The Perfect Southern France Itinerary: From Provence to the French Riviera
Southern France was one of the regions I first ventured to solo when studying abroad, and I immediately fell in love! From Provence to the Mediterranean coastline, every city is stunning and offers so much to take in. It’s a completely different feel from the bustling Paris city life. If you’re planning your first trip to southern France, I’ve compiled my top picks combining Provence with the French Riviera for the ultimate trip (either by road or by train) spanning one to two weeks.
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Avignon
Recommended: 2 Days
Known as the City of Popes, Avignon is one of Provence’s most historic destinations. I loved wandering the medieval streets and seeing the famous Pont d’Avignon (on y danse!). This city has lively squares and cafes and it’s a great base to explore nearby towns like Nîmes.
Marseille
Recommended: 3 Days
France’s oldest city offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and Mediterranean beauty. Wander around the Old Port, visit the stunning Basililque Notre-Dame de la Garde, and explore the historic Le Panier neighborhood.
Check out my post about 5 can’t miss attractions in Marseille for more details!
Check out my hotel recommendations for the Vieux Port neighborhood if visiting Marseille.
Aix-en-Provence
Recommended: 2 Days
Aix-en-Provence is the perfect place to experience the relaxed charm of Provence. Stroll along elegant tree-lined boulevards, browse colorful markets, and enjoy the vibrant cafe culture. It’s an ideal base for exploring nearby lavender fields, vineyards, and picturesque villages.
Read more about this provincial city in my post: Following Paul Cézanne’s Footsteps in Aix-en-Provence.
Check out my hotel recommendations around Old Town for some great places to stay in Aix-en-Provence!
Nice
Recommended: 2-3 Days
Located along the French Riviera, Nice combines beautiful beaches, colorful architecture, and a lively atmosphere. Promenade des Anglais is the real show stopper, along the coastline. However, Old Town and Castle Hill are also must sees!
Check out my post about exploring the Jewel of the French Rivieria for more details about Nice!
Check out my hotel recommendations for some beautiful and convenient locations to stay while visiting Nice.
Add-on: Monaco
Nice is also a great hub for day trips to nearby spots like Cannes and Monaco. You can also read about my top two recommended attractions (other than Monte Carlo!) in Monaco.
Southern France is a region that offers a little bit of everything. This itinerary covers a broad area, which could easily be arranged in varying orders depending on your preferred path.
Which city in Provence or the French Riviera is your favorite? What cities would you add if you had more time?
4 Comments
Amber Myers
Oh my gosh, I’d LOVE to visit one day. This sounds like an amazing itinerary. I’d start off with Nice.
Clarice
Nice definitely lives up to its name. It’s such a lovely place to visit because it has a little bit of everything — beautiful views, great food, and so much charm. I also agree that Castle Hill is a must-see. The views from the top alone make the visit worth it!
Melissa Cushing
This is the perfect post for anyone lookig to travel to France. Idefinitltey wasnt to go when we go to visit family in Italy…. this itinterary is perfect!
Schquarra
Omg!! One of my dream bucket list places to travel! I will definitely save this list for 2027 planning activities. Thank you!