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South of France Travel Itinerary: 12 Days in Provence and the French Riviera
Nice
We start our journey with Nice – the pearl of the French Riviera. The plane flies over the Mediterranean Sea and it seems like it’s about to land on the sea waves. The feeling is indescribable.
Also indescribable is Nice with its clean sea air, mild Mediterranean climate and untouched nature in the region, which attract over 4 million visitors to the city annually. Because of its historical importance as a winter resort town for European aristocracy and its mix of cultures, Nice has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021s.
Artists are also attracted to Nice. The picturesque landscapes and soft light were especially attractive to the famous artists Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Niki de Saint Phalle and Armand. Many writers also find inspiration here. Friedrich Nietzsche spent six consecutive winters in the city and wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra here, and the Russian writer Anton Chekhov completed his play Three Sisters while living in Nice.
Do you want beautiful nature, warm sun and sea ? Welcome to Nice. Let me show you how I saw it – alive, magical and colorful .
How to get to Nice?
- If you have chosen Nice for your first stop from your South of France itinerary the fastest and most convenient way is by plane. For your round trip you can rent a car at the best price.
- If you will be traveling by public transport, here is information on airport transfers .
- By bus
- By train
How to get around Nice?
- By bus or tram
- By train
- Hop-on hop-off bus valid for 24 or 48 hours
- By an electric scooter
- By an e-bike
- On foot
- By rent-a-car
Where to stay in Nice?
- If you are people who prefer comfort, peace and quiet, I would highly recommend the house we chose during our stay in Nice. It is located high on a hill, away from the noise and lights of the city and offers incredible views. The host is an exceptional person, the breakfast is excellent, and among other things, the house has a small outdoor pool. It is called Castel Enchanté and the rating is Excellent 9.4. Prices vary according to the month of stay and the number of nights.
- The renowned Hotel Le Negresco offers its guests dazzling luxury and makes its guests feel like they are in a palace. I’m not into luxury, but out of pure curiosity I wouldn’t refuse a night there. The rating is Excellent 9.2, and the prices again vary according to the month of stay and the number of nights.
- Le Panoramic Boutique Hôtel offers superb views of the city. The rating is Very good 8.5, and the price for a night for two is 192 EUR.
- Le capitole are independent apartments near the beach. The rating is Excellent 9.2 and prices vary by season.
- Le Meridien Nice is located on the seafront and offers all amenities. The rating is Very good 8.1, and the price for a night for two is 520 EUR.
- You will find more proposals here.
How long to stay in Nice?
At least I would recommend to stay in Nice three days.
There is a lot to see in the city itself, and if you love museums and galleries you’ve come to the right place.
Sights in Nice
Here are some of the main sights to visit. Information about them, ticket prices, opening hours and interesting facts are described in the article Nice – sights and useful information 2024.
- Promenade des Anglais
- Bay of Angels
- The Old Port of Nice
- The Lighthouse
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
- Old Nice (Vieux-Nice)
- Sainte Reparate Cathedral
- The Municipal Palace (Palais communal de Nice)
- Garibaldi Square
- Rossetti Square
- Course Saleya
- Place du Palais de Justice
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- The typical French restaurants
- Galleries and museums
What to visit in the Nice area?
- A day trip to the stunning Gorges du Verdon and the lavender fields
- A day trip to Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo .
- A day tour with boat to Saint Tropez .
- A day tour of the French Riviera
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Described by Jean Cocteau as “a source of myth and inspiration“, Villefranche-sur-Mer was once very popular with artists and writers, but thanks to its picturesque views, the town is now favored by artists.
The sandy beaches of Villefranche-sur-Mer are much nicer than the pebbly beaches of Nice, and the long central beach is one of the rarest on the coast between Nice and Italy where you will find coarse sand rather than pebbles.
How to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer?
