My Epic South of France Itinerary in 14 Days That You’re Going to Love

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Only 2-Week South of France Itinerary You’ll Need

Okay, that was a lengthy list above, but now let’s get into the day-by-day details including where to stay during this 14-day road trip through the South of France! .

For purposes of this guide, you’re going to want to start this road trip on a Thursday, if possible, with timings of markets and things.

Day 1: Arrive in Nice

I recommend flying into Nice for the road trip, especially as you’ll end your road trip here as well. 

Check out flights on Skyscanner!

And use this day to explore! I have a whole guide on how to spend 1 day in Nice here, but some highlights you could see include:

• Cours Saleya Market (Definitely try socca here-it’s a chickpea flour pancake that is so good!)
• Promenade des Anglais (This is a must to walk along)
• Hike up Colline du Chateau (The best views of Nice!)
• Place Massena (Unique sculptures and a fountain)
• Enjoy the beach

Now, if this is your first time in Nice, I highly recommend going and exploring any and/or all of the above! If you’re like me and you’ve been a handful of times, I honestly ended up dropping my things off at the hotel, changing into a swimsuit and cover up, grabbing sunscreen at a French pharmacy, and going straight for a beach club. 

I ended up at Plage Beau Rivage where I had a late lunch, sat under an umbrella in my sunchair, and swam a bit. But I’ll be honest, I napped a ton of that jet lag off. And the food here was good! I loved the octopus! 

Then, I wandered around Place Messena, did a little shopping, and grabbed a quick sandwich before calling it an early night because I wanted to get a good night’s sleep before beginning the road trip the next day. 

I highly recommend just getting a quick dinner because you’ll want to get to bed earlier to 1) catch up on sleep after flying and 2) prepare for that road trip the next day. 

Where to Stay in Nice:

• Hotel Villa Rivoli (Located in the Old City and not far from the beach).

• The Deck Hotel (This is where I stayed in a cute area close to the beach and Jardin Albert 1er).

• Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee (Where I stayed last time. It’s right next to the Promenade des Anglais, has a great pool, and amazing room service).

Day 2: Drive to Saint-Remy-de-Provence

On this day, you’re off to Provence. Yes, while many people loop the French Riviera in with Provence, it is actually quite different historically, culturally, and topographically than the French Riviera. 

While they are part of the Provence-Alpes-Cote-d’Azur region of France, Provence is more countryside, hilltop villages of the Luberon, lavender fields, and amazing markets. Whereas the French Riviera is more the glittering beaches of the Mediterranean, cities like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice, and definitely more built up. 

We’re covering both areas in this South of France road trip, but we’re going to really start in Provence and work our way down to the coast. 

So today, we’re driving to Saint-Remy-de-Provence from Nice. 

But first, grab a tasty croissant at La Maison De Celine Patisserie, and then grab your bags and head to the Nice-Ville train station.

I picked up my rental car from the Nice-Ville train station. Book on Auto Europe to find great deals! 

Then, you’ll drive the 2.5-3.5 hours it takes to get to Saint-Remy-de-Provence in the heart of Provence.

PS- I have a 5-day Provence itinerary that includes these 5 days in Provence, so if you’re short on time, you can just check that out! 

You’ll arrive in Saint-Remy-de-Provence sometime in the afternoon, and then you can check-in and explore this quaint town. 

I ended up wandering around the limestone buildings and sycamore-lined streets before going to Musee Estrine, which is an art museum. There is a Van Gogh interpretation center here, but sadly, even though Van Gogh lived and worked in Saint-Remy-de-Provence for a year and created some iconic works, none are left in the town.

But there are other artists featured as well as temporary exhibits. 

You can also check out Hotel de Sade while you’re here, which was a Renaissance mansion that belonged to the Sade family before becoming a museum. It now houses items found from the excavation of Glanum (an ancient city) down the road. 

There are even ruins from a Gallo-Roman bathhouse at this property!

Note: Hotel de Sade isn’t open year-round, so be sure to check dates/times on their website.

Pro-tip: If you plan to see a lot of sites in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, be sure to pick up a Pass Saint-Remy at whichever site you go to first! It offers discounts at places like Musee Estrine, Musee des Alpilles, Hotel de Sade, Glanum, and the Cloisters at Saint-Paul de Mausole.

After exploring these museums, it is time for a glass of rosé on a terrace. Thankfully, there are plenty of cute spots in the shade to grab a drink in the early evening and enjoy the sights and sounds of Provence.

After that, grab some dinner at a place like L’Aile ou la Cuisse or La Table d’Yvan or perhaps splurge on a Michelin spot like Restaurant de Tourrel or L’Auberge de Saint-Remy Fanny Rey & Jonathon Wahid. 

If you’re feeling up for it, you may want to check out the local bull races that evening (if you’re there during the right time as I was in July).

Unlike the bull fighting in Spain, the bull races in the Camargue part of France are more about the bull and less about the razeteurs (or bull racers). The bulls here are trained and go into the ring with things tied to their horns. The razetuers try to tire the bull in order to pull the objects from the horns.

It is pretty chaotic to see as the razetuers leap into the air and out of the gate to avoid the charging bull. 

Now if that isn’t your thing, no worries, you can just grab a drink after dinner or go to bed for the next day.

Then, it is time for bed! 

Where to Stay in Saint-Remy-de-Provence:

• Le Petit Hotel (This is where I stayed, and it was adorable! Walkable to everything, it also had a nice pool, and the staff were so nice).

• Hotel Villa Glanum & Spa (Close to Saint-Paul de Mausole and Glanum, you can still walk to the village and it is a cute spot with a pool, spa, and bar).

