After lunch, catch the train from Nice to Monaco, a journey that takes about 20 minutes (for more information on the trains to Monaco, visit the Trainline Europe website). That way when planning out our day, we can take a slightly modified route to add an extra spot we wouldnt normally have seen. are lovely. Get to a wine village near Vaison-la-Romaine. Thanks for subscribing! Theyre not particularly charming, and the vibe is very could be a modern hotel anywhere in the world, but they absolutely get the job done for a budget or even mid-range traveler visiting Aix-en-Provence. While you can whip through these highlights in a day if needed, outdoor enthusiastsespecially hikers and bikersmight prefer to set up shop in the Alpilles a bit longer. Towns will host markets on different days, so if you know you want to go to a market or a particular town, make sure to do some research first. Drive to Cassis, stopping for lunch and a midday visit to Aix-en-Provence or Marseille, then set up in Cassis and watch the sun set from the old port while you savor a bouillabaisse dinner (sleep in Cassis), Day 13: All Day in Cassis. If youd like to see several of Provences most iconic villages without driving, its a fun way to do so! (For travelers who happen to be visiting in the offseason, look up. Hi Kate! After lunch, take another uber or taxi to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap Ferrat. We are doing the River Rhine cruise and decided to visit southern France after the cruise. What would a 3 day tour of Provence look like? Check rates & book your stay at Sjours & Affaires Aix-en-Provence Mirabeau! Since '82, we've spent well over 150 weeks vacationing in France. Really not interested in the city (no doubt fun, but save for another time). 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. Boasting impeccable reviewsespecially for the breakfast, cleanliness, and customer service at the hotelluxury travelers will love both the creature comforts and central location of La Maison dAix. You have several options for this day: either tour the Rhone wine regions on a tour or self-drive the Rhone wine region on your own. We kept driving by these beautiful fields, and we eventually decided we couldnt pass up the. If youre looking for a guide to antique shops around Provence, our friend Vicky has a wonderful. if so what area would be the best to stay? Once in the city, it was almost impossible to get around by car. However, we do recognize that the views from Les Baux-de-Provence themselves are top-notch! Nice is fantasticwe highly recommend visiting Eze and Vence when in the area as well. A Pastis is a local, alcoholic drink. Sounds like we would like to be sure to see Aix-en-Provence, Gorge, Eze & Vence. tand on the medieval walls of the town, and youll be smitten with the views of the countryside and sea. We would like to end in aix-en-Provence and possibly Avignon. Best French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days To get the best of the French Riviera let's dive into the perfect itinerary! 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! Great info! Ellen. I know you have mentioned Aix-en-Provence and Nice as two potential bases for the itinerary but I understand that may not be enough (i.e. This summer we went on an incredible three-week-long trip to Provence and the French Riviera. While we were in the French Riviera, we saw so many yachts we almost get used to it. Take a morning bus back to Orange (bag check available near the train station), visit the Roman theater, then hop a train to Arles and explore the city in the afternoon (sleep in Arles; big Saturday morning market), Day 11: Les Baux and Arles. Low Unpublished Prices on Tauck - French Escapade: Paris to the Riviera - Northbound by Tauck Tours with 874 Reviews - Tour Id: 185095 11 Days. For day trips right around the coast, it will undoubtedly work. Leave Nice on Day 4 in the morning to go 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. Hello Kate, Ive really enjoyed reading your blog posts about all your wonderful travels. Also, wear closed-toed shoes when exploring hilltops. The wonderful thing about coming to Provence in June is that it isnt unbearably hot just yet (a nice mix of 75-90 degree weather) and the days are long. 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. ), and Lourmarin for its idyllic beauty. All rights reserved. ), Paris Bucket List: 50 Fun Attractions + Things to Do in Paris, How to Plan an Epic 2 Week Europe Trip (+ Europe Itinerary Ideas! Nice: Cote d'Azur, French Riviera, Saint Paul de Vence; Provence: Saint Remy, Journey Villa, Avignon, Les Baux, Culinary Experience; . How to choose? The Villa Ephrussi is a mansion that was built in 1905 by a rich baroness. The view to Villefranche-sur-Mer is pretty spectacular, also! After touring Arles, drive a half an hour to Les-Baux-de-Provence. From the Old Port you can take a two or three hour boat tour of the coastline. It is time to rent a car and drive some of the most scenic roads in France. Arrive early to explore this medieval village and its evocative ruins, as large groups of tourists can soon overrun the place. 