Are you dreaming of a South of France travel itinerary that combines the best of both worlds – the glittering Mediterranean coast and the timeless charm of Provence’s hilltop villages?
Do you long for lavender fields, peaceful old towns, turquoise calanques, artistic cities, local markets, gourmet food and full-bodied wines?
If the answer is yes – welcome! This 12-day itinerary will guide you through the most beautiful and authentic places in Southern France – from Nice and the French Riviera to the heart of Provence.
Expect handpicked locations, personal tips, stunning photography, off-the-beaten-path recommendations, and practical details for organizing your dream trip – whether you’re traveling by car or public transport.
Let’s dive in and plan your unforgettable escape to Southern France!
Is Going to the South of France Worth It?
Absolutely – and for more reasons than you might expect.
The South of France – a region where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Alps, and the elegance of the Côte d’Azur blends seamlessly with the timeless charm of Provence – offers a little piece of paradise for every type of traveler.
Here, the azure waters of the Riviera fade gently into the rolling green hills and stone-built villages of inland Provence. Colorful markets, lavender fields stretching to the horizon, world-class art, ancient Roman ruins, Michelin-star restaurants, seaside promenades and centuries-old chapels – it’s all here.
Whether you’re a culture lover, a foodie, a nature seeker, or simply chasing beauty and sunshine, a South of France travel itinerary delivers unforgettable views, flavors, and experiences.
💡 Many of the villages you’ll visit – like Eze, Coaraze or Gourdon – are part of the prestigious Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association, ensuring postcard-perfect charm and authenticity.
What Are the Best Months to Plan Your South of France Travel Itinerary?
Timing your South of France travel itinerary right can make a big difference – especially if you’re looking for stunning views, fewer crowds, and the most photogenic moments.
☀️ May, June and September
These are widely considered the best months to visit the South of France. The weather is sunny but not scorching, the crowds are manageable, and prices are more reasonable compared to peak season. These months are perfect for coastal towns, inland villages and scenic road trips alike.
💜 Want to see the lavender fields?
Plan your trip between mid-June and late July, with the peak blooming period around early July. This is when Provence turns into a purple sea of color and fragrance — ideal for photographers and nature lovers.
👒 What about August?
August is sunny and vibrant, but also very busy. It’s the month when most French people take their annual vacation, often heading straight to Provence and the French Riviera. Expect higher prices, packed beaches, and fully booked accommodations — especially in popular towns like Nice, Avignon or Aix-en-Provence.
🧥 Tip: Be prepared for temperature contrasts. In August, while the coastal areas can be hot and crowded, the mountain villages remain cooler — so pack layers.
❄️ Winter months
Winters in the South of France are mild but wet along the coast and chillier inland. If you enjoy peaceful walks, empty museums and cheaper prices, winter might surprise you — but sunshine isn’t guaranteed.
How to Get to South of France?
Getting to Southern France is easier than ever, whether you’re traveling from within Europe or overseas. Here are the main options to consider:
🚀 By Plane
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the South of France. There are three major airports in the region:
- Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – the second-busiest airport in France after Paris. Best choice if you’re heading to the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Menton, Monaco).
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) – a good entry point if you’re planning to explore both the Provence region and the coastal areas near Cassis or Calanques.
- Avignon-Provence Airport (AVN) – smaller, seasonal, and mostly served by domestic and a few international flights. Convenient for exploring inland Provence (e.g. Luberon, Gordes, Roussillon).
👉 Tip: Check best prices here and book early if you’re flying during summer or lavender season (June–July).
🚄 By Train
If you’re already in Europe, traveling by train is a great alternative:
- High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Nice, Avignon, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence in just a few hours.
- From Italy or Switzerland, you can reach Nice or Marseille via regional or international rail links.
- Trains are scenic, eco-friendly, and drop you right into city centers.
🚌 By Bus
Budget travelers can opt for long-distance buses such as:
- Flixbus and Blablacar Bus operate routes to Nice, Marseille, and Avignon from major European cities.
- Buses are slower but much cheaper than flights or trains.
🚗 By Car
Driving to Southern France is a fantastic idea if you’re coming from a nearby country (Italy, Spain, Switzerland) or if you’re planning a road trip. The highways are well-maintained and scenic.
💡 Make sure to check toll fees (autoroutes are often paid) and parking options in the towns you’ll visit.
BONUS: Stay Connected with an E-SIM
If you’re traveling from outside the EU, I highly recommend getting an E-SIM in advance.