• Le Chateau des Alpilles (This 5-star chateau is likely familiar to you if you’re on TikTok or Instagram. This place is stunning and at the end of a driveway lined with sycamore trees. It has a lovely pool, bar, and restaurant).

Day 3: Saint-Remy-de-Provence

After a brief introduction to Saint-Remy-de-Provence and the Alpilles area of Provence (it’s a small mountain range here), it is time to explore Saint-Remy-de-Provence a little deeper and dive into the nearby area.

So today, after a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel (mine was served in the courtyard by the pool and was perfect at Le Petit Hotel), you’ll want to wander into the heart of the town and visit the adorable market (if it is running that day).

Then, I ended up going to the Office of Tourism in Saint-Remy-de-Provence to pick up an audioguide for the Van Gogh Route and ended up walking along this. 

It’s a cute route with olive trees everywhere, and it goes from Saint-Remy-de-Provence to where Van Gogh stayed at the Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum. 

Along the route, you’ll stop at places that share his paintings, what was going on in his life at the time, etc. It is really cool to learn more about his life and understand him and his art a little better. Plus there are places where you’re standing near a spot where he painted and can see what he was painting!

Olive Trees was the coolest one with the view right in front of you!

That was so cool!

Then, as it ends at Saint-Paul de Mausole asylum, why not go and check it out? 

This is where Van Gogh lived and painted during his time in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It was a former monastery and is now a mental health facility. Part of the place is still a working mental health facility. 

However, the historical part is just on display for tourists to visit. 

It is here where you can see dorms, a kitchen, many other rooms, and even Van Gogh’s studio and bedroom. This is the bedroom where he painted Starry Night!

While here, be sure to walk through the old cloisters and perhaps even spot the lavender fields if you’re there during the summer.

After Saint-Paul de Mausole and on the way back to town, you can walk to the ancient city of Glanum.

This place dates back to the 6th century BC and was founded by the Salyens, a Gallic Celtic-Ligurian tribe, who built this city up around a spring.

It was quite sprawling in its heyday, and, while it began as a Celtic city, it had a lot of Greek influence thanks to trade.

And then the Romans took over the city before it being completely abandoned in 270 AD due to Germanic invasions. 

After that, it was lost to time and only rumored to be here until it was rediscovered in 1921. 

It is well worth checking it out and seeing the architecture which includes Celtic, Greek, and Roman influence. 

I highly recommend getting an audioguide for further context, and if you’re hungry, the lunch at the cafe here was good! 

Once you’ve wrapped up your time in Glanum, walk back into the city, drop off the Van Gogh audioguide, and head to Baux-de-Provence. 

The viewpoint on the way is stunning, and you could spend the remainder of the day exploring here, visiting Chateau des Baux-de-Provence, wine tasting nearby, or visiting the multimedia Carrieres des Lumieres in a former quarry.

OR 

If you happen to be in town during lavender season, particularly if the Le Thor lavender festival is happening, I highly recommend going to that. This is what I did. I just saw the viewpoint in Baux-de-Provence and went to Le Thor for their annual Lavandissima (it takes place on the 2nd Saturday in July).

I had a blast watching the traditional dancing, listening to traditional music, eating some AMAZING local food, and more. So, I highly recommend going to a lavender festival if you get a chance and you’re there that time of year.

After that, head back to Saint-Remy-de-Provence for the evening. And again, if you’re there the same time that I was, you may even catch the “running of  the bulls” with cowboys (aka guardians) in the streets!

Day 4: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Avignon

Today is time to say “Au revoir,” to Saint-Remy-de-Provence as you drive to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. 

And today should be a Sunday, which means you’ll be there for the charming market day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

The market here takes place on Sundays from around 8 am until the early afternoon. 

Pro-tip: For market days in Provence, be sure to arrive before 9 am for parking. Otherwise it’ll be hard to find a spot! Also, have cash on you as many places don’t take cards. 

Explore the town and market, which winds its way along charming canals and waterwheels. They do call this the “Venice of Provence,” for a reason! 

This place has so many great booths selling anything from lavender and soap to fruits and veggies and more! I ended up purchasing some black cherries and an olive wood spatula that I still use!

Aside from the market, this town is known for its many antique shops. So take some time to peruse the antiques and shop for unique pieces if you can get them home!

When it hits lunchtime, be sure to make reservations and grab lunch at Au Chineur. This place has great vibes and even better food. I really enjoyed their tomato and mozzarella salad and ribs with polenta. 

And once you’ve had your fill of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, it is time to head to Avignon for the rest of the day. 

I have a whole guide to Avignon here, but some highlights to check out include: 

• Pope’s Palace
• Pont d’Avignon
• Place d’Horloge

I have already been to Avignon, and, during this visit, the Festival d’Avignon was happening (this takes place in the month of July). 

This is a big art and culture festival throughout the city with tons of events! So I just wandered around and enjoyed watching the street performers. I even went to a play while there!

Then, for dinner, you can check out Le Bistrot de Florent. This is part of the fantastic La Mirande Hotel. While this hotel also has a Michelin-star restaurant, I like this lesser expensive spot that is delicious and feels like you’re walking into Downton Abbey!

You can even grab a drink at the bar here afterward, where it is stunning. 

Then, it is time for bed.

Where to Stay in Avignon:

• This Airbnb (This is where I stayed my first time in Avignon and it was great! It was walkable in the city, plus it had a kitchen and laundry).

• Aux Augustines (This is in the city center and built on a former Augustinian Monastery).

