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.
Like Isle sur la Sorgue, a pretty town that hosts a sprawling antiques and food market every Sunday. It also has some of the best pastries I found in France!
I also brushed up on my French beforehand to chat with locals, which added a whole new layer of connection to our adventure.
No matter when you visit, southern France is stunning year-round. But some seasons are better than others for road trips. So, let’s dive into everything you need to plan the perfect adventure: when to go, where to stop, and a two-week itinerary to make your southern France dreams come true.
Best Time to Visit Provence and the Côte d’Azur
When I visited Provence in September, I hit the sweet spot.
The summer rush had eased, the weather was still warm enough for wandering cobblestone streets, and the warm days were perfect for exploring villages perched on hilltops. Some of my favorite fruits were in season, like fresh grapes, figs, and melon – the sweetest was from Cavaillon.
That said, there’s one thing I missed: the iconic lavender fields in bloom.
Locals kept telling me, “If you want to see the lavender, come back in June.”
Apparently, early June is when the fields start to blush purple, by mid-June, they’re in their fragrant, photogenic prime, and by mid-late July, the lavender has passed.
Unlike English lavender, French lavender doesn’t get a second bloom later in summer – which means you only get one shot at visiting Provence for lavender season.
If you’re planning a Provence and Côte d’Azur road trip, here’s a breakdown of what each season offers so you can decide when to travel.
Spring: April to Late May
Spring in Provence is a shoulder season. The weather is mild, spring rains bring fresh blooms, and the tourist crowds are still thin. Since it’s not peak season yet, you’ll likely score better deals on accommodations and have top attractions to yourself.
By late May, markets are brimming with fresh produce, the lavender is growing bushy, and tourist numbers – plus prices – increase.
Summer: Mid-June to August
Mid-June to mid-July is peak lavender bloom in Provence.
After lavender come fields of sunflowers in full glory.
Unfortunately, summer is also peak tourist season.
Côte d’Azur beaches buzz with activity, and popular spots like Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Paul-de-Vence can feel crowded.
Some attractions, like the Calanques National Park, might be closed in midsummer due to wildfire risks.
Expect heat and humidity – and look for hotels and vacation rentals with AC to beat the heat.
Perhaps you’ve heard France closes in August when the locals go on vacation.
That’s true to an extent.
Hotels, museums, and anything in the tourist sector tends to be open – a lot of the French are traveling within France, after all.
We began our road trip through the south of France in August, and we had to cross a few things off our list due to holiday hours.
If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, it may be closed for all or part of August.
Autumn: September to October
I spent the first half of September in the south of France, and had overall great weather.
The mistral winds blew on a few days, which meant strong winds and waves. There was a seasonal heat wave, with temperatures much hotter than usual. But we didn’t let the heat or the mistral hold us back.
It was still warm enough for French Riviera beach days, but we weren’t fighting for a spot to lay our towels. The Calanques were accessible and somewhat crowded, but we were able to enjoy the beach.
The markets were lively with fresh produce, cheeses, mushrooms and more. The roads were less congested—ideal for a leisurely road trip through Provence’s charming villages and the glittering French Riviera.
Winter and Early Spring: November to April
Provence in winter has its own kind of magic. Christmas markets add a festive charm in December, especially in cities like Avignon. The famous black truffles are in season, and you can savor their umami in hearty soups and pastas.
Over on the Riviera, mild temperatures mean you can enjoy the coast all year round – even if it may be too chilly to take a dip in the ocean.
If you don’t mind skipping the lavender bloom, winter in Provence is a peaceful and budget-friendly time to visit.
Driving in France – Tips for a South of France Road Trip
Rolling hills, vineyards, and charming medieval villages are beautiful, but driving in France comes with some hiccups.
Here are some tips to make your south of France road trip as smooth as possible:
- Drive on the right side of the road. France drives on the right, not the left. This may seem obvious, but if you’re used to driving on the left, it’s worth a reminder. Most roads are well-marked, but highway exit signs can be surprisingly small, so keep your eyes peeled and slow down well before your exit.
- Most care are manual (stick shift): Need an automatic? You’ll pay a premium to rent one. Compare rental car prices + reserve in advance for the best rates.
