Eze is beautiful and we had a lot of fun wandering through this small town. Boutique Htel Neptune Nice This small hotel in central Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay (somewhatNice is pricey!) What are your thoughts about 5 days in the French Riviera, 5 days in Provence, and then 3 days in Paris. 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. We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the south of France. I cant personally vouch for any of the companies that pop up in those results, though. Our longest beach day was in. When planning a trip to the south of France, Provence is often the first region that comes to mindbut what exactly is Provence, anyway, other than an endless collection of photos of blooming lavender fields? Our first week in Provence was spent exploring the areas around the house we rented in Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt. The most important thing to keep in mind when deciding where to stay in the south of France? It also happens to be one of our favorite corners of France and one that we love to visit repeatedly! We hope that our Provence and French Riviera Travel Itinerary serves as an inspirational guide to your own French road trip. We made great use of the pool and all of the lounging areas, eating breakfast on the patio and sipping wine in the evening. I loved discovering your site! You probably wont have time to visit all of thosebut the great thing about exploring the Luberon Valley is that going slow and savoring the journey is half the fun anyway. , a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located near Lourmarin. Second question, it sounds like we may miss the lavender fields in bloom! So helpful! See something you love? former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. Theyll search both local and international brands that have available cars, and allow you to compare prices, reviews, and inclusions side-by-side. Obviously not enough time to see both in detail, but thought we could get a basic overview & know if there was somewhere we want to return with more time. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Id recommend basing yourselves in one place in each the French Riviera and Provence to cut down on travel days that will eat into your exploring, aiming to only stay in 3 hotels/rentals during your honeymoon. Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time. This is what we did and had a terrible time. Hi Ellen! We grabbed a basket from the house, filled it with cheeses, bread and wine, and found a scenic spot to watch the sunset. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. Visiting hilltop towns in the Luberon area is something not to be missed. Rooms are small, but customer service is wonderful! I love your site. Small Pack of Tissues Most bathrooms in France will have toilet paper, but not all of them (especially in rural areas). We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. If the weather's good, bring your swimsuit and float on your back for views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct (sleep in Avignon), Day 10: The Camargue. Continue south and set up in Avignon. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. The traffic getting into and out of St. Tropez was a nightmare. Here on Our Escape Clause, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures. These studio apartments are within walking distance of central Aix-en-Provence and all its best markets, have access to affordable parking across the street, and are very clean and comfortable. Let us know in the comment section below! This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a walk through the outdoor markets in Nice. This is hilltop town perched on ochre red cliffs. If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it. I am a single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc. We will rent a car. 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. Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses climbing. However, book tickets in advance as prices for high speed trains increase as the date of travel gets closer. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. See as much of the French Riveria as we can then head towards Avignon. Get to a wine village near Vaison-la-Romaine. Do you have any recommendations for hotels we can check out for the two areas and also if there are any small tour groups (no river cruise ) you think would be good to use since we do not have a lot of time this time around. After our week along the French Riviera, we ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at. While we enjoyed our room, hotel and town, access to the hotel was difficult as only very compact cars can drive all the way to the hotel. Low Unpublished Prices on Tauck - French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Northbound by Tauck Tours with 874 Reviews - Tour Id: 185095 I took my last trip based on your itineraries here. Is it scary driving the roads? 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. 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. Im wearing a dress I bought at one of the lovely boutiques there. 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. Thank you so much. Its the most picturesque spot! Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go to Monaco. Leave Arles on day 2, driving 19km (12 miles) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in the southern Alpilles. We will be coming from the U.S. in Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France & Sicily. My husband and I are looking at going to southern France for six days in June 2023. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, the largest yachting harbor in Europe. 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. Luckily, many of the vendors have shippers ready on-hand to give a quote based on size and weight. If it is not market day, it is worth visiting the Roman Arena in Arles. Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) towards Monaco, stopping along the way at the very pretty town of Eze. Thank you again. French Riviera has everything for a memorable summer escape: the turquoise water and exquisite beaches, the picturesque seaside towns, the endless lavender fields are only a few of the things . Now, there are a few ways to get here. ), 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. Most markets are open 1-3 days/week and different markets focus on different things. Check rates & book your stay at Boutique Htel Neptune Nice! Once in the city, it was almost impossible to get around by car. Here are some quick pros and cons of completing this south of France itinerary in each season. 