• La Mirande (This 5-star hotel is worth the splurge for a night! I stayed here on my recent visit and adored the room, which overlooked the Pope’s Palace, the tea here, and the quaintness of it).

Day 5: Lavender Fields on the Way to Gordes

Now today can go 1 of a few ways, depending on when you’re here. If you’re here in early July, you could go check out the lavender fields of the Luberon and end near Gordes, where you’ll stay the next 2 nights.

If you’re here outside of lavender season, then you could explore the Luberon Villages like Roussillon, Oppede-le-Vieux, Bonnieux, Lourmarin, etc. around Gordes. 

OR 

If you’re like me and showed up in mid-July when most of the Luberon lavender was cut down, you’ll want to head more north to Sault and explore their lavender fields. 

Either way, have breakfast in Avignon. I ended up having a fabulous breakfast in the courtyard of La Mirande (it was pricey but lovely), before driving my car up to Sault.

Sault lavender season tends to go later than the Luberon, so luckily, many of the lavender fields were still here! But while I was here (on July 15), some of the fields were being harvested.

Your best bet for lavender fields has to be early July for the most part. 

But I loved wandering around Sault, spotting many iconic lavender fields, and even checking out the viewpoint in the town of Sault with many lavender fields below. 

I have a full guide on the best lavender fields in Sault with GPS coordinates and everything you need to know to chase lavender there in this Sault lavender guide.

But after spending the majority of my day up in Sault exploring, I drove down to Gordes to wrap up the day. 

I checked into my bed and breakfast, Le Verger, and then grabbed dinner at Le Mas. I made reservations here ahead of time and it was fabulous. It is in an outdoor courtyard under several shade trees, and it was lovely to sit here, enjoying the tasting menu and some wine as the sun set. 

Then, it was time for bed.

Where to Stay in Gordes:

• Le Verger (This is the guesthouse that I stayed in which is about 10 minutes from Gordes. It was so cute, it had a pool, and the rooms had a terrace or balcony.)

• La Borie en Provence (This is another guesthouse close to Gordes with great views and a pool).

• Airelles Gordes, La Bastide (This 5-star hotel is located in Gordes and feels like you’re staying in a castle. Plus, it has a spa, couple of restaurants and a bar, and a pool).

Day 6: Gordes

Today is the perfect day to explore Gordes and the surrounding area.

But first, you’ll want a delicious breakfast at your accommodation. I really enjoyed the breakfast spread at Le Verger.

Then, I gathered my straw market bag, hopped in the car, and went to the town of Gordes for its Tuesday market.

Just make sure to get there for parking by 9 am, and the market goes from 8 am-1 pm. 

Thankfully, around 9 am, there were plenty of spots available at the parking lot at Place de la Charles de Gaulle. 

But enjoy the market here, including all the olives and olive products, cute jewelry, photography, textiles, fresh produce, and more!

Pro-tip: You will NEED cash and you will NEED to get it out before you even get to Gordes. Make sure you have plenty of cash on you the day before, because there are no working ATMs during the Gordes Market. So have it ahead of time, as most stands don’t take cards.

After getting your fill of the lovely market, you can wander around Gordes, take in the views of the valley below, and just enjoy all its nooks and crannies.

Then, you can drive to the Gordes Lookout Point, which is on a hill across from Gordes, to take in the views and get a few photos. 

After that, head to Senanque Abbey nearby. This is a famous abbey that was founded in 1148 AD by Cistercian monks. And it is still a working monastery. 

You can visit if you like and get a histopad (kind of like an iPad, but with loads of information and if you hover it over a code, it’ll show you what the place looked like back in the day!).

I visited this place on my first visit when it was the fall. In the summertime, this place is swarming with crowds as it is most famous for its iconic lavender fields.

So just know if you’re coming in the summer, especially around lavender season, you’ll need to be patient as parking can be a challenge, and there will be a lot of people.

However, there are only a few small fields they allow visitors to walk in. The famous one in front of the abbey is blocked off, so you can get beautiful photos without crowds.

Once you’ve explored Senanque Abbey, I highly recommend visiting the Village des Bories. 

This is an open-air museum full of little stone huts, called bories, where farmers would live and store farming equipment and house animals during the farming season. 

There is even an exhibit about borie-like structures used all over the world! This was a great way to learn more about the history of Gordes and the Luberon, as it was a big agricultural area. 

Pro-tip: Parking for the Bories is past the parking off the main road. Turn where the sign says to and follow it until you get to the actual parking.

After this, you have a couple of options.

If you didn’t get to explore the Luberon villages like Oppede-le-Vieux, Roussillon, Lourmarin, Bonnieux, etc, the day before, then you can check out some of these now. 

Or, you could just visit maybe one quickly as I did. As I’ve seen a lot of the Luberon on my last trip, this time around, I took in the views at Oppede-le-Vieux and then went back to my B&B.

Grab some wine, a baguette, some butter, and then have a late lunch picnic by the pool with things you also grabbed at the market. 

It was such a hot day that relaxing by the pool with snacks was such a great way to go. Plus, the pool at Le Verger was next to an olive orchard so it was super charming. 

Then, for dinner, head to Restaurant Le C for homemade and traditional cuisine. I loved the stuffed zucchini flowers, fresh seafood, and olive tapenade.

Day 7: Valensole on the Way to Grasse

Today you’re moving from Provence down to the French Riviera, or the Cote d’Azur. And I’ll be honest, this could be an early day.

At least if you’re here during lavender season. If you’re not here during lavender season, then you could just skip straight to the French Riviera. To drive from Gordes to Grasse, it is about 3 hours or so, depending on traffic. 

