There’s something about the South of France that feels like stepping into a storybook, where every corner feels like a painting, from turquoise Mediterranean waters and charming villages to colourful markets, long lunches filled with fresh local food, and some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.
I’d been dreaming about exploring this part of France for years, and recently I finally did it. But with so many incredible places to see across the South of France, it can be hard to know where to go, how long to stay and, most importantly, how to get around.
So I’ve put together this 10-day South of France itinerary to help you plan your trip. This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of the best of the South of France without spending your entire trip moving from one hotel to another.
Let’s get started!
South of France Itinerary Overview
Day 0: Arrive in Nice
Days 1–4: Nice & the French Riviera
Day 5: Day trip from Nice to Verdon Gorge & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Days 6–7: Aix-en-Provence
Days 8–10: The Luberon & departure to Paris
Quick Guide for South Of France
🌅 Best Time to Visit:
Early June or late September for warm weather without peak summer crowds.
🏨 Where to Stay:
You will want to pick a few bases for your 10 days in South of France itinerary so you can move across the country and explore properly. I’d recommend a base in Nice, Aix en Provence and Gordes.
Must-Haves:
🧷 Travel Insurance: with SafetyWing in case of any accidents. Better safe than sorry!
📱Unlimited Mobile eSIM with Holafly to stay connected while traveling without the hassle of changing out your sim card!
Planning Your South of France Trip
When to Visit the French Riviera and Provence
The best time to visit the South of France is generally between April and September, hello, European summer! ☀️
I visited in September and thought it was a fantastic time. The weather was perfect, there were fewer crowds than during the peak summer months, and prices felt a little more relaxed too.
However, if you’re dreaming of seeing Provence covered in lavender fields, aim for late June to early July, when the lavender is usually in bloom.
How to Get to the South of France
This itinerary starts in Nice and finishes in Paris.
- Getting to Nice: Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which has plenty of international connections. If you’re already in France, you can also take a TGV train from Paris to Nice. The trains are fast, comfortable and easy to use. I usually use the Omio app to book my trains when travelling around Europe.
- Leaving from Aix-en-Provence: At the end of my 10-day itinerary, I took the train from Aix-en-Provence to Paris, where I caught my flight home to Australia.
If you’re spending a few days in Paris before or after your South of France trip, you might also like my 4 Days in Paris Itinerary.
How to Get Around the South of France
For this itinerary, I used a combination of public transportation and a rental car.
For the first part of my trip, I relied on public transportation to explore the French Riviera, then rented a car to explore Provence and the Luberon villages.
I found public transportation super easy to use and navigate in the French Riviera. Trains and buses connect many of the popular destinations, so I could easily explore places like Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Cannes and Menton without needing a car. I used Google Maps to plan my routes, check bus and train times, and figure out where and when I needed to get off.
I recommend renting a car once you reach Day 6 of this itinerary, when you begin exploring Provence and the Luberon. Public transportation is much more limited in this region compared to the French Riviera, and having a car gives you much more freedom to visit smaller villages, viewpoints and countryside spots at your own pace.
Where to Stay in this Provence & French Riviera Itinerary
You will want to pick a few bases for your 10 days in South of France so you can move across the country and explore properly. I’d recommend a base in Nice, Aix en Provence and Gordes.
Where to Stay in Nice
- Le Negresco: Iconic luxury hotel right on the Promenade des Anglais.
- La Pérouse: Beautiful hotel overlooking the Baie des Anges, with a gorgeous coastal setting.
- Hotel Nice Azur Riviera is a modern hotel in Nice, conveniently located near the train station and city centre.
Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
- Hôtel Aquabella & Spa: Where I stayed, Beautiful hotel with a pool and spa, right in the centre of Aix, it was super easy for me to explore the city on foot.
- Villa Saint-Ange: Beautiful 5-star hotel close to the historic centre and Cours Mirabeau.
- Grand hotel Roi René is a stylish hotel close to the historic centre.
Where to Stay in Gordes
- Airelles La Bastide de Gordes: A spectacular luxury palace hotel in the heart of Gordes.
- Mas des Romarins: Where I stayed, a small boutique hotel with a gorgeous terrace overlooking Gordes. I loved staying here, and it’s within walking distance of the village and viewpoint.
- Le Clos de Gordes: Beautiful adults-only hotel with lovely gardens and a pool.
South of France Itinerary Days 1–5: French Riviera — Base Yourself in Nice
☀️ Welcome to the French Riviera!
When you think of the French Riviera, chances are you’re picturing colourful old-town streets, pastel buildings, and sparkling turquoise waters stretching along the Mediterranean coast.
Your first five days are all about seeing (and exploring!) those adorable towns along the Côte d’Azur, each with its own charm, beautiful scenery, and little streets just waiting to be explored.
