10-Day French Riviera & Provence Itinerary (+Local Tips)

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First time in the south of France, and looking for a cute Provence itinerary with a little sprinkle of French Riviera.

I spent August and September exploring Provence, from Lyon to Nice to Marseille and everything in between guided by the local recommendations of my host, friends in the area, and a French lover – because there’s nothing like dating a French man to put a pep in your step – and I have some gems to share! 😘

Here’s the best itinerary that gets you both the iconic Instagram-worthy spots and the local gems most blogs don’t write about:

  • 4 Days: French Riviera: Nice – Eze – Villefranche-sur-Mer – Saint-Paul-de-Vence – La Madrague Coast (local gem!)
  • 6 Days: Provence: Arles – Gordes – Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue – Loirmarin – Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Gorge du Verdon – Lavander Fields – Avignon – Cooking Class – Wineries – Aix-en-Provence
Me following my own Provence itinerary and catching sunsets like these.

Because of the local guidance I had, I discovered things I otherwise would never have on my own – exploring areas like the Madrague peninsula where a more authentic French Riviera vibe still exists, or the wild Camargue region where horses run wild and flamingos roam the lowlands.

I learned to pay attention to the local festival schedules and market days for different villages because that’s where the French locals gather, I was educated on how to dissect and properly eat a croissant, and so many more little tidbits.

So in this 10-day French Riviera and (mostly) Provence itinerary, I’ve included all my local finds, favorite restaurants, a few hikes and beaches that tourists don’t know about, and things I learned about the southern French culture that just made me fall in love with it even more. I swear, I must have said “I could live here” a thousand times…


Southern France Itinerary Priorities

So with all that learning, here is how I went about thinking through this Provence itinerary:

✔️ A More Authentic Provençal Vibe.

For my due diligence prior to coming to France, I watched a ton of French-inspired movies and read A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. I wanted to follow in his footsteps by digging into the Provençal culture more than check-boxing the iconic overtouristed sites.

✔️ A Home Base to Explore.

Provence is actually a pretty large region, and it’s best to have a central home base. Arles and Aix-en-Provence (the former capital of the region) are the most centrally located and have a cute local vibe and nightlife that I adore.

✔️ More Time Sightseeing, Less Time Driving.

While I do think renting a car is key for exploring southern France, there’s no need to be driving for hours every day to get somewhere. This itinerary is set up logically so you’re not on the road all the time.

DRIVING IN FRANCE: Driving in France is pretty straightforward and enjoyable! I recommend you rent a small car because the roads are narrow in Provence.

✔️ Culture, Nature, and Adventure

Cooking classes, winery visits, local markets, a coastal hike, and a little kayaking trip through the Gorge du Verdon are all part of the adventure. I’ve also sprinkled little things I learned along the way about the French in my itinerary – ya’ll, they are wild!

Saucisson is the national food of France - this and a baguette!

All in all, the vibe of this itinerary is super laid back, slow, food and wine-heavy, and full of iconic little French villages, local tips, lesser-known beaches and hikes, and my favorite spots from a month of adventuring in the region.


10-Day French Riviera & Provence Itinerary

The first couple of days of this itinerary focus on the French Riviera because I’m a maximizer and like starting a trip out on the beach. Then I shift into a full week of cute little villages, lavender fields, wineries, and all things Provence.

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days in Provence, skip the initial part of my itinerary which starts with 3 days on the French Riviera. Fly into the Marseille Airport instead, and drive to your home base in Arles or Aix-en-Provence.

Although 10 days is just enough to get a taste of the Riviera and Provence, it’s a perfect start for a road trip. Let’s dive into the details!

Day 1: Fly Into Nice

🏠 Stay in Nice for 3 nights.

Nice, Marseille, and Avignon are the big cities that sort of hug the Provence and French Riviera area. Landing in any of these will be fine, as they are only a 2-3 hour driving distance apart. I started in Nice because its pretty, and on the beach, which makes for a great start to a vacation.