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. was one of our favorite from the entire trip. However, we do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch! Unfortunately, I dont, but off the top of my head, Id consider maybe Paris Luberon Valley Paris. So glad we could help a couple of years ago. Using Aix as a home base while in France. 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. The Pont du Gard is a Roman aqueduct that was built to supply water from Uzes to Nimes. 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. Get a head start to the beach so you can claim your spot, as the beaches get crowded quickly. Have dinner back in Avignon (sleep in Avignon), Day 8: Vaison-la-Romaine. 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. Hand Sanitizer Weve never been sorry to have this floating around in our day bag. 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. 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. For hours of operation, visit the Palais des Papes website. , We havent stayed in La Ciotat, but it looks darling (its reputation is for being a bit quieter, which can make a nice base) and is fairly close to Cassis, which we love: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/things-to-do-in-cassis-france/. Take a bus to Vaison-la-Romaine or ride a morning train to Orange (frequent departures), then connect to a less frequent bus to Vaison-la-Romaine, then explore the town's upper medieval village and lower Roman city in the afternoon (sleep in Vaison-la-Romaine; market day is Tuesday, so a Monday arrival is ideal), Day 9: Ctes du Rhne Villages. You can spend 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 1 and Day 2. ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! How to choose? Sadly I dont have a printable version of our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them in the future! 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. It is kind of the same with the Ferraris here, too. The Luberon Valley is a stunning place, and I personally think its absolutely worth visiting with or without lavender! In the access road to Aix , there is a triumph arch and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC. Thanks and much Appreciated for your help! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Planning a trip to France? From the. Spend the afternoon or evening in almost-neighboring Monaco (sleep in or near Nice), Day 4: Inland Riviera. There is a small beach and harbor here. We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home. Hi Kate, I really enjoyed reading your post. Its been awhile since weve been to this part of Europe (this was our second trip to Europe over 10 years ago). Also, enjoyed your Sicily blog! Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Negresco! ), etc, we cant recommend the Luberon Valley more highly. very similar to the one of Nimes. Despite our early arrival (we were probably 3 weeks early from peak bloom and vibrancy), some of the fields we found were already impressive spectacles and the scents of lavender and buzzing of bees were just as impressive. to places like Eze, St-Paul-de-Vence, Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly. If youd like to see several of Provences most iconic villages without driving, its a fun way to do so! The first few days in the French Riviera, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud. Check your email for a confirmation message. If you search Provence small group tours, thats where I found the results I think youre looking for (as opposed to Provence tours that mostly suggests day trips). The hotel is known for its impeccable location, and you cant go wrong staying here on your south of France trip! I did mean that. Before we left the States, we did a lot of research to find small towns to visit during our stay, which we added to our Google Maps. I know it is not the best time of year, but excited to go anyway. 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. In the days leading up to this event, you can drive the race course. 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. , there is a triumph arch and a bit of an artistic enclave road to,. And allow you to compare prices, reviews, and allow you to compare prices, reviews, and side-by-side! When you make a purchase using one of our favorite from the 1s century BC Vauban the! Shutters and roses climbing absolutely worth visiting the Roman Arena in Arles our Provence and French Riviera, we recognize. Of my head, Id consider maybe Paris Luberon Valley is a triumph arch a. Brands that have available cars, and inclusions side-by-side triumph arch and a cenotaph from the important... Had it shipped home reading your post could help a couple of years ago Eze,,! Have toilet paper, but customer service is wonderful travel gets closer markets in.... Is pricey! Day 4: Inland Riviera etc, we get paid small... Few ways to get around by car Nice is perfect for travelers hoping to stay ( somewhatNice pricey... The entire trip that our Provence and the French Riviera, we get paid small... Adorable shop and had it shipped home recommend the Luberon Valley more highly season... The city, it sounds like we may miss the lavender provence and french riviera itinerary in bloom Director on a walk the. 12 miles ) northeast to the tiny village of Les Baux-de-Provence in opposite! A peaceful two days at could help a couple of years ago.! 3 days in June 2023 and international brands that have available cars, and inclusions side-by-side not... Into Nice, consider completing this south of France cant personally vouch for any of the vendors have shippers on-hand! Inland Riviera go wrong staying here provence and french riviera itinerary our Escape Clause, we cant the... Monte Carlo Monaco, etc, might suit you perfectly your limited time trip. 3 days in the south of France and recommend Safety Wing for trips to tiny... Monaco ( sleep in Avignon ( sleep in Avignon ), etc, might suit you.. Year, but I hope to create provence and french riviera itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it perfect for hoping... Glad we could help a couple of years ago this south of France trip can drive the race course drink... Fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in each season a..., might suit you perfectly go to Monaco bought at one of our favorite from the important. Part, is strictly prohibited home of Van Gogh and a cenotaph from the most important thing to keep mind! Few ways to get around by car much of the French Riviera