). Explore the Old Town, or Vieux-Nice, and it’s narrow, winding streets while stopping into any shops or cafes that catch your eye.
Head up to Castle Hill, Colline du Château, for panoramic views of Nice and the bay below. Or, walk along the iconic Promenade des Angais closer to the sea for beautiful views of the bay.
Villefrance-sur-Mer
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a popular day trip from Nice, because of it’s stunning beach, colorful buildings, and laid back vibe. It’s where we decided to stay on our 10 day South of France itinerary because of it’s charm and small town feeling.
The main beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer was one of my favorite beaches in all of the French Riviera. It’s a very family friendly beach with a beautiful view of the town’s colorful buildings and moored sailboats.
Because the bay Villefranche-sur-Mer is situated on is protected, the beach here stays quite clean compared to other beaches in the area. Not to mention it is located right next to the Villefranche train station, making it super convenient.
Villefranche-sur-Mer is quite a small little town in it’s center, while houses and apartments dominate the outskirts. So, while in town, you really can walk to just about everything of interest. Pop into the little jewelry and souvenir shops in town while enjoying a refreshing gelato from Glacier Feracci.
Stroll through the Rue Obscure, a hidden medieval street right in the center of town. Seek out the best photo spots while you admire the town’s bright architecture. Walk along the port and admire the crystal clear water of the bay. Dine on the water at La Mère Germaine.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Coastal Walk
If you’re feeling active, you’ll find a stunning coastal walk on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the cape that forms the eastern beaches of the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It begins on the western side of the cape, and finishes at the beautiful Plage Paloma.
I did this walk and the one in Antibes, and much preferred the beaches and views of this trail. Plus, the western side of this path is largely protected from the wind, offering amazing swimming spots.
It’s a mostly paved trail, though there are many sections that are dirt. You don’t necessarily need hiking shoes, but the trail is a good 6km, so wear something comfortable. There are also lots of little beaches and swimming points you can stop at along the way.
Towards the end of the trail as you approach Paloma Beach, there is a small snack stand called La Pointue du Cap. I recommend you stop here for lunch or refreshments after your walk!
Where to Eat in Villefranche-sur-Mer
– Breakfast: Chez le Gourmands
– Lunch: TOSCA
– Dinner: La Mère Germaine (on the water) or Cave Nature (our personal recommendation)
– Gelato: Glacier Feracci
Menton
Known for this stunning view, Menton is a beautiful city located close to the border between France and Italy. Menton is known for it’s love of lemons, a nearby abundant crop that you’ll find infused in soaps, gelato, and more.
Menton has one of the most family friendly beaches in the South of France, as it’s manmade bay is really more of a shallow pool. You can rent beach chairs at the Les Sablettes Beach Club, or wade in on your own for free.
There is a very nice promenade along the entirety of the city’s main beach in it’s center, with public restrooms and other amenities.
A famous photo spot in Menton that you can access from the main promenade are the Escaliers or Les Rampes Saint-Michel. Built in 1753, these bright orange stairs are an instantly recognizable feature of Menton. While the stairs themselves are simply stairs, they draw lots of people looking for the perfect shot. Check them out as you stroll around the streets of Menton.
Stop into Eau de Menton to pick up some perfume or a tote bag as a perfect souvenir from your time in the Riviera. Continue strolling along Rue Saint-Michel, the city’s walking street filled with shops.
Be sure to check out the Marché des Halles, or Menton Food Hall, for fresh seafood, fruit, veggies, and regional cheeses. The markets in the South of France are always super fresh and the perfect spot to grab some snacks for the day.
Antibes
One of our favorite day trips while in the Riviera was to Antibes. The peninsula of Cap d’Antibes includes the city of Antibes as well as beaches, coastal walks, and hidden bays. It’s easy to fill your day here with market shopping, basking in the sun, cliff jumping, and coastal walks.
We did the Sentier du Littoral, beginning at Plage de la Garoupe and ending at the Bay of Billionaires. It’s a 3 mile coastal walk with swimming spots spread out along the way. If you’re looking for an active way to spend the day, this is it.