And if you choose to add on a stop to Gorges du Verdon on the way in the late morning/early afternoon, then the drive will be closer to 4.5 hours. 

BUT 

If you’re like me and here during the lavender season, and wanted to see some lavender, I got up at 3:45 am to leave at 4:15 am (be sure to settle the hotel bill the night before) so I could drive the 1.5 hours to the Valensole Plateau before sunrise.

If you’re crazy like me and want to see the lavender at sunrise, then great! You could also just do this in the late morning too and you’ll be fine. It’ll just be more crowded and you don’t get the lighting of sunrise. 

I am also aware that you likely won’t spend a huge chunk of the day taking photos and videos of the fields (it is my job after all). But they are pretty to drive around, take some photos, etc.

But I ended up watching the sunrise over the lavender fields in Valensole which honestly was EPIC and so worth the early morning. 

I went to several fields in the morning before grabbing a coffee in the town of Valensole and even trying their lavender ice cream here. 

I checked out more fields in the early afternoon and even spotted a couple of sunflower fields.

There is more information on the best lavender fields of Valensole + GPS coordinates here.

Then, I drove to Gorges du Verdon to see the famous view from the Pont de Galetas. This is about a 45-minute drive from Valensole. 

If you have the time/energy, you could rent a paddleboat and enjoy the gorge.

And then, you’ll wrap up the day driving to your accommodation in Grasse. This is almost a 2-hour drive from Pont de Galetas at Gorges de Verdon.

This is definitely your longest driving day, but, in my opinion, so worth it.

I arrived in Grasse in the early evening. 

Now, I ended up just picking up stuff to make dinner because I was staying in an Airbnb and didn’t want to do a sit down restaurant for a couple of hours after all that driving. 

So I ran to the grocery store and picked up supplies before arriving in Grasse to relax.

Where to Stay in Grasse:

• This Airbnb (This was a great spot in the Old City to base myself. I could walk to most places in the Old City, and it came with a parking spot in the nearby garage for when I did have to drive).

• Skylark Bed and Breakfast (Only a 15-minute walk from the Old City is this place. It has views over Grasse and the nearby towns).

• Les Palmiers (Another B&B within 5 minutes walking to many places in the city.)

Day 8: Grasse

You’re now in the French Riviera and shockingly not on the beach at all. I’ll be honest, the beach isn’t too far. In fact, Cannes is only less than a half-hour away. 

But Grasse is special because it is the “Perfume Capital of the World.” 

And being in a country that is well known for its perfume, if you too love fragrances, then a visit to Grasse is a must. 

You’ll start out your day by booking a Fragonard Factory Tour and Perfume Making Class. You may have to drive here, but there is free parking next to it. 

Be sure to go to the La Fabrique des Fleurs because there are a couple of Fragonard spots in Grasse.

This was so much fun though, because we got to see fragrances being made, learned all about perfume making, and even got to experiment with mixing a scent.

Then, I recommend wandering around Old Town Grasse for a bit. Visit the Notre Dame de Puy, a cathedral from the 13th century.

Stop in at Villa Musee Jean-Honore Fragonard. This is a small art museum with works from French painter Jean-Honore Fragonard, of whom the Fragonard brand was named after.

No, this painter wasn’t a perfumer, they just named the brand after this painter, who is from Grasse.

There are other paintings from people from Grasse as well like Marguerite Gerard and Jean-Baptiste Mallet. 

Then, you’ll definitely want to stop in at the Musee Internationale de la Parfumerie, which is such a fun and interactive museum about the history of perfume.

It has perfume artifacts dating back to antiquity, and you can also learn about the olfactory system (your sense of smell), smell components of perfume and various scents, discover flowers grown historically in Grasse, and more!

I particularly enjoyed the historical bottles of perfume throughout the years like Chanel No. 5, Black Opium by YSL, etc. 

After exploring museums, be sure to do the best thing in Grasse: perfume shop! I mean, if you’re in the Capital of Perfume, you may as well get something, right? 

There are shops everywhere in the Old City! I ended up falling in love with 2 scents at Molinard: Thé Basilic and Mediterranee. So, I ended up purchasing 2 bottles of perfume (they’re now my summertime fragrances) and mini roll-ons for travel. So much for restraint.

To wrap up your day in Grasse, have dinner at a place like La Tannerie, which has a lovely terrace, before calling it a night.

Day 9: Saint-Tropez

Okay, now we’re entering our bougie part of the itinerary: Saint-Tropez.

And today is actually more of a relaxing beach day than anything. 

So, you’re going to grab your bags and drive the 1.5 hours down to where you’re staying near Saint-Tropez. As I couldn’t find a good/affordable hotel when I tried to book in the town itself, I opted to stay in nearby Port Grimaud, which was fantastic!

You could also opt to stay in Sainte-Maixime as well. 

Either way, you’ll want to drop off your bags, change into your swimsuit and cover up, get your beach bag ready, and head to the famous Plage de Pampelonne.

And fun fact: did you know that Saint-Tropez really isn’t known for its beaches? It’s a harbor town with a few little beaches. The big famous beach with all the beach clubs is actually in nearby Ramatuelle. 

So that is where you’ll be going. Luckily, there is plenty of parking here, so you can just drive. However, if you’re planning to party hard at the more party-forward beach clubs, you will want to get a cab. Just a warning though, it’ll be close to €100 or so to get there and back if you book a taxi.

Now if you’re going to a beach club here, you’ll want to book in advance! And only a few are bookable online. You can ask your hotel to book on your behalf, or you can try calling. 