- Google Maps is helpful, but not perfect. The app’s instructions don’t always match the naming conventions on road signs. I missed a couple exits because they were marked different than what Google Maps said.
- Prepare for winding roads with sharp curves: If your itinerary includes places like Provence, Nice or the Verdon Gorge, prepare for narrow, winding roads with sharp switchbacks. These roads can be dangerous for tourists who don’t have every curve memorized, especially after dark.
- Parking is scarce: In small villages and larger cities, parking can be scarce and tricky to figure out. I had two instances where parking meters were broken, leaving me unable to pay. If this happens to you, I recommend leaving a dashboard note saying the meters are broken. (le parcomètre est en panne or le parcomètre est cassé in French)
Rather than get a rental at the airport and drive south immediately, we took the train to Marseille. We got around Marseille using the bus system or walking. This saved us money on parking.
Our last day in Marseille, we headed to Gare St-Charles to pick up the rental car and explore Provence!
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What to See on a Southern France Road Trip
The South of France is known for sun-soaked coastlines, lavender fields, medieval hilltop villages, and vibrant markets.
Inspired by my incredible trip, I’ve created this road trip guide to help you experience the beauty of the Côte d’Azur, Provence, and the stunning landscapes of southern France.
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Marseille
Many travelers overlook Marseille, but it’s worth at least a day.
I spent close to a week in the port city and could easily see myself returning.
Behind its gritty exterior, Marseille surprises with a lively scene: nightlife, festivals, beaches everywhere you look.
Head to Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica for panoramic views over the old city, then walk down to experience lively streets full of cafés, restaurants and incredible people-watching.
This 4-hour guided walking tour shows off the highlights of Marseille with hidden gems, iconic neighborhoods, and advice from a local.
For more Marseille tip, check out the Marseille city guide.
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Aix-en-Provence
Just 30 km north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a must visit for any artist or art lover.
The birthplace of Paul Cézanne, Aix features stately buildings, cobblestone streets, and lively squares where vendors sell everything from crafts to clothes to cookware and food.
Go on a market day to see the city at it’s liveliest, and don’t miss these top things to do in Aix:
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town admiring the architecture and specialty boutiques (Maison de la Confiture is my favorite)
- Visit Atelier Cézanne, the former home and studio of Paul Cézanne, where you can see where the master found inspiration. This was closed when I visited, but you can still see the mountain he painted frequently, Mont Sainte-Victoire while driving into town.
- Stop by Musée Granet, an impressive art museum with works ranging from the Renaissance to modern art.
- Browse the open market (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings). On market days, streets like Cours Mirabeau close to traffic, transforming into a vibrant maze of local vendors.
- Taste the local specialty, calisson—a candied melon topped with royal icing and an almond
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Verdon Gorge
The Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon) is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Known as one of Europe’s largest and most stunning canyons, it boasts dramatic cliffs and striking turquoise waters.
While the gorge offers all-levels hiking trails with something for adventurers of every level, the best way to see it is on the water – with a rafting trip. Several companies offer half-day or full-day rafting excursions.
Search for Castellane rafting trips.
Verdon Gorge highlights include:
- Rafting from Castellane: Feel the thrill of running rapids while surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery. Castellane is the starting point for several rafting companies.
- Scenic viewpoints: Drive along the Route des Crêtes to discover jaw-dropping vistas of the gorge. Perfect for photo stops.
- Castellane: Castellane has a small town square with cute shops, but my favorite was the local artisan market on the outskirts of town. If you enjoy local crafts and yummy foods like fresh cheese, yogurt (lemon verbena flavored! I died), bread and wine, it’s a can’t miss.
Search for accommodations in the Verdon Gorge area.
Nice
From the glitz of Saint-Tropez’s beaches to the picturesque hilltop beauty of Èze and the coastal allure of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the French Riviera is famous for luxury yachts, enchanting old towns, and celebrity encounters.
Nice not only serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring these iconic destinations but also shines on its own, with art museums well worth a visit.
Here are the top things to see in Nice:
- Stroll through the Old Town (Vieux Nice): A maze of narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lively squares. Don’t miss the Cours Saleya market for fresh produce and flowers.
