The South of France beckons with its sun-drenched landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. From the glamorous Côte d’Azur to the fragrant lavender fields of Provence, this region offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. A well-planned 7-day itinerary allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this captivating corner of France, sampling local cuisine, exploring ancient Roman ruins, and soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Côte d’azur: exploring nice and Saint-Tropez
Begin your journey on the French Riviera, where azure waters meet picturesque coastlines. The Côte d’Azur has long been a playground for the rich and famous, but it offers something for every traveller, from bustling city life to tranquil beaches.
Promenade des anglais and old town nice
Start your adventure in Nice, the vibrant capital of the French Riviera. Take a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometre stretch hugging the Bay of Angels. This palm-lined promenade offers stunning sea views and serves as the city’s social hub. As you walk, you’ll pass elegant Belle Époque buildings and luxurious hotels that harken back to the city’s glamorous past.
Next, venture into Vieux Nice (Old Town), where narrow winding streets reveal a labyrinth of colourful buildings, artisanal shops, and bustling markets. Don’t miss the Cours Saleya, Nice’s famous flower market, where you can sample local specialties like socca , a crispy chickpea pancake, or pissaladière , a savoury onion tart.
Saint-tropez’s pampelonne beach
From Nice, head southwest to the legendary Saint-Tropez. Once a quiet fishing village, Saint-Tropez transformed into a glamorous resort town in the 1950s and has never looked back. While the town itself is worth exploring, with its charming port and upscale boutiques, the real draw is Pampelonne Beach.
Stretching for 5 kilometres, Pampelonne Beach is a paradise of golden sand and turquoise waters. It’s dotted with exclusive beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a day of seaside relaxation. For a more laid-back experience, seek out the public areas of the beach where you can spread out your towel and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
Port grimaud: venice of provence
Just a short drive from Saint-Tropez lies Port Grimaud, a unique waterside village often called the “Venice of Provence”. This charming town was built in the 1960s but designed to resemble a traditional fishing village, complete with canals, bridges, and pastel-coloured houses.
Take a boat tour through the canals to admire the Provençal-style architecture and the luxurious yachts moored in front of private residences. For a bird’s eye view of this picturesque town, climb the bell tower of the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Provence’s lavender fields and historic villages
As you move inland, the glamour of the Côte d’Azur gives way to the rustic charm of Provence. This region is renowned for its rolling lavender fields, perched villages, and rich Roman history.
Gordes: perched village in luberon
Your first stop in Provence should be Gordes, one of France’s most beautiful villages. Perched atop a hill in the Luberon region, Gordes offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Its stone buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and Renaissance castle create a scene that seems frozen in time.
Explore the village on foot, wandering through its labyrinthine alleys and discovering hidden squares and artisan workshops. Tuesday is market day in Gordes, where you can find local produce, handicrafts, and the region’s famous lavender products.
Sénanque abbey and lavender route
Just a few kilometres from Gordes lies the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey surrounded by lavender fields. The sight of the grey stone abbey set against a sea of purple lavender is one of Provence’s most iconic images.
From here, you can follow the Lavender Route (Route de la Lavande), a scenic drive that takes you through some of Provence’s most beautiful lavender-growing areas. The best time to see the lavender in bloom is from late June to early August. Even outside of lavender season, the route offers stunning landscapes and charming villages.
Les Baux-de-Provence and carrières de lumières
End your day in Les Baux-de-Provence, another of France’s most beautiful villages. Perched on a rocky outcrop in the Alpilles mountains, Les Baux offers medieval charm and breathtaking views. Explore the ruins of its castle and imagine life in this once-powerful feudal stronghold.
For a truly unique experience, visit the nearby Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry turned immersive art space. Here, masterpieces are projected onto the quarry walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a mesmerising audio-visual spectacle. It’s a modern twist on art appreciation that shouldn’t be missed.
Marseille and calanques national park
Your journey continues to Marseille, France’s oldest city and a vibrant melting pot of cultures. While the city itself deserves exploration, it also serves as a gateway to the stunning Calanques National Park.
Vieux-port and Notre-Dame de la garde
Begin your Marseille experience at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the beating heart of the city. This bustling harbour has been the centre of maritime activity for over 2,600 years. Today, it’s lined with cafes and restaurants where you can sample bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous fish stew.
For the best views of Marseille, climb up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, the city’s highest point. This 19th-century basilica, known locally as “La Bonne Mère” (The Good Mother), offers panoramic views of the city, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding hills.
Calanque de sormiou hike
Just a short drive from Marseille lies the Calanques National Park, a stretch of coastline characterised by dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves. One of the most beautiful calanques (rocky inlets) is Sormiou, accessible via a moderately challenging hike.
The hike to Calanque de Sormiou takes about an hour each way and rewards you with stunning views of turquoise waters nestled between white limestone cliffs. Pack a picnic and spend some time relaxing on the small beach or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
The Calanques offer some of the Mediterranean’s most pristine and dramatic coastal scenery. The contrast between the white limestone, azure waters, and green pine trees is simply breathtaking.
Boat tour of calanques from cassis
For a different perspective on the Calanques, take a boat tour from the charming port town of Cassis. These tours typically last between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on how many calanques you want to see. From the water, you’ll get a true sense of the scale and beauty of these natural wonders.