With an E-SIM, you can:
- Stay connected as soon as you land
- Avoid expensive roaming fees
- Enjoy reliable mobile data across France (and over 200+ destinations)
➡️ Check Airalo or Holafly for France-compatible E-SIM options.
Where to Start Your South of France Travel Itinerary?
If you’re wondering where to begin your South of France travel itinerary, the most logical and convenient starting points are Nice, Marseille, or Avignon. These cities are easily accessible by plane or train and offer plenty of options for transportation, accommodation, and nearby day trips.
- ✈️ Nice is perfect if you’re planning to explore the French Riviera first.
- ✈️ Avignon is ideal for a Provence-focused itinerary.
- ✈️ Marseille gives you quick access to both Provence and the Calanques National Park.
All three cities are vibrant, full of charm, and well-connected by public transport and highways.
How to Travel Around Southern France
Choosing how to get around is just as important as where you go. Here are your best options for exploring Provence and the French Riviera:
🚗 Rent a Car – Best for Freedom and Flexibility
If you’re planning a flexible Southern France itinerary, renting a car is by far the most convenient option. It gives you:
- Full control over your schedule
- Easy access to hidden gems and remote villages
- The chance to stop for views, vineyards, or charming cafes on a whim
Renting a car is especially useful in Provence, where many of the most beautiful hilltop villages are not easily reached by train or bus.
🚆 Travel by Train – Scenic and Relaxed
The train network in Southern France is efficient and connects major cities like Nice, Avignon, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence. It’s a great option if:
- You prefer a more relaxed pace
- You don’t plan on visiting remote areas
- You’re traveling solo or without a driver’s license
🚌 Travel by Bus – Budget-Friendly
Buses are cheaper than trains and reach many destinations, but they are slower and have fewer departures. It’s best to use buses for:
- Short distances
- Visiting cities with good local networks
- Budget travel
🚴 By Bicycle – For Adventure Lovers
If you’re up for a challenge, cycling through Southern France can be an unforgettable experience. Provence and the French Riviera offer:
- Scenic routes through vineyards and lavender fields
- Beautiful hilltop towns to conquer
- Some challenging climbs (yes, parts of the Tour de France pass through here!)
Tip: If you’re cycling, plan your itinerary carefully and check elevation and road conditions in advance.
Where to Stay in the South of France?
Planning your South of France itinerary begins with one key question:
Do you want to stay in one place and do day trips, or move around and change accommodation every few days? Both options have their charm — it all depends on your travel style.
✨ My Recommendation
- 🚉 Traveling by public transport?
Stay in larger cities like Nice, Avignon, Marseille or Aix-en-Provence and organize day trips from there. These cities are well connected by train and bus and offer plenty of great accommodation options. - 🚗 Exploring by car?
You can afford to be more flexible and stay overnight in different towns and villages along your route. In the second part of this article, I’ve shared specific hotel and apartment suggestions for each location you’ll visit.
Accommodation for Public Transport Itineraries
🏖️ Where to Stay in Nice
- Chambre N3 l Gare l Tram l Quartier Chic
Perfect for train travelers – just 1 minute from the station, but tucked away in a quiet neighborhood.
Very good8.4 - Slo Nice
Comfortable and centrally located, just 500 m from Nice Ville station.
Ecxeptional 8.7 - Villa Otero by Happyculture
Great for those with mobility issues – 5 min to the station and 20 min to the Old Town.
Very good 8.5 - More suggestions in Nice
🏰 Where to Stay in Avignon
- Artistic Loft Travel Experience
Central location near the train station and the Papal Palace – ideal for families or friends.
Excellent 9.0 - Chez Flo
Great value with free parking and kitchen facilities.
Exсeptional 9.7 - More suggestions in Avignon
🌊 Where to Stay in Marseille
- Hôtel Carré Vieux Port
Just by the Old Port and metro, with a terrace and 24/7 reception.
Very good 8.0 - La Grande Bleue – Appartement confortable
Old town charm with full kitchen and close to the station.
Excellent 8.60 - Maison Juste
Near the station, offering fresh fruit and a cozy feel.
Exceptional 9.0
🖼️ Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
- Les Quatre Dauphins
Tuscan charm in the heart of town.
Very good 8.4 - La Caravelle
Close to the train station, family- and mobility-friendly.
Excellent 8.4 - More suggestions for Aix-en-Provence
Accommodation for Road Trip Itineraries
If you’re planning your South of France travel itinerary by car, you have the freedom to stay in different places each night. In the following sections of this article (organized by destination), you’ll find handpicked hotels, B&Bs, apartments, and even countryside stays — all selected for their location, atmosphere, and reviews.
How Many Days Do You Need for a South of France Itinerary?