Nice is a fantastic place to land and start on your French Riviera and Provence Itinerary.
The streets of Old Town Nice.

For a day in Nice, start with a walk along the Promenade des Anglais, aptly named because it was built by the Brits in the 1800s. Then, get lost in the colorful streets of Vieux Nice (old town) and check out the Cours Saleya flower market (best earlier in the day).

For lunch, you’ve got to try Le Cafe de Turin. I had whatever the chef was cooking that day, which included a bunch of cold fish in some sort of butter sauce – delicious! In the afternoon, hit up the Musée Matisse. Matisse actually lived in Nice for a big chunk of his life, and his vibrant art totally reflects the city’s vibe.

FUN FACT: Niçoise salads come from Nice, and are a a perfect reflection of the Mediterranean diet – fresh fish, local ingredients like tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies, and olive oil. While variations have popped up all over the US with random things added, the French stick to the original recipe, showcasing the freshest produce available that day.

Cap off your day at Colline du Château Park for some epic city views. There’s an elevator you can take up or take the stairs up where you can travel by a cute trolley train. Up in the park, there are lots of open spaces, sitting areas, and outdoor cafes that serve beer, wine, sandwiches, burgers, and ice cream. The toilets are 1€, and you can pay with your credit card.

This is Nice from a hilltop.

And for dinner, I really liked Le Plongeoir. It looks like one of those places that’s just for show on Instagram, but trust me, the food is fantastic.

Nice is this perfect mix of history, culture, and great food. The city’s got a rich past, starting as a Greek settlement, and now it’s this bustling, artsy spot. This is why I recommend it for the start of the trip.

Where to Stay in Nice (3 Nights)

📍Luxury: Arome Hotel The decor is absolutely stunning, and the hotel is in the heart of the city, close to the beach, the old town, and tons of little cafes.
📍Mid-Range: Residence Lamartine – Beautiful rooms, with a personalized welcome and complimentary treats – I love their attention to detail! This will feel like a high-end experience at a moderate price.

Day 2: A Day Along the French Riviera

Today is a full day of perfectly classic Riviera vibes! Less than half an hour away from Nice are the villages of Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. You are going to see these all up and down French postcards because they are so darn pretty and “French”. I know we’re in France, but I mean… they are extra French.

This is Villefranche-sur-Mer, one of the prettier towns on the French Riviera itinerary.

I recommend starting the morning with a drive to Eze on the M6007 regional road. This should take about 25 minutes.

Eze is this stunning medieval village perched way up on a hill with super pretty views of the sea. The place is like stepping back in time, with cobblestone streets and an old castle. Grab lunch here; the restaurants have these cute terraces overlooking the Mediterranean.

FUN FACT: Here’s a cool bit about Eze – it’s not just pretty views; it’s also famous for its perfume factories. You can actually tour the Fragonard Perfumery and see how they make all these amazing scents!

In the afternoon, head down to Villefranche-sur-Mer, only a 15-minute drive from Eze back towards Nice. Villefranche-sur-Mer is this colorful, laid-back seaside town. It’s got a bit of everything – history with its old fort, beautiful waterfront walks, and it’s a bit artsy too.

For dinner, pick a spot by the sea in Villefranche. The seafood is top-notch. After dinner, stroll down the seaside with a gelato before heading back to Nice.

Day 3: Medieval Villages & Perfume
(Saint-Paul-de-Vence)

For the last day of Riviera vibes, I recommend heading inland to the towns of Saint-Paul de Vence and Vence, with a little early morning perfume detour – because I love me some “make your own perfume”!

Me at a little cafe in Saint Paul De Vance, a beautiful village in eastern Provence.

PERFUME DETOUR: About a 40-minute drive from Nice is the Grasse Fragonard Perfumery. Entry tickets are free, but call ahead and see if they have spots for you to make your own perfume! It’s like a 1-hour chemistry class, super cool! I walked out of there with my very own perfume and certificate.

