Provence & French Riviera
Your route
The itinerary
The jewel of the French Riviera, Nice blends Belle Époque elegance with Mediterranean warmth. Stroll the pebbly Promenade des Anglais, wander the narrow lanes and pastel buildings of the Vieux Nice (Old Town), and browse the flower and produce markets bursting with Provençal colour. The city is your perfect gateway to the region—sophisticated, walkable, and teeming with world-class restaurants.
Touch down on the Côte d'Azur and step straight into Mediterranean sunshine. After settling into your accommodation, the city's most iconic stroll awaits: the sweeping curve of the Promenade des Anglais, where Belle Époque grandeur meets sea breeze and gelato cones.
- Promenade des Anglaisa 7 km oceanfront boulevard lined with grand hotels and palm trees; walk it at sunset when the light turns golden and locals are out strolling (2–3 hours)
- Vieux Nice (Old Town)a labyrinth of narrow lanes, pastel-shuttered buildings, and flower-draped balconies; get delightfully lost and stop for a café crème at a small square (1.5–2 hours)
- Cours Saleya Flower & Produce Marketa sensory explosion of Provençal roses, jasmine, olives, and fresh fruit; arrive early morning before the crowds and snap photos of the colour (1 hour)
- Dinner in Vieux Nicefind a hole-in-the-wall bistro serving socca (chickpea pancakes) and local wines; ask locals for their favourite address (2 hours)
🏨 Stays in Nice
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Crowned by the monumental Palais des Papes and encircled by medieval ramparts, Avignon is the soul of Provence. This UNESCO-listed city pulses with history, from its famous bridge (Pont d'Avignon) to its atmospheric squares and world-class restaurants. The Thursday farmers' market overflows with local produce, and the surrounding wine region beckons.
Arrive in Avignon and step straight into the 14th century — the colossal Palais des Papes dominates the skyline, and the city's honey-stone ramparts wrap around centuries of Provençal drama. Settle into this UNESCO treasure and let history seep into every corner as you wander sun-dappled squares.
- Palais des PapesThe largest Gothic palace in the world, once home to the papacy; allow 2–3 hours for the audioguided tour through frescoed halls and towering chambers that feel like stepping into another world.
- Pont d'Avignon & the RhôneWalk (or stumble across) the famous 12th-century bridge, now half-submerged but utterly romantic, especially at golden hour; the riverside views are worth the queue.
- Ramparts WalkCircumnavigate the medieval walls on foot for panoramic views and cool, shaded passages; aim for late afternoon when the light turns amber and the crowds thin out.
- Place de l'HorlogeThe animated heart of Avignon, ringed with cafés, restaurants, and the Opera House; perfect for lunch or an early aperitif while watching Provençal life unfold.
🏨 Stays in Avignon
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Perched in the heart of the Luberon Valley, Lourmarin is a dreamy hilltop village of honey-coloured stone, shaded arcaded streets, and a central square where locals linger over pastis. The Wednesday market bursts with local cheeses, fruits, and flowers; nearby châteaux and vineyards invite lazy afternoon exploration. It's Provence at its most picturesque.
Drive into the Luberon Valley to discover Lourmarin, where honey-coloured stone houses tumble down hillsides and every corner feels like a scene from a Provence postcard. Settle in, then wander the arcaded streets as afternoon light softens the village's ancient walls.
- Lourmarin Village Centrespend at least an hour getting lost in the narrow, shaded alleys and discovering small galleries, antique shops, and the charming central square where locals nurse pastis; arrive mid-afternoon when the light is golden
- Château de Lourmarinthis 15th-century Renaissance château sits gracefully at the village's edge and offers guided tours through elegant rooms and a pretty courtyard garden; about 45 minutes
- Maison du Melon (or local olive oil mill)pop into a traditional producer to taste and learn about Luberon's famous melons or artisanal oils; many are happy to share samples on a casual afternoon visit
- Dinner at a village bistroorder soupe à l'oignon or ratatouille on the square as the day cools and the village settles into its evening rhythm
🏨 Stays in Lourmarin
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The glittering playground of the Côte d'Azur, Cannes is famous for its Film Festival, yacht-lined port, and Belle Époque grandeur. Beyond the red-carpet glamour, the Vieux Port offers charm, the Îles de Lérins provide day-trip paradise, and the hinterland Esterel massif cradles secret coves. It's sophistication with accessible beaches and genuine local flavour.
You roll into Cannes on the morning drive from Lourmarin, leaving lavender fields behind for palm-lined boulevards and the glitter of the Côte d'Azur. Settle into your new base, then spend your first afternoon getting the measure of this seductive place—wandering the Vieux Port's pastel-painted fishing boats, visiting galleries and boutiques, and tasting your first bouillabaisse with a view of the Îles de Lérins offshore.
- Vieux Port (Vieux Cannes)stroll the east side where locals still fish and artists still paint, lined with seafood restaurants and tiny galleries; grab lunch here around noon to beat the afternoon crowds
- Musée Picasso (Château de la Châtaigne)intimate collection of works connected to Picasso's time on the Riviera, just above the port; allow 90 minutes and go late afternoon when light is golden
- Rue d'Antibesupmarket shopping street with independent boutiques, concept stores, and pastry shops; wonderful for wandering and finding little treasures without the Croisette's price tags
- Promenade de la Croisette (evening stroll)the famous palm-lined seafront boulevard lined with Belle Époque palaces and designer shops; best walked at dusk when it's less hectic and the light turns theatrical
🏨 Stays in Cannes
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Nestled between the Esterel mountains and the Mediterranean, Saint-Raphaël is a quieter Riviera gem. The dramatic Esterel coastline—rugged red porphyry cliffs plunging into turquoise water—is a hiker's and photographer's paradise. Charming seaside restaurants, a working harbour, and the nearby Corniche d'Or drive offer intimate beauty far from Cannes's intensity.
Drive the legendary Corniche d'Or from Cannes to Saint-Raphaël, where the Esterel mountains meet the Mediterranean in a symphony of red rock and turquoise sea. Spend the afternoon exploring this quieter Riviera gem—the kind of place where time slows and the scenery stops you in your tracks.
- Corniche d'Or scenic driveone of Europe's most thrilling coastal routes, with pull-offs framing the Esterel massif against impossible blue water (allow 1.5 hours for the 30km, lingering at viewpoints)
- Esterel Massif hikingthe GR49 trail offers everything from 1-hour clifftop strolls to half-day adventures through red porphyry peaks with Mediterranean vistas (start early, bring plenty of water)
- Saint-Raphaël Vieux Portwander the working harbour lined with fishing boats and pastel-painted buildings, then settle into a harborside restaurant for bouillabaisse or grilled sea bream at sunset
- Musée Archéologiquesmall but rewarding, with Roman pottery, anchors, and finds that tell the story of this coast's ancient trade routes (30 minutes, quiet and rarely crowded)
🏨 Stays in Saint-Raphaël
checking live prices…What does the trip cost?
Typically $2,608.70–$3,695.65
🔄 Prices are indicative
Estimates are shown in your currency and are a guide only. Lines marked "live" use today's found prices; everything is confirmed on the provider's site.
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