7 Day South of France Itinerary for First-Timers (Exactly What to See & Do)

Imagine yourself with a chilled glass of rosé in hand, relaxing on a sun-washed terrace above the sparkling Mediterranean, as the scent of lavender floats through the air and you map out tomorrow’s wanderings through storybook hilltop villages. This isn’t just a dream—it’s exactly what awaits you with the perfect 7 Day South of France Itinerary.

I’ve spent countless hours exploring the sun-kissed region of Southern France, from the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera to the rustic charm of Provence’s countryside. And I can tell you firsthand: one week is the sweet spot for first-timers to experience the region’s highlights without feeling rushed. This 7 Day South of France Itinerary balances iconic destinations like Nice and Monaco with hidden gems that most tourists miss, giving you an authentic taste of la vie en rose.

Whether you’re dreaming of world-class museums, Michelin-starred dining, or simply wandering through markets bursting with fresh produce and flowers, this guide breaks down exactly where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of every precious moment.

Key Takeaways

Base yourself strategically: Split your week between Nice (3 nights) and a Provence town like Aix-en-Provence (3 nights) to minimize packing and unpacking while maximizing exploration time
Timing matters: Visit in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for ideal weather and fewer crowds, though winter offers unique experiences like the Route du Mimosa in February[2]
Transportation flexibility: Rent a car for Provence’s villages and countryside, but rely on trains and public transport along the coast where parking is challenging
Budget wisely: Expect to spend $200-300 per person daily for mid-range accommodations, meals, and activities—significantly less than the $5,000-12,700 package tours[1]
Mix experiences: Balance famous attractions with local markets, village wandering, and spontaneous café stops for the most authentic Southern French experience

Understanding Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary: What to Expect

Before diving into the day-by-day breakdown, let me set realistic expectations for your week in the South of France. Unlike longer multi-day tour options that typically span 10-13 days and combine Paris with the southern regions[1][3], this focused itinerary concentrates exclusively on the Mediterranean coast and Provence heartland.

Geography and Distances

The South of France encompasses a surprisingly large area. Your journey will primarily cover two distinct regions:

The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur): This glamorous coastline stretches from Cannes to Monaco, with Nice as your central hub. Cities here are well-connected by trains, making car-free travel feasible.

Provence: The inland region features hilltop villages, lavender fields, and historic towns spread across rolling countryside. Here, a rental car becomes essential for accessing the best destinations like Gordes, L’Isle-sur-Sorgue, and the Luberon villages[4][5].

Seasonal Considerations

Your experience will vary dramatically depending on when you visit:

Summer (June-August): Peak season brings perfect beach weather but also massive crowds and premium prices
Spring/Fall (April-May, September-October): Ideal conditions with comfortable temperatures, blooming flowers or harvest season, and manageable tourist numbers
Winter (November-March): While January brings cold, wet weather and short days in most of France[8], Southern France maintains milder conditions. February offers unique experiences like the Route du Mimosa (D559), where golden mimosa flowers bloom along the coast[2][3]

Similar to planning a comprehensive travel guide for European destinations, timing your South of France adventure correctly makes all the difference.

Budget Framework

Expense Category	Budget Range	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation (per night)	€60-100	€150-250	€300+
Meals (per day)	€30-50	€70-100	€150+
Transportation	€20-40	€50-80	€100+
Activities & Entry Fees	€15-30	€40-60	€80+
Daily Total (per person)	€125-220	€310-490	€630+

Days 1-2: Arriving in Nice and Exploring the French Riviera Capital

Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary begins in Nice, the vibrant capital of the French Riviera and the perfect introduction to Mediterranean life. With two full days here, you’ll have time to soak up the city’s unique blend of French sophistication and Italian influence.

Day 1: Old Town and Promenade des Anglais

Morning: Cours Saleya Market ☀️

Start your first morning at the legendary Cours Saleya flower and produce market (open Tuesday-Sunday). Arrive by 8 AM to see vendors arranging colorful bouquets, pyramids of fresh fruits, and Provençal specialties. Grab a café crème and a socca (chickpea flour pancake) from a nearby stand—this local specialty is a must-try.

