Imagine you are standing on a balcony in Nice, looking at a sea that is so blue it does not look real. The South of France Itinerary 10 Days is not just a vacation. It is a dream. You will find glitzy beaches, ancient Roman ruins, and lavender fields that smell like heaven.
This south of france itinerary 10 days plan helps you see it all without feeling rushed. You will see how the rich and famous live. You will also see quiet villages where time feels like it stopped years ago.
Planning Your Great Escape
First of all, you must pick the right time to go. The best weather happens between April and October. You should know that July and August are very crowded. During those months, the heat can reach 28°C (82°F) or higher.
However, if you visit in May, you might catch the Cannes Film Festival or the Monaco Grand Prix. Additionally, the lavender peaks from mid-June to mid-July. This is the best south of france itinerary 10 days for people who want a mix of coast and country.
You have two main ways to travel. You can use the train or rent a car. South of france itinerary 10 days by train is very easy between coastal cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco.
On the contrary, you need a car to reach the tiny villages in the Luberon Valley or the Verdon Gorge. A rental car for a week might cost you around €310, plus another €130 for gas. Therefore, you must decide if you want the freedom of the road or the ease of the rails.
Day 1: Welcome to Nice
You arrive at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. The city of Nice was once an Italian city until 1860. You can still see that Italian style in the colorful buildings of Old Nice (Vieux Nice). First of all, check into your hotel. If you want a great view, Hotel Suisse sits right at the end of the Promenade des Anglais.
Take a walk on that famous paved walkway. The sun. The salt air. The pebbles under your feet. Later, you should climb Castle Hill. You will see a bird’s eye view of the whole city. Finally, head to the Cours Saleya market. You can try socca, which is a local chickpea flatbread. “Delicious!!” says Julie. Do not forget to get gelato from Fenocchio Glacier before you sleep.
Day 2: The Beautiful Cap Ferrat
Gradually, you will start to see the beauty of the smaller towns. Villefranche-sur-Mer is just east of Nice. You can take a train for only €2 or grab an Uber. This town has quiet, colorful streets that are perfect for photos.
Later, you must visit the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. A rich baroness built this mansion in 1905. It has nine themed gardens that are spectacular. Tickets cost about €17. On top of that, the views of the water from the gardens are world-class. If you feel active, take the Promenade Maurice Rouvier walk to Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It is a gentle coastal path. You will see massive yachts anchored in the deep water.
Day 3: High Stakes in Monaco
Today is for the Monaco trip. You can take a 20-minute train ride from Nice. Monaco is the smallest country in the world, but it has the most wealth. You walk through the harbor and see yachts so big they have their own staff.
Also, you can visit the Monte Carlo Casino. You must dress up to go inside. If gambling is not your thing, visit the Japanese Gardens or the private car collection of Prince Rainier III. Additionally, stop for a drink at Cafe de Paris. You can watch the fancy cars drive by while you sit. Finally, take the train back to Nice after dinner.
Day 4: Art and Film in Antibes and Cannes
You continue west along the coast. Antibes is home to Port Vauban, which is the largest yacht harbor in all of Europe. First of all, visit the Picasso Museum inside Château Grimaldi. Picasso worked there for six months in 1946. Tickets are usually €12. Plus, you can visit the Absinthe Museum if you want to try something different.
Later, take a 7-minute train to Cannes. This city is famous for the Cannes Film Festival. You can walk the red carpet steps at the Grand Auditorium for a photo. On top of that, stroll down La Croisette. This street has luxury shops and grand hotels like the Ritz-Carlton. You will feel like a movie star here.
Day 5: The Scenic Road to Provence
It is time to pick up your rental car. This starts the south of france travel itinerary 10 days road trip portion. Drive the Middle Corniche (Moyen Corniche) toward the village of Eze. Eze sits high on a hill. The walk up is steep, so wear good shoes.
However, the view from the Le Jardin Exotique at the top is worth the €8 ticket. You can see the whole Riviera from there. Later, visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory. You can learn how they make scents from local flowers. Gradually, leave the coast and drive toward Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. The drive takes about two hours on the A8 highway.
Day 6: Van Gogh and Roman Ruins
You are now in Provence. This is a great place for a south of france honeymoon itinerary 10 days because it is so romantic. First of all, stop in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This is where Vincent van Gogh stayed at an institution. It is also the birthplace of Nostradamus.