For the first part of this French Riviera itinerary, I recommend using Nice as your home base. It has plenty of accommodation options and excellent public transport connections, making it easy to explore many of the best places along the French Riviera without changing hotels every night.
My itinerary tip: I like to start my days early, which allows me to fit two destinations into one day. But you absolutely don’t have to travel at this pace. If you have more time, I’d recommend slowing down and giving each village a full day.
Day 1: Nice
Bonjour! Today you’re waking up in Nice. 🇫🇷
Nice is the heart of the French Riviera, where sparkling turquoise waters meet the iconic Promenade des Anglais, lined with colourful beach umbrellas and beautiful seaside cafés. It’s straight out of a movie.
Things to Do in Nice
- Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais: for beautiful Mediterranean views and that classic Nice experience.
- Explore the Old Town: Wander through the colourful streets of Vieux Nice, browse the little shops and stop at one of the cafés.
- Visit the Cours Saleya Market: Explore the colourful stalls filled with fresh produce, flowers and local specialities.
- Walk up Castle Hill: for the best panoramic views over Nice and the coastline.
- Spend some time at the beach: Relax by the Mediterranean or visit Ruhl Plage, my favourite beach club, with its iconic blue-and-white umbrellas.
- Try Niçoise cuisine: Make sure you try local favourites such as Salade Niçoise, or join a food tour if you want to discover more of the local food scene.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit several attractions, consider getting the French Riviera Pass, available for 24, 48 or 72 hours. It gives you free access to 60+ sites and activities across the Côte d’Azur and can be a great way to save money if you plan your days around the included experiences.
I had the pass during my trip and found it really useful. Check the current list of included attractions and activities here.
Day 2: Èze & Villefranche-sur-Mer
Today we’re heading to Èze, one of the most beautiful villages on the Côte d’Azur and it was one of my favourite stops on the trip.
Located high above the Mediterranean, Èze is known for its medieval stone streets, charming buildings and breathtaking coastal views. I spent hours wandering around, taking in the views and discovering all the little corners of this beautiful village.
How to Get to Èze
Getting to Èze from Nice is fairly easy by public transportation. From Gare Thiers, just outside Nice-Ville train station, take Bus 57 towards Bavastro. Then, change to Bus 82 towards Èze Village.
Things to Do in Èze
- Explore Èze Village: Spend some time wandering through the beautiful medieval streets, discovering little shops and enjoying the views around every corner.
- Visit the Jardin Exotique: Make your way to the Exotic Garden for spectacular panoramic views over the Mediterranean (You’ll need a ticket to enter).
- Visit a perfume house: Èze is home to famous perfume houses including Fragonard and Galimard, where you can learn more about the art of French perfume or join a workshop.
- Stop for lunch with a view: For a special lunch, La Chèvre d’Or is a beautiful place overlooking the Mediterranean. Booking ahead is essential.
After exploring Èze, take the bus back towards Nice and get off at Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station. From there, take the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer. It’s only two stops from Nice-Ville
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful, postcard-perfect seaside town, famous for its pastel-coloured buildings, charming old town and beautiful beach.
Things to Do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Promenade des Marinières: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy the views.
- Explore the Old Town: I loved wandering through the colourful streets and charming little lanes, taking my time to explore the shops, cafés and beautiful pastel buildings along the way.
- Rue Obscure: Walk through this historic covered medieval passageway, one of the town’s most unique spots.
- Saint-Michel Church: Visit this beautiful historic church in the heart of the old town.
- Dinner by the Waterfront: End the day with dinner along the promenade and enjoy the beautiful sunset views. I really wanted a table right on the waterfront, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find one and ended up sitting on the other side. If you want a front-row view, I recommend booking your table in advance.
Day 3: Menton & Monaco
Menton — known as the “Pearl of France,” Menton quickly became another one of my personal favourites. And honestly, you’ll understand why the moment you get there.
Right on the Italian border, Menton has a beautiful Italian influence, colourful pastel buildings and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. definitely don’t skip it.
How to Get to Menton
Take a 40 minutes train to Menton from Nice Ville station.
Things to Do in Menton
- Menton Viewpoint: Head to the rocks on Sablettes Beach for one of the most beautiful views of Menton, with the colourful Old Town rising behind the beach and the Mediterranean in front.
- Les Rampes Saint-Michel: take photos in these beautiful, bright-yellow symmetrical steps one of the most photogenic spots in Menton.
- Wander the Old Town: Get lost among the pastel-coloured buildings, little boutiques, gelato shops and restaurants. Rue de la Conception and Rue Longue were two of my favourites.
- Sablettes Beach: Take some time to relax by the sea and enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean setting.
How to Get to Monaco
After exploring Menton, take another train (only 2 stops) and continue to Monaco, the glamorous principality on the French Riviera, famous for its luxury yachts, beautiful coastline and the iconic Monte Carlo.