Late Morning: Vieux Nice (Old Town)

Wander through the narrow, sun-dappled streets of Old Nice, where pastel-colored buildings lean together overhead. Don’t miss:

Place Rossetti: The charming square with Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate
Rue Pairolière: Perfect for artisan shops and galleries
Glacier Fenocchio: Sample from 96 ice cream flavors, including lavender and olive oil

Afternoon: Castle Hill (Colline du Château)

Climb the stairs (or take the free elevator) to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the Baie des Anges. The ruins, waterfalls, and gardens make this one of Nice’s most photogenic spots. Budget 1-2 hours for exploration and photos.

Evening: Promenade des Anglais

As the sun begins to set, stroll the iconic Promenade des Anglais, Nice’s 7-kilometer seafront walkway lined with palm trees and the famous blue chairs. Stop at a beachfront restaurant for your first proper French dinner—I recommend bouillabaisse (fish stew) or grilled sea bass with a glass of local white wine.

Day 2: Museums and Day Trip to Monaco

Morning: Marc Chagall Museum or Matisse Museum

Choose based on your artistic preferences:

Musée Marc Chagall: Smaller collection focused on the artist’s biblical works, with beautiful gardens
Musée Matisse: Comprehensive collection in a 17th-century villa in the Cimiez neighborhood

Both museums offer insight into artists who fell in love with the Riviera’s legendary light.

Afternoon: Monaco Excursion 🚂

Take the 20-minute train to Monaco (trains run every 30 minutes). This tiny principality packs incredible experiences into just 2 square kilometers:

Monte Carlo Casino: Even if you don’t gamble, the Belle Époque architecture is stunning (€10 entry to gaming rooms)
Prince’s Palace: Watch the changing of the guard at 11:55 AM
Monaco-Ville: The old town with charming streets and harbor views
Oceanographic Museum: Perched on a cliff with impressive marine exhibits

Return to Nice by early evening and enjoy dinner in the Port area, where locals gather at more affordable restaurants than those on the Promenade.

Practical Tips for Nice

Accommodation: Stay in or near Vieux Nice for walkability to major sights
Transportation: The city is walkable, but buy a day pass (€5) for the tram if staying farther out
Dining: Lunch menus (€15-25) offer better value than dinner at the same restaurants
Beach: Most beaches are pebbly, not sandy—bring water shoes for comfort

Days 3-4: Provence Villages and Aix-en-Provence in Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary

On Day 3, you’ll pick up your rental car and head inland to discover why Provence captures hearts worldwide. This portion of your 7 Day South of France Itinerary focuses on the region’s most enchanting villages and its elegant capital, Aix-en-Provence[4][6].

Day 3: Gordes, Roussillon, and L’Isle-sur-Sorgue

Morning: Drive to Gordes (2 hours from Nice)

Your first stop is Gordes, one of France’s most beautiful villages perched dramatically on a Luberon hillside. The honey-colored stone buildings seem to cascade down the cliff face, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.

Must-do in Gordes:

Wander the cobblestone streets to the Renaissance château
Visit the Village des Bories (ancient stone huts, €6 entry)
Stop at the viewpoint on the D15 road for the iconic Gordes photo
Have lunch at a terrace restaurant with valley views

Afternoon: Roussillon’s Ochre Cliffs

Just 20 minutes from Gordes, Roussillon offers something completely different: vibrant red and orange cliffs created by ochre deposits. Walk the Sentier des Ocres trail (€3, 30-40 minutes) through otherworldly landscapes that look like they belong in the American Southwest.

The village itself features buildings painted in ochre shades, art galleries, and charming cafés perfect for an afternoon coffee break.

Late Afternoon: L’Isle-sur-Sorgue

End your day in L’Isle-sur-Sorgue, the “Venice of Provence,” where canals lined with moss-covered waterwheels flow through the town center. This is antique heaven—over 300 dealers operate here, making it perfect for browsing even if you’re not buying.

Evening: Arrive in Aix-en-Provence

Drive 45 minutes to Aix-en-Provence, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner on Cours Mirabeau, the tree-lined boulevard that forms the heart of this university town.

Day 4: Aix-en-Provence and Lavender Fields

Morning: Exploring Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence combines intellectual energy (thanks to its university) with refined elegance. The city is particularly recommended for first-time visitors to Southern France[4][5].

Top experiences in Aix:

Morning market: Place Richelme hosts a daily produce market bursting with Provençal specialties
Cours Mirabeau: Stroll beneath the plane trees past elegant mansions and fountain cafés
Atelier Cézanne: Visit the studio where Paul Cézanne painted (€6.50, book ahead)
Quartier Mazarin: The historic district with beautiful 17th-century architecture
Fountains: Aix has over 100 fountains—spot as many as you can while wandering

Lunch: Try a traditional Provençal meal at a bistro in the Mazarin quarter. Order ratatouille, daube (beef stew), or tapenade with fresh bread.

