With its shining coast and rural provencal heart, Mediterranean southern France has an immortal appeal. On our South of France itinerary – 7 days, you’ll drive through some of the best villages in Provence, to fiercely unique scenes: picturesque coastline, rugged hinterland and rural valleys. Furthermore, there are plentiful enchanting towns to explore.
Road Trip France To The Best Towns In Provence
The French Riviera’s spectacular urban communities, the dark blue Mediterranean Sea and the chic ridge towns never fail to charm. Inland, you’ll weave between fragrant fields, forested canyons and Roman vestiges. On this road trip, France won’t fail to delight.
En route you’ll see some of the best towns in Provence, interface with the artists, painters and authors who rushed here during the twentieth century, pursuing sun and motivation. This 7 days itinerary can easily be stretched to a 10 or 14 days holiday. There is so much to see and to discover that you won’t regret it.
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South Of France Itinerary – Day 1
Marseille – European Capital Of Culture 2013
We suggest that you start your south of France itinerary in Marseille. Once rejected as the disturbing cousin of the Riviera— crime-ridden, polluted, pure dirty — Marseille has celebrated a once-overdue revival since it became European Capital of Culture in 2013. Although it’s true it has a much more rugged, rough-and-ready feel compared to the more genteel towns on the coast, it also has ample character.
Take a walk around the Old Port, then pass through the spangly Mediterranean-themed museum of the city, the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Then head up to the oldest quarter of the city, Le Panier (from the basket French), crisscrossed by graffiti-clad alleyways, funky shops and neighbourhood cafes.
Marseille
Best hotels in Marseille
Our hotel recommendations for Marseille:
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu is set in a superb 18th-century building in the historic quarter of Marseille, 350 m from the Old Port.
The hotel has 2 gourmet restaurants onsite – La Brasserie Les Fenêtres and Le Restaurant Gastronomique Alcyone. Le Capain Bar offers an array of cocktails prepared by specialists.
The hotel’s own relaxation area features a Clarins spa with saunas, hammams, sunbeds, a gym and an indoor pool. The spa is available to hotel guests for an extra charge.
This is an ideal base for exploring the heart of Marseille, with theaters, department stores and museums on your doorstep.
Infos & Prices
La Résidence Du Vieux Port is set right on the banks of the Old Port in central Marseille. It offers modern rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city. Some rooms have wide bay windows and a terrace offering views of the Old Port.
Le Relais 50, the adjoining restaurant, serves Mediterranean specialities and guests can enjoy a drink in the hotel’s bar.
La Résidence Du Vieux Port is just 200 m from La Canebière and the Vieux Port Metro Station, which can take guests to Saint-Charles Train Station. Public parking is available on site at an additional fee.
Infos & Prices
Featuring a grand piano, HOTEL C2, located in the Pierre Puget courtyard in Marseille, is a 19th-century private mansion converted into a hotel. It features the original marble and parquet floors, columns, bas-relief sculptures, frescoes and bronze bannisters, whilst offering a minimalist, contemporary twist. It opened in April 2014.
In the lounge, you can enjoy home-made Sunday brunches, afternoon tea or evening drinks, with eclectic music in the background.
Facilities include a spa with a relaxation room, an indoor pool, a bar and a meeting room. The hotel’s specially-chartered boat leaves from the Vieux Port and is available with the beach package. Each month the hotel also hosts art and photographic exhibitions and performances.
Infos & PricesBest restaurants in Marseille
Our restaurant recommendations for Marseille:
Things to do in Marseille
Sightseeing, attractions and tours – click here for more information.
France Road Trip Itinerary – Day 2
The Calanques
This part of France road trip itinerary takes you from the east of Marseille to a chain of parched, bone-white cliffs soaring over glittering turquoise coves. Such craggy inlets, known as the Calanques, stretch for about 20 km all the way to Cassis seaside village. They have been protected since 1975, and in 2014 they were declared a national park.
