Meander through the south of France from Nice to Avignon in style with this slow travel guide to the best of the Riviera and Provence.

Ahh…the south of France. So much to love about this part of the world. That’s why I recommend two weeks to enjoy this road trip, because you don’t want to rush a good thing.

The Romans knew what they were doing when they came, they saw, they liked and they conquered back in the second century BC. I cant really blame them. This glorious road trip will take your through some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe. Along the way you will visit beaches, roman ruins, medieval hilltop villages, dramatic natural beauty and enjoy the joie de vivre of France

Days 1-3 Nice

Fly into Nice international airport and rent a car for two weeks and arrange for a drop off in Avignon. Parking in Nice is not nice, so find a hotel with parking included. An inexpensive choice with super excellent views of the famous arching waterfront and easy access to a great beach is the Hotel Suisse.

The perfect jet lag recovery day is a stroll around the Villa Euphrussi & Gardens in the morning, then walk down the hill to the Passable beach club for lunch, a swim and a nap. Be sure to reserve your table and sun bed in advance in high season. If you like modern art and medieval charm, drive up to Saint Paul de Vence for lunch among Picassos and Calders at the legendary Colombe D’or with stunning views of the Riviera. In the afternoon, visit the Foundation Maeght to enjoy their world class art collection and then get your exercise trapsing up and down the steep cobblestone lanes of the old town. Or enjoy a classic Nice day à la Coco Chanel; take a walk along the Promanade Anglais, the long wooden boardwalk that graces the length of the waterfront and stop for lunch and a swim at one of the many beach clubs along the way. Finally, for an unforgettable sunset toast to the beauty of life, grab a table at the Le Plongeoir.

Days 6-8 Gorges de Verdon

Nature lovers rejoice, this leg is for you. Head for the Lac de Sainte-Croix but make sure you take the route from the village of Trigance which winds through dramatic gorges and then opens up into the mineral rich, turquoise blue lake. For something unique and authentic, stay one night at the medieval Chateau de Trigance before plunging into gorge-ousness. This region offers all sorts of adventurous activities like kayaking, rock climbing, biking and of course swimming and boating. It’s a great escape from the crowds and heat of the Riviera because even in the height of summer, this area is cooler due to its high altitude and far less busy.

Days 10-13 Luberon

This is the region where actual French people go to find the pleasure of Provence. A high plateau punctuated by the best villages in France, the Luberon is a perfect combination of authentic, rustic and understated luxury. Rolling hills offer views over lavender fields, olive groves and vinyards that separate half a dozen fabulous villages such as Bonnieux, Menerbes, Rousillon, and my favorite Gordes. There are so many wonderful villa rentals and rustic-chic inns to choose from, but if I had to choose one, I think it would have to be the Bastide de Gordes perched on hill overlooking the entire region. Village hopping is definitely the thing to do here, but in the high season, try to go at the end of the day when the day trippers are leaving. Then you’ll have a better chance of a quiet moment watching the swallows swoop over the town square with a glass of rosé.

Cycling is a very popular past time in these parts, especially in the morning before it get too hot to petal. Be cautious going around the corners on these dainty country roads and keep an eye out for packs of cyclists.

The town of Ile-sur-Sorgue is famous for its antiquing, but prepared to fight for a parking space if you decide to go on the market days. I’d recommend going on a non-market day as there are plenty of permanent antique shops open 6 days a week. Anyway, the street market of the market day has digressed into more of a tourist attraction than a worthy treasure hunt.

When to go:

You will have reliable sunshine and warm temperatures May through October, sea swims June through September and lake swimming July, August and early September. The traffic and popularity of the Riviera is an unavoidable reality June through September reaching a fever pitch in mid-July-August when all of Europe seems to be there. If you are intent on running through fields of sunflowers and lavender, you must go end of June through July. Best two weeks of the year? The last week of June, first week of July.

We got this:

If this brief description has tickled your fancy for the south of France, talk to Travellur before you start booking and ask for a quote. Our trip planning services save you 10-20% off hotels and you’ll get googlemap pin drops of the best lavender fields, viewpoints and parking spots. It might even cost the same as booking it all yourself! Best of all, you’ll enjoy the luxury of a bespoke itinerary and the reassurance of expert guidance along the way.

Check our custom travel rates and services packages for an idea of pricing or contact us directly. If you don’t like the idea of driving yourself, ask about a driver/guide bonus photographer package.

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Days 4-6 Grasse

Next stop; Grasse, the historic home of French fragrances. On your way, why not stop for lunch in Cannes? Find a open air café in the old harbor, people watch and ponder for an hour or two before continuing inland. Once you’ve checked into your hotel in Grasse, visit the charming Musee Fragonard à Grasse housed in a magnificent 18thcentury mansion in the center of town. Here you’ll learn about the history of perfume, the distillation process and see their collection of antique perfume bottles. Afterwards wander the pink and salmon painted streets of the town gathering lavender sachets and essential oils. For a real taste of the glamorous Riviera lifestyle, stay at the exclusive Bastide Saint Antoine, a Relais Chateau property with olive trees dating back to the Roman occupation. Yeah, true story. Gourmands will love their Michelin starred menu by Jacques Chibois.

Days 8-10 Durance valley

It’s lavenderland! If you do this trip end of June to end of July you’ll be sure to catch the lavender and sunflowers in bloom along the road between the lake and the town of Manosque. There are not a lot of great accommodations around the fields, so I recommend stopping for lunch in the town of Valensole, and then getting a place to stay around Manosque and you’ll see the best fields along that road. Try the Couvent des Minimes hotel and spa for a luxe and relaxing stay surrounded by lavender, quaint villages and castles. If you are looking for a cure, try the natural thermal spa in Digne les Bains. More medi-spa than luxurious, you will find a range of treatments and health programs.

Last day Avignon

Before returning the car and catching your train back to Nice or onto Paris, take a tour of the Palais des Papes in the medieval center of Avignon. This impressive edifice is where seven popes held court in the 14th century and is definitely worth two or three hours of your time. Filled with the story of the medieval French Papacy and a fine example of Romanesque architecture, the crenulated rooftop offers fine views of the Rhone river, Avignon town and Villeneuve across the river.

If you are looking for a quiet shady place for lunch, stay clear of the touristy cafes in the place d’Horloge. Instead, try the garden restaurant of the La Mirande hotel. Classic French menu served in the courtyard of an elegant 18th century mansion.

South of France Road Trip