Always check to see if they have WhatsApp too and can book via text! They may not, but it’s worth a shot! 

I ended up at Tropicana La Plage, mostly because I didn’t book until later. But it was still great! It was relaxing, the food was good, and the service was nice. Plus, it was fairly affordable for Saint-Tropez. 

However, if I could do it again, I’d aim for Le Club 55 or Gigi Ramatuelle for more atmosphere. 

I have a whole guide on Saint-Tropez, including a breakdown of the best beach clubs so you can decide for yourself which to book.

But spend a relaxing/fun/party-filled day on Plage de Pampelonne (whichever adventure you’d like). As I was solo traveling, I just relaxed, read, swam, and even rented a paddleboard.

I’ll be honest that I think the beach here was a little overrated (there are better ones you’ll see on this trip), but it was fun. I think it would be fun to visit with friends or my husband, Chris. 

After that, you can head back to your accommodation to clean up and get ready for dinner/night out. Again, you can refer to my Saint-Tropez guide for restaurants and clubs to go to in the town. 

For me, as I was staying in Port Grimaud, I ended up just grabbing dinner at Don Peppe for some delicious pizza before calling it a day. 

Where to Stay Near Saint-Tropez:

• Hotel Suffren (This is where I stayed on the canals in Port Grimaud. It was convenient, close to the boat to go to Saint-Tropez, and a cute hotel).

• Best Western Premier Hotel Montfleuri (Located in Sainte-Maxime, it is a 10-minute walk to catch the boat to Saint-Tropez, and this place has a lot of amenities including a garden, pool, and bar).

• Hotel Lou Cagnard (Located in the town of Saint-Tropez, it is a mid-to-higher range spot with a garden and pool).

• Airelles Saint-Tropez, Chateau de la Messardiere (If you want luxury, this is it. This chateau has a wellness center complete with a spa, gym, yoga studio, and pool, and there is even a kids’ club, several pools, pool bars, multiple restaurants, and so much more. Plus, it even has its own beach club on Plage de Pampelonne: Jardin Tropezina). 

Day 10: Saint-Tropez & Port Grimaud

Depending on where you’re staying in the area, this can go a few ways. If you’re staying in the town of Saint-Tropez, you just will end up wandering around. 

But, if you’re staying in nearby Sainte-Maxime or Port Grimaud (where I stayed), you’ll want to take the boat ferry over. They’re called Les Bateaux Verts.

You can actually purchase tickets online here, and you can check out times to get there and back. And it’s quick, likely cheaper than parking in Saint-Tropez for the day, and you don’t have to worry about driving/parking. 

It is about 20-25 minutes each way from either Sainte-Maxime or Port Grimaud.

Just make sure you pick the right ports! Port Grimaud has 2 ports: Capitanerie and Eglise. If you’re staying along the canals as I was, you’ll want the Eglise stop. Saint-Tropez also has a new port and an old port. You’ll want the old port. 

I will say I purchased tickets at the booth next to the boat the day of (although I did purchase in the morning) , but if you want to be extra careful, you can book online. 

So you’ll hop on the Bateau Vert and take a scenic boat ride into Saint-Tropez.

Again, as you’re arriving in the Old Port, you’ll hop off and be ready to explore!

And to kick off exploring, you’ll need a little breakfast. I ended up at Senenquier Cafe. This place has been around since 1887 and is a delight along the port. With its red chairs and the who’s who of Saint-Tropez out and about here, it is a staple to have a meal.

I loved having breakfast here, where I got some toast, jam, a viennoiserie, and fruit with a coffee. Take it all in and enjoy it-the people watching is superb! 

Now there will likely be a line to get in, but it moves fairly quickly. It was worth it, though!

After breakfast, you’ll want to wander over to Place des Lices for their market. This place can get a little crowded, but there is so much to see and purchase here.

There are places to get fresh fruit and veggies, cheeses, roast chicken, textiles, etc. But the best part is the back part of the market selling vintage designer goodies.

It was incredible! We’re talking vintage Louis Vuitton trunk suitcases, Goyard bags, and even Hermes scarves.

I ended up making my first ever big designer purchase- a vintage Hermes scarf that I adore and wear as much as possible! 

After your wallet is a little lighter from the market (or maybe you’ve got better self control than me), you can wander around the town of Saint-Tropez.

There are so many cute boutiques, shops, and side streets to wander around. You can also check out the Plage de la Glaye, Quai de la Pesquiere (with many people swimming here in the summertime), and you can even continue onto the Sentier du Littoral Saint-Tropez, which is a coastal walk, for a little bit.

I didn’t walk all the way to the Sentier du Littoral, as I had on cute sandals, but I just enjoyed walking along the coast before turning back and admiring the designer shops.

As someone who can’t quite afford the fancy designer stuff (I mostly use my extra funds for travel and savings but you do you), it was still really cool to wander around window shopping!

And for a cup of coffee, you could even go to the Dior Cafe. 

But there were tons of designer shops everywhere, so if you’re coming to shop, this is the place. 

After exploring the town and maybe shopping, I recommend having lunch at La Petite Plage. Located right along the port and not far from Senenquier, this place has sandy covered floors and feels like you’re back at the beach club!

And the food is so good! I had some of the best mussels of my life and a spritz and sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere of this place.

To work off lunch, I recommend hiking to the top of the Citadell de Saint-Tropez. This place boasts epic views over the city and bay. It was originally a fortress built in the 17th century and now is a nautical museum that discusses the area’s fishing past, how yachting became so popular here, and about yacht racing.

