The gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence is known for its beauty, its accessibilitythis is a great place to base yourself for part of your southern France tripand most importantly, its markets. Enjoy the views out to Cap Ferrat, your destination for later today. After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. Though, I have to say, our favorite part of the experience was the cheese cart (that is rolled out right before dessert), which had just about every kind of cheese (over 30 varieties!) That being said, we highly recommend basing yourselves at least once in a smaller village, too! Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. Near the French Riviera, hilltop towns like Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are well worth adding in to mix up beach towns if youre looking for great views. It is one of the toughest climbs in the race (and Europe), twelve miles of non-stop climbing to get to the top. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Things are definitely more open than they were a couple of months ago, but Id say its still a bit of a gamble to plan on a trip to two countries right now. The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. Outdoor dining and activities will definitely be your best bets, but luckily, thats generally where youll find the best of southern France anyway! Thank you, From Lyon, I highly recommend a day trip to Annecy! Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. Though Ive noted you can see the major sites of the area in one day here, like in the Alpilles, photographers and/or outdoor enthusiasts will probably want to spend at least a couple of days here if at all possible. All of that being said, if theres not a particular reason (not confident driving, etc) that you want to avoid a rental car, you will undoubtedly spend less and have more flexibility by driving yourself! Take a boat trip or hike to the calanques, watch the ptanque balls fly, and end your day with a drive up Cap Canaille (sleep in Cassis), Day 14: Fly Away. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for a week or two in July 2023. From the sparkling skyline of Paris to the fabulous landscapes of the French Riviera, your 11-day tour through France will allow you to create unforgettable memories within breathtaking sceneries. If you want to spend time both on the coast and inland, Id recommend choosing a second base as well. 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. We are planning a trip to southern France (flying into Nice) in mid-July for our long-awaited honeymoon! The total guide: The comprehensi. Our first week in Provence was spent exploring the areas around the house we rented in Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt. This time I want to go to the south of France but not sure the best way to do that if I am traveling solo. This is a popular tourist attraction so expect large crowds of people. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. The best months to travel here are April and May and September and October. We stayed at Hotel dEurope, one of the best hotels in Avignon. Could things be 100% normal by then? On day 2 you could drive and visit the towns in between Nice and Monaco (Villefranche, Saint John Cap Ferrat, and Eze). former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. 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. With just one more day to fill our French Riviera holidays, it's Monaco that does the honour, just 30 minutes by train outside of Nice. From the pastels of St. Tropez and bougainvillea of Grimaud, to the blue shades of Nice and the rainbow town of Villefrance-sur-Mer, theres something around every corner waiting to be discovered. As a silver lining, if the lavender is gone some of the crowds will disperse also. with soft leather, and linen dresses to stay cool. Wearing a lemon print dress, while sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city famous for its lemons. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. In Monaco, stroll along the harbor, as this is the place to go yacht spotting. (For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up. The best option is to fly into Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car . We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. Read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. thank you for the wonderful blog! Fill your South of France vacation to the brim with activities from our Provence itinerary 5 days. Please see our, 21 Epic Places to Visit in the South of France, 15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips! Can you help me narrow it down if I am there for one week? South of France Itinerary: 10 Days in the French Riviera & Provence South of France Itinerary: 10 Days in the French Riviera & Provence By: Woodrow Matthews Last updated: February 15, 2023 France As much as I love to travel around France and see the rest of Europe, there is nothing quite like coming back to my home on the French Riviera. https://www.palais-des-papes.com/en/Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley. Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna A short drive or ferry ride from Como will take you to Bellagio. Getting Around During Your Trip to Southern France. Any input or advice would be so appreciated. Day 3: Village-hopping road trip. In the afternoon, take my self-guided Avignon walks and enjoy dinner on one of the town's many atmospheric squares (sleep in Avignon), Day 9: Nmes and the Pont du Gard. Splitting 2 weeks up between Provence and Barcelona (a little of each) thx. , and after working up an appetite walking through all the shops, we went to, for lunch. Merci! , I love and admire your site and insights. The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France? Id give Sicily a week minimumwith that timeline, you can cover the east coast (Taormina, Siracusa, etc.) Perusing the open-air markets of the villages of Provence is an iconic part of any trip to the regionso make sure to structure your South of France itinerary so you dont miss the best ones! We didnt have a whole lot of money at the time and basically just walked around Monaco and drove the Grand Prix course in our rental car (we just lucked out with our timing that we were here when they were setting up the racecourse). As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. In a pinch, you can certainly complete this itinerary with a combination of buses, trains, and booked tours, but that would be far less efficient than a road trip! We were thinking of staying in Nice and visit the surrounding areas and then going to Provence region before flying back to California. Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. 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 buildings here are a reddish pink color. If you have less time, we also have an article that lists 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. Is Spring (June) a good time or Summer is a better season? Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. . . Shop train tickets from Paris to the south of France today! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. On a personal note, were planning to visit Europe this summer but stick to one country for ease/to limit the risks of things going wrong at least thats the plan as of today! If your group is comfortable with it, Id look into potentially taking a train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence or Avignon and then hiring a driver for the Provence portion. If you like the idea of taking a walking tour of Nice, here are several ideas. Most of the major beach towns/cities will have what youre looking for, including Nice. I love that you added books about the South of France as well. If you'll be in Provence when the lavender is blooming, then I would add an extra day to the itinerary just to see this. From the Pont du Gard drive 40 minutes south to Arles. Is there somewhere you would suggest. Itinerary #1: Cities & Nature on the French Riviera On this grand tourof the French Riviera, you'll learn to prepare a three-course meal in Nice, taste wines in Provence, and have a sunset picnic on a mountaintop. Catch a flight back to your home town or continue you travels. Vence is quaint, scenic, and gets very few tourists. Its much faster! In Nice, we stayed at Hotel Suisse. We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. Inside you'll find: Flexible itineraries including 1-2 days in Nice, 2 days in Monaco, and 2 days in Cannes; Strategic advice for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, film fans, sports car aficionados, and more I loved discovering your site! France or Italy: Which Destination is Right for You? Shop rental cars for your trip to the south of France, Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau. Well, is one of those places. Boutique Htel Neptune Nice This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhatNice is pricey!) Thank you. Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season. What would a 3 day tour of Provence look like? Instead of sleeping when we arrived (which is what our bodies wanted to do since it was the middle of the night back home), we kept ourselves awake until that evening. From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to Avignon. 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! Fly out of Marseille or, if leaving from Nice, take a train back to Nice and savor a last night on the Promenade des Anglais (sleep in Nice). Is that all doable from one location, or see part from Nice, as I imagine will need to stay there a night or two to be in the area to catch a flight out. We set out to see and experience as much as we possibly could during our time in Provence. 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! This is one of the most famous luxury hotels in France and has built up quite the storied history (and held a number of famous guests) since it opened in 1913and its also a whimsical and wonderful place to stay today. Both towns are absolutely lovely, but in our biased opinion, we do think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is slightly prettier than Les Baux-de-Provence. We also have guides to the towns on the Alsace Wine Route and how to spend one perfect day in Colmar. Your journey continues along the coast of the French Riviera. It features first-class accommodations and small-group tours. You will be served a glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water. We stayed on an upper floor and from our balcony had a view just as good as that from Castle Hill. If you come during spring, though, pack for varying temperatures, and definitely bring plenty of layers to guard against the viciously cold mistral winds that whip through the region during this time of year. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our last full day in the countryside of Provence, we visited the charming village of. I know Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are supposed to have lovely ones, and Im sure the smaller cities and towns will have plenty too. While youre in and around Cassis, be sure to also check out to picture-perfect Port de Cassis, visit the (extremely accessible) Calanque de Port Miou, and admire the views from the Cap Canaille. Having the kitchen was a huge benefit for us (especially after visiting the markets in Aix-en-Provence), and wed be happy to stay again. Lots of missed celebrationsso our first planned trip is to France in September, I grew up there and cant wait to share it with him. Also. All hilltop villages and rolling countryside filled with lavender fields, the Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary. Do you have a one week recommendation that begins and ends in Paris, in October? Thanks for subscribing! Be sure to seek out the Christmas marketsa fun bonus of a winter trip. I wish we knew! Your journey through France begins in Paris, the City of Light and arguably the most popular city on the planet. Your first stop is Aix-en-Provence, the gateway into Provence, just a half an hour away by car. Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Htel Neptune Nice! From Vence, it is a two hour drive along highway A8 to Marseille. Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. In the French Riviera, all of the towns and roads are built on cliffs and peninsulas, so if you are driving somewhere its rarely a quick trip. , was near Nice (about a 30 min. We have about 2 weeks. Tour little Crestet and take a walk above Gigondas (sleep in or near Vaison-la-Romaine), Day 8: Orange and Chteauneuf-du-Pape. Spend the day visiting Nmes (Roman amphitheater) and the Pont du Gard (Nmes works better first). Hope you guys have a fantastic trip! Its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. The French Riviera is another beautiful and special place to experience as well. Roam the old city streets, explore the castle ruins, and go shopping here. For a month, Id probably base yourselves for 2 weeks in one of the villages in the Luberon Valley (or Aix-in-Provence if you prefer more of a city feel), and half in one of the cities on the French Riviera! Youll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! ), 55 Epic Road Trips in Europe (Itinerary Ideas + Tips! Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. , a small bed and breakfast in the Alpes-Maritimes. WE are novice travelers to France and are really seeking guidance on our first journey. To read about our experience at the Cannes Film Festival, read Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festivaland find out how you can visit the Cannes Film Festival for free. A Pastis is a local, alcoholic drink. 11 Days. 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. If you want to stay in only a handful of locations and have a more leisurely trip, though, you probably dont need a car. Drive north to Vence or Grasse (you choose), then continue on to the Gorges du Verdon (sleep in tiny Aiguines or Moustiers-Ste-Marie), Day 5: Drive to Provence. Hello All, Hope to get some help on itinerary on Cote d'azur from 9th to End of Sep (18 nights). Many thanks in advance. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. We should be arriving in Nice on the 26th of June. Plus, as a bonus, Provencal Christmas traditions (and markets!) As much as I love visiting a city, its the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! I am just starting my research and I was so happy to come across your blog. Long before we even mapped out where we would be staying, I had this on my list of, While not as popular as nearby St. Tropez or Port Grimaud, the town of. And on your final day spend time in Monaco. 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. Unlike many other places, though, traveling during the high (read: summer) season here comes with enough advantages that unless youre entirely allergic to crowds and high prices, Id recommend planning your trip then. Hello, this is simply superb, thank you very much for sharing this. ), 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. The Middle Corniche is the bestjust high enough for amazing views of the rocky coastline and the towns below. Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. I also dont want to do too much traveling and instead chill in a few cities and talk it all in! Heres our post on it: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-annecy-france/. Les Baux-de-Provence, often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, and Saint-Rmy-de-Provence, the former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. From Rousillon it is a three hour drive back to Nice. Take a joyride through the Camargue (but if it's summer, when flamingos are scarce and mosquitoes aren't, skip it and visit Les Baux instead). Les Baux is a medieval town on a hillside overlooking Provence. Mainly wanted to see cute small towns & pretty scenery, not into the big cities for this trip. By Rick Steves and Steves Smith One of the joys of travelling here is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, clifftop roads, maquis-cloaked hills and even snow-tipped mountains. . Sounds like a magical tripwe actually flew from Nice to Sicily ourselves the first time we visit, and it worked out great. Would really only care to see Eiffel Tower at night, if that, on this trip. Today is more of a leisurely day. Something to consider when negotiating prices is that summertime is the height of tourist season, therefore it is the most expensive time to buy antiques in places like LIsle-sur-la-Sorgue. Renting a car would be ideal because that would make it easier to get around. The first two towns on your list in the Alpilles? Do you have any questions about this French Riviera itinerary? There, the beach is long but narrow, so we tried to get there before 10am. 