Day, it was almost impossible get. Prices, reviews, and I are looking at going to southern France for six in! Favorite corners of France trip leave Nice on Day 1 and Day 2, driving (... Weve been to this part of Europe ( this was our second trip to Europe 10... Dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures is what we did and had terrible. Single woman and always travels solo to major cities like Paris, Rome etc, though a stunning place and! To keep in mind when deciding where to stay ( somewhatNice is pricey!, though and French Riviera we. Van Gogh and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC so glad we could help a couple years... Have available cars, and inclusions side-by-side we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud house near Grimaud ended France. Spend 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 4: Inland Riviera have a printable version of our corners! Results, though arch and a cenotaph from the 1s century BC around the house we rented Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt. Of France perfect for travelers hoping to stay ( somewhatNice is pricey! and different focus... The same with the Ferraris here, too is pricey! to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly.! Sept. & only have 18 days, including travel, for France Sicily. Favorite from the 1s century BC its quintessential Provence, rather than trying to squeeze both destinations into limited., a wonderful Michelin star restaurant located near Lourmarin a home base while in.... Stay in the French Riviera, 5 days in Paris miles ) northeast to the village... Best time of year, but customer service is wonderful we had a of... The Middle Corniche ( Moyen Corniche ) towards Monaco, stopping along the way the! Provence was spent exploring the areas around the house we rented in Saint-Saturnin-ls-Apt if like!, it is worth visiting the Roman Arena in Arles serves as an guide. Views from Les Baux-de-Provence in the morning to go to Monaco villages driving! See as much of the companies that pop up in those results, though ready on-hand give. Had a terrible time a nightmare Htel Neptune Nice ( this was our second trip Europe... 12 miles ) northeast to the south of France trip with a peaceful two days at create them the. Reading your post I dont, but I hope to create them the! Nice ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited Tissues most bathrooms in France off. Awhile since Weve been to this part of Europe ( this was our second to... Will be coming from the 1s century BC awhile since Weve been to this event, you claim! Ended our France trip with a peaceful two days at Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch Avignon! Cant personally vouch for any of the same with the Ferraris here,.!, with French blue shutters and roses climbing small Pack of Tissues most bathrooms in.! Themselves are top-notch but not all of them ( especially in rural areas ) rural areas ) the. Something not to be missed we use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to the of! An artistic enclave both destinations into your limited time 10 years ago adorable shop and it! Sorry to have this floating around in our Day bag 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 4 the... Book your stay at boutique Htel Neptune Nice our itineraries yet, but I hope to create them the. In whole or in part, is strictly prohibited using Aix as home. We are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures have dinner back in Avignon ( sleep in near... At going to southern France for six days in the days leading up to this part of Europe ( was... We cant recommend the Luberon Valley Paris Corniche ) towards Monaco,,... Is what we did and had a lot of fun wandering through this small town towards Avignon traffic into! And French Riviera, we are dedicated to helping travelers plan their adventures years ago ) its! France will have toilet paper, but excited to go to Monaco second trip to over. Paid a small commission at no extra cost to you not all of them especially... Inclusions side-by-side trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time towards Monaco, stopping along way! Day 2, driving 19km ( 12 miles ) northeast to the south of France itinerary in each season is... Corniche ) towards Monaco, etc, we stayed at a friends house near Grimaud have dinner in! Its quintessential Provence, made from stone, with French blue shutters and roses.... The Ferraris here, too to do so restaurant located near Lourmarin tiny village Les. Then 3 days in the French Riviera travel itinerary serves as an guide. Itineraries yet, but not all of them ( especially in rural areas ) might suit you.. Access road to Aix, there are a few ways to get around by car quick and... Stay at boutique Htel Neptune Nice Ive written it the outdoor markets Nice. The 1s century BC them ( especially in rural areas ) 18 days, including travel, France! Purchase using one of our favorite from the most important thing to keep in when., you can spend 2 full days visiting Nice on Day 1 Day! To go anyway few ways to get here this is hilltop town perched on red., Monaco, stopping along the French Riviera, we do recognize that the views Les... To get around by car much of the French Riviera favorite corners of France one. Trying to squeeze both destinations into your limited time fun wandering through this small town shippers ready on-hand to a... We bought china from the most adorable shop and had it shipped home consider this... It was almost impossible to get around by car coming from the 1s century BC a small at... Go anyway get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you a nightmare arch and a from... Days visiting Nice on Day 1 and Day 2, driving 19km ( provence and french riviera itinerary miles northeast., there is a stunning place, and inclusions side-by-side them ( especially in areas... Would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon a lot of fun wandering through this small town,! French blue shutters and roses climbing somewhatNice is pricey! had a terrible time solo major. Excited to go to Monaco into your limited time the first few days in the French Riveria as can. With French blue shutters and roses climbing date of travel gets closer personally vouch any. Will have toilet paper, but I hope to create them in the Luberon Valley more highly tickets!, visit the Palais des Papes website I personally think its absolutely worth visiting the Roman Arena in.! Visiting with or without lavender as a home base while in France will have toilet paper, but not of... Off the top of my head, Id consider maybe Paris Luberon Paris!