The small resort town on the French Riviera is located 6 km east of Nice and 10 km southwest of Monaco. Here are the easiest ways to get to Villefranche-sur-Mer:
- By rent-a-car
- By taxi from Nice
- By bus from Nice, leaving from the Square de Normandie stop
- By train from Nice, departing from the Nice Ville stop
- By e-bike from Nice.
Where to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer?
Here are some recommendations:
- Le Rooftop 180 is rated Exceptional 9.6 and offers the most unique view of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the coast. The price varies and depends on the number of nights.
- La Résidence de La Réserve is rated Excellent 9.3 and offers luxury apartments.
- Excellent location Sea views offers its guests unique views of the sea. The rating is Exceptional 9.6.
- Sea view apartment is an elegant apartment in French chic with a view of the sea and a score of Excellent 9.1.
- Hotel La Regence is a budget option 10 minutes from the beach and has a rating of Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 106 EUR.
- More suggestions
Sights in Villefranche-sur-Mer
You will find complete information about the sights in the article Villefranche-sur-Mer – the hidden gem of the French Riviera 2024.
- The old town
- Saint-Michel Church
- Rue Obscure
- Saint Pierre Chapel
- The promenade
- Cafes and restaurants
- Plage de l’Ange Gardien
- Plage des Marinieres
- La Darse Beach
Activities in Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Diving
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Paddleboard
- All kinds of water sports
- Biking
What to visit in the area of Villefranche-sur-Mer?
- Nice
- Eze
- Monaco
- Explore Cap Ferrat at sunset
Eze
In southeastern Provence, high above the steep cliffs of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the medieval town of Eze, which skillfully combines the charm of Provence and the French Riviera. Easily accessible, the town is just 12 km from Nice on the way to Monaco.
Eze connects two settlements in one – the seaside town of Eze-sur-Mer and the hilltop medieval village of Eze-le-Village, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the beautiful views that attract writers and artists. Explore the charm and romance of the typical southern French villages which surrounded by the medieval walls make the town a popular tourist destination.
How to get to Eze?
- With rent-a-car from Nice.
Important information if you travel by car!
The parking lot under the medieval village is very small. A large car park is available to visitors a few kilometers outside Eze, where you can leave the car and take a shuttle to and from. The price of the shuttle includes a ticket to visit the Exotic Garden.
- By bus from Nice
- By bicycle or scooter
Where to stay in Eze?
- Hôtel Eze Hermitage entre Nice et Monaco is a charming hotel with a delightful garden and outdoor pool, located very close to the old town of Eze. The rating is Exceptional 8.7 and the price is 140 EUR per night for two.
- La Perle d’Eze – Aparthotel is located near the sea. The aparthotel offers its guests apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, terraces with sea views and an outdoor pool. The rating is Very good 8.4 and the price is 265 EUR per night for two.
- Les Terrasses d’Eze – Hôtel & Spa offers panoramic sea views. It has a garden, a terrace and an outdoor pool. The rating is Very good 8.2 and the price for a night for two is 280 EUR.
- Hotel Cap Estel is in the higher price range and offers its guests luxury and all kinds of comforts. With its excellent location on top of a promontory jutting out into the sea, the hotel offers exceptional views of the sea. It has a private beach, and on the cape itself is an open pool, under which is the sea. Stunning view! The rating is Excellent 9.4 and the price for a night for two is 1 425 EUR.
- Villa de luxe à Eze is an extremely advantageous proposition for those of you traveling with a larger group of people than several families or friends. The villa is located near the sea, offers luxury and amenities, sea view, outdoor pool and garden. It is decorated in the typical style of the place and is very comfortable. Price for renting the whole villa – 600 EUR for 8 people.
- Chateau Eza is located in the medieval part of Eze and offers a unique view of the sea. The château is furnished in Louis XIII style, offers luxury, amenities and incredible cuisine. The rating is Excellent 9.0 and the price for a night for two is 800 EUR.
What to visit in Eze?
Here are the sights to visit in Eze, and details and recommendations can be found in the article Eze – Medieval Romance of the French Riviera.