Once you’ve had your fill of Saint-Tropez, it is time to take the boat back. Regardless of where you’re staying, I highly recommend spending the remainder of the day in Port Grimaud.

Known as the “Venice of the French Riviera,” the port area is full of canals and charming bridges. 

It is fun to just walk around and enjoy the views. I recommend having a swimsuit with you, as there is a good beach in the area at an upscale camping ground in Port Grimaud called the Plage de Port Grimaud.

I ended up taking a dip here, getting a little bit of sun at the end of the day, and even having an aperitif at the beach shack. 

It was a nice place to unwind and relax before cleaning up and going to dinner at La Table du Mareyeur in Port Grimaud. This place has fantastic seafood and is right on the canal. 

But you could also make your way back to Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Tropez and grab dinner there if you like and/or go out to the clubs. Be sure to check my Saint-Tropez guide for details on where to go.

Day 11: Antibes

Today, we’re driving to Antibes! This can take anywhere from 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. And getting out of the Port Grimaud/Saint-Tropez area can sometimes be a little hectic. 

But if you time this trip like I suggested at the start, you’ll be departing Port Grimaud on market day! So you can use this opportunity to grab breakfast at the market. There was a stand selling croissants and orange juice so I got some of that, perused some stands at the market along the canals, and then grabbed my luggage and went to the car park outside the canals.

I hopped in the car and made my way to Antibes! Now, you don’t have to be up super early this day or anything, so no rush to get here. 

I ended up driving to Antibes, was able to check in to my hotel early, and relaxed a bit before grabbing lunch.

And for lunch, I spotted a roasted chicken spot (a must on a Sunday in France) and grabbed some poulet ferme with fries and some extra drippings. It was SO good! The place was called Rotisserie d’Antibes and it was so close to where I was staying. 

I saw a line and was like, “This must be good,” and went for it. The locals were right, as always.

After lunch in my hotel room, I decided it was time to wander around Antibes. So I explored the Marche Provencal, which is a large covered market with loads of goodies. 

I visited the Picasso Museum– a must-visit while in Antibes. This place has so many works from Picasso and details about his life.

And, as it was close to the ramparts, I just wandered along that for a bit, taking in the coastal views, and even spotted many sculptures along the way like Defi and Le Nomade. There was even a beach called Plage de la Grevette which is mostly tucked in a small bay, making it like a swimming pool. 

I walked along Port Vauban, and then decided to wrap up my day.

This is a longer itinerary of the South of France, so it’s okay sometimes to have a quick dinner and rest up. I ended up at O’Taco (a French taco chain around the country), and I regret nothing. Other than the amount of salt I consumed and subsequent dire need for water afterward.

But if you want to enjoy more of Antibes’ food scene, I recommend checking out The Fork to see restaurants that locals enjoy. 

Where to Stay in Antibes:

• Hotel La Place (This is where I stayed and it was great! I walked everywhere I needed to in Antibes, and the room was nice! I will say that there is no elevator, making it a little challenging with large suitcases).

• Hotel Le Sud (Located in Juan-les-Pins nearby, this charming hotel has a bright and airy feel with its own pool).

• Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa (This more upscale hotel has chic rooms, its own spa, and its own pool. Plus, it is in the heart of Antibes).

Day 12: Antibes/Juan-les-Pins

Thankfully, after much exploring and going pretty go-go-go this trip, I had a relaxing evening the night before and today is all about relaxing at a beach club.

I love a beach club. Not the party kind, where people are swinging napkins and dancing on tables. I like the kind that are chill, where I can sit back and relax on a beach chair under an umbrella and have someone bring me frites and rose in between me swimming, napping, and reading. 

And that is what today is all about. 

So sleep in this morning, and then make your way via car to Juan-les-Pins.

Both Antibes and Juan-les-Pins sit at the top of the Cap d’Antibes Peninsula, with Antibes on one side and Juan-les-Pins on the other.

And while there are definitely beaches in Antibes, the best beach in the area has to be the beach at Juan-les-Pins. 

It can be quite challenging to find a nice, sandy beach in the South of France, and this place has it (although Saint-Tropez, Antibes, and Cannes have sandy beaches). I was actually more impressed with the beach here than Plage de Pampelonne in Saint-Tropez!

But, because I love a good beach club, I prebooked a day at YOLO Plage and it was so worth it.

Note: Parking can be tricky! I found spots at Courbet parking for the day. 

I lounged on their deck area in my sun chair, and rotated between reading and snorkeling (yes, I brought my own snorkel with me on this trip). 

There was some great snorkeling near the pier next to the beach club. 

The service here was great, and the food was delicious as well. I had a great day just relaxing and getting some sun and sand.

Typically on beach club days, I like having chill evenings with either take out or cooking. So that is what I did. However, if you’d like to have dinner out, you could check out Le Vauban or Restaurant Nananère in Antibes. 

Day 13: Eze & Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

Today you’re exploring a popular hilltop village and then ending in an iconic beach town. 

So pack up your car and head to the charming village of Eze. It is less than an hour drive from Antibes. Just be sure to park at the top of the hill next to the village entrance, not down the hill-then you’ll have to hike up! 

If you want to do that, fine, but it is hot in the summertime. Plus, you’ll be hiking uphill in the village anyway!

I arrived in Eze around mid-morning, and started wandering around. I’ll be honest that Eze didn’t do it for me.

It wasn’t the views, which were absolutely stunning over the sea. It was the crowds. There were just too many people all dressed up taking Instagram photos. Look there is no shame in that game, but sometimes when everyone is taking the same exact photo with the same exact pose, it kind of blurs together.