Afternoon: Lavender Fields or Wine Tasting

Depending on the season, choose your afternoon adventure:

June-July: Valensole Plateau Lavender 💜

If you’re visiting during lavender season, make the 1.5-hour drive to the Valensole Plateau, where endless purple fields stretch to the horizon. The peak bloom typically occurs mid-June through mid-July. Arrive in late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Other Seasons: Wine Tasting

Visit one of the nearby wine appellations like Côtes de Provence or Palette. Many wineries offer tastings by appointment—your hotel can recommend options and help with reservations.

Evening: Return to Aix for dinner and evening strolls. The city comes alive after dark, with students filling café terraces and street musicians performing in the squares.

Provence Driving Tips

GPS is essential: Village roads can be confusing and poorly marked
Parking: Look for “P” signs indicating public lots; street parking is scarce
Narrow roads: Many village streets are extremely narrow—drive slowly and confidently
Fuel: Gas stations are less common in rural areas; fill up in larger towns
Market days: Each village has a specific market day—plan around these for the best experience

Days 5-6: French Riviera Glamour and Medieval Villages

With Provence’s rustic charm behind you, the final full days of your 7 Day South of France Itinerary return you to the glittering French Riviera. These two days balance world-famous glamour with artistic heritage and medieval beauty.

Day 5: Cannes and Antibes

Morning: Return to the Coast and Cannes

Drive from Aix-en-Provence to Cannes (about 1.5 hours). Drop your rental car—you won’t need it for the coastal portion of your trip, and parking is expensive and difficult.

Exploring Cannes:

While Cannes is famous for its film festival, the city offers year-round appeal:

La Croisette: Walk the palm-lined promenade past luxury hotels and designer boutiques
Le Suquet: The old quarter on the hill with narrow streets, restaurants, and panoramic views
Marché Forville: The covered market (mornings except Mondays) showcasing regional products
Beaches: Public beaches exist between the private beach clubs if you want to swim

Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at the old port, where restaurants offer better value than those on La Croisette.

Afternoon: Antibes and Picasso 🎨

Take the 20-minute train to Antibes, a charming coastal town with a completely different vibe from glitzy Cannes.

Antibes highlights:

Musée Picasso: Housed in the Château Grimaldi where Picasso worked in 1946, this museum displays works he created here (€8)
Old Town: Wander the Provençal market (mornings) and medieval streets
Fort Carré: The 16th-century star-shaped fort offers harbor views
Cap d’Antibes: Walk part of the coastal path for stunning Mediterranean vistas

Evening: Return to Nice (your base for the final two nights) and enjoy dinner in the Port area or Vieux Nice.

Day 6: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Your final full day explores three exceptional villages that showcase different aspects of the Riviera’s appeal. These destinations are specifically recommended for first-timers[4][5].

Morning: Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Take a bus or taxi (30 minutes from Nice) to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of France’s oldest medieval villages and a magnet for artists since the 1920s.

What makes it special:

Perfectly preserved 16th-century ramparts you can walk
Over 80 art galleries and studios
The legendary La Colombe d’Or hotel/restaurant where artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall paid for meals with paintings
Pétanque players in the square outside the village entrance
Fondation Maeght: World-class modern art museum in a stunning building (€16)

Budget 2-3 hours to wander, gallery-hop, and soak up the artistic atmosphere. Have lunch at one of the terrace restaurants with valley views.

Afternoon: Èze Village

Take a bus or taxi to Èze, a spectacular medieval village perched 1,400 feet above the Mediterranean. The village clings to a rocky peak like an eagle’s nest.

Don’t miss:

The steep, winding streets lined with artisan shops and galleries
Jardin Exotique: Exotic garden at the summit with 360-degree views (€6)
Fragonard perfume factory for a free tour and shopping
The Nietzsche Path if you want to hike down to the beach (steep!)

Late Afternoon: Villefranche-sur-Mer

End your day in Villefranche-sur-Mer, a colorful fishing village with a deep natural harbor. Unlike the glitzy resort towns, Villefranche retains authentic charm.