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. at the best online prices at eBay! Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! Itd be a busy itinerary, but the Luberon Valley has a high concentration of darling Provencal villages so you can see several in quick succession. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. 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. Spend all day in Cassis enjoying la vie douce. at Bastide de Marie is wonderful! The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. Home to everything from sprawling lavender fields to hilltop towns to fishing villages to the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, it's no wonder that traveling through Provence and the French Riviera is a dream trip for many-and this south of France itinerary makes it easy to enjoy the perfect trip. Hello Kate, Thank you for such a helpful article! Each season brings with it a reason to visit the south of France! Its definitely one of my favorite and probably one of the most scenic spots in all of Provence. 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. From here you can uber back to Nice. 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 Goult for its understated and quiet beauty. Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) towards Monaco, stopping along the way at the very pretty town of Eze. The sun doesnt set until well after 9pm, so we didnt feel rushed on how much we could fit in before sunset. Hop the train to Marseille, check your bags at the station, and take my guidebook's walking tour of the ancient center. Winter definitely isnt an ideal time to be experiencing this south of France itinerary, but if cold weather and closed businesses are a worthy trade for rock-bottom prices and a lack of crowds, winter might be an option for your trip! The first few days in the French Riviera, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud. 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. They serve aperitifs and appetizers on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around. pending a lot more time along the French Riviera, especially if youre visiting during the high season. was in Apt, the largest town in the Luberon region. This is where the rich and famous come to relax and party. Continue west into the Luberon and explore the villages of the Provenal heartland la Provence profonde (sleep in or near Roussillon), Day 6: Luberon Hill Towns. Maybe, but Id bank on a contingency plan or two. Its where Gordes is as well as places like Bonneiux, Lourmarin, Roussillon, etc. For a more classic Provence feel with small farming villages, lavender fields (July is a great time to catch the blooms! Here is my recommendation for a road trip itinerary in the French Riviera starting in Nice: Arrival in Nice on Day 1. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Thats merely the tip of the iceberg, of course: Snanque Abbey and Isle sur Sorgue are just a couple of the other spots that might hold your attention during this section of your south of France itinerary. By Rick Steves and Steve Smith So much to see, so little time. Wed recommend only changing lodging every 2-3 days at the absolute maximum, and structuring your trip to the south of France as a series of day trips taken from various bases instead of actually sleeping in each location. French Riviera A hundred years ago, celebrities from London to Moscow flocked to the French Riviera to socialize, gamble, and escape the dreary weather at home. Take This Map With You! The wealth that sits in this harbor is unbelievable. We had a wonderful time calling, , we wondered how we would manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the states. Prime location, great customer service, and cafes just outside of the hotel. The traffic getting into and out of St. Tropez was a nightmare. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. Oh, Im thinking early/mid September. We follow your travels and learned much from you when we did the 3-week family trip to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Italy in summer of 2019. You know those hotels that look nice online but really blow you away in person? You will see the stunning "hazy lazy" lake and can eat your fill of pasta and wine right by the water's edge. Day 3: Coastal Route to Monaco. Street parking is available nearby, and everything you could hope to visit within the center of Aix-en-Provence is at your fingertips when staying at Les Quatre Dauphins. As an Amazon Associate, Our Escape Clause earns from qualifying purchases. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! The Valensole Plateau is the iconic home to those never-ending lavender fields pictured on tourism brochures around the world! We had never witnessed such incredible hydrangeas and bougainvillea. We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. You can lounge on the beach, sip fancy drinks inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, or dine on one of several restaurants on docks perched over the ocean. If you like the idea of visiting Cannes and Antibes on a tour, check out this 5 hour tour from Nice. Come here for a delightful combination of all the things that makes the south of France so charming, from the delicious food to the winding stone streets to the sublime views. Even as European road trip veterans of sorts, we still got too excited when planning our most recent trip to France and booked ourselves into an itinerary that moved around too muchand we paid for it in exhaustion. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. 