Head back east to Saint-Paul de Vence for lunch – it’s going to be about a 30-minute drive. It’s this gorgeous medieval village that’s like a magnet for artists. The streets are lined with art galleries and studios, little boutiques, and shops, perfumeries, and artisan shops.

Grab lunch at one of the local cafes. The food is as amazing as the views. You’ll find some great spots with outdoor seating that are perfect for people-watching. Before you leave, make sure to walk along the town walls for some pretty views of the countryside – and take pictures!

FUN FACT: Did you know Saint-Paul de Vence became a hangout for famous artists like Chagall and Matisse? It’s like walking through a living art museum.

For the afternoon, head over to Vence, a town more low-key than Saint-Paul but equally charming.

Check out the old town and the Matisse Chapel, where Matisse designed everything, from the stained glass to the priest’s robes (control freak much?).

For dinner, Vence has some great bistros. The town’s a bit more laid back, so it’s a nice change of pace from the usual tourist spots. After dinner, head back to Nice. It’s a short drive, so you’ll be back in no time.

This trip is perfect if you’re into art and history, or if you just want to explore some really pretty French villages. Both Saint-Paul de Vence and Vence have this unique, artsy feel that’s totally different from anywhere else.

Day 4: La Madrague Coastal Hike (Local Gem)

🏠 Stay in Arles for the rest of the trip (7 nights).

Today we’re heading west into the city of Arles, where I recommend a home base for visiting all of Provence. From Nice directly to Arles is a 3-hour drive on the A8 toll road. But why drive directly when you could make this a day of adventure?

Today is about beaches and a local hike recommended by my host, Dorothea, in La Madrague.

It took us about 3 hours to do the whole hike.
Took us about 3 hours to do the route.
Views from the Madrague Peninsula walk.
The views around La Madrague Peninsula hike.

From Nice to La Madrague is about a 1.5-hour drive. And then from La Madrague to Arles is another 1.5-hour drive. I love spending the day on the peninsula before making my way to the heart of Provence.

La Madrague has an interesting cultural background. It’s not as commercialized as other parts of the Riviera, so it has retained a lot of its authentic charm. The area is known for its traditional fishing practices, and you can sometimes see local fishermen using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

La Madrague peninsula coastal walk.

HIKING DIRECTIONS: Park here and start the route by heading up towards Plage des Darboussieres. The whole route takes about 3 hours if you don’t stop and soak the sun on Plage de la Madrague towards the end. The trail will pop you out along the street – have a celebratory beer and aperitif at Le Grotte and then back to your car and on to Arles for check-in and dinner.

I loved the trail around the peninsula along the seaside because it has some of the most amazing views. And the beaches along the route are literally jaw-dropping. They’re less crowded than the more famous spots on the Riviera, so you can really relax and enjoy the sun and chill vibe.

La Madrague is like a little slice of paradise, a glimpse into the traditional Riviera lifestyle.

Where to Stay in Arles (7 nights)

📍Luxury: L’Hotel Particulier A beautiful property with a pool right in the middle of Arles.
📍Mid-Range: Appartements “La Chambre D’Ami” Fantastic location, a great little apartment with the perk of having a little kitchen to make small snacks.

Day 5: Arles & Camargue

Arles is a great home base for this Provence itinerary because it’s centrally located, smaller than Nice, but still has tons of options for eating, gelato-ing, and boutique shopping. Not to mention museums and cafes on every corner, with a charming old-town feel.

Arles is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, especially great for a home base.

➡️ Loved this Private Walking Tour – an excellent way to get your bearings and see the main sites through a local’s eyes! ⬅️

Arles is famous for its Roman heritage, and you can see this in the well-preserved ancient structures like the Arles Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre. The city is also famous for its association with Vincent van Gogh, who lived and painted some of his most famous works here, including Starry Night.