Things to Do in Monaco
- Monte Carlo Casino: I loved seeing the iconic casino building and its elegant architecture, then wandering around the high-end shops nearby. Although cars aren’t really my thing, I couldn’t help but notice the incredible luxury cars outside the casino.
- Monaco Grand Prix Circuit: Walk parts of the famous Formula 1 circuit and see some of its iconic corners.
Day 4: Saint-Paul-de-Vence + Cannes
Today we’re visiting another beautiful village on the French Riviera — Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a charming medieval village and an absolute haven for artists.
How to Get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence
From Nice-Ville, take the train to Cagnes-sur-Mer. Once you arrive at Cagnes-sur-Mer station, head to the bus stop in front of the station and take Bus 655 towards Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The journey takes around 30 minutes and drops you near the village.
Things to Do in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- La Maison de Jacques Prévert: Stop by this beautiful and very Instagrammable house, one of the village’s most photographed spots. (Exact location here)
- Wander the Old Town: I loved taking my time wandering through the narrow medieval streetsof Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Along the way, I discovered beautiful landmarks including the Cimetière de Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs.
- Explore the Art Galleries: Saint-Paul-de-Vence has long attracted artists, and you’ll find plenty of galleries, studios and beautiful artworks tucked throughout the village.
On the way back, stop in Cannes, famous for its annual film festival, glamorous coastline and beautiful beaches.
How to Get to Cannes
After exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence, take Bus 655 back to Cagnes-sur-Mer. From Cagnes-sur-Mer station, take the train to Cannes.
Things to Do in Cannes
- Cannes Film Festival: Visit the famous Palais des Festivals and take a photo on the iconic red carpet.
- Wander the Old Town: Explore Le Suquet, Cannes’ charming historic quarter, with its narrow streets and beautiful views.
- Boulevard de la Croisette: Take a stroll along the famous waterfront boulevard, lined with luxury hotels, designer shops, beaches and palm trees.
Day 5: Day Trip to Verdon Gorge & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Today we’re heading into the mountains for one of the most memorable days of this trip, exploring the spectacular Verdon Gorge and the beautiful village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
I booked a guided day tour from Nice with GetYourGuide, and honestly, I was really glad I did.
Our guide knew all the best viewpoints and made regular stops for photos to enjoy the scenery. The tour also included a pedal boat ride in the Gorges du Verdon, which is something that is not included on any other tours.
You could also rent a car and drive to the Verdon Gorge, and many people do. However, I personally preferred taking a guided tour. I had heard about the winding mountain roads, and as I wasn’t confident driving them myself, I felt much more comfortable letting someone else do the driving.
Things to Do in Verdon Gorge & Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Route Napoléon: Enjoy a scenic journey through the mountains in an electric vehicle with a panoramic roof.
- Route des Crêtes: Stop at spectacular viewpoints overlooking the dramatic Verdon Gorge.
- Pedal Boat in the Verdon Gorge: One of my favourite parts of the day was getting out on the turquoise waters of the Verdon Gorge.
- Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie: Wander through this beautiful hilltop village, often considered one of the prettiest villages in France.
South of France Itinerary: Days 6–7 — Aix-en-Provence
Today, we’re starting our South of France road trip itinerary by picking up our rental car in Nice and leaving the French Riviera behind as we head towards Aix-en-Provence, the heart of Provence.
Aix is a beautiful city known for its elegant architecture, lively cafés, historic streets and vibrant markets.
It has a completely different atmosphere from the coastal towns. It feels lively, sophisticated and cultural, with beautiful fountains around every corner, leafy streets, charming cafés and plenty of places to eat and shop.
Days 6–7: Aix-en-Provence
Things to Do in Aix-en-Provence
- Explore the Old Town & Cours Mirabeau: this is main Street in Aix, I loved spending some time simply wandering through the historic centre, browsing the little shops, discovering charming squares and getting lost among the beautiful streets. Cours Mirabeau, one of Aix’s most famous lively streets.
- Visit the Markets: If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, make time for Aix-en-Provence’s famous Tuesday market and wander through the stalls around Cours Mirabeau.
- Château La Coste: Take a short drive outside Aix to Château La Coste, a beautiful wine estate combining wine, architecture, art and stunning countryside. I did wine tasting here and had a beautiful slow lunch.
- Musée Granet: Visit Aix’s main art museum, home to an impressive collection of paintings and exhibitions. If you’re interested in Paul Cézanne, you’ll also find works connected to the artist and his relationship with Aix.
- Caumont – Centre d’Art: Step inside this beautiful 18th-century mansion, explore its art exhibitions and take some time to enjoy the charming garden and café.
- Follow in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne: Aix was the hometown of famous French artist Paul Cézanne, who drew inspiration from the city and surrounding Provençal landscapes. Follow the Cézanne Trail through Aix or visit Atelier Cézanne, his former studio, to discover the places that inspired his work.