Additionally, drive to Les Baux-de-Provence. It is a medieval town built right into the rock. You can wander the castle ruins and see the Carrières de Lumières, which is an art show inside a giant cave. Similarly, try a drink called Pastis. You mix this local licorice-flavored drink with water. It turns cloudy when you add the water.
Day 7: The Giant Aqueduct
Today you see the Pont du Gard. This is a Roman aqueduct built 2000 years ago. It carried water over the river without using any mortar to hold the stones together. Later, drive to Arles. If it is a Saturday, you will see a massive market. You can buy everything from fresh bread to tires.
Also, Arles has a famous Roman Arena. You might even see a bullfight there if you are lucky. On top of that, walk through the streets that Van Gogh painted. Finally, head to Avignon for the night. You can see the Palais des Papes, which was the home of the Popes in the 14th century. It is the largest Gothic building in the world.
Day 8: Lavender and Hilltop Villages
You must see the Luberon Valley. This is the heart of la Provence profonde. First of all, go to Gordes. It is a village made of honey-colored stone that clings to a cliff. Similarly, visit the Abbaye de Sénanque nearby. If it is July, the abbey is surrounded by bright purple lavender.
Later, drive to Roussillon. The cliffs here are bright red and orange. The whole village is built from this ochre stone. Additionally, stop in Bonnieux for a view of the valley floor filled with vineyards and orchards. Gradually, you will see why people love this area so much. It is quiet. It is beautiful. It is the best south of france itinerary 10 days experience.
Day 9: Marseille and the Blue Water
You drive to Marseille, which is the oldest city in France. It was founded by the Greeks in 600 BC. First of all, explore the Old Port (Vieux Port). You can see fisherman selling their catch in the morning. Later, visit the Mucem museum. It is a modern building that focuses on Mediterranean history.
On top of that, you must take a boat to the Parc National des Calanques. These are narrow inlets with bright blue water and tall white cliffs. You can go snorkeling or just enjoy the view. Finally, visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. It sits on the highest hill in the city and has a gold statue of the Virgin Mary on top. You can see for miles from up there.
Day 10: One Last Coffee
Your south of france in 10 days trip is almost over. First of all, enjoy a slow breakfast in a café. You might want to buy some lavender oil or hand-painted pottery as a souvenir. Later, drive back to Nice or Marseille airport to return your car.
Many people ask about a paris and south of france itinerary 10 days. You can easily take a high-speed train from Paris to Avignon or Nice to start this trip. Also, some travelers combine this with a south of france and italy itinerary 10 days or even a south of france and spain itinerary 10 days because the borders are so close. However, there is so much to see in France alone that you might want to stay longer.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Do not trust the bus schedules in small villages. They can be very unreliable. On the contrary, trains between big cities run often and are very clean. Additionally, parking in cities like Marseille can be hard. You should look for a secure garage. It might cost €26 per day, but it is safer than the street.
First of all, learn a few French words. “Bonjour” goes a long way. Later, you will find that locals are very helpful if you try to speak their language. Plus, carry some cash for the markets. Many small stalls do not take credit cards. Finally, relax and enjoy the South of France Itinerary 10 Days at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do this trip without a car?
Yes, you can. You should stay in Nice or Avignon and take trains or buses to nearby spots. However, you will miss the very small villages that do not have stations. You can also book day tours that pick you up from your hotel.
How much should I budget for food?
A nice lunch with wine might cost €15 to €40 per person. A fancy dinner in a place like Cannes will be much more. On top of that, you can save money by buying fresh food at the markets for a picnic.
Is it safe to drive in the mountains?
The roads are good but they can be very narrow. Drive the Verdon Gorge clockwise for the best views and less stress. Also, avoid driving into the very center of old medieval towns.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Even in summer, bring a light jacket for the evenings. Additionally, bring a swimsuit for the Calanques or the beach in Nice.
Concluding Words
This South of France Itinerary 10 Days – Best Travel Guide 2026 shows you the best of the Riviera and Provence.
You will see glitzy cities like Monaco and quiet stone villages like Gordes. You will eat world-class food and see 2000-year-old history. This trip stays in your heart forever.