RANDOM ART FACT: Interestingly, despite creating over 300 paintings and drawings during his time in Arles, Van Gogh sold only one painting while he lived.

Favorite Happy Hour Spot: L’Arlatan Hotel
Favorite Gelato: Soleileïs

Every summer, Arles hosts the renowned ‘Les Rencontres d’Arles’, one of the world’s first and most prestigious photography festivals – I’ve been to it, and it’s absolutely amazing.

Us near the colosseum in Arles where the bullfights happen.
Arles is a great home base in Provence – tons of festivals to enjoy in the little city!

Last little bit of info on Arles, in case you’re visiting in the fall – during the September Feria, there’s a weekend where the whole town comes alive with bands in the streets, paella, and (unfortunately) the tradition of bullfighting.

Day 6: Luberon Villages
(Gordes & Isle Sur La Sorgue)

The next two days are dedicated to cute little French villages in one of the most iconic Provençal regions, Luberon.

Gordes is one of the more famous and beautiful villages of Provence - here is a picture of the town from a little walking trail nearby.
View of Gordes from the little viewpoints on the walk around the town.

PRO TIP: Stick to just two-ish villages a day in the same area. It lets you really soak in each place without rushing. Trust me, it’s the way to go!

First up, plan a day for Gordes and Isle Sur La Sorgue. The drive from Arles up north to Gordes is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and I recommend taking the smaller regional roads because everywhere you look is a snapshot of that classic Provencal beauty.

Gordes is this stunning hilltop village with amazing views, cobblestone streets, tons of little boutiques, and gelato spots. I recommend you start your day in Gordes. Park here and walk into town for lunch in the main town square.

The walk back to your car along the edge of the town will help settle the food afterward – viewpoints and Instagrammers included. It is one of the most popular villages in Provence, after all.

FUN FACT: It’s so damn pretty that a bunch of films were shot here including A Good Year with Russel Crowe.

Nearby, and on the way out of town, you should check out the Abbey of Senanque. It’s like something out of a postcard with all the lavender fields – especially in the summer.

Isle Sur La Sorgue is another gem, especially if you’re into antiques. This is a great afternoon and dinner along the riverfront. Again, you’ll want to park a bit outside of the old town and walk the 5 minutes into the heart of the village.

Isle Sur la Sorgue is a little Venice of France.

Isle Sur La Sorgue has these cute waterways and is often called the “Venice of Provence”, which if you’ve been to Venice is not quite true, but I’m going to let it slide because it’s still pretty. The water wheels around the town are pretty unique – they used to be for silk and paper making, but now is just a pretty photo opp.

I recommend a nice stroll along the river and in and out of the little streets, shopping, and an early dinner in Isle Sur La Sorgue before heading back home to Arles.

Day 7: More Luberon Villages
(Loirmarin & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence)

For your second day, hit Loirmarin and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It’s about an hour’s drive from Arles to Loirmarin – again, take the national road, labeled N113.

A super authentic French thing to do around Loirmarin is Truffle Hunting – it’s an early morning start, highly recommend it!

Just a bit outside of Loirmarin is an excellent Michelin-star restaurant at Hotel Auberge La Fenière. Grab lunch here and then head into town and explore Loirmarin. Make sure you call for a reservation ahead of time. They do have parking on the premises.

Lunch usually looks like this if you're following the Provence itinerary.
View of my lunch spot on my way through Provence.

Loirmarin has this beautiful Renaissance castle with a little wine cellar you can stop in at, and a really laid-back feel. Fun fact – the writer Albert Camus, whom I remember reading in college, used to live here and is even buried in the village.

ANOTHER CUTE VILLAGE: If you’re aching for a bit more adventure, a 30-minute drive north through the mountains is the little nook village of Saignon. Park here and walk into the town center for a gelato.

It’s the cutest little town square, with iconic light pink buildings engulfed by ivy growing along the walls, and those Provençal window shutters that are straight out of a book. It’s not a big, touristy village, took me about 1.5 hours to explore – the best views are from Bellevue Rock.