The roads into each Calanque are usually closed to passengers, but making a booking at one of the cove restaurants is a sly workaround. Le Château, in Sormiou, and Nautic Barin in Morgiou are both good options.
Calanque
Cassis, Bandol & Sanary-sur-Mer
The coastal road passes a number of lovely seaside villages, all with their own justification for a rest, not least excellent wines from the region. Next comes Cassis, nestled at the foot of a spectacular rocky outcrop crowned by a chateau (now a hotel) dated from the 14th century.
Best hotel in Bandol
Our hotel recommendation for Bandol:
Splendid Hôtel has a fitness centre, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Bandol. Each accommodation at the 4-star hotel has sea views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and to a hammam. The accommodation features an indoor pool, free WiFi throughout the property and family rooms.
Popular points of interest near Splendid Hôtel include Renecros Beach, Eden Roc Beach and Barry Beach.
Infos & PricesStill a working fishing port, its harbour is full of seafood restaurants, ideal for a plate of grilled sardines or a shellfish dish. Neighbouring Bandol is also known for its wines: stop at the Maison des Vins to get a wine-crash course and tips for local wine-growers.
Our tip: Restaurant Les Olivers, 25 boulevard Louis Lumiere | Hotel Ile Rousse, 83150 Bandol, Tel. +33 4 94 29 33 12
Best hotel in Cassis
Our hotel recommendation for Cassis:
Hotel Les Roches Blanches Cassis is situated 1 km from the centre of Cassis. This 5-star hotel offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant. Cap Canaille is 6 km away.
Infos & PricesOur tip: Restaurant La Villa Madie, Avenue de Revestel | Anse de Corton, 13260 Cassis, Tel. +33 4 96 18 00 00
Next comes Sanary-sur-Mer Seaside, maybe the most beautiful and authentic of all: here you can still watch the fishermen unload their catch on the quayside, and pick up local produce on the vibrant Wednesday market.
Sanary-sur-Mer
Best hotel in Sanary-sur-Mer
Our hotel recommendation for Sanary-sur-Mer:
One of our top picks in Sanary-sur-Mer.L’hotel Le Synaya is located 200 m from the beach in Sanary-sur-Mer. The outdoor swimming pool is at guests’ disposal from April to October, and Le Castellet is 14 km from the property. The centre of Sanary-sur-Mer is 800 m from the hotel.
Infos & PricesThings to do in Cassis, Bandol & Sanary-sur-Mer
Read more about activities, tours and excursions.
South Of France Itinerary – Day 3
Hyères
Hyeres’ coastal town is divided into two: the beautiful old town, based around a medieval castle, and the T-shaped peninsula, home to a busy port of pleasure and some lovely sandy beaches (perfect for a day’s sunbathing and swimming).
There are several lagoons in between, which are perfect for birdwatchers. But the key reason to visit Hyères is for trips to the idyllic Îles d’Hyères, a tiny island archipelago with white sand and nature trails.
Tip: Restaurant Le Pradeau Plage, 1420 avenue des Arbanais | Giens, 83400, Hyeres, Tel. +33 4 94 58 29 06
Best hotel in Hyères
Our hotel recommendation for Hyères:
Hotel du Parc is located in Hyères, 200 m from Casino des Palmiers and the tourist office, 300 m from the old town and 5 km from Almanarre Beach. Limited secure private parking is available on site, upon prior request.
Infos & PricesSouth Of France Road Trip – Day 4
Bormes-Les-Mimosas
This part of the south of France road trip takes you to a hilltop village of the 12th century. It is heralded for its horticultural splendour: bright yellow mimosas in winter, bougainvillaeas deep-fuchsia in summer. Nonetheless, it’s basically just a nice place to stop for a wander: A stroll around the many art galleries, a souvenir shopping spot in the smart boutiques or a nice lunch in Restaurant Le Jardin.