Ideally, you should plan at least 14 days to explore the full beauty of Southern France — from the lavender fields of Provence to the sparkling coastline of the French Riviera.
⏱️ Short on time?
Even with 12 days in the South of France, you can still see a lot — especially if you organize your itinerary well and combine charming hilltop villages with seaside towns and cultural gems.
➡️ Ready to get inspired?
Let’s dive into my handcrafted South of France itinerary and explore the best places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around — with personal tips, photos, and practical recommendations along the way.
12-Day Southern France Travel Itinerary – Provence and the French Riviera Highlights
12 days – 27 unforgettable places 💫
Azure sea, turquoise lakes, lavender fields, ochre cliffs, medieval villages and dramatic gorges… This 12-day Southern France travel itinerary takes you through the most spectacular corners of Provence and the French Riviera.
Expect sun-drenched days up to +38°C, moody coastal fog, sudden summer rain, and mountain chills as low as +14°C – the full Provençal experience.
This road trip blends authentic charm, natural wonders, art, and history. You’ll visit:
🏞️ Picturesque hilltop villages
🏰 Medieval fortresses and Roman relics
🌊 Stunning coastal views
💜 Lavender fields and canyon roads
Use this itinerary as your full travel route or as a flexible base to create your own adventure in Southern France.
Route overview:
- Nice
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Eze
- Monaco
- Lucéram
- Coaraze
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Gourdon
- Gorges du Verdon
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
- Saint-Croix-du-Verdon
- Gréoux-les-Bains
- Roussillon
- Sentier des Ocres
- Gordes
- Fontaine-de-Vaucluse
- Avignon
- Les Baux-de-Provence
- Arles
- Pont du Gard
- Lacoste
- Lourmarin
- Aix-en-Provence
- Cassis
- Calanques National Park
- Marseille
- Saint-Tropez
- Antibes
Your 12-Day Southern France Travel Itinerary – How to Navigate the Full Journey
Your South of France adventure is packed with colorful villages, Mediterranean charm, lavender-scented air and soul-filling views. To make this journey more enjoyable to read (and easier to follow), I’ve divided the full 12-day itinerary into 3 parts:
- 🗓 Days 1–5: Côte d’Azur villages and the magical Verdon canyon
👉 Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze, Monaco, Lucéram, Coaraze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Gourdon, Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Saint-Croix-du-Verdon
🔗 Read Part 1 – Days 1–5 - 🗓 Days 6–9: Hilltop villages, ochre trails and the heart of Provence
👉 Roussillon, Gordes, Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, Avignon, Les-Baux-de-Provence, Arles, Pont du Gard, Lacoste, Lourmarin
🔗 Read Part 2 – Days 6–9 - 🗓 Days 10–12: Coastal beauty, Calanques and culture
👉 Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Calanques National Park, Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Antibes
🔗 Read Part 3 – Days 10–12
🧭 Need help planning your own dream route?
If you’d like a personalized itinerary for your Provence & French Riviera road trip — tailored to your interests, timing and pace — I’d love to help you.
💌 Check my custom trip planning service here
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Southern France Travel Itinerary – 5 Magical Days from Nice to the Verdon Canyon
South of France trip itinerary part 2 – Days 6-9
South France trip itinerary part 3 – Days 9-12
What to do in Nice France for one day – sights and useful information 2024
How to spend 4 days in 10 villages and towns near Nice France
-This post contains affiliate links. For each purchase made through one of these links, I receive a small commission that goes towards maintaining this site at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting me! –
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I spent a few days in the South of France, but your post inspires me. I need to go back.
This is a very thorough itinerary to the South of France. There definitely is no shortage of things to do!!
Wow! What an informative post, thank you! I spent a day in Marseille as a part of a cruise. Your post makes me want to go back and see more!
Amazing itinerary, would love to do all this one day! Thanks for sharing 🙂 – Ash
Wow the amount of information you’re giving!! Your blog should be the only research source before traveling. Keep it up
Thank you so much, Noha!
Thanks for the extensive information. I love visiting the South of France particularly during the spring months before all the tourists arrive as I feel like I have it all “almost” to myself.
This is very thorough and insightful! I would love to explore the South of France – never got the chance to whenever I visited but this will definitely come in handy when I finally do!
Wow, I could smell the lavender. It’s a long time since I was there, but thanks for reminding me.
While I’ve enjoyed my time in the south of France, it was definitely too brief after reading all the things to explore. Saving for when we plan a return trip.
Wow! That is one thorough itinerary to the South of France. I am sure there will be ample of things to do even someone plans to spend a fortnight there.