Siagnon is a little hidden gem village in Provence, here is the cute town square with the iconic window shutters.

In the afternoon, head back towards Arles and stop in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. I had my best shopping sprees in this town, there are so many little boutiques open till a bit later, around 7 pm.

Have dinner in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and then a quick 20-minute drive back home to Arles.

Day 8: Gorge Du Verdon & Lavender Fields

We go deeper into the Provence region, all the way to the lavender fields on top of the Valensole Plateau, the Gorge du Verdon, and the gem of the town, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (my personal favorite French village in Provence).

Lavender fields on the Plateau de Valensole.

The drive from Arles to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is about 2.5 hours, and I recommend taking the D-952 route so that you are driving along the lavender fields of the Valensole Plateau on your way to lunch. Stop anywhere here for photos – it’s a wide-open road, and you’ll spot quite a few people doing the same.

Lunch and gelato in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (park here). Nestled within the Verdon Natural Regional Park and surrounded by towering cliffs, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is so pretty, that I visited it three times during my stay.

For a more traditional French cafe lunch, sit at the terrace overlooking the stream at Cafe Gourmandises. Then an apres lunch gelato at L’Etoile Givrée – Artisan Glacier.

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is my favorite Provence village.

Now is a bit of dead time in the mid-afternoon before dinner. This makes it a perfect time to head to Lake Saint-Croix and do some kayaking in the Gorge Du Verdon, just a quick 15-minute drive to the Kayak rental place – Activité Nautique.

KAYAK RENTAL: I rented a kayak for 3 hours and just took my time heading into the gorge. The prices are pretty reasonable at about $15 per hour. I would bring a water bottle and wear a bathing suit. They give you a waterproof sack to put your valuables in.

After taking all the pictures in the water and from the bridge of the Gorge du Verdon, head back to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for an apéro (French for happy hour) at Le Bistrot des Apiculteurs Brasseurs. I had dinner at Restaurant Les Tables Du Cloitre and slowly made my way back to Arles for the night. Remember, it’s a 2-hour drive back.

Pictures from the bridge at the Gorge du Verdon.

DRIVING AT NIGHT: Don’t be scared of driving in France at night, even on the little regional roads. There’s hardly any traffic (or cars) and the roads are well-maintained with good reflective signage. It’s actually quite relaxing and pretty if you have a full moon.

Day 9: Cooking Lessons In Avignon

Today is about learning how to cook a few French dishes in the home of a local for an afternoon lunch and then exploring Avignon.

➡️ Highly recommend this French Cooking Lesson with Gina. You’ll be visiting the famous Halles market & having lunch on her terrace overlooking the Palace of the Popes! ⬅️

Avignon is most famous for its role in the Catholic Church’s history, particularly during the Avignon Papacy when the Popes lived here instead of in Rome. I’m pretty sure it’s because they discovered how freakin’ delicious French food and wine was, and ditched Italy for the South of France.

View from across the Rhone Rive of Avignon.

Here are the main sites to walk to after lunch:

  • Palais des Papes (Papal Palace): This is the star attraction of Avignon. It’s one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. The palace was the residence of the Popes in the 14th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Pont d’Avignon: The famous bridge in all the postcards showing Avignon. While it no longer spans the entire Rhône River, the remaining arches are a piece of history to be appreciated.
  • Rocher des Doms: For the best views of Avignon, head to this beautiful garden perched above the city. It’s a great spot for a walk and a nap.

After Avignon, head back to Arles. Tomorrow is your last day and I therefore time to celebrate by getting wine tipsy.

Day 10: French Wine & Aix-en-Provence

No trip to Provence is complete without visiting its former capital of the region, the gorgeous city of Aix-en-Provence.

Flower market in Aix.
Aix en Provence old town center and cathedral.