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. Your email address will not be published. We typically find and save on the map way more than we can possibly visit in a single trip. From here you can uber back to Nice. 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 Provence is filled with incredible views and spectacular aesthetic. Summer is the best time to visit the south of France if youre hoping for a classic trip. There is so much to see, and this can be overwhelming, so come with an idea of what you would like to purchase. 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. Everyone else also thinks this is the best time to visit the south of France, so prices will be high and crowds will be large. Along the way, you have the option to make a detour to St. Tropez, if you so desire. former home of Van Gogh and a bit of an artistic enclave. 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). There is a small beach and harbor here. Hi, We are American citizens visiting Portugal and plan on flying to Nice (early July) to see French Rivera from there. Consider having a home base rental home on your trip instead of, spending time checking in and out of hotels. Today, budget vacationers and heat-seeking Europeans fill belle-poque resorts at France's most sought-after fun-in-the-sun destination. We loved having a drink at Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo. You will be served a glass that is half full with Pastis and you top it off with the desired amount of water. From Rousillon it is a three hour drive back to Nice. Im not sure if youre planning inland at all, but the Verdon Gorge is incredible and is a couple of hours from Cannes. I am definitely going to Provence this spring/summer and already imagining sounds, colours and vibes of the beautiful villages and small towns that you described. In Avignon, we stayed at Hotel dEurope. 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. . . Stroll along the coastline of Antibes, visit the Picasso Museum, and, if you are interested, visit the Absinthe Museum. We had previously made reservations at their gourmet restaurant. Europe - French Riviera & Provence itinerary - Hi, My husband and I in our early 30s will be visiting French Riviera & Provence next week! If you have the energy, climb Castle Hill for a birds eye view over Nice. Both are gorgeous small towns with excellent views. If you fly into Nice, consider completing this south of France itinerary in the opposite order that Ive written it. 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. French Side travel exceeded my expectations and I look forward to . Read more: Driving the Monaco Grand Prix Race Course. Joining the Paparazzi during the Cannes Film Festival, A Brief Tour through the Provencal Wine Region. They are easy to drive and give travelers a much different perspective of the French Riviera than from the shoreline. Vence and Eze are both easy day trips from Nice, but if small towns are what youre after, you may consider staying in one of them instead of Nice! I will be part of a group of 8 women, arriving in Paris in October for one week. It is a land of luxury, with yachts dotting the shorelines, fancy hotels in every city, and epic parties you read about in magazines. The traffic getting into and out of St. Tropez was a nightmare. Depending on the length of your trip, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are our recommended priorities: Day 1: Fly into Nice. Does this seem too rushed? Aix and Nice are both pretty bignot Paris big, but definitely small towns. For that reason alone, I cant resist adding a day here to this suggested itinerary for the south of France! Id also recommend looking into a boat trip around the Calanques! With 18 days you have some flexibility. End the hike with a relaxing walk on the beach or a dip in the water. This was something that Tim and I did not think would be exciting to visit, but we were amazed by the Pont de Gard. Cheers, Julie. 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! 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. France with girlfriends sounds delightful. Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna A short drive or ferry ride from Como will take you to Bellagio. Our longest beach day was in. 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. The two biggest airports in the Provence-Alpes-Cte dAzur region are Marseille and Nice, and you can easily fly into either to start your trip to southern France. Weve been thinking of perhaps hiring a van and driver. This is an upscale hotel in the heart of Avignon, within walking distance of the best of Avignon. FRENCH RIVIERA: We also have information on driving the Monaco Grand Prix Course, visiting Vence, the Cannes Film Festival, touring the Provencal wine region, and how to cycle up Mont Ventoux. Wed like to head visit the small towns/villages of the south of France. Travel Insurance We dont ever suggest traveling without insuranceanything can happen anywhere, and this is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. 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