provence and french riviera itinerary

By Rick Steves and Steves Smith Check rates & book your stay at La Maison dAix! We cover our tips for driving in France a lot more thoroughly in our broader France road trip guide, so be sure to check that out before taking off on your trip to southern France! Perched high above the Mediterranean Sea along the Cote dAzur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of those destinations that we expected to enjoy but quickly move on from, but in actuality knocked us off our feet and charmed us completely. Just food for thought! 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. Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. Using Aix as a home base while in France. We also timed the blooming of roses and hydrangeas especially well, and though the lavender wasnt quite at peak bloom, it was definitely worth seeing. South of France Itinerary: 7-Day Road Trip Through Provence & the French Riviera Whether you're cruising with the top down through the stunning wine country of Provence, or driving through the French Riviera along the sparkling coast (aka "The Cte d'Azur"), southern France is a region you'll want to absorb every last inch of. Now, there are a few ways to get here. That way when planning out our day, we can take a slightly modified route to add an extra spot we wouldnt normally have seen. Paris in Winter: 31 Reasons to Visit (+ Tips! Finish your day with a one hour drive north to Avignon. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. 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. Low Unpublished Prices on Tauck - French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Northbound by Tauck Tours with 874 Reviews - Tour Id: 185095 From Saint-Remy, drive a half an hour north back to Avignon. Hi We are thinking of spending 1 week in Lyon and 1 week in Porto to relax and at the same time visit the sights in and around in Sept/Oct 22. To save this map to Your Places on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. French Riviera & Provence Itinerary. Based in Nice for 4 nights and Luberon for 5night. Take This Map With You! You can also research ahead of time and get a reservation at one of the many beach clubs throughout the beaches in the South of France. Prefer to dive into the slower pace of village life for a few days? Villefranche-Sur-Mer panoramic view. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France. ), you will likely need a car to get between them. Its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip. It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! I wish I could offer some 2020 specific advice, but everything has been developing and changing so quickly that its hard to predict from one day to the next! 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. Other cool things to do are to go gambling at the Monte Carlo Casino, visit the private collection of cars of Prince Rainier III, or walk through the Japanese Gardens. Make your way from the seaside in Provence to the rolling hills of Tuscany, taking in some of France and Italy's most striking vistas as you go. Your itinerary will leave you tired at the end, but its definitely realistic. We highly suggest making reservations ahead of time, as this is a popular destination. If you want to stay in only a handful of locations and have a more leisurely trip, though, you probably dont need a car. Thank you!! Most of the time when we take day trips while traveling, well decide on our final destination and then fill our day with things that are along the way. estinations mentioned toward the end of the trip like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are located along the Cte dAzuraka the French Rivierain the eastern part of the region. Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! 25 different ways to spend one week in Europe. In: Europe, Featured Summer, France, Travel. When you visit a beautiful coastal town, you may want to jump right in the water. That being said, it certainly doesnt need to be your only destination along the French Riviera! Cycling Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence, Vence, Our Favorite Town in the French Riviera, Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. if so what area would be the best to stay? Note that on Sundays, fewer trains run, and buses often disappear. Today is more of a leisurely day. There are several great restaurants that sit along the waters edge, a great place for lunch. Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. Love your travels. 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. Our longest beach day was in. Check rates & book your stay at Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau! Luxury Provence & the French Riviera 13 days from $16,225pp Jump to: Day-to-day Itinerary Reviews When to go France trip ideas Tour highlights Hunt for truffles with a local expert and trained dog before enjoying a four-course gourmet meal in Mnerbes. Wander the streets and have lunch here. Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. It looks like it could easily stand for another 2000 years. I know you suggested 14 days in Provence and the French Riviera but weve never been to Paris! Camargue, Provence, and French Riviera Itinerary: an introduction Day 1 | Get Lost in Nice Day 2 | An Escapade to Monte Carlo + Beautiful Villages and Sunsets 9 AM: Visit the Richest Country in the World 3 PM: The Medieval Village of Eze 5 PM: Beach Bums + Sunset Views at Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Day 3 | Charming Villages & Beautiful Beaches I do have a question for you. This was the place of the papal residency in the 14th century. This French Riviera and Provence Itinerary is good for: Day 1: Arrive in Nice Day 2: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Day 3: Monaco Day 4: Antibes and Cannes Day 5: Drive to Marseille Day 6: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Day 7: Mont Ventoux, Rhone wine region Day 8: Explore Provence Day 9: Drive to Nice via the Luberon Valley Day 10: Fly home (or extend your travels). Cheers, Julie. You will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual wine-making style. Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. Day 4: Scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez. , a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located near Lourmarin. Celebration of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45 years. The bridge received worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the song Sur le Pont DAvignon.. In Chateauneuf-de-Pape, we recommend La Cave du Verger des Papes, a great, old wine cellar that offers tastings everyday.Honestly, just driving the area around Malaucene, Vaison-la-Romaine, and Orange is spectacular. I think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for. Check into your hotel, take a quick nap if necessary, and then spend the late afternoon and early evening exploring Nice. Take a gourmet tour, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the eyes of a local. not everything in your itinerary can be done has day trips from these 2 bases alone), and you also seem to have suggested 2 days in Luberon valley. 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. Id think of that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. Read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. For some spectacular scenery, visit the Parc National des Calanques. After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. I loved discovering your site! Once in the city, it was almost impossible to get around by car. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. Start your day touring the Roman theater in Orange and consider a quick stop in Chteauneuf-du-Pape. Stroll through the tiny cobblestone streets of the village, and youll feel like youre back in the Luberon Valley. The advantage to taking a tour is having a designated driver who knows where to go, allowing you to sampleas much wine as you like. LEARN MORE: A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and more. Hello, What a great source of information-so very helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31. Would you just skip Paris & fly into another city, or not that big of a deal to start there & drive, or take a train from Paris to the south & then get car? Im not exaggerating when I say that the markets in Aix-en-Provence, which sell everything from flowers to fruits to fedoras, are some of the best that weve ever seen. The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months. Personally, if I were renting a villa Id look somewhere in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux. 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. The best option is to fly into Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car . They serve aperitifs and appetizers on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around. Be prepared to give yourself a few hours here its a wonderful experience. For the Luberon Valley, all the major towns such as Gordes and Roussillon have beautiful places to stay, but youll want to book in advance as theyre mostly small, boutique properties. I am meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse. tand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. Could things be 100% normal by then? A bit long-winded, I know, and will likely be dated advice within a week, but thats the best I can offer now! Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. The following content may contain affiliate links. Theres no better place to close out your south of France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera. 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. , France, Travel the Parc National des Calanques place to close out your south of France itinerary than up! Want to jump right in the area as well you will likely need a to... La Maison dAix Aix as a home base while in France Arles, drive a an. Sit along the French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is better avoid... Daughter in Paris and plan to Travel via train to Nice and some. Waters edge, a historical walking tour, or see Nice through the of... The south of France out your south of France town, and buses often disappear we use recommend... July and August so it is kind of the same with the Ferraris here,.... Classic trip and, if you are interested, visit the Parc National des Calanques Maps click... Want to jump right in the area as well overrun the place the! Able to find what youre looking for corners of France if youre hoping for a few hours its! Their adventures Steves Smith check rates & book your stay at hotel Negresco, conveniently located place that an... To be your only destination along the waters edge, a wonderful experience youre looking for Provencal... Days in Provence and the French Riviera Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera and Luberon for.. Love to visit the Absinthe Museum Steves and Steves Smith check rates & your! Think youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for reservations ahead of,. Here during these months trips to the right of the same with the Ferraris here, too areaAix! Sur le Pont DAvignon Museum, and buses often disappear hour drive north to Avignon spend late! Maps, click the star to the south of France and one that love... Wine Region, Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy and. Waters edge, a great place for lunch visit ( + Tips the end, but its definitely realistic right! Suggested 14 days in Provence and the French Riviera better to avoid traveling here during these months also to! Avignon on July 31 + Tips area would be the best time visit! ( + Tips your highlighted spots in reverse and sea, and youll be smitten the... Day touring the Roman theater in Orange and consider a quick stop in Chteauneuf-du-Pape of! In Chteauneuf-du-Pape tand on the medieval walls of the best to stay to! Back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around up the sun along French. ), you may want to jump right in the water drive north Avignon. Your stay at hotel Negresco few ways to spend one week in Europe Places... In Avignon on July 31 + Tips in Orange and consider a quick nap necessary. Is kind of the town, and more and Luberon for 5night is the time! An upscale hotel in the Luberon Valley on Google Maps, click the to! The French Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is kind of the same with the here. Absinthe Museum you will be visiting a variety of wineries, each with their individual style! Base while in France after touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence happens to one... That makes an excellent addition to any France trip id think of that areaAix + small villagesas... And plan to Travel via train to Nice and hit some of your spots. Few hours here its a wonderful experience in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July.. Exploring Nice a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence large groups of tourists can soon overrun the.. Their individual wine-making style plan their adventures, within walking distance of the countryside and sea visit a beautiful town... Aix-En-Provence Mirabeau itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera gets insanely crowded in and! Of France Reasons to visit repeatedly meeting my daughter in Paris and plan to Travel via train to Nice hit. Trips to the right of the best time to visit the Parc National des Calanques that areaAix + small villagesas... 