There’s also an 11th-century castle to visit on the island, the Fort de Brégançon. Used for the French President since 1968 as a private residence, then opened to the public in 2014.
Bormes-Les-Mimosas
Corniche des Maures
Follow the coast road (D559) again, and follow its curves as it becomes the Corniche des Maures. Around this area there are plentiful swimming spots, so keep your eyes peeled and your bathing suit at hand. When you hit Le Rayol-Canadel the Domaine du Rayol is clearly signposted.
Domaine du Rayol
East of Bormes, the Corniche des Maures coastline bends past sandy beaches and seaside settlements such as Le Lavandou and Le Rayol-Canadel, where you will find one of the most exquisite jewels of this stretch of the coastline: the breathtaking Domaine du Rayol gardens.
With plants from across the globe and Mediterranean climates, it’s an explosion of fragrance and colour, best viewed in April and May when the flowers are in full bloom.
The lovely beach of the estate also runs guided snorkelling trips during the summer, which allow you to see some of the colourful flora and sea life beyond the Mediterranean waves.
The D559 meanders all the way to Swish St-Tropez, but unfortunately, if you’re here in the summer, you’re pretty much guaranteed to hit jams the closer you get to town. There’s a big car park near the harbour.
South Of France Itinerary – Day 5
St.-Tropez
Brigitte Bardot, a sizzling sexpot, came to St-Tropez in the 1950s and turned the small fishing village into a beloved jet set. Ever since Tropeziens thrived on their sex appeal.
On the Vieux Port yachts like spaceships jostle for millionaire moorings, while on the beaches cash-up kids dance until dawn and the restaurants are really great if you just didn’t pick up the tab. Don’t forget to try a slice of tarte Tropézinenne, the popular orange-flavoured cake in town.
Swamped in summer by more than 100,000 visitors a day, St-Tropez rediscovers its essence outside of the peak season. Now is the time to walk the cobbled lanes in La Ponche’s old fishing area, or drink pastis and catch a pétanque game on the beautiful Place des Lices.
Saint Tropez
Best hotels in Saint Tropez
Our hotel recommendations for Saint Tropez:
This luxurious hotel features an oriental-palace-inspired décor and is located in the centre of Saint Tropez. It has an outdoor pool surrounded by sun lounges and a pool-side summer bar. The Palais has a spa and wellness centre, where guests can enjoy the hammam or a range of body and beauty treatments. Pan Dei Palais is just a 3-minute walk from the Mediterranean Sea and the port.
Infos & Prices
Located at the foot of the Citadelle and featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Le Yaca offers hotel accommodation in Saint-Tropez. Guests can enjoy the open-air swimming pool, set in a flowery garden.
Guests can enjoy the Italian gastronomic restaurant and an on-site bar. You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property. The hotel also offers bike hire and car hire.
The property is a 3-minute walk from the Place des Lices and the St Tropez port. Pampalonne beaches are a 10-minute drive.
Infos & PricesOur tip: Restaurant La Vague, Plage de la Bouillabaisse | Cheval Blanc St-Tropez, 83990 Saint-Tropez, Tel. +33 4 94 55 91 00
Things to do in Saint Tropez
Read more about sightseeing tours, excursions and attractions in Saint Tropez.
Massif des Maures
The Massif des Maures is an area of surpassing forest just a few kilometres from the summer hustle of the Côte d’Azur, a wild collection of wooded hills covering the inland landscape between Hyères and Fréjus. The near-black vegetation is surrounded by pine, chestnut and cork oak trees which give rise to its name, Originating from the Provençal word mauro (dark pine wood).
The area is interspersed with hiking trails providing wraparound coastal views. Access to many areas is limited from June to September due to the risk of forest fires, but at other times of the year, this is a refuge of peace and nature.
Collobières
Collobrières’ leafy village is worth a detour: it is renowned for its chestnuts, and it hosts its own chestnut festival in August. The largest chestnut tree in Provence is to be found here, measuring a mighty 10.4 m long. Enjoy the scenic roads Col du Canadel via D27 and the closeby route des Crêtes.
