10 DAYS IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Port of Nice
From the lavender fields of Provence to the glitz of the Riviera, Le Sud is a magical combination of French sophistication and coastal beauty. Planning a trip to France? Get inspired with this itinerary, then get in touch to customize it for your solo, family, or group trip and turn your dream vacation into a reality!
Day 1: Arrive in Nice and transfer to Gordes
Picture this: You arrive at Nice Airport and are greeted by your friendly local guide who will whisk you off to the enchanting village of Gordes.
Upon arrival at your posh hotel, kick back and relax for a while before embarking on a stroll through the Village of Gordes with your trusty guide. One of the most well-known hilltop villages in the region and a real stunner in France, Gordes wows with its white stone structures and labyrinthine cobblestone streets that are bound to steal your heart.
Day 2: Tour the Village of Lourmarin and Sénanque Abbey
Get ready to kick off your day with a magical journey to Lourmarin, a stunning village in Provence! Wander around the village and dive into the bustling Friday morning market that steals the spotlight in the heart of the city.
After lunch, you’ll visit Sénanque Abbey, tucked away amidst the fragrant lavender fields of Provence, which will be bursting into full bloom by late June. The Abbey, with its ancient stone walls and peaceful setting, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
Day 3: Private Winery tour & Tasting
Start your day by exploring the enchanting world of the Château La Coste Estate, famous for its art and sculpture collection! Take a stroll through the vineyard and admire some of the artwork installed throughout.
In the afternoon, you’ll dive into the world of Provençal wines. Get ready to swirl, sip, and savor the wines at Domaine Château La Coste!
Day 4: Travel to Marseille
This morning you’ll travel to Marseille with your guide, and after checking in to your hotel enjoy a little downtime before the next adventure begins.
In the afternoon you’ll explore Marseille's most interesting spots! Start by diving into the Vieux Port, the charming core of the city, and soak up the lively vibes of the busy fish market. Take a post-lunch stroll to the famous Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, aka Marseille's "Good Mother." Get ready to feast your eyes on stunning interiors and breathtaking views of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea!
Day 5: Full-day boat trip to Les Calanques
Today, get ready to embark on a mind-blowing adventure from Marseille to the breathtaking Calanques! Hop aboard a private boat and set sail to uncover these secret gems nestled along the Mediterranean shoreline. Prepare to be awestruck by the majestic limestone cliffs, sparkling waters, and mysterious nooks that transform the Calanques into a slice of heaven.
After a morning of sailing and splashing around, treat yourself to a fancy lunch on your own boat or at a stunning beach in the Calanques. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and soak up the natural beauty of this paradise.
Day 6: Marseille & Saint-Tropez
Following a lazy morning, get ready to whip up a tasty Provençal masterpiece with a friendly chef and savor it for lunch.
Then, get ready for an enchanting afternoon exploring the chic village of Saint-Tropez, famous for its glitz, stunning scenery, and lively vibes. Begin your adventure with a leisurely walk along the charming streets filled with colorful buildings, trendy shops, and art havens. Dive into the glamour at the iconic Vieux Port, gazing at lavish yachts and basking in the seaside allure.
Day 7: Travel Through the Provençal Countryside & Gourmet Picnic
This morning, buckle up for a car ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Saint-Tropez. Get ready for a journey filled with coastal beauty and quaint Provençal villages, giving you a whole new angle on this fabulous region!
In the afternoon you’ll have time to soak up the sun at a private beach in Saint-Tropez. Loungers, cocktails, and snacks - the dream team for a memorable afternoon.
Day 8: Saint-Tropez & Nice
Enjoy a little downtime this morning, taking a leisurely walk in Saint-Tropez, or soaking up the sun at the beach – it's your morning to own!
This afternoon, follow your trusty tour guide on a jaunt through Nice, exploring the charm of the Old Town, the lively Massena Square, and the famous Promenade des Anglais. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of Vieux Nice, where colorful buildings and charming shops await.
Along the way explore the vibrant Cours Saleya market, bursting with fresh goodies and colorful blooms. Wrap up your adventure at Square Masséna and the picturesque Promenade des Anglais.
Day 9: Day Trip to Antibes
Prepare for a whole day exploring Antibes! This charming town with its picturesque port, ancient walls, and quaint flower-filled lanes has lured in artistic souls like Graham Greene, Max Ernst, and Picasso. The town even inspired Picasso to create some of his famous artworks, now showcased in a museum bearing his name.
Day 10: Day Trip to Monaco
Get ready for an early morning kick-off as you wave goodbye to Nice for a thrilling day trip to Monaco, a posh and pint-sized kingdom on the French Riviera. Dive into the lavish world of Casino Square, the epicenter of glitz and glam!
Gaze in awe at the grand Casino de Monte-Carlo, wander through the stunning Jardin des Boulingrins, and soak in the history at Monaco Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum. Wrap up your adventure with a leisurely stroll along the iconic Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit!
Day 11: Departure Day
On your final morning in the Riviera, choose your own adventure! You can roam the enchanting streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a star of the show "Emily in Paris". Wander through its quaint alleys, soak in the lively harbor, and bask in the sun-kissed beaches for a slice of Mediterranean paradise.
Or, kick back in Nice for a chill morning. Treat yourself to a little shopping at trendy shops or soak up the sunshine on the Promenade des Anglais beaches.
Plan your trip to France with me and you’ll embark on your adventure with a savvy local guide who's basically a walking, talking guidebook with all the best insider tips and personal hookups! Get ready for VIP treatment with exclusive adventures, luxurious hotels, hidden gem villas, and even the option of airport fast-tracking services!
Excited to jet off to France? What are you waiting for? Reach out and let's kickstart the adventure!
P.S. Extend your French vacay with a quick detour to Paris! Check-out my Long-Weekend in Paris itinerary.
