Planning a South of France itinerary is pure joy, as this is an endlessly fascinating region offering wealth of culture, cuisine, and joie de vivre.
As such, there are countless permutations available. Discover the glitz of resorts like Cannes or St. Tropez, or muse upon the ancient history and culture of cities like Marseille or Arles.
With so many options, it’s useful to concentrate your ideas into short doses. So here’s a selection of two-day South of France itineraries to suit your tastes and timings.
For the Culture Lover
Day One: Marseille
Morning
Vieux Port, Marseille
Marseille, France’s second city, is the south’s largest metropolis. Fortunately, much of the city’s headline culture and history is concentrated in the gorgeous and highly walkable Vieux Port.
Here, on the Quai des Belges, as fishing boats unload their hauls, you’re surrounded by the city’s ancient rhythms. Once, ships loaded with crusaders departed for the Holy Land from this dock.
Fort Saint-Jean, Marseille
Looking out to sea, past the puttering fishing boats and moored yachts, you can see the Fort Saint-Jean on watch at the harbor entrance. On a rise opposite sits the 17th-century star-shaped St. Nicholas fortress.
Both are open to visitors, although probably the most atmospheric site on the Vieux Port is the Saint-Victor Abbey, found close to the star fortress. Stepping away from the buskers of the port into the abbey’s tranquil interior, the history of this fifth-century landmark is palpable. In its crypts, you’ll see millennia-old sarcophagi and the remains of a classical Greek quarry.
Afterward, follow the horseshoe of the harbor to the west side, passing beneath Norman Foster’s modern mirror-like sculpture. About midway along, turn into the backstreets to find the winding limestone lanes of the Le Panier neighborhood.
Le Panier, Marseille
The oldest neighborhood in the city, it’s believed that Le Panier, which translates as “the basket”, acquired its name from an ancient Greek marketplace that used to trade here. For long an impoverished area of Marseille, it’s been the address of immigrants, fishermen, and Jewish refugees, as well as the Corsican mafia.
Today, it’s clean and safe, although its residents work hard to maintain Le Panier’s character. Playful murals adorn the walls, and children shout and play in peaceful squares. Place de Lenche is given over to bars and cafés and is one of the best places in the center to grab lunch or a reviving coffee.
Afternoon
Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean, Marseille
The Museum of the Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (or “MuCEM”), is the city’s leading cultural institution.
Sandwiched between Le Panier and the main commercial port, this French museum offers a deep dive into the Mediterranean and its cultures through films, photographic exhibitions, and artifacts. It’s a must-visit on a cultural South of France itinerary.
It’s wonderfully detailed, so don’t expect to absorb it all in a single visit. If you haven’t had lunch, the top floor holds Chef Gérald Passédat’s excellent Le Môle Passedat restaurant.
Finish off your day of culture with a visit to Le Corbusier’s mid-20th century La Cité Radieuse. Under 20 minutes by car south of Marseille’s Vieux Port, this pioneering piece of socialist housing is a marvel of modern design. Take a guided tour to get a feel for life on the inside.
On the journey back, divert for an early dinner at Chez Fonfon in Vallon des Auffes quarter for one of Provence’s iconic dishes, the bouillabaisse fish stews.
Day Two: Aix-en-Provence
Morning
Cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence could land itself on any south of France itinerary, such is its universal appeal. Only half an hour’s drive from Marseille, the city is best known as the former home of the pioneering artist Paul Cézanne, although its elegant streets and châteaux convey its grand past as a 15th-century regional capital.
Initially, you’ll just want to stroll and absorb its charms. Its high street is Cours Mirabeau, shaded by towering plane trees and lined with upmarket boutiques selling statement watches and savings-busting jewelry.
Browse the food stalls, dip into the mind-blowing cheeses of La Fromagerie du Passage, or pick up a magnificent côte de boeuf paired with a glass of chilled Provençal rosé at Bar Le Grillon.
Afternoon
Atelier de Cézanne, Aix-en-Provence
In the afternoon, make an homage to Paul Cézanne’s home and studio. It’s a 20-minute walk through the city’s ocher streets or a short drive up Lauves Hill to the orange-shuttered house on Avenue Paul Cézanne.
There, you can visit his old studio on the first floor, still with the original furniture in place. Compact, with large windows allowing the light to pour in, it feels like the French master has just stepped out for a glass of pastis. Items familiar from his still-life paintings are recognizable amid the painterly clutter of easels and brushes.
After absorbing the atmosphere of this sanctuary, return to the streets. Find your way to Le Terrain des Peintres, a park from where Cézanne made his many studies of the iconic Sainte-Victoire Mountain.
For the Luxury Traveler
Day One: Cannes
Morning
Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes
The ruby red carpets of the Cannes Film Festival have drawn Hollywood stars to this French Riviera town since the mid-twentieth century. And attracted to the glamor is a regular armada of some of the largest private yachts sailing the Med.
As you’d expect with so much wealth regularly dropping in or mooring offshore, there’s excellent shopping to be found. Cannes’ Boulevard de la Croisette offers scintillating sea views, grand hotels, and jewel-like boutiques from Moncler, Chanel, and Boucheron, among many others.
Rue d’Antibes, Cannes
From La Croisette, head inland to Rue d’Antibes on your luxurious South of France itinerary. Sports cars rumble slowly along this attractive one-way street in Cannes, their V8 engines gently vibrating the shop windows of Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Christian Dior. When your stomach rumbles instead, snack on macarons from the local Ladurée.
If macarons are insufficient, find your way to L’Ecrin Plage at the Pointe Croisette seafront for an oyster and Champagne feast.