Highlights:

The waterfront promenade with pastel-colored buildings
Rue Obscure: A covered medieval street running through the old town
Citadelle Saint-Elme: Free entry to the 16th-century fortress
Beach: One of the Riviera’s best sandy beaches for a late afternoon swim

Evening: Take the train back to Nice (10 minutes) for your final dinner. Splurge on a special meal at a rooftop restaurant or beachfront establishment—you’ve earned it!

Transportation Between Villages

Route	Best Option	Duration	Cost
Nice → Saint-Paul-de-Vence	Bus #400	45 min	€1.50
Saint-Paul → Èze	Taxi or tour	30 min	€40-50
Èze → Villefranche	Bus #82 or #112	20 min	€1.50
Villefranche → Nice	Train	10 min	€2

Day 7: Departure Day and Final Tips for Your South of France Adventure

Your final morning in the South of France should be relaxed and reflective. Depending on your departure time, you have a few options to round out your week.

Morning Options

Early Departure (before noon):

Enjoy a final breakfast at a Nice café
Take a quick walk along the Promenade des Anglais
Pick up last-minute souvenirs at Vieux Nice shops (lavender products, olive oil, local wines)

Afternoon/Evening Departure:

Visit one museum you missed earlier
Take a final beach swim if weather permits
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Cours Saleya area
Explore the Liberation Market (open mornings except Mondays) for local products

Getting to the Airport

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is well-connected to the city:

Tram: Line 2 connects the airport to the city center (€1.50, 30 minutes)
Bus: Lines 98 and 99 serve the airport (€6, 20-30 minutes)
Taxi: Fixed rates to different Nice zones (€32-35 to city center)
Uber: Similar pricing to taxis, sometimes slightly cheaper

Pro tip: Arrive 2.5-3 hours before international flights, especially in summer when security lines can be long.

Essential Packing List for Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary

Make sure you have these items:

✅ Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll walk 15,000+ steps daily on cobblestones
✅ Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ (Mediterranean sun is intense)
✅ Light layers: Even summer evenings can be cool
✅ Reusable water bottle: Fountains throughout cities offer free drinking water
✅ Power adapter: France uses Type C/E plugs (220V)
✅ Cash: Small villages and markets prefer cash; ATMs are readily available
✅ Phrasebook or translation app: Basic French goes a long way

Money-Saving Tips

After experiencing the region firsthand, here’s how to stretch your budget:

Lunch over dinner: The same restaurant’s lunch menu costs 30-50% less than dinner
Picnic strategically: Buy market items for lunch; save restaurants for dinner
Museum passes: Nice offers a 24/48/72-hour museum pass if you’re visiting multiple sites
Free activities: Beach time, village wandering, and hiking cost nothing
Shoulder season: Visit in April-May or September-October for lower prices and better weather than peak summer

Cultural Etiquette Reminders

Greetings: Always say “Bonjour” when entering shops and “Au revoir” when leaving
Dining: Don’t rush meals—French dining is meant to be leisurely
Tipping: Service is included; round up or add 5-10% for excellent service
Dress code: The French dress more formally than Americans; avoid athletic wear in cities
Language: Attempt French first; most people appreciate the effort and will switch to English

What to Skip (Honest Advice)

Not everything deserves a spot in your 7 Day South of France Itinerary:

❌ Marseille: While culturally rich, it requires a full day and doesn’t fit well into a week-long itinerary focused on classic Provence and Riviera highlights
❌ Too many villages: Visiting more than 4-5 villages leads to “medieval village fatigue”
❌ Grasse perfume factories: Unless you’re passionate about perfume, the Èze factory suffices
❌ Beach clubs in peak season: Overpriced and overcrowded; public beaches offer similar experiences

Making Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary Work for You

This itinerary provides a framework, but the beauty of independent travel is customization. Here’s how to adapt it to your interests and travel style.