Road Trip Provence – Day 6
Fréjus & St-Raphaël
They may not be quite on a par with many of the Roman ruins of Provence, but Fréjus’s little town is still worth a detour if you’re an archaeology enthusiast, with the remnants of an amphitheatre, Roman theatre, and numerous arches and portals.
The old town is lovely too: make sure you stop for a gourmet tour of local cheeses at Le Fromager. Just off the coast is the sister town of Fréjus, St-Raphaël, a beachy, kind of boaty spot and a good base for overnight.
Best hotel in Saint Raphaël and Fréjus
Our hotel recommendations in Saint Raphaël and Fréjus:
Unique hôtel et Résidence is situated in Saint-Raphaël, 25 km from Cannes and 4.5 km from Aqualand Waterpark. Guests can enjoy the on-site lounge bar.
The lounge bar is open every day and guests can eat breakfast either at the bar or in the comfort of their own room. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day.
Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing and cycling.
Infos & Prices
Located between Frejus and Saint Raphael, L’oasis is just a 5-minute walk from the beach and Port de Plaissance de Frejus.
Breakfast is served daily in the dining room or on the terrace during nice weather.
L’Oasis also offers free private parking subject to availability and a garage for motorbikes and bicycles. Further public parking is available around the hotel free of charge.
Infos & PricesProvence Tours Through The Haut-Var
It’s time to head inland from the coast into the Haut-Var hills. Provence tours take you through a rugged, wild landscape that feels a world away from the coastal chichi cities. Dray and sparsely populated, strolling through some of the best hill villages in Provence and riveting through gorges, it allows for beautiful driving. Your ultimate destination is the magnificent Gorges du Verdon, also called the Grand Canyon of Europe.
But a detour through one of the lesser-known valleys, like the Gorges de Chateaudouble, 12 km north of Draguignan, is worthwhile. In the direction of Draguignan, you turn off onto the D955 before you reach the town. It will take you via the Gorges de Chateaudouble. Turn left onto the D71 in Comps-sur Artuby and enter the wild world of the Gorges du Verdon.
Chateaudouble
Our tip: Have lunch in Chateaudouble with great views at Restaurant Le Chateau, Place Vieille, 83300 Chateaudouble, Tel. +33 4 94 70 90 05
It is about a 90-minute drive from the coast before reaching the gorges near Comps-sur Artuby, then ascending past the impressive Pont d’Artuby, Europe’s highest bridge, and following the southern side of the gorges along a route known as La Corniche Sublime.
The drops are dizzying and it’s mostly single-file, but there aren’t many more unforgettable drives out there. You must eventually pass the Lac de Ste-Croix’s emerald-green waters until reaching Moustiers-Ste-Marie.
Best hotels in Haut-Var
Our recommended hotels in Haut-Var:
La Bastide De Moustiers – Les Collectionneurs is a country house nestled in the Provence village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie in the Verdon Gorges. Sainte-Croix Lake is just 10 minutes’ drive away. Guests can enjoy a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.
The property is owned by French chef Alain Ducasse and the 1-michelin-starred restaurant serves provençal cuisine which is adapted according to the season and to the produce available in the hotel’s vegetable garden or at the market.
La Bastide de Moustiers is located 90 km from Aix-en-Provence. Guests have access to free parking.
Infos & Prices
Set within a 491 hectare forest, Château de Berne is located in the heart of the Provence Vineyard Region. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and gastronomic restaurant.
The gastronomic-style restaurant serves creative cuisine, prepared with local and homegrown produce. Another dining area, Le Bistrot, offers lighter options and guests can enjoy a drink in the bar.
The 800m² spa offers a indoor counter-current pool, 2 hots tubs, a sauna, a hammam, VIP balneotherapy rooms and Cinq Mondes treatments.
