The South of France is a dream vacation destination—and for good reason. Picture sun-soaked vineyards, charming villages, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and rocky coastlines that hide small private beaches. If you’re planning a south of France road trip, you’ll need more than a week to do it justice. Between the French Riviera, Provence, the Luberon, and Marseille, there’s so much to see!
This summer, my partner and I spent three unforgettable weeks in le Sud—the French term for the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
To make the most of our time, I built a detailed road trip itinerary that hit the highlights: bustling cities, quaint villages, and hidden gems.
The Camargue region in southern France is famous for its salt production, wild landscapes, and stunning pink lakes. These lakes have become a social media sensation for their surreal, rose-colored hues. But, the pink lakes of France aren't always as vibrant as they look on Instagram and TikTok. And there are more ways to visit the pink lakes of France than you mighty think. Did you know you can see the pink salt lakes for free?
To plan an epic trip to the pink salt lakes in France and avoid being disappointed or paying too much for a mediocre view, keep reading!
With iconic white horses, black bulls, and flocks of flamingos, the Camargue delta offers plenty to explore if you know what to look for. Planning a day trip here means prioritizing what you want to see and choosing the best way to experience it.
Yachts, ritzy casinos, and eye-watering prices for a simple cafe lunch: When I thought about visiting Monaco while in the French Riviera, my first thought was how much would it cost me? Digging deeper, I discovered another side to Monaco—a day trip version that skips the splurges and pricey extras with a focus on Monaco's history, nature, and culture. The cheapest way to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. The train follows the coastline, so you get to enjoy beautiful ocean views along the way. Once you arrive in Monaco - Monte Carlo (the only station in Monaco), venture off on foot to get to know a quieter, affordable side of the Monaco.
From strolling the port and admiring yachts from afar to exploring the Prince's palace and learning about its eco-friendly restoration methods, here's my budget-friendly day trip to Monaco from Nice guide.
From the glamour of Saint-Tropez’s beaches to the scenic beauty of Èze and the charm of Antibes, the French Riviera is known for its sun-soaked coastlines, luxury yachts, and historic old towns. Gay Nice not only makes these destinations easily accessible for day trips, but it also boasts a variety of LGBTQ-friendly hotels, a couple small gay neighborhoods, and a lively queer nightlife scene that ensures you’ll have plenty to enjoy when you return from your French Riviera day trips.
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, stretches along the southeastern coast of France, from the glitzy playground of Monaco down to the sun-soaked shores of Cannes and St. Tropez. It’s famous for its azure waters, glamorous cities, charming medieval towns, and a perfect blend of French culture with a Mediterranean flair. Whether you're into hiking rugged cliffs, browsing world-class art, or sipping cocktails by the beach, the Riviera has something for everyone – and its highlife are all easily explored on day trips from Nice!
Marseille, France's second-largest city, may not flaunt rainbow flags at every corner, but don’t let that fool you—this vibrant port city has plenty to offer LGBTQ+ travelers. While it doesn’t boast a dedicated gay district like Nice, Marseille is quietly inclusive. In fact, the city just opened its first LGBTQ center in December 2023, a step forward in making queer spaces more visible. Sure, the city’s got a bit of a tough-guy image, but dig deeper and you'll find a thriving gay Marseille scene that includes nightlife, festivals, and even a gay nude beach.