- The medieval city
- The Exotic Garden (Le Jardin Exotique)
- Notre Dame Church
- The galleries of Ez
- The Nietzsche Path
What to visit in the Eze area?
Monaco
After Eze we decided to skip to Monaco, but the contrast between the relaxed atmosphere and medieval charm of Provence with Monaco’s fast pace, luxury hotels and heaps of construction was just too much and I didn’t get to feel Monaco.
Reccommendation:
If you plan to include Monaco in your South of France itinerary, better to combine its visit with Cannes or another luxury destination on the Cote d’Azur.
How to get to Monaco?
Important!
If you’re an Europe citizen remember to turn off your mobile data when entering Monaco.
- By rent-a-car from Nice
- By train from Nice
- By bus from Nice
- By ferry from Nice
Where to stay in Monaco?
- 2 pièces au center de Monaco – excellent location 4 minutes walk from the train station and 13 minutes walk from the Palace. The apartment is bright, with a balcony and a fully equipped kitchen. The rating is Excellent 9.7 and the price for a night for two is 275 EUR.
- Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo – The 5-star hotel is located next to the casino and offers luxury and all the extras. Two restaurants, a piano bar, a spa, two swimming pools and private parking are available to guests. The amenities of the disabled have also been thought of. The rating is Excellent 9.5 and the price per night for two is 1484 EUR.
- Monaco F1 Port de Fontvieille – the apartment has a balcony, jacuzzi and access to the garden and pool. The rating is Exceptional 9.9 and the price for a night for two is 360 EUR.
- Port Palace – the hotel is located in the immediate vicinity of the marina and the Hairpin bend. It offers facilities for guests with disabilities. The rating is Excellent 8.8 and the price for a night for two is 431 EUR.
- Other suggestions
Sights in Monaco
Proposal:
Explore the sights of Monaco on a hop-on hop-off bus. Take a look at the Map of the tour.
- Monte Carlo Casino
- The famous Formula 1 Fairmont Pinhair
- The marina
- Palace of the Prince of Monaco
- The Grimaldi Forum
- Princess Grace’s Rose Garden
- The exotic garden of Monaco
- The Oceanographic Museum
- Jean Cocteau Museum
- Monaco Cathedral
- The Opera of Monaco
- The rock in the sea
What to visit in the Monaco area?
Saint Paul de Vence
If you are in the area of Nice you definitely have to include Saint Paul de Vence in your South of France itinerary. The charming small town is located only 19 km from Nice and is one of the favorite places to walk in the region. Over the years, it has been home to various artists and writers, which increases its popularity among artistic circles. The picturesque views that unfold, the proximity to the resorts of the Cote d’Azur, art workshops and galleries make Saint Paul de Vence a favorite place to visit for tourists, both local and foreign.
You won’t find peace and quiet here, and be prepared for crowds, especially in the summer season. Nevertheless, the beautiful town with houses from the 16th – 18th centuries is definitely worth a visit.
How to get to Saint Paul de Vence?
- By rent-a-car from Nice.
Useful information
Near the entrance to the old town, there is a 7-floors underground paid parking lot where you can leave your car.
- By bus from Nice
- By bike or scooter
Where to stay in Saint Paul de Vence?
- Etoile De Saint Paul – the villa is located in a quiet location, just 1.2 km from the historic center. It offers its guests comfortably furnished studios, outdoor pool, garden, sauna, free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.4, price per night for two 190 EUR.
- Villa Saint Paul – the villa is located within walking distance of the old town. Each room has a terrace with a view of the garden, outdoor pool, free parking . Rating Exceptional 9.3, price per night for two 200 EUR.
- Le Hameau – the hotel is located in an 18th century farmhouse with a view of the valley and the village. Extremely comfortably furnished, it offers its guests an outdoor pool, a garden with lemon and orange trees, a relaxation area, a jacuzzi and a sauna. Guests can enjoy superb cuisine in the restaurant. Parking is free. Rating Excellent 9.2, price per night for two – 235 EUR.