- Promenade des Anglais: Walk or bike along this iconic seaside promenade, taking in views of the Mediterranean and the city’s famous beach.
- Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Climb or take the elevator up for panoramic views of Nice’s red rooftops, the port, and the coastline.
- Matisse Museum: Explore the works of Henri Matisse in this charming museum, located in a serene hillside villa.
- Chagall Museum: Explore the artist’s biblical series and learn about his personal history at this museum, which also has a lovely garden cafe.
Stay longer and you’ll be able to enjoy day trips from Nice to Monaco, Menton and other Cote d’Azur gems!
Panoramic views and perfume workshops in Èze, stunning gardens in Villefranche-sur-Mer, and art in St Paul de Vence were a few of my favorite day trips from Nice – but there are so many to explore! Check out more must-visit Riviera day trips here.
This Nice city guide to all things queer has recommendations for making the most of a couple days in Nice.
Find a hotel in Nice.
St Paul de Vence
A storybook town perched on a rocky hilltop, St Paul de Vence is the definition of charming. Its enchanting light and peaceful atmosphere have drawn artists including Matisse and Picasso.
For art enthusiasts, Fondation Maeght is a must. This renowned museum showcases works by modern masters like Kandinsky, Miró, and Giacometti.
The Foundation is popular with tourists, so I recommend getting there early. We arrived within an hour of their opening and grabbed the last spot in the upper parking lot.
In nearby Vence, Matisse Chapel features stained glass windows designed by the artist.
Google Maps shows a couple of options for the Matisse Chapel – the one you want is in Vence, and its official name is the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence.
The chapel closes for a very long lunch, so you can only go in the morning or late afternoon.
Parking is extremely difficult near the chapel.
Search for accommodations in St. Paul de Vence.
Monaco
For a taste of glitz and glamour, Monaco is the ultimate day trip from Nice.
The city offers plenty of highlights, starting with the Prince’s Palace, where you can watch the changing of the guard, and the incredible Oceanographic Museum, which combines natural history, with unique fish, vibrant corals, and fascinating sea life, all presented with conservation messaging.
This Monaco for one day post has all the details, including tips on visiting Monaco without overspending.
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Menton
Menton is famous for its citrus production and houses a vibrant annual Lemon Festival.
On my visit, we combined Menton with stops in Monaco and Ventimiglia (Italy) for a unique cross-border day trip.
The contrast between the French and Italian Riviera towns was fascinating. Ventimiglia felt relaxed and locals-only, while Menton buzzed with energy even late into the evening.
Shops on the main street stayed open long after our dinner, giving the town a lively, inviting vibe.
While I wasn’t in town during the lemon festival, which happens in Winter, I did get to sample some lemon wares – like limoncello with Menton lemons, and a lemon infused beer. Local shops in Old Town sell lemon trinkets, food products, and boozy beverages – plus other fun south of France gifts for those stuck back home!
Top things to see in Menton:
- Visit the Gardens: Relax in the serene Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden or the exotic Serre de la Madone for a taste of Menton’s lush greenery.
- Enjoy the Beaches: Enjoy a sunny afternoon by the sea strolling along the peaceful seaport, watching boat traffic, or relaxing on the small beach.
- Attend the Lemon Festival (Fete du Citron): Held annually in February, the Menton Lemon Festival features citrus-themed floats and sculptures.
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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Known as the “Venice of Provence,” L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a picturesque town crisscrossed by canals and dotted with historic water wheels.
The town comes alive every Sunday morning (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with one of the largest markets in the region.
It has a little bit of everything – from local foods to art to soap to a large antiques section.
I spent hours here, browsing a little bit of everything, and left feeling as though there was so much I had not gotten to see!
Here are the top sights in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue:
- The Canals and Water Wheels: Walk along the town’s scenic canals and spot the iconic water wheels that give L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue its unique character.
- Sunday Antique Market: Browse a dazzling array of antiques, vintage finds, and regional products. A treasure hunter’s dream.
- Cafes and restaurants: Visiting on market day, it can be hard to see the local stores and restaurants where there are so many things on offer right before you. But my favorite part of visiting L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was when I stepped inside a local bakery for what turned out to be the best chocolate chaud and croissant of the entire trip
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Rousillon
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the Luberon, the village of Rousillon is known for its ochre history.