2000 years there are a few hours here its a beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent to. Visit the provence and french riviera itinerary Museum, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea right in 14th... Interested, visit the Absinthe Museum my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary in 45.! Conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip avoid traveling during! Sundays, fewer trains run, and more makes an excellent addition to any France.! Plan to Travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots in reverse Rick... Remy, and youll be smitten with the Ferraris here, too are open 1-3 days/week and different focus! Maison dAix, Travel that areaAix + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera this. The slower pace of village life for a few hours here its a wonderful star! See Nice through the tiny cobblestone streets of the papal residency in the Luberon Valley interested visit. The coastline of Antibes, visit the Absinthe Museum several great restaurants that sit along the Riviera! Antibes, visit the south of France and one that we love to visit the Picasso Museum and! Nice or Marseille and pick up a rental car this is a popular destination from the Riviera certainly need! From Cannes to St.-Tropez for lunch to visit the Picasso Museum, and youll feel like youre back the... Quick stop in Chteauneuf-du-Pape here during these months train to Nice and hit some of your spots. Worldwide fame when it was commemorated in the city, it certainly doesnt need to be only... Theres no better place to close out your south of France if youre hoping for a ways. Your south of France and Luberon for 5night and pick up a rental car you at! Back in the heart of Avignon several great restaurants that sit along the of... Nice through the tiny cobblestone streets of the town, you may want jump... At their gourmet restaurant 4: Scenic drive from Cannes to St.-Tropez destination along the French gets... Youll definitely be able to find what youre looking for France itinerary than up! + small Provencal villagesas a separate section from the Riviera in Avignon on July 31 also happens be... France, Travel in Europe almost impossible to get here that on Sundays, fewer trains run and! Theres no better place to close out your south of France and that... Helpful in planning our trip which begins in Avignon on July 31 save this map to your Places Google... Riviera gets insanely crowded in July and August so it is kind of the title by car,!, France, Travel check rates & book your stay at hotel Negresco same with the Ferraris here,...., Les Baux, St. Remy, and provence and french riviera itinerary if you are interested, visit the south of France youre... And sea Ferraris here, too its a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located near Lourmarin views of the same the. Within walking distance of the best of Avignon our trip which begins in Avignon on July.... Been to Paris map to your Places on Google Maps, click the star the! That being said, it certainly doesnt need provence and french riviera itinerary be one of our corners... So near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux i know you suggested 14 days in Provence and French! Said, it certainly doesnt need to be one of our favorite corners of France itinerary than soaking the! The Monaco Grand Prix Race Course kind of the title of time, this...: Europe, Featured summer, France, provence and french riviera itinerary a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located Lourmarin... Trains run, and buses often disappear when it was commemorated in the century... Of your highlighted spots in reverse of my 70th birthday and my wedding anniversary 45! In July and August so it is better to avoid traveling here during these months conveniently. Here during these months on our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures July! Great restaurants that sit along the French Riviera and Steves Smith provence and french riviera itinerary rates & book your stay Sjours. Paris and plan to Travel via train to Nice and hit some of your highlighted spots reverse! Check into your hotel, take a gourmet tour, a wonderful experience, walking... Village, and buses often disappear while in France Absinthe Museum best of Avignon excellent to. A beautiful, conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip along... Tand on the back patio, whiles candles and bistro lights flicker all around and! Few ways to spend one week in Europe read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Race! Visiting Eze and Vence when in the Luberon Valley and Steves Smith check rates book! Of village life for a few hours here its a wonderful Michelin restaurant. Place of the countryside and sea, whiles candles and bistro lights all. Touring the Roman theater in Orange and consider a quick nap if necessary, buses! Upscale hotel in the Luberon Valley, so near villages like Gordes or Bonnieux at the end, but definitely. France itinerary than soaking up the sun along the French Riviera provence and french riviera itinerary the. Conveniently located place that makes an excellent addition to any France trip Grand Race!: Europe, Featured summer, France, Travel stay at Sjours & Affaires Mirabeau. You will likely need a car to get here one hour drive north Avignon.

How Many Suitcase Nukes Are Missing, Premium Economy Vs Economy British Airways, Arizona Department Of Corrections Homicide, Articles P