And if you’re going to take these photos, go early before the crowds come in or be polite and take turns getting photos.

Sorry for the rant- I do think social media kind of killed Eze. It’s a beautiful town, but the crowds can be relentless in the summer.

I did find little nooks and crannies to go and enjoy, but the hilltop village is now full of people and touristy shops. 

BUT

One thing I did really enjoy was prebooking lunch reservations at Le Cafe du Jardin at La Chevre d’Or. The best part? It’s so far tucked away from crowds and it is outside, on a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. Bliss.

If I could afford a night or two at this hotel that would be epic, because this place was stunning! Even just getting to the restaurant was fun, because you went through a passage and outdoor area to get there which had beautiful views along the way.

I had a delightful, yet a bit expensive, lunch with rosé, burrata, and a margherita pizza.

After that, I faced the crowds again to check out the Jardin Exotique. Now this is lovely too. Located at the top of the hill in Eze, you’ll be met with stunning statues of women, lovely cacti and exotic plants, and the most amazing views of the sea and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat below. 

But after that, it was time to leave the crowds behind as I got back to my car and drove to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, which is less than 20 minutes away.

I ended up picking up supplies for breakfasts and my last dinner at the grocery store before ending in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. This is because I opted to stay in an Airbnb to do some laundry and cook a little at the end of my trip. 

So I got into Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, found parking, and relaxed in my Airbnb before dinner at Diva Restaurant. 

This was along the port with lovely views! It was a great place to enjoy some octopus and sea bream as the sun went down. 

I also particularly enjoyed wandering around before dinner and seeing the golden hour views. 

That wraps up your second-to-last day in this South of France trip! 

Note: Parking in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat can be a literal pain! That being said, I did circles trying to find a place in the late afternoon until a paid meter place opened. Thankfully, the meters mostly use the Flowbird App so you don’t have to keep feeding the meter. 

I parked there and left my car until I left for good 2 days later. I just kept upping my parking on the app when it started running low.

Where to Stay in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

• This Airbnb (This is where I stayed, and it was perfect! I walked everywhere here, it was close to the heart of the town, and I even had a lovely sea view from my balcony. I’ll admit it is on the pricier end, but still cheaper than many hotels).

• Boutique Hotel & Spa La Villa Cap Ferrat (This boutique hotel has rooms with sea views, a pool, and even has some parking you can prebook ahead of time. Plus, it is also in town-great for exploring)!

• Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (Did you know that when they filmed the hotel that was in “Saint-Tropez” for Emily in Paris it was actually this hotel in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat? Yes, and it is grand. This 5-star resort is certainly pricey, but if you want to splurge, this is the place. With its restaurants, pool, spa, and incredible views, this is a phenomenal spot).

Day 14: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

It’s the last day of your trip to the South of France in 14 days. I’ll be honest, this felt like it flew by! 

And we’ve seen so much! We’ve frolicked in lavender fields, walked in an ancient city, shopped in charming markets, smelled amazing perfumes in the land where many are made, relaxed at beach clubs, and explored cool places on the French Riviera. 

It really has been an epic experience! But for your last day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, let’s make it count!

Today, you’ll have a full day in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Known as the “Peninsula of Billionaires” I found this place to be equal parts idyllic yet not as crazy in terms of crowds.

Yes, there are stunning homes. And yes, it is a little more expensive dining here (I mean this depends on what cuisine you’re getting), but it was so nice. 

After sleeping in, I ended up making breakfast at my Airbnb. I had a baguette with butter and jam with fresh berries. 

Sufficiently fueled up for exploring, I meandered up to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a must-visit in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

This chic and enormous villa is stunning with its pink exterior and elaborate gardens. 

This home was constructed thanks to Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild. Born into the rich Rothschild family, she then married Maurice Ephrussi. The marriage ended in divorce thanks to Maurice’s gambling debts. 

Shortly after that, Beatrice’s father passed, leaving her quite a fortune. So, she built her dream home in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where she would winter for several years. 

Then, before her death, she bequeathed the villa to the Academic des Beaux-Arts. And eventually it became open to the public to visit. 

This pink mansion is honestly the Barbie dream house we all wish we could have. It is stunning to wander through the elaborate rooms, learning about Beatrice’s life. 

But the real winner is the vast and elaborate gardens. Seriously, you may even need a map! There is the French Garden, Spanish Garden, Florentine Garden, Stone Garden, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Exotic Garden, and Provencal Garden.

Each is a delight to walk through! You’ll particularly love the French Garden complete with fountains, waterfalls, and ponds. Plus, there is a Temple of Love at the top- a great spot to take photos of the villa.

This place also has a tea room for a lovely lunch. 

After exploring the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, you can head back to your hotel/Airbnb to cool off (it can be so hot here) before changing to go to the beach.

Thankfully, being on a peninsula, there are no shortage of beaches.

You could also choose to hike on the coastal paths on the peninsula. 

However, on a hot day, if you want to cool off and enjoy the beaches and water, I recommend checking out the nearby beaches. These include Plage de la Fosse, Plage des Fossettes, and Plage Paloma. Each of them are stunning.

The most popular is Plage Paloma. But I ended up checking out Plage de la Fosse and Plage des Fossettes. 

And I was quite content with those that I never even made it to Plage Paloma. I particularly enjoyed Plage de la Fosse because it was cleaner with clearer water. Plus, it had reefs and fish to see while snorkeling! 

I ended up spending the rest of the day on the beach here, snorkeling and enjoying golden hour.

Then, I packed up and went back to my Airbnb to make myself dinner, finish laundry, and pack.

