The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the South of France

France is always a great place to visit, but there’s something special about the Southern regions. A natural beauty and a warmth that comes from being so close to the Mediterranean Sea.

If you’re planning a trip there, you’ll find this article perfect to help you prepare. We provide an overview of the top places to visit in the South of France, along with a range of activities to enjoy. In addition, we also offer some travel tips and frequently asked questions, making it a comprehensive guide overall.

Picture by Simon Spring on Unsplash

 

Best Places to Travel in the South of France

Nice

Let’s start our trip to the South of France with the beautiful city of Nice, also called the jewel of the Côte d’Azur. A good starter is taking a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, a very famous promenade that will give you a taste of what is to come in the city.

From there, you can walk straight to the old town, Vieux Nice. You can check out the market on Cours Saleya, and visit the Matisse Museum to learn a bit more about the city. Additionally, staying in the town is an excellent idea for exploring the rest of the regions, as it serves as a popular starting point for many day trips.

Photo by Pierre Blaché

 

Cannes

Cannes is well known worldwide thanks to its world-famous film festival, but that’s not the only attraction in the city. Cannes, by itself, is a glamorous destination with a cosmopolitan vibe, filled to the brim with private beaches and luxury boutiques. Just walk down the Croisette and visit the Palais des Festivals to see for yourself. Or, if you’re not in the mood to walk around under the strong sun, just lie down on one of the many beaches! Vacations are also for relaxing, after all.

Antibes

Antibes is another Seaside town that you can enjoy, and is famous for its well-preserved old town and yacht-filled harbor. It’s certainly a view you’ll enjoy. One of the most important attractions you can visit is the Picasso Museum Picasso Museum at the Château Grimaldi, offering an incredible cultural experience. Take all the time you need to thoroughly explore the artist’s work, and enjoy the experience of their colorful paintings.

Afterwards, you can relax in the turquoise blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most famous beaches you can visit is Plage de la Gravette. Perfect for winding down, you can continue the novel you’ve been trying to finish and try one of the excellent fresh croissants.

Frans-Banja Mulder, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Monaco

Let’s head to another great thing in France for now. We’re talking about Monaco, an area noted for its luxury and glamor, and relatively easy to navigate at that. There, you can explore one of the most incredible palaces in France, the Prince’s Palace, where you can learn more about the country’s history and admire the beautiful architecture from the palace’s highest point.

For a fun afternoon, you can visit the Monte Carlo Casino and try your luck at one or two games. If you’re not the gambling kind, you can always visit the surrounding Gardens.

Aix-en-Provence

If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat during your trip to France, we highly recommend visiting Aix-en-Provence. It might not be one of them, but Frances must visit the cities; however, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. It’s a small town with a rich history and culture that you can experience by visiting one of its many vibrant markets.

And now that you’re in the market, you should really consider buying some souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You can find a variety of interesting handicrafts, such as wine, dried herbs for cooking, and lavender soaps. However, if you want a truly unique souvenir from the region, you must try calissons, which are made with a paste of candied fruit and ground almonds, topped with icing.

Saint-Tropez

And now let’s go to another iconic destination on the Côte d’Azur. This destination is renowned for its vibrant party atmosphere, making it ideal for young and adventurous travelers, as well as offering luxurious beaches that attract celebrities. If you decide to travel there, look carefully around, and you might see one or two faces that you recognize from TV.

You can start by visiting one of the most famous beaches there Plage de Pampelonne or Club 55, and feel like your own celebrity tanning under the warm sun, with no care in the world. If you prefer a more cultural experience, be sure to visit the harbor and explore the old town, complete with its cobblestone streets.

Marseille

But not everything is little towns by the sea. On this trip to the southern part of France, we will also see the second-largest city in France, Marseille. It’s one of the most culturally charged cities you can visit, as it combines history, culture, and a rich maritime heritage.

Traveling from Landmark to Landmark, we can start in the Vieux-Port, which is part of the old city. From there, head to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views of the city and a closer look at the architecture in the area. If you want to delve more closely into the history, you should visit the District of Le Panier and, of course, try the famous bouillabaisse, a fish stew typical of the region.