Before visiting, check the official Aix-en-Provence Tourism Office website for current market days, events and local recommendations.
South of France Itinerary: Days 8–10 — Luberon
From Aix-en-Provence, it’s around 45 minutes by car to the Luberon, where the scenery and pace of life change completely.
Here, Provence becomes more rural, peaceful and picturesque, with dramatic hilltop villages, vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and open countryside.
The Luberon is all about slow travel. I absolutely loved slowing down and experiencing the Provençal way of life. I loved having long lunches, exploring local markets, wandering through beautiful villages and simply taking my time to enjoy the scenery.
There are so many villages to discover, but my highlights were Gordes and Lourmarin.
My advice is to slow down and resist the temptation to see everything. Give yourself time to wander, stop for long lunch and enjoy each village rather than rushing from one to another.
And one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is the local market days. They’re a wonderful way to experience everyday Provençal life and discover local produce, food and handmade products.
Tip: Market days can vary by village and season, so I recommend checking the latest market schedule before you visit. You can find the market days for each village here.
Day 8: Gordes
Today we’re heading to Gordes, one of the most spectacular hilltop villages in Provence and one of the places I was most excited to see.
Gordes has incredibly charming streets plus endless views of the rolling hills. It really does look like a postcard.
Take your time here rather than rushing through.
Things to Do in Gordes
- Abbaye de Sénanque: Visit the beautiful 12th-century abbey, surrounded by lavender fields in summer.
- Explore the Caves of Palais Saint-Firmin: Discover the underground cellars and caves beneath the village.
- Have a Slow Lunch: Treat yourself to a long lunch at Airelles La Bastide de Gordes, or enjoy lunch beneath the castle at Le Teston. I chose Le Teston and absolutely loved my local Provençal lunch here, it was one of the best meals.
- Wander Gordes: Get lost among the charming stone streets, little shops and cafés.
- Gordes Viewpoints: Stop at the famous viewpoints around the village for those beautiful postcard views.
- Gordes Castle: Visit the historic castle in the heart of the village.
Day 9: Lourmarin
Spend the day exploring Lourmarin, the prettiest village in the Luberon region of Provence.
Things to Do in Lourmarin
- Friday Market: If you’re visiting on a Friday, don’t miss the famous weekly market, filled with local produce, cheeses, handmade goods and Provençal specialities.
- Explore the Village: Wander through the beautiful streets, browse the little boutiques and stop at the cafés and charming squares. I loved sitting at Café Gaby on the main square, enjoying a coffee and people-watching.
- Château de Lourmarin: Visit this beautiful Renaissance château and explore its grounds.
- Wine Tasting: Stop at Château Saint-Pierre de Méjans for a local wine tasting. I ended up taking a few bottles home — the rosé was my favourite!
- Lunch at Maison Camille: I had a lovely lunch at the old château in nearby Lauris. Camille was so warm and welcoming, and everything was handmade and gluten-free. The bread and focaccia were delicious.
- Olive Oil Tasting: Visit Bastide du Laval to learn about local olive production and taste their estate olive oils, trust me you will end up buying few bottles.
Day 10: Cucuron, Ansouis & Vaugines — Departure
Today is our last day in Provence, so we spent the morning exploring three charming Luberon villages: Cucuron, Ansouis and Vaugines.
I had a vintage car and driver take me through the villages, which made the day such a fun and memorable experience. You can also book a vintage car experience or simply drive yourself between the villages.
Things to do in Cucuron, Ansouis & Vaugines
Cucuron
Start in Cucuron and wander through its beautiful medieval streets. One of the village’s highlights is the famous Étang de Cucuron, a large stone-lined pond shaded by plane trees. Cucuron was also one of the filming locations for A Good Year, so if you’ve seen the movie, some op of the village may look familiar.
Ansouis
Next, make your way to Ansouis, one of the prettiest hilltop villages in the Luberon. Wander through its narrow lanes and stone streets, and visit Château d’Ansouis, a beautiful medieval castle overlooking the surrounding countryside and vineyards.
Vaugines
Finish in Vaugines, a tiny and peaceful Provençal village surrounded by vineyards and countryside. It’s particularly known for being one of the filming locations for Manon des Sources, making it a lovely final stop on your Luberon adventure.
Leaving Provence: Provence to Paris
After exploring the villages, return your rental car in Aix-en-Provence before heading to Aix-en-Provence TGV station.
From here, take the high-speed TGV train to Paris, where you’ll finish your South of France adventure.
South of France Itinerary– Final Words
And there you have it — my 10-day South of France itinerary!
I hope this guide has inspired you planning a trip to the South of France and experience the beautiful villages, mediterranean sea, food, culture and landscapes that make this part of France so special. 🇫🇷