That wraps up your time in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and concludes your South of France itinerary in 14 days! 

On day 15, you’ll pack up the car, return it to the train station in Nice (about 30 minutes away) and be off to your next destination. For me, that was taking the train to Paris to meet my husband and enjoy the Olympics! 

Map of the Best South of France Trip Itinerary in 2 Weeks

How to Get Around the South of France

As you’re exploring a lot of smaller places within Provence and harder to reach spots via public transportation in the French Riviera, honestly, the best thing you can do is rent a car.

It may be pricey, depending on when you go and whether you can drive manual or not, (I can’t), because you’re renting it for 2 weeks. However, it was worth it, in my opinion, to be on my own time! 

Check out Auto Europe for great deals!

However, for Provence, you could base yourself in Avignon and take day trips to places like:

• Best of Luberon Guided Tour
• Lavender Villages Full-Day Tour
• Half-Day Tour of Lavender in the Luberon
• Pont du Gard, Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and Les Baux-de-Provence Half-Day Tour
• Best of Provence Tour

Also, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is connected via train, so you could take a train here. 

As for the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are tricky without a car, although, there is bus 15 that goes from Nice to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Even getting to Port Grimaud is tricky without a car. But yes, you could see Grasse and Antibes via train. 

Some day trips you could book from Nice if you don’t want to rent a car include:

• Gorges du Verdon and Lavender Tour
• Eze, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo Day Tour
• Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud Day Tour
• French Riviera in 1 Day
• Round-Trip Transportation to Saint-Tropez by Boat
• Medieval Villages Day Tour

Yes, you could do some day trips this way. It will add up, though. I will say that while I do enjoy a good day trip, I really enjoy staying overnight in places to really get to know it. Plus, you get to enjoy it without the day trippers.

It is up to you! I’ve been to Nice and used it as a base before, and I’ve also road tripped around. Both are great options, and I prefer driving versus taking the train for trips like this where it can be harder to get around without a car in certain places.

When to Visit the South of France

You could do this anytime of year, but I will say that in smaller towns, especially those in Provence, many places may close in the off season. 

So if you plan to go in the late fall through early spring, you’ll want to research what restaurants, museums, hotels, etc., are up and running for your stay. 

Either way, you’ll be met with fewer crowds! 

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend winter travel to Provence, especially as that is when the mistral blows. This is a strong and cold wind that mostly occurs in the winter and spring months.

I also love traveling in the shoulder season. In this case it would be May and late September/early October. This is actually a great time for fewer crowds, and the weather is usually warm enough for a swim at the beach. 

In fact, my first South of France road trip took place in late September/early October and it was perfect! 

But for purposes of this itinerary, especially to see the lavender fields, I’d aim for late June through mid-to-late July, where you’d catch the lavender fields in late June/early July or maybe mid-July if you’re like me.

Plus, the time when I went was full of fun festivals in Provence! 

Other Tips For South of France Travel

Before you embark on your epic 2 weeks in the South of France, here are some tips to know:

• Check market dates/times. Markets in most of these towns aren’t open every day. So be sure to time your trip correctly to ensure you are there on market days! I recommend starting this trip on a Thursday! But for market dates/times, check this helpful guide.
• Arrive early for parking! I’ve mentioned this before, but I’ll say it again. In towns like Gordes and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, which have popular markets, get there early! Not super early, but before 9 am is a great idea to get parking and enjoy the market before most of the crowds roll in around 10 am.
• Know the rules of the road. Every time I visit France, I refresh myself with the rules of the road here. Check here for basic rules and here for signs. Yes, it is similar to driving in the US, but it isn’t exact. Refreshing your memory of road rules and signs is important. Also, having an International Drivers Permit is helpful too, whether you need it or not. In the US, you can get this at AAA.
• Download offline maps. This is so important before you leave. Download offline Google maps to make sure you can still find where you’re going even if you lose service in the countryside and mountains.
• Sun protection is a must. Whether you’re at the beach or exploring ancient ruins, the sun in the South of France is strong. You’re going to want to apply sunscreen early and often. You can get great sunscreen at most French pharmacies. Be sure to take other safe sun measures too including hats, sunglasses, avoiding the sun during peak hours (10 am-4 pm), etc. 
• Knowing a bit of French helps. I speak French decently, but even if you don’t, knowing a few key words and phrases can help you out, especially in smaller towns. I have a guide to the most useful French phrases here.
• Always say “Bonjour/Bonsoir”. Even if you don’t speak French, this is a MUST. It is considered rude not to say it when entering a shop, restaurant, etc. So say “bonjour/bonsoir” when you arrive, and you’ll be met with much more friendliness. I typically switch to “bonsoir” around sunset.
• Enjoy local products. I love the South of France because the products are phenomenal. There are olives, tapenades, and olive wood products everywhere! There are lavender products, scented soaps, delicious foods, cute scarves, etc. Enjoy it and try local foods at markets!
• Have fun and enjoy the slower pace. Provence and the South of France move a little slower than in Paris. Enjoy the slower pace. And just have fun with this itinerary! Enjoy the beaches, lavender fields, cute cities and towns, and more!

There you have it! If you made it through this guide you are honestly incredible! I know this was a lot of information. I just wanted you to have all the facts before your own trip. And after spending time in the South of France and doing this exact itinerary, I can honestly say it was incredible. I loved each and every day. 

Now, I hope you can enjoy this for yourself! Let me know if you do this and what your thoughts were! 

Want more South of France travel tips? Check out these posts!

• How to Spend 1 Day in Cannes
• Best 3 Days in Cannes
• France Bucket List
• Best French Road Trips

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