There are several ways to explore the town’s history and see the beautiful natural pigments up close:
- Okhra Conservatoire des Ocres de la Couleur: Open daily (10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–6 p.m.), this former ocher factory offers guided tours for 7€. Learn about the ocher-making process and its artistic uses.
- Mines de Bruoux: Explore underground ocher mines on a guided tour (10 a.m.–6 p.m., 9.50€). Tours are in French, but they provide an iPad with English (and other languages), so you’ll be able to follow along. Note: they don’t allow photos inside the mines, but scroll down to see what the outside looked like on my tour.
- Sentier des Ocres: Walk one of two trails (30 or 50 minutes, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., 3€) through the ocher cliffs and marvel at the surreal landscape. If you are a hiker like me, you’ll wish the trails were longer. While the walks are short, they trail is full of amazing photo opportunities – especially if you arrive first thing like I did.
- Wander the streets of the village: After you’ve explored Rousillon’s ochre history, wander the old village to enjoy a coffee or a long lunch.
Rousillon is very popular. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or just before sunset, when the fading lights turns the rocks a fiery red hue.
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Avignon
Famous for its history as the seat of the papacy in the 14th century, Avignon is worth a stop on your southern France road trip.
From the Palais des Papes to the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the legendary bridge that partially spans the Rhône, the city offers some historic gems that are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The Avignon City Pass allows you to save money by bundling attractions, and even comes with a parking option.
Top things to see in Avignon include:
- Palais des Papes: Explore this grand Gothic palace, its frescoes, and serene gardens (included if you got the City Pass) with an augmented reality app.
- Pont Saint-Bénézet: Dance on the Avignon bridge, then learn the surprising reason for its collapse.
- Rue des Teinturiers: Stroll this charming pedestrian street filled with cafés and galleries.
- Villeneuve-lès-Avignon: Across the river from Avignon, this charming, quiet city has Abbaye Saint-André, a former abbey with incredible gardens and views over Avignon. I loved spending a couple of hours here exploring the charming gardens and soaking in the views across the river. If you need a break from the crowds in Avignon, you won’t regret coming here!
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Carcassonne
With its imposing watchtowers and double-walled fortifications, this UNESCO World Heritage Site transports visitors back in time. Originally built during Gallo-Roman times, the citadel underwent significant expansions in the 13th and 14th centuries, and was conscientiously restored to create the stunning fortress you see today.
Don’t miss the Château et Remparts, where you can explore the castle and walk along the fortress ramparts.
For a fee of 9.50€ (10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.), the ramparts offer sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and an up-close look at the intricate medieval architecture.
The audio tour is a must and includes detailed information on the history and reconstruction – it really enriched my visit!
Avoid dining within the medieval city—it’s overpriced and underwhelming. You can venture outside the walls for a more authentic meal, or BYO food and picnic.
Accessibility tip: The only benches in town are right outside the chateau entrance.
Don’t miss:
- Cité de Carcassonne: Wander the medieval streets that ring the exterior of the city walls (it’s free!)
- Château et Remparts: Walk the ramparts and explore the castle – the audio guide is a must for insights and context!
- Canal de Midi Boat Cruise: I skipped this one since it was drizzling when I visited, but from what I read the castle views from this 75-minute boat cruise along the Canal de Midi are limited, so this is really about being on the canal on a nice day.
- Domaine Calmel & Joseph, a charming winery just 20 minutes from Carcassonne
While researching Carcassonne, I kept coming across mentions of the La Bastide Saint-Louis neighborhood.
Many travel bloggers recommended a visit, describing it as a contrast to the medieval Cité, but without much explanation of why.
If you park outside the city and walk up, you’ll naturally pass through parts of La Bastide Saint-Louis.
In my opinion, unless you’re staying in Carcassonne or searching for a good spot to eat, there’s no need to go out of your way to explore it further. The neighborhood has a mix of shops and residences, but nothing that particularly stood out during my visit.
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Nîmes
Nîmes and its neighbor Arles have some of the best preserved Roman monuments outside of Rome.
Both are worth several days if you’re curious about Roman France.