- Other suggestions
What to visit in Saint Paul de Vence?
Full information about the sights in St Paul de Vence you will find in the article Saint-Paul-de-Vence from Nice – top things to do in one day
- The medieval city
- The galleries
- The Big fountain
- The fountains of Saint Paul de Vence
- Eglise Square
- Esperon Tower
- Chapel of the White Penitents
- The house of the poet Jacques Prevert
- The perfumeries
- The nougat shops
- The famous hotel La Colombe D’Or – The Golden Dove
What to visit in the Saint Paul de Vence area
- You can combine your visit to Saint Paul de Vence with a visit to the Château-musée Grimaldi and the Musée Renoir.
- A day trip to Saint Paul de Vence, Antibes and Cannes from Nice
- A day trip to the medieval villages of Grasse, Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vance from Nice
- Full day tour of the most beautiful villages of Provence
- Saint Paul and Antibes with wine tasting
Luceram
The beautiful medieval village of Luceram is one of the hidden gems in Southern France. It is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region at 650 meters above sea level. Only 27 km from Nice in the Payonne Valley, this beautiful medieval village is perched on cliffs above the bend of the Payonne River, surrounded by an endless green landscape.
Despite its proximity to Nice, Luceram remains somewhat out of the way of the popular tourist spots. Whether it’s because it’s not located near the main roads or because it lacks the many tourist-friendly restaurants and souvenir shops, I don’t know. And maybe because the road to it is mountainous, steep, with many U-turns? Whatever the reason, the village is absolutely worth a visit and you have to include it in your South of France itinerary. It is intact and still preserves the coziness and medieval charm, in no way inferior to the more popular places in Provence.
Luceram was once a fortified post on the ancient salt road, and in the Middle Ages it was a domain belonging to a Count of Provence. At the top of the village stood a castle, of which only a few ruins remain.
If you like silence and don’t like crowds of tourists, then Luceram is just for you .
How to get to Luceram?
- By rent-a-car from Nice
- By bus 615 from Nice
- By bicycle. The route from Nice to Luceram is a challenge for cyclists with its steep switchbacks.
Where to stay in Luceram?
- La Ferme des Cailletiers chez Marc – the house has two bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen. The rating is Excellent 9.0 and the price for a night for four is 95 EUR.
- Tipi sous les étoiles avec petit déjeuner – break the standards and book a night in a tipi in nature. A terrace, garden and mountain views will be at your disposal, and the hosts will take care of you with a superb breakfast included in the price. The rating is Excellent 9.2 and the price for a night for two is 72 EUR.
- Ma Petite Maison à Lucéram – Village des crèches – the holiday home offers its guests a bedroom, a living room and an equipped kitchen. The terrace and the garden have views of the village. The rating is Excellent 8.8 and the price for a night for two is 149 EUR.
What to see in Luceram?
- The old narrow streets of Luceram
- The center of Luceram
- The non-standard Christmas decoration
- The biblical scene
- The old houses of Luceram
- Saint Marguerite Church
- Saint Jean Chapel
- The fortress
- The Museum of Old Instruments and Local History
What to visit in the area of Luceram?
The municipality of Luceram is located in a mountainous area. If you love the mountains, you can familiarize yourself with the different routes that lead to the mountain peaks in the area – Pointe de Faulio (1212 m), Cime de Peira – Cava (1460 m) and Mont Escobet (1170 m). Here is also Peira-Cava, the first ski resort, established in 1909, but unfortunately the chairlift was dismantled a few years ago.
You can also visit:
- “Maison de Pays” where you can buy local products.
- Cimiez Monastery
- The Redebraus Falls (Cascade de Redebraus). They are located a 16-minute drive from the village
- The church of Notre-Dame de la Menour , which is reached by a footpath that sits on top of an aqueduct. The distance is about 50 minutes by car
- You can combine your visit to Luceram with the village of Coaraze .