Afternoon
Le Suquet, Cannes
One of the best things to do in Cannes is to saunter along the palm-lined La Croisette to Le Suquet, the original, cobblestoned fisherman’s village from which the city blossomed.
Le Suquet has brightened up significantly since the early days, although you’ll still see the occasional teak-skinned sea dog. Cheerful begonias spring forth from window boxes pulling the eye to artisan window displays that now inhabit the former fishermen’s cottages.
In particular, look out for Garbelli Bijoux du Suquet’s unique jewelry pieces, and pick up some chic apparel from Chandail Express.
Read: Best Beaches in Cannes
Day Two: St. Tropez
Morning
St. Tropez
No visit to the Côte d’Azur is complete without a day trip to the luxurious city of St. Tropez. To reach this destination synonymous with coastal glamor, drive for a scenic hour and a half south of Cannes to arrive at the gorgeous bay in which this seaside jewel is set.
The Vieux Port area of this French beach town is like a showcase for state-of-the-art yacht design. Lining the polished cobbles of the quayside are buzzy cafés, shops, and seafood restaurants with deep wells of caviar.
Tarte Tropézienne
A Tarte Tropézienne is an essential sweet treat to try at an appropriate juncture—a cream-filled, sugar-dusted brioche named, so the legend goes, appreciated by Brigitte Bardot when she was filming here.
Walk inland for five minutes to find the Place des Lices. On Tuesday and Saturday mornings, its famous Provençal market is held here with its tempting piles of pain de campagne, rotisserie aromas, and deliciously stuffed produce.
Boutiques line the side streets nearby. Within Dior des Lices is secreted in an in-store cafe serving croque monsieur with truffle or lobster-stuffed club sandwiches.
Afternoon
Pampelonne Beach, St. Tropez
It’s beach time. One of the best beaches in the South of France, Pampelonne Beach is the white sand tiara of Saint Tropez, where Bardot filmed her famous scenes that would launch her into the celebrity stratosphere.
Wade into the translucent breakers and recreate your own little piece of Bardot magic before relaxing on the blue canvas sunbeds of iconic Club 55. Created as a temporary residence for a film production team, Club 55, with its popular restaurant and bar stocked with organic wines, is a superb place to spend an afternoon.
For the Foodie
Day One: Nice
Morning
Beach in Nice
Nice is one of the top gathering places for the glamorous and well-heeled during summer in France. This coastal city is set within gently undulating coastal countryside, with gorgeous beaches and zig-zagging sailboat races offshore.
For all its international cachet, however, Nice remains an authentic city in Provence. For a foodie-focused South of France itinerary, it’s the place to dive into the region’s herby, tangy culinary panache.
Promenade des Anglais, Nice
Begin on the Promenade des Anglais, the city’s famous boardwalk. Kiosks tempt with espresso, ice creams, or outsized pain au chocolat, but hold out for the socca stall. You’ll smell it before you see it, the whiff of frying garbanzo batter on the breeze. Secure a slice of this delicious street food, seasoned with rock salt and laced with olive oil.
Walking the streets of Nice, you’ll encounter numerous examples of the local cuisine: the pissaladière, a circular dough dish topped with olives, anchovies, and red onion, or the farcis Niçois—vegetables, usually bell peppers, stuffed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs.
If you prefer to sit down to eat, find your way to Lou Balico. This local favorite offers regional specialties including that international standard bearer for Niçoise cuisine—the salade Niçoise. Order a selection and create your own tasting menu.
Afternoon
Vieux Nice
As the heat begins to build, slip into the shady lanes of Vieux Nice. Gathered beneath Castle Hill, Nice’s old town is one of the most famous historical sites in France.
This vibrant area is a colorful warren of trickling fountains, café-filled squares, and—as you’re pursuing a food-focused South of France itinerary—plenty of patisseries, boulangeries, and bistros in which to try the local specialties.
Cours Saleya Market, Nice
Cours Saleya Market is your first stop. This wonderful selection of stalls shaded beneath striped awnings is bordered by lemon-yellow apartment blocks as well as the 19th-century opera house. Nibble local goat’s cheese, fleshy olives, and whatever else takes your liking. On Mondays, the food and flowers are swapped out for a flea market.
You’ll also find some superb chocolate shops in Vieux Nice. Patisserie Lac pulls focus from the opera house with its pyramidal macaron window display as well as its cream-coiffed gourmet cakes.
The most historic, however, is the family-owned Maison Auer. For over two centuries, its sweet creations have dazzled the tastebuds. The shop’s Rococo interior is equally dazzling. Meanwhile, the excellent Confiserie Florian is found on the other side of Castle Hill. While visiting, ask for a peek at the second floor where the chocolate is handmade.
Read: Best Things to Do in Nice
Day Two: Saint-Paul de Vence & Èze
Morning
Saint-Paul de Vence
Close to Nice, perched high in the macchia-covered hills, are stunning towns just waiting to be discovered. One of the best places to visit in the South of France is Saint-Paul de Vence.
About a half-hour drive south of the city, you’ll arrive at this artful arrangement of terracotta-topped buildings set high on dramatic medieval ramparts.
Saint-Paul de Vence
The town’s winding streets are often so narrow that you can reach out and touch the sides with both hands. Vivid bougainvillea is incandescent above pale stone steps, while the sun causes the local stone to glow gold. Once a gathering place for the Impressionists, an even earlier Saint-Paul de Vence legacy belongs to the winemakers.
With a history that stretches back to 600 BC, boutique vineyards continue an ancient tradition here. Taste the local tipples at one of the excellent restaurants or bars, or go deeper with a tour and tasting at nearby Domaine des Claus.
Afternoon
Èze
Having drunk your fill of Saint-Paul de Vence, travel north of Nice to arrive at the small French town of