For Food & Wine Lovers 🍷

Add a cooking class in Aix-en-Provence or Nice (half-day)
Replace one village day with winery tours in Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Bandol
Book at least one Michelin-starred restaurant (reserve weeks ahead)
Take a market tour with a local guide in Nice or Aix

For Art Enthusiasts 🎨

Spend more time at the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Add the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer
Visit more galleries in Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Mougins
Include the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

For Beach Lovers 🏖️

Base yourself entirely on the coast (skip Provence or reduce to one day)
Add water sports: paddleboarding, kayaking, or boat tours
Visit the Îles de Lérins (islands off Cannes) for pristine beaches
Explore more coastal towns like Menton or Beaulieu-sur-Mer

For Active Travelers 🥾

Hike the coastal paths (sentier du littoral) between villages
Bike through the Luberon villages
Kayak in the Verdon Gorge (requires a full day from Aix)
Walk the Nietzsche Path from Èze to the sea

For Families with Children

Add more beach time and reduce village visits
Visit the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco (kids love it)
Include the Marineland aquarium near Antibes
Choose accommodations with pools
Plan shorter walking days with playground breaks

Alternative Starting Points

While this itinerary begins in Nice, you could also:

Start in Marseille: Reverse the itinerary, beginning with Provence and ending on the Riviera
Fly into Lyon: Add 2-3 days and include Northern Provence (Avignon, Pont du Gard)
Train from Paris: Take the TGV to Aix-en-Provence or Nice (3-5 hours)

Just as you’d plan carefully for other European adventures, flexibility in your South of France plans allows for spontaneous discoveries.

Accommodation Recommendations for Your 7 Day South of France Itinerary

Where you stay significantly impacts your experience. Here are my recommendations for each base.

Nice (Nights 1, 2, 6)

Budget (€60-100/night):

Vieux Nice hostels and budget hotels: Central location, basic amenities
Airbnb apartments: Often better value than hotels for 2+ people

Mid-Range (€120-200/night):

Hotel Vendôme: Boutique hotel near the train station and old town
Hotels in the Musicians Quarter: Quieter than Vieux Nice, still walkable

Luxury (€250+/night):

Hotel Negresco: Iconic Belle Époque palace on the Promenade
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée: Beachfront Art Deco landmark

Aix-en-Provence (Nights 3, 4)

Budget (€70-110/night):

Hotels near the bus station: 10-minute walk to Cours Mirabeau
Chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs): Personal touch, often include breakfast

Mid-Range (€130-220/night):

Hotels in Mazarin Quarter: Historic district, walking distance to everything
Boutique hotels on Cours Mirabeau: Prime location, can be noisy

Luxury (€280+/night):

Villa Gallici: Relais & Châteaux property with Provençal elegance
Le Pigonnet: Historic hotel with gardens, Cézanne connection

Alternative: Stay in a Village

For a more immersive experience, consider basing yourself in a Provençal village like Lourmarin or Bonnieux instead of Aix. You’ll need a car, but you’ll wake up to village life and have easier access to other villages.

Village accommodation tips:

Book well ahead (limited options)
Expect higher prices for the charm factor
Verify parking availability
Check restaurant options (some villages have limited dining)

Conclusion: Your South of France Adventure Awaits

This 7 Day South of France Itinerary balances the region’s greatest hits—the glamorous French Riviera, charming Provençal villages, and elegant Aix-en-Provence—with enough flexibility to make the trip your own. You’ll experience the diversity that makes Southern France so captivating: from Monaco’s casinos to Gordes’ cobblestones, from Nice’s bustling markets to Roussillon’s otherworldly ochre cliffs.

The beauty of this itinerary is that it provides structure without rigidity. Feel free to linger longer in places that capture your heart, skip attractions that don’t interest you, and add spontaneous discoveries that make travel magical. After all, the French art of flânerie—aimless wandering—is part of what makes this region so special.

Your Next Steps

3-6 Months Before:

Book flights to Nice (compare prices to Marseille as an alternative)
Reserve accommodations in Nice and Aix-en-Provence
Research and book any Michelin-starred restaurants you want to try
Consider travel insurance, especially if booking non-refundable rates

1-2 Months Before:

Book your rental car for the Provence portion (Days 3-5)
Make museum reservations where required (Atelier Cézanne, etc.)
Research current market days for villages you’ll visit
Download offline maps and translation apps
Notify your bank and credit cards of travel dates

1 Week Before:

Check weather forecasts and adjust packing
Confirm all reservations
Download train apps (SNCF, Trainline)
Print or save digital copies of important documents
Learn basic French phrases

The Day Before Departure:

Pack light (you’ll be moving between hotels)
Charge all devices
Set an out-of-office message
Get excited for the adventure of a lifetime!

The South of France has a way of exceeding expectations. The light really is more golden, the food truly is more flavorful, and the pace of life genuinely is more relaxed. This 7 Day South of France Itinerary gives you the framework to experience it all—now it’s up to you to bring it to life.

Bon voyage! 🇫🇷✨