This is going to sound crazy, but hear me out – we are starting the day with a wine tour in the mountains near Aix. I know drinking vino by 10 am is wild, but ‘when in France’, and also… you’ll manage!

➡️ Start the day with this Small Group Wine Tour to Côtes de Provence St-Victoire! ⬅️

Now that you’re a little tipsy, time for some sightseeing. Aix-en-Provence, often just called Aix (pronounced “aeix“), is a city in the south of France with a bunch of history, culture, and charm.

It’s known for its classical architecture, and gorgeous fountains, and has been a center of art and learning over the years. Even now, it’s home to several universities and art schools, contributing to a youthful atmosphere and fun dating scene – just scroll through Bumble for a quick look. 😘

The best thing to do is head into the old town center near Fontaine de la Rotonde, sit down at a cafe, and people-watch. Order some calissons, the city’s traditional candy, a delicious treat made from ground almonds, candied melon, and orange peel, topped with royal icing – holy shit, wow!

FUN ARTSY FACT: Aix is famously associated with the post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. He was born and raised here, and the city’s landscapes inspired many of his works. You can visit his studio, Atelier Cézanne, which has not changed much since he left it.

Visiting Cezanne piece about Provence in London.

Day 11: Fly Home

Time to write some postcards, return your car, and fly out of Nice. Arles to Nice is a 3-hour drive, and give yourself time because there’s always traffic when you get to Nice.

You can also see if you can return your car in Marseille and fly out of Marseille Airport. This will be an extra fee, but it’s an option.


Map: French Riviera & Provence Itinerary

Here’s a map of all the little spots I mentioned in my South of France itinerary.

Below is the regional map of the French Riviera and Provence, with the Luberon and Verdon mountain ranges in the middle. It’s helpful to understand where the regions are in relation to the cities – because everyone talks about Provence with regards to “Luberon” and “Vaucluse”, etc.

Map of Provence

Where To Stay In Provence

I started my trip by landing in Nice because I wanted to spend the first 3 days exploring the famous French Riviera. The rest of the itinerary is all about Provence, where I recommend Arles as a home base to explore. I ended up staying in a smaller village in Provence, but if I had to do it again, I’d go with Arles because it has more amenities without being overwhelmingly big.

Where to Stay in Nice

📍Luxury: Arome Hotel The decor is absolutely stunning, and the hotel is in the heart of the city, close to the beach, the old town, and tons of little cafes.
📍Mid-Range: Residence Lamartine – Beautiful rooms, with a personalized welcome and complimentary treats – I love their attention to detail! This will feel like a high-end experience at a moderate price.

This is Nice from a hilltop.

Where to Stay in Arles

📍Luxury: L’Hotel Particulier A beautiful property with a pool right in the middle of Arles.
📍Mid-Range: Appartements “La Chambre D’Ami” Fantastic location, a great little apartment with the perk of having a kitchen. For a week’s stay in Provence, you’ll need that.

Luarmarin is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence - all the houses have these green vines growing on the side.

Getting Around Provence

If you’re heading to Provence, seriously consider renting a car – it’s what I did. No waiting around for buses or trains, just pure, spontaneous adventure. Plus, some of the most charming spots in Provence are tucked away in places you can only get to by car.

➡️ I use Discover Cars to check prices in France! ⬅️

Driving in Provence is a treat in itself. Imagine cruising through landscapes straight out of a painting – lavender fields, vineyards, the works.

If you’re going with family or friends, it’s a no-brainer. You all pile in, share the costs, and it’s way more fun and cost-effective than buying a bunch of train tickets.

✈️ Flying to Provence

When traveling to Provence, there are several major airports you can consider, each in a different part of the region.

  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): This is the largest airport in the Provence region and the most convenient. It’s located about 27 kilometers northwest of Marseille and serves as a primary gateway to the region.
  • Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE): While technically in the French Riviera, this airport is a popular choice for people also wanting a little beach life added to the Provence itinerary. It’s the third busiest airport in France and has a bunch of international and domestic flights.