Avignon

It wouldn’t be a trip through the most beautiful cities in southern France if we didn’t talk about Avignon. This city is renowned for its impressive historical heritage, which includes the Palais des Papes, where the Pope once resided centuries ago. There’s also the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet and explore the medieval streets of the center.

If you’re a fan of the theatrical Arts, you have to visit the city in July. During the month, the town has France’s largest theater Festival. Especially for this festival, artisans and visitors from all corners of the world come to reenact new and old tales. As a happy coincidence, July is also an excellent month for trying the local wines at the nearby wineries. You can try the excellent French wines paired with fresh baguettes and tasty cheese.

 

The Natural Beauty of Southern France

The Lavender Fields Provence

If you’re exploring the natural beauty of Southern France, there is a place you have to stop at. Looking at them in photos might seem unreal, but they are even more incredible in real life. We are talking, of course, about the lavender fields of Provence. The best time to visit this area is during the lavender season, which typically begins in late June and lasts until early August.

During this time, the fields are filled with a brilliant purple color, and the air is filled with the characteristic scent that we love so much, which permeates everything. And we mean to do everything. If you enjoy lavender, you must try the local produce. They made the normal things you would expect, like lavender honey and essential oils, and lavender soap, but there’s also that unique lavender ice cream that you have to try.

A quick tip for photographers: if you’re looking for the perfect moment for a photograph, try visiting the fields during sunrise or sunset to capture the golden light heating the purple blooms.

Photo by Baraa Jalahej

 

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Some Travelers go to France to explore the cities, while others go for the incredible hikes. In the south of France, there are numerous beautiful options for outdoor enthusiasts. You have, for example, the Lavender Fields in the province region, but there’s also the Calanques National Park between Marcel and Cassis with incredible cliffs and turquoise waters.

If you drive two hours from Nice to Mercantour National Park, you’ll find several easy and challenging trails. It’s ideal for families and groups, as it has different levels of experience. But there’s also Lac de Trécolpas, with a moderate hike that offers stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.

Photo by kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Insider Travel Tips for the South of France

How to Travel on a Budget in the French Riviera

Traveling on a budget on the French Riviera is possible if you plan properly and take advantage of the most economical options. Here are some tips to make your trip as economical as possible:

• Use the rail system to travel between cities, and consider purchasing a rail pass if you plan to make multiple trips within a short period.

• Buses are a more affordable option.* The regional bus network connects many cities and towns at low prices. For example, the bus between Nice and Monaco can cost less than 2 euros.

• Many attractions are accessible on foot, for example, in cities like Nice. And nothing is cheaper than free, as a plus, it allows you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

• Avoid roaming costs with mobile data: While visiting Southern France, staying connected is important, but roaming charges can quickly add up. Use this trip to try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM and get instant access to mobile data! If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

 

Best Times to Visit the South of France for Ideal Weather and Festivals

Now that you know all the great places you can visit in South France, let’s discuss the best time to visit the area. If you’re looking for the best weather, it’s definitely from late April to early May. That way, you skip the heat and the crowds of Summer and get the most pleasant time to do plenty of outdoor activities.

If you really want to travel during the summer, try to plan it for early June, as the temperatures are not as Extreme as they are in summer, but they are perfect for spending all day at the beach. Another alternative is to travel at the start of September.

What Should You Pack for Your Trip?

When choosing what to pack for a trip, the first thing to keep in mind is the weather. In southern France, for example, you can expect gentle, warm weather without extreme temperatures, so focus your packing on light, reusable clothes that are comfortable for long walks and physical activity.

Second, focus on the activities you have planned. As you can see, there are lots of cities with incredible beaches, so you have to add some silver there. And, of course, there will be a lot of sun, so be sure to pack your sunglasses, a white hat, and sunscreen.

 

France, in general, is an incredible country to visit, but if you’re looking to travel outside of Paris, the southern regions deserve special consideration. There are plenty of historical cities to discover there, and so much natural beauty as well. What are you waiting for?