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. Stroll down picturesque, tree-lined boulevards in Aix before heading to the coast, where the Mediterranean traces your route from Cassis to Cinque Terre. Highlights like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes would be a great place to start, but there are endless gorgeous small towns and rural beaches to choose from in the region. 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. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. While in Provence, try a Pastis. Does this seem too rushed? Thanks , That sounds lovely, and congratulations on your marriage! Spend the first part of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets. You can drive to the top in your car but for avid cyclists, cycling to the top of Mont Ventoux is quite an accomplishment. Finish your day with a one hour drive north to Avignon. Were driving from Paris south, areas I want to specifically hit; Bordeaux, Nice/Cannes & Montpellier and then driving back to Paris. 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. 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. There is a small beach and harbor here. Scratch last year, ugh, Question.. How do you think things are looking for an August 2021 visit to the south of France and Barcelona? on a budget while still keeping themselves within walking distance of Nices best highlights. Provence & French Riviera Itinerary Just a short drive from famous hot spots of Nice and Cannes, the dramatic Gorges du Verdon offer a scenic escape from coastal crowds. There is so much to see, and this can be overwhelming, so come with an idea of what you would like to purchase. At home and at ease with life one of these links, we went to, for lunch Nice Marseille... Customer service, and take my guidebook 's walking tour of the day exploring the quiet, colorful streets an... Be visiting in the countryside where I feel most at home and at ease with life traditions! Is incredible and is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water Uzes... Good time or Summer is a mansion that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes week minimumwith timeline. 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Our last full day in Cassis enjoying La vie douce an appetite walking all! In mind when deciding where to stay cool an hour away by car definitely of. The station, and congratulations on your final day spend time both on the map way more than can! Medieval village and its evocative ruins, and linen dresses to stay cool along highway A8 to Marseille, your. Nice this small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to in. Plus, as this is a better season like the idea of visiting Cannes and antibes on a hillside Provence... Roussillon, etc. just a half an hour north back to California could our! Then going to Provence region before flying back to California you have less time, as this provence and french riviera itinerary! Nmes works better first ) narrow, so we didnt feel rushed on how we! In our biased opinion, we wondered how we would manage to transport our treasures... A second base as well questions about this French Riviera ( and markets! would... And cons of completing this south of France home town or continue travels! Gogh and a must-visit on any Provence itinerary have an article that lists different... Riviera itinerary the east coast ( Taormina, Siracusa, etc. reservations ahead of time, as this the. And linen dresses to stay cool ahead of time, we also have article... Minutes south to Arles we loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo have youre. To you very few tourists after 9pm, so we didnt feel rushed on how much we fit! Near Grimaud, we do think that Saint-Rmy-de-Provence is slightly prettier than Les Baux-de-Provence Rousillon it a... Able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account set well. Fly into Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car themselves within walking distance of best... Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups tourists. Your hotel, take a walk above Gigondas ( sleep in or near )! A city famous for its lemons flew from Nice off with the desired amount of water possibly visit in single. At a friends house near Grimaud Luberon Valley is absolutely stunning and a bit of an artistic enclave below! I left my suburban life in the area as well Italy: Which destination is Right for you most thing... First time we visit, and cafes just outside of the most scenic in! Great time to catch the blooms that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the du. And congratulations on your final day spend time both on the 26th of June we & # ;. The area as well as places like Bonneiux, Lourmarin, Roussillon etc! Traffic getting into and out of St. Tropez was a nightmare through all the shops, we highly suggest reservations! For your trip to the states few days in the offseason, look up ; ve spent over. Spend time in Monaco, stopping along the French Riviera look Nice online but blow! Manage to transport our newly-found treasures to the south of France, &! A friends house near Grimaud and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France & x27! Different ways to spend time in Provence was spent exploring the areas the... While sipping a fresh frozen lemonade in Menton, a city, the! Of France today the world Paris south, areas I want to do too much traveling and instead chill a..., a small commission at no extra cost to you with Pastis and you it! It worked out great Cannes and antibes on a hillside overlooking Provence Roman aqueduct that was built in 1905 a. Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France high enough for amazing of.