Infos & PricesPlateau de Valensole
This dreamily quiet plateau has the largest concentration of lavender farms in Provence, and a checkerboard of waving wheat and rows of lavender extending to the horizon.
Best hotels at Plateau de Valensole
Our recommended hotels for Plateau de Valensole:
The Lou Paradou hotel is located in Greoux-les-Bains, by the Verdon River, next to the lavender fields in the heart of the Provence. It is set within a large park and offers a heated, seasonal and heated outdoor pool and an infrared sauna and steam bath.
The hotel is just 400 m from Greoux village pedestrian centre and there is free on-site parking.
Guests can visit the Verdon Gorge, the largest canyon in Europe, the Luberon villages and Haute-Provence hilltop villages. Local leisure activities around Gréoux include hiking, mountain-bike, white-water sports, gliding and rock climbing.
Infos & Prices
Ideally located near the famous Gorges du Verdon and Lavender Route, the hotel offers 3-star accommodation close to the Templars Castle in Gréoux-les-Bains, just 14 km from Valensole. Gréoux-les-Bains is a charming Provencal village known for its pure thermal waters and its large choice of activities (spa, traditional markets, museums, churches, excursions, water sports and casino).
Infos & PricesSouth Of France Itinerary – 7 Days
Aix-En-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a Bourgeois-Bohemian chic enclave which you shouldn’t miss on your road trip Provence. The richness of nature, music and architecture. A paradise for strollers, the highlight is Vieil Aix, the mostly pedestrian old town.
South of Cours Mirabeau, Quartier Mazarin was laid out in the 17th century and is home to some of the finest buildings in Aix. Particularly enchanting is Central Place des Quatre Dauphins with its fish-spouting fountain (1667). Further south is the quiet Parc Jourdan, where locals meet to play pétanque underneath plane trees.
From Aix-en-Provence, it’s a 30 minutes’ drive to Marseille. Plenty of time to return your hired car and catch your flight.
Aix-en-Provenxe
Best hotels in Aix-en-Provence
Our hotels recommendations:
La Maison d’Aix is located in the Mazarin quarter of Aix-en-Provence, a 3-minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau. It offers a small indoor pool heated at 28 degrees, relaxation area and hammam.
Infos & Prices
Featuring a private garden with 2 terraces and an on-site restaurant, L’Hotel Particulier Le 28 is located in Aix-en-Provence. Private parking is available on site.
Infos & PricesOur tip: Hotel Le Pigonnet Restaurant, 5 avenue du Pigonnet | Hotel Le Pigonnet, 13090, Aix-en-Provence, Tel. +33 4 42 59 61 07
Things to do in Aix-en-Provence
Read more about sightseeing tours, activities and attractions in Aix-en-Provence.
Best Time To Visit Provence
During the spring months, nature awakens from its winter rigidity. Blossoming herb fields, the fruit and almond trees that unfold to their full beauty. Temperatures in spring vary between 20-25 degrees, just the right climate for long walks, this lasts until the end of March. After that, high-pressure areas from the tropics move north and ring in the summer.
The summer in Provence is hot and dry with a magnificent deep blue sky. The temperatures often rise above 30° C. It is bearable because of a light wind that cools down at night. Between June and September, the precipitation rate is very low. Some say, the best time to visit Provence is between July and August when the lavender fields are in full bloom and glow purple and smell wonderful. It’s also the busiest time of the year.
Autumn is the most colourful time, beautiful to look at. Temperatures of over 25 degrees make it very pleasant to stay outside. Autumn is the rainiest time, so the chances of experiencing a real downpour are very high, so 40% of the annual precipitation can pour out in one day. This does not mean that autumn is rainy, and especially if you are looking for pleasant temperatures and little tourism, and want to admire the colourful spectacle of nature, this is the best time of year for a trip.
During the winter months, the climate is rather dry, sunny and relatively mild. Snowfall is very rare. What can be very unpleasant is the mistral wind, which sweeps over the land at high speeds.
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