I’ve spent years planning trips to the South of France, and I know how overwhelming it can be. This guide breaks down everything you need for a perfect visit.
You’ll get three complete itineraries for 4 days, 5 days, and 7 days. I’ll show you exactly where to go, what to see, and where to stay.
Each plan covers Provence and the French Riviera with real timing and honest advice. From lavender fields to coastal towns, I’m sharing what actually works based on my own trips.
No fluff. Just practical routes that make the most of your time.
Ready to plan your South of France itinerary?
How to Plan Your South of France Itinerary
Start by picking your length: 4, 5, or 7 days. Four days work for the Riviera highlights. Five days let you add Provence countryside. Seven days give you the complete experience with wine regions and coastal living.
Book early for summer travel. Hotels fill up fast from June to August. Spring and fall offer better prices and fewer crowds.
Rent a car if you want flexibility in Provence. The coastline has good trains, but villages need driving.
4 Day South of France Itinerary (Quick Trip)
Perfect for first-timers who want to experience the French Riviera’s glamour and Provence’s countryside charm in less than a week.
Day 1: Arrival in Nice & Old Town Tour
Land in Nice and head straight to your hotel. Drop your bags and walk to Promenade des Anglais. This seafront path runs for miles along the Mediterranean.
Climb up to Castle Hill before sunset. The views span the entire bay. You’ll see red rooftops, blue water, and the Alps in the distance.
Spend your evening in Old Town (Vieux Nice). The narrow streets are packed with cafes and local restaurants. I always grab socca (chickpea pancake) from a street vendor here.
Day 2: Monaco & Coastal Villages
Wake up early and drive to Villefranche-sur-Mer. This fishing village has colorful buildings right on the water. The beach is small but perfect for a morning swim.
Continue to Cap Ferrat. Walk the coastal path around the peninsula. It takes about an hour and shows you massive villas and private coves.
Head to Monaco and Monte Carlo for lunch. Park outside the city center (it’s cheaper). Walk through the old town, see the palace, and check out the casino square.
You don’t need to gamble, but the building itself is worth seeing.
Day 3: Provence Highlights
Drive inland to Avignon (about 3 hours from Nice). The city sits on the Rhône River with medieval walls still intact.
Visit the Palais des Papes. This massive papal palace shows you how powerful the church was in the 1300s. The audio guide helps you understand each room.
Walk the old town in the afternoon. Cross the famous half-bridge (Pont d’Avignon). Find a cafe in Place de l’Horloge for dinner and people-watching.
Day 4: Gordes & Lavender Countryside
Drive through the Luberon villages in the morning. These hill towns have stone buildings and valley views. Each one takes 20-30 minutes to walk through.
Stop at the Gordes viewpoint before entering the village. The photo from here shows the whole town stacked up the hillside. Park below and walk up through the streets.
Return to your departure city or extend if you have time. Nice airport is about 2 hours from Gordes.
5 Day South of France Itinerary (Balanced Trip)
This route combines Provence countryside charm with French Riviera glamour for the perfect balanced getaway.
Day 1: Arrive in Marseille to Crillon-le-Brave
Fly into Marseille and pick up your rental car. Drive straight to Crillon-le-Brave (about 90 minutes). This tiny village sits in the Provence countryside with vineyard views.
Check into your countryside stay. Most hotels here have pools and gardens. Unpack and settle in for a relaxing Provence evening.
Dinner is usually at the hotel restaurant or a short drive away.
Day 2: Wine Tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Drive 30 minutes to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for wine tasting. Book a vineyard tour ahead of time. You’ll learn about the rocky soil and how it affects the grapes.
Visit 2-3 cellars for the wine cellar experience. Tastings usually include 4-5 wines. Spit between tastings if you’re driving. Buy a bottle or two to take home.
Return to Crillon-le-Brave for dinner and another quiet evening.
Day 3: Gordes & Luberon Villages
Tour Gordes in the morning before tour buses arrive. Walk to the castle and through the stone streets. The village feels like stepping back 500 years.
Drive to other scenic hill towns like Roussillon or Bonnieux. Each has its own character. Roussillon has red cliffs. Bonnieux has a hilltop church with valley views.
Stay in a countryside château if you want something special. Otherwise, your Crillon hotel works for another night.
Day 4: Avignon & Historic Provence
Drive to Avignon (45 minutes). Tour the Palais des Papes in the morning when it’s less crowded. The fortress walls and throne room show you medieval power.
Walk the medieval streets after lunch. The city has art galleries, antique shops, and quiet squares. Cross the Rhône on the old bridge for photos.
Find local dining in the evening. Provençal food means ratatouille, lamb, and rosé wine. Small bistros often serve better food than fancy restaurants.
Day 5: French Riviera Arrival (Nice / Beaulieu)
Drive to the Riviera (2-3 hours from Avignon). The route takes you through mountains before dropping down to the coast.
Arrive in Nice or Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Check into your hotel and head to the beach. Sea views and coastal relaxation are your only plans.
Walk the promenade. Swim if it’s warm. Eat fresh fish for dinner.
7 Day South of France Itinerary (Complete Experience)
A week gives you time to savor wine country, medieval villages, and Mediterranean beaches without rushing.