- Peillon is another picturesque Provençal village that you can include in your South of France itinerary.
Coaraze
Classified is another hidden gem in Southern France and one of the most beautiful villages of France (Le Plus Beaux Villages de France), but carelessly managed in my opinion, the medieval village of Coaraze is located in the hills north of Nice, in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the south-east France.
Due to its excellent location and the large number of sunny days each year, the village is also called Village du Soleil or Village of the Sun.
Famous artists such as Jean Cocteau, Georges Duquin, Mona Christie, Gilbert Valentine, Ponce de Leon, Henri Goetz dedicated their works to him, including six sundials that decorate the facade of the town hall and the wall of the church square.
How to get to Coarazе?
- With rent-a-car from Nice
- By bus 610 + 613 from Nice
Where to stay in Coаrazе?
- Chambres d’hôtes des Oliviers – the house has a terrace, mountain views and an outdoor pool. The rating is Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 134 EUR.
- Chambres d’hôtes des Oliviers chambres 2 colibris – the house has family rooms, an outdoor pool and free parking. The rating is Very good 8.0 and the price for a night for two is 134 EUR.
What to see in Corazе?
- The narrow stone streets with the stone houses
- The church
- The municipality
- The sundials
- Explore which is the symbol of Coaraze
- The botanical garden
What to visit in the Coaraze area?
You can combine your visit with Luceram and Peillon .
Gourdon
Gourdon, one of the most beautiful villages in France (Le Plus Beaux Villages de France), is located 12 km northeast of Grasse. It is located on top of a rocky promontory at an altitude of 760 meters, from where a stunning view of the valley of the Loup River is revealed and on a clear day the Mediterranean Sea is visible from Nice to Theul. Due to its location, Gurdon is also known as “Eagle’s Nest“. It is no coincidence that the main attraction of the village is its panoramic view of the gorge with the sea.
How to get to Gourdon?
- With rent-a-car
- By bus 9 + 651 from Nice
Where to stay in Gourdon?
- Le Cabanon de Gourdon – excellent location with mountain and sea views. It offers a terrace, breakfast and free parking. The rating is Excellent 9.7 and the price for a night for two is 150 EUR.
- Chambre d’hôtes insolite Dreams Bubble – stay in a bubble and admire the billions of stars at night. In addition, you get a jacuzzi, breakfast and free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 199 EUR.
- Gite le mandarinier – offers views, garden with barbecue, free parking. The rating is Very good 8.5 and the price for a night for two is 136 EUR.
- Other suggestions
What to see in Gourdon?
- The top attraction in Gourdon is the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea
- The ceramic shops
- The perfumeries
- The soap shops
- The bronze sculpture of the hydra
- Chapel of St. Vincent
- The fountain
- Gurdon’s fortress
What to visit in the Gourdon area?
- Merveilles Cave
- Lacave Caves
- Montfort Castle
- Grass
- A day trip to the medieval villages and wine tasting
- Gorges du Verdon
- Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Gorges du Verdon
If you like the nature do not forget to include Gorges du Verdon in your South of France itinerary. Gorges du Verdon is the most beautiful and spectacular canyon in France and the largest in Europe. It is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. The gorge is about 25 km long and up to 700 m deep. The river canyon is formed by the Verdon River, which is named after its turquoise-green color. At the end of the canyon, the river flows into Lake Croix du Verdon .
The canyon was formed during the Quaternary era as a result of crustal movement during the growth of the Alps from the erosion of Jurassic limestone deposits near the Verdon River.
How to get to the Gorges du Verdon?
Activities in the Gorges du Verdon
The canyon offers a variety of activities. Walking routes of varying difficulty start from it. The gorge offers conditions for adrenaline seekers and rock climbing enthusiasts. You can canoe or paddle board down the river.
Recommendation
If you’re pressed for time, stop at one of the many viewing platforms along the gorge and enjoy the view.