After your boat tour, spend some time exploring Cassis itself. This picturesque fishing village is known for its pastel-coloured buildings, lovely beaches, and excellent white wines produced in the surrounding vineyards.
Roman heritage in nîmes and pont du gard
As you move inland, you’ll encounter some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy. The cities of Nîmes and nearby Pont du Gard offer a fascinating glimpse into the Roman Empire’s influence on this region.
Maison carrée and arena of nîmes
Start your day in Nîmes, often called the “Rome of France” due to its well-preserved Roman monuments. The Maison Carrée, a perfectly preserved Roman temple dating from the 1st century BC, stands as a testament to the city’s ancient grandeur. Its classical architecture inspired Thomas Jefferson’s design for the Virginia State Capitol.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Arena of Nîmes, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built around 70 AD, it could once seat 24,000 spectators. Today, it still hosts events, including concerts and bullfights during the city’s feria.
Pont du gard aqueduct
A short drive from Nîmes brings you to the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that crosses the Gardon River. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of ancient engineering, standing 48.8 metres high and spanning 275 metres across the river.
Take time to walk across the bridge, imagining the skill and effort required to build such a structure over 2,000 years ago. The site also includes a museum that explains the aqueduct’s construction and its role in supplying water to the city of Nîmes.
Uzès: first duchy of france
Complete your day with a visit to Uzès, a charming town that was once the first duchy of France. Its medieval centre is a maze of narrow streets and elegant Renaissance mansions. Don’t miss the Place aux Herbes , a beautiful square surrounded by arcades and home to a lively market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Climb the Tour Fenestrelle, the only remaining tower of the former cathedral, for panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside. The Duke’s Castle, still inhabited by the Duke of Uzès, offers guided tours that provide insight into the town’s noble history.
Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
No visit to the South of France would be complete without sampling some of the region’s renowned wines. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, located in the Rhône Valley, is one of France’s most prestigious wine appellations.
Château de la nerthe vineyard tour
Begin your wine experience with a tour of Château de la Nerthe, one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This historic vineyard dates back to the 12th century and offers guided tours that take you through the vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms.
Learn about the unique terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, characterised by its famous galets roulés (rounded pebbles) that retain heat and help ripen the grapes. The tour concludes with a tasting of the estate’s wines, allowing you to appreciate the complexity and richness of these renowned blends.
Rhône valley wine appellations
While Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the star of the region, the Rhône Valley is home to numerous other respected wine appellations. Consider visiting nearby Gigondas or Vacqueyras, which produce excellent red wines often compared to their more famous neighbour.
For white wine lovers, don’t miss the chance to try Condrieu, made from the Viognier grape, or the sparkling wines of Clairette de Die. Each appellation has its unique characteristics, reflecting the diverse terroirs of the Rhône Valley.
Food pairing at la table de l’hostellerie
To truly appreciate the wines of the region, pair them with local cuisine. La Table de l’Hostellerie in Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers an excellent dining experience that showcases both the wines and the gastronomy of Provence.
Try classic Provençal dishes like daube (beef stew) or ratatouille , perfectly paired with local wines. The sommelier can guide you through the extensive wine list, helping you discover new favourites and understand the nuances of each appellation.
Avignon: city of popes
Conclude your 7-day journey in Avignon, a city steeped in history and culture. Once the seat of the papacy, Avignon retains much of its medieval charm within its well-preserved city walls.
Palais des papes and pont Saint-Bénézet
The centrepiece of Avignon is the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace), a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Gothic buildings in Europe. This imposing fortress served as the residence of seven popes during the 14th century. Take a guided tour to explore its vast halls, chapels, and private apartments, gaining insight into the power and wealth of the medieval papacy.
Just a short walk from the palace, you’ll find the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d’Avignon. This medieval bridge, immortalised in the famous French children’s song, now stops halfway across the Rhône River. Climb to the top for lovely views of the river and the city walls.
Les halles market and provençal cuisine
For a taste of local life, visit Les Halles, Avignon’s covered market. This gastronomic paradise houses over 40 stalls selling fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and regional specialties. It’s the perfect place to sample Provençal delicacies or gather supplies for a picnic.
Consider taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Provençal dishes. Many local chefs offer workshops where you can learn to make classics like tapenade (olive spread), aïoli (garlic mayonnaise), or soupe au pistou (vegetable soup with basil sauce).
Festival d’avignon theatre experience
If your visit coincides with July, you’re in for a treat. The Festival d’Avignon, one of the world’s largest theatre festivals, transforms the entire city into a stage. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the festive atmosphere is palpable, with street performers, outdoor cafes, and impromptu shows filling the squares and courtyards.
For a more intimate theatrical experience, check out the program at the Théâtre du Chêne Noir, a year-round venue known for its innovative productions. Even if you don’t speak French, the visual spectacle and emotion of live theatre can be a memorable way to conclude your journey through the South of France.
The South of France offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical richness, and cultural vibrancy. From the glamorous beaches of the Côte d’Azur to the lavender fields of Provence, from Roman ruins to medieval villages, this 7-day itinerary provides a taste of the region’s diverse attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a food and wine enthusiast, or simply seeking the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle, the South of France has something to offer every traveller.