Day 1: Arrival in Provence
Land in Marseille and drive to Crillon-le-Brave (90 minutes). This small village gives you instant Provence vibes.
Relax by the pool after check-in. Watch the countryside sunset from your terrace. Most hotels serve dinner on-site with local ingredients.
Day 2: Wine Region Experience
Book a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tour for the morning. The guide explains the region’s history and winemaking process.
Visit local vineyards for tastings. Three wineries give you a good variety without overwhelming your palate. Each tasting lasts 30-45 minutes.
Return to your hotel for a quiet afternoon. Provence moves slowly, and that’s the point.
Day 3: Gordes & Scenic Villages
Stop at the Gordes viewpoint first thing. The morning light makes the golden stone glow.
Tour Luberon villages like Ménerbes, Lacoste, or Roussillon. Drive the small roads between them. Stop at markets if it’s market day (usually mornings).
Check into a château stay for something memorable. These old estates have been converted to small hotels with modern comfort.
Day 4: Avignon Tour
Tour the Palais des Papes in the morning. Get the combined ticket that includes the bridge and gardens.
Old town walk after lunch. Avignon has Roman ruins, art museums, and the best outdoor markets in Provence. Thursday morning market sells everything from cheese to lavender soap.
Book a fine dining experience for tonight. Michelin-starred restaurants here cost less than similar places in Paris.
Day 5: Provence to French Riviera
Pack up and start your scenic countryside drive (2.5-3 hours). Stop in Aix-en-Provence if you want to break up the trip.
Arrive in Beaulieu or Nice by afternoon. These coastal towns sit right on the Mediterranean. Check into your luxury Riviera stay. Hotels here have beach access and sea-view rooms.
Walk the waterfront before dinner. The temperature drops at night, making it perfect for outdoor dining.
Day 6: Nice & French Riviera Lifestyle
Have breakfast at your hotel, then walk to Le Plongeoir restaurant for lunch. This spot sits on rocks over the water. Book ahead.
Spend the afternoon on a beach or pool day. The Riviera beach is all pebbles, not sand. Bring water shoes if you want to swim.
Enjoy a relaxed Riviera evening. Dinner in Old Nice. Gelato after. People-watching from a cafe terrace.
Day 7: Cannes & Departure
Drive 30 minutes to Cannes. Walk the old town and beaches. Le Suquet (old quarter) sits on a hill above the bay.
Stop by the Carlton Hotel and promenade. This is where film stars stay during the festival. The beach here is public but costs money for chairs.
Departure from Nice airport (30 minutes from Cannes).
Where to Stay in the South of France
From countryside châteaus to beachfront luxury, here are the best places to base yourself in Provence and the French Riviera.
Best Provence Hotels & Countryside Stays
Crillon-le-Brave offers the classic Provence experience. The hotel sits in a restored village with a pool, spa, and two restaurants. Rooms have exposed beams and valley views.
La Bastide de Gordes gives you luxury in the heart of the village. Walking distance to shops and viewpoints. Their pool overlooks the Luberon Valley.
Airbnb farmhouses work well for families or longer stays. Look for places with pools and outdoor kitchens. Book early for summer dates.
Best French Riviera Luxury & Budget Hotels
La Reserve de Beaulieu is my top choice for luxury. Small property right on the water. Private beach. Michelin-starred restaurant. It feels exclusive without being stuffy.
Hotel Negresco in Nice has old-world charm and a beachfront location. The pink dome is a city landmark. Rooms vary in style and price.
Budget option: Ibis Styles Nice gets you close to everything without breaking your budget. Clean rooms. Good breakfast. Ten-minute walk to the beach.
Travel Tips for Visiting the South of France
- Plan your visit for May, June, or September. These months have warm weather and smaller crowds. July and August bring heat and tourists.
- Rent a car for Provence. Villages sit far apart with limited bus service. You’ll want the freedom to stop at viewpoints and markets. The Riviera has good trains between cities.
- Book wine tastings ahead. Most vineyards need reservations, especially in peak season. Call or email a few days before your visit.
- Bring euros and a credit card. Small villages often only take cash. ATMs exist but not on every corner.
- Learn basic French phrases. “Bonjour,” “merci,” and “s’il vous plaît” go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort even if your accent isn’t perfect.
Final Thoughts
I’ve tested these routes myself, and they work. The mix of coast and countryside gives you the real South of France experience.
Don’t rush. Take time for long lunches and sunset swims. That’s how the French do it.Save this post so you can reference it while planning.
Drop a comment if you have questions about timing or hotels. I read every one and reply with honest advice.
Your South of France itinerary starts here.
Pick your days, book your flights, and get ready for lavender fields and Mediterranean sunsets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to visit the South of France?
May, June, and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest and hottest months.
Do I need a car to explore the South of France?
Yes for Provence villages, as they’re spread out with limited buses. The Riviera has good trains, so a car is optional there.
How many days do I need for a South of France trip?
Four days covers the Riviera, five days adds Provence countryside, and seven days gives you the complete experience.
Should I book wine tastings in advance?
Yes, most vineyards require reservations. Contact them a few days before your visit, especially in peak season.
Where should I base myself in Provence?
Crillon-le-Brave for countryside charm or Gordes for central access to hill towns. Both offer pools and an authentic Provence atmosphere.