I used Nîmes as the base for my Carcassonne day trip, so we didn’t have as much time as I hoped to explore its lively squares, and outstanding archaeological museum, Musee de la Romanite.
If I could do it over again, I’d tack on another day to Nîmes to really do the city justice.
Just half an hour outside of Nîmes lies the Pont du Gard, a breathtaking three-tiered Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 1st century AD, it’s the tallest aqueduct bridge of its kind. Visitors can explore the site from various perspectives, whether hiking to the water’s edge, kayaking beneath the arches (when water levels permit), or joining a historic tour to uncover its fascinating history.
Top Things to See in Nîmes:
- The Roman Arena, a spectacular amphitheater still used for events and concerts today
- Musee de la Romanite, which offers immersive technology to shed a new light on the Roman past under your feet – plan to spend at least half a day here!
- Les Jardins de la Fontaine, a lush garden filled with fountains and Roman ruins.
- Pont du Gard
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Arles
Arles’ Roman heritage is undeniable, but the city also embraces its future with a vibrant arts scene and the striking LUMA contemporary art museum, designed by Frank Gehry.
Arles also makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Day trips include the rugged beauty of the Camargue wetlands, famous for its white horses, wild flamingos, and pink salt lakes.
Arles may be associated with Van Gogh, but the asylum at Saint-Paul de Mausole, a short drive away, is where the artist painted some of his most iconic works.
Top Things to See and Do in Arles:
- Roman Amphitheatre and Theatre, which isn’t as well-preserved as the one in Nîmes but offers a nice contrast
- Cryptoporticus: The eerie underground remains of the Roman Forum are now home to an art exhibit.
- Baths of Constantine, which offer a glimpse into the spa culture of ancient Rome.
- Eglise St-Trophime, which has a very impressive (or creepy) relics collection
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Self-drive South of France itinerary
This south of France road trip itinerary covers the best places to visit in Provence and the French Riviera.
The itinerary is arranged in the order I traveled, which took in Marseille, Aix, the Verdon Gorge and Cote d’Azur, then Provence and the two Roman cities before returning to Marseille to catch a train to Charles de Gaulle airport.
You can travel like I did or pick and choose parts of this itinerary to focus on, depending on your interests or the length of your stay.
Here is my minimum suggested length of stay per place/area.
Feel free to take longer if you have it, or focus on only a few highlights from this big list:
- Marseille (2 nights) – Two nights allows time to explore the Old Port, Notre Dame de la Garde, and perhaps a quick trip to the Calanques.
- Aix-en-Provence (1 night) – Aix is compact, so one night is sufficient to enjoy its charm, markets, and Cézanne’s legacy.
- Verdon Gorge (1 night) – One night is perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the stunning views, but you can do this in a day, which is what I did.
- Nice – (2 nights) With two nights, you can explore Nice itself and still have time for day trips to Èze or Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- St. Paul de Vence: This can easily be done as a half- or full-day trip from Nice.
- Monaco + Menton (1 night): You can explore both Monaco and Menton on a day trip, or arrange an overnight for a more relaxed pace
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: The canals and markets can be enjoyed on a day trip.
- Roussillon (1 night) The ocher trails and charming village are a great single-day stop.
- Avignon (2 nights): Two nights gives enough time for the Palais des Papes, Pont St-Bénézet, and exploring Villeneuve-lès-Avignon.
- Carcassonne (1 night/day trip): A long day trip or an overnight allows time to explore the medieval walled city and enjoy the ambiance after the day crowds leave.
- Nîmes (1-2 nights) : One night works well for its Roman monuments and a visit to the Pont du Gard; a second day lets you explore Carcasonne with more time in Nimes at night, which is what I did.
- Arles (2 nights): Two nights lets you fully explore the Roman ruins, Van Gogh sites, and the surrounding countryside
Ready to make travel plans? Reserve your rental car now.
This guide has covered everything you need to plan a memorable road trip through the South of France—from the best places to visit, like Marseille, Nice, and the Verdon Gorge, to driving tips and advice on the perfect time of year to go.
Use this as your roadmap to create an unforgettable journey through one of the most stunning regions in France. Or get more guidance – included recommended restaurants, market guides and more – with my full itinerary to the South of France.