After the walk, the Bay of Billionaires is an adventurous swim spot. Though it isn’t a beach where you’ll find a beach club or loungers, it’s a great swim spot. The beach is rocky, but the water is clear and crisp.
Antibes of course also has plenty of more traditional beaches, too. Plage de la Salis and Plage du Ponteil are both very close to the center of Antibes town. Plage de la Garoupe has a small beach club where you can have a nice lunch and relax by the water.
Monaco
A day trip to Monaco is without a doubt an iconic feature of any South of France itinerary. Whether your interest is rooted in film history, Formula 1, or simply the renown of Monaco’s royal history, you’ll love Monaco. Just strolling the streets of this micro-state
Monaco is the second smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. You could easily walk from one side of Monaco to the other in a single day. It’s also one of the wealthiest places in the world, which you’ll quickly notice if you visit.
Port Hercule, the central port of Monaco, is filled with massive mega-yachts displaying the immense wealth of it’s residents and visitors. We definitely spent some time ogling at the massive ships and window shopping for the one we’d buy (as if).
The most recognizable and famous location in Monaco is most likely the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This working casino has been a filming location for many famous movies such as Ocean’s 12 and Iron Man 2, and offers tours for those interested in seeing the inside.
It’s also still very much a working casino, with the gaming rooms and bars open daily. There are a few different ways you can visit the casino, if it’s of interest of you to see more than just the outside for a photo op.
My personal favorite thing to do in Monaco is visit the Collection of Cars of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco. While the casino was interesting, I found the Prince’s car collection fascinating. I love history and very much appreciate unique cars, and this collection was quite extensive. Plus, it’s air conditioned, which in the Summer is a big deal!
If you are a Formula 1 fan, you’ll be able to see portions of the famous Monaco GP track throughout the city. A few of the most recognizable spots you can easily visit are the Fairmont hairpin turn and the straightaway along Port Hercule.
The simplest way to visit Monaco is by train, though you can surely visit with a rental car and park. However, because the central area of Monaco that you’ll most likely be interested in is quite small, a car isn’t necessary.
You can simply get on the coastal train wherever you’re based, and hop off at the Monaco – Monte Carlo stop.
Èze
A popular spot to visit while in the French Riviera is the medieval village of Èze, built into the cliffs and overlooking the sea. Winding, cobblestone streets with panoramic Mediterranean views makes Èze one of the most beautiful villages on the coast.
Take a free guided tour at the Fragonard Perfume factory and learn about perfume making. Visit and admire the beautiful Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, the 18th-century church in the heart of the village. Sit for a cocktail or meal with a view on the terrace at Chateau de la Chevre d’Or.
Don’t miss the highlight of Èze, Le Jardin Exotique, where you’ll find the best views in the village.
The village of Èze is really quite small, so you could add a quick stop here onto a visit to Monaco or Cap-d’Ail.
10 Day South of France Itinerary Wrap Up & Options To Extend
After traveling the South of France, you’ll be instantly dreaming of when you can return! This 10 day South of France itinerary is full of lots of amazing little Provençal villages, fantastic French cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes.
But, if you have more time to spend in France, or nearby, consider this options to extend your 10 day South of France itinerary:
- Head down the coast to the lively and beautiful Barcelona. Enjoy the Costa Brava and it’s off-the-beaten-path beaches.
- Make the short journey to Italy, and experience the renowned Ligurian Coast. Spend some time in the Italian Riviera in breathtaking coastal towns like the Cinque Terre.
- Spend a few days exploring either the french regions of Bordeaux or the Loire Valley. Both boast world-renowned wines and cuisine.
- Extend your time in the French Riviera with a trip to Marseilles, Cassis, and Parc National des Calanques for even more dramatic and adventurous seaside cliffs and swimming spots.
- Explore the city of Lyon, known for being the gateway to the French Alps. If you have enough time, head up to Annecy and Chamonix, and take in the absolutely iconic views of Mont Blanc.