What to visit in the Gorges du Verdon area?
Gorges du Verdon is attractive in itself but if you’d like to spend more time in the area you can visit:
- Lake Croix du Verdon
- The village of Saint Croix du Verdon
- Moustier-Sainte-Marie
- Gourdon
- Grass
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie – the hidden gem of Southern France is one of the most beautiful villages of Provence according to the Association Plus Beaux Villages de France. Amphitheatrically situated under two huge limestone cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled at the foot of the mountain on a rocky terrace 100 meters high. The medieval village is located at the beginning of the most spectacular section of the Verdon Gorge and is part of the Verdon Regional Nature Park and the Geopark of Provence – a nature reserve included in the UNESCO list .
How to get to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
Important information!
Access to cars is prohibited in the village. Two large parking lots are available just below the cliffs where the stairs to the chapel start. Stays are charged per hour, after 7 p.m. the stay is not charged.
Where to stay in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie?
- La maison de jules – the apartment in the center of the village was our choice. Simply furnished, in French chic, behind it was the waterfall. The rating is Exceptional 9.0 and the price for a night for two is 107 EUR.
- La Ferme Rose-Hôtel de Charme – the hotel has a garden, an outdoor pool, free parking and facilities for disabled guests. The rating is Exceptional 9.0 and the price for a night for two is 162 EUR.
- La Bouscatière – the hotel has a garden, an outdoor pool, a view of the river. The rating is Exceptional 9.2 and the price for a night for two is 206 EUR.
- La Bastide du Paradou – the hotel has a restaurant, an exceptional garden, free parking and accepts pets. The rating is Exceptional 8.7 and the price for a night for two is 152 EUR.
- Other suggestions
Sights in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Information about the sights and many interesting facts in the article Moustiers-Saint-Marie – one of the most beautiful villages of Provence.
- The rocks
- The golden star
- The waterfall that passes through the village
- The pretty streets and houses around the village
- Ceramic shops
- The Moustier Sainte Marie trail . Follow the signs.
- The parish church
- Chapel of Notre Dame de Beauvoir
- The fortress walls
- The bridge in the center of the village at sunset
What to visit in the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie area?
- Lake Croix-du-Verdon
- The village of Saint-Croix-du-Verdon
- Gorges du Verdon
Saint-Croix-de-Verdon
After two days filling the soul and senses with views from the Gorges du Verdon and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, we decided to take a day off and finish the first part of our South of France itinerary at the Lake Croix-du-Verdon for a swim in the turquoise waters .
Recommendation
Do not rush down to the village, but stop at the panoramic platform, from which there is a stunning view of the lake and magnificent landscapes of the area.
All kinds of water sports are practiced in the lake and the shores are dotted with dozens of beaches.
The village of Saint-Croix-du-Verdon is located at 513 m above sea level on a hill on the shore of the lake and surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The village moved there in the 16th century after being flooded several times while on the plain. Its existence dates back to prehistory.
How to get to Saint-Croix-du-Verdon?
- With rent-a-car
Where to stay in the Saint-Croix-du-Verdon area?
- Auberge du castellas is in a perfect location. It offers family rooms, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, a terrace and free parking. The rating is Good 7.8, and the price for a night for two is 130 EUR.
- Camping, mobile home – the campsite has a top location. It offers an outdoor pool, barbecue, terrace. Pets are welcome. The rating is Very good 8.0, and the price for a night for two is 166 EUR.
- Auberge de Baudinard sur Verdon – the hotel is located in Verdon, 4 km from Saint-Croix-du-Verdon. It is housed in a building from the 17th century. The rating is Exceptional 8.6 and the price for a night for two is 96 EUR.
What to visit in the Saint-Croix-du-Verdon area?
- A day trip to Canyon Gorge du Verdon, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, the villages around the lake with swimming included
- The canyon and the lavender fields
- a day trip to the thermal springs of Greaux-les-Bains
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