I like to fly to Nice because it’s one of the prettier cities. I then rent a car, and slowly make my way west through the French Riviera into the heart of Provence.

🚂 Getting Around Provence By Train

Traveling around Provence by train is the second best option to renting a car.

The main train line in Provence runs from Marseille to Nice, stopping at major cities and towns like Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Cannes, and Antibes. There’s also a line connecting Marseille to Avignon, with stops in smaller towns like Arles and Nîmes.

This is the train in France, pretty comfortable and affordable if you're planning a Provence itinerary.

PRO TIP: One of the advantages of staying in Arles or Aix-en-Provence is that they are on the train route.

Ticket prices vary depending on the distance and type of train. High-speed TGV trains are more expensive but faster, while regional TER trains are more affordable but slower. A one-way ticket on a TER train for a short journey might cost around €10-€20, while longer journeys on TGV can range from €30 to over €100.

Make sure you book in advance, especially for TGV trains. It can save you money and ensure that you actually have a seat. Also, be aware that space for luggage can be limited on trains, so pack light.

There is also the regional bus system and FlixBus, but I recommend either renting a car or using the train system to get around Provence.

Do I need a car in Provence?

Yes, I recommend renting a car in Provence. Most of this itinerary and hilltop villages are only accessible by car, giving you maximum freedom to do whatever the hell you want, whenever you want.

➡️ I use Discover Cars to check prices in France! ⬅️

One of the best ways to explore Provence is by renting a car.

Travel Tips for Visiting Provence

There are a few quirky things about visiting Provence. To add a few bits of advice to this itinerary, here are some tips and frequently asked questions that I had when I was planning my trip.

How many days do I need in Provence?

I suggest spending at least a week. This gives you the space to explore at a pace that lets you absorb the essence of Provence – slow and steady. A week gives you time to hit up a couple of the Luberon villages, wander through the markets in Aix-en-Provence, kayak the Gorge Du Verdon, do a few coastal hikes, and get your foodie fix in Avignon. Less than this will have you rushing and missing a few iconic things.

What is the best month to visit the South of France?

I think the best month to visit Provence is October (or September) because that’s when a lot of the tourists have left, all the French come back out, the restaurants are not packed, the traffic in all the villages and on the roads is manageable, the harvest is in, and the temperatures have begun to cool down without it being cold.


Final Thoughts: A Perfect Provence Itinerary

When I was doing research, I had a hard time figuring out where Provence was geographically and what was part of it/what wasn’t, where the best home base was going to be, and how to maximize my drive times and route so I could balance being outdoors, seeing the sites, and stuffing my face full of croissants.

Drinking wine late at night for dinner in Provence.

To really maximize this 10-day Provence itinerary, you will need to rent a car. With the freedom of your own vehicle, you can navigate from the ritzy French Riviera to the rustic beauty of the Luberon villages, and won’t be missing a beat of what Provence has to offer.

Here’s the best route that optimizes driving time:

Day 1: Fly into Nice
Day 2: French Rivera – Eze & Villefrenche-sur-Mer
Day 3: French Riviera – Perfumery & Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Day 4: French Riviera – La Madrague Coastal Hike (Local Gem!)
Day 5: Arles & Camargue Region
Day 6: Luberon Villages – Gordes & Isle-Sur-la-Sorgue
Day 7: Loirmarin & Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Day 8: Gorge du Verdon & Lavander Fields
Day 9: Cooking Lessons in Avignon
Day 10: Wineries & Aix-en-Provence
Day 11: Fly Home

For accommodations, balancing your stay between Arles and Aix-en-Provence gives you a taste of both the historical and the contemporary.

So, are you ready to turn this dream itinerary into a reality? Head over to Road Trip EuroGuide’s Plan My Trip – I can help you plan the perfect Provencal adventure, making sure every detail is covered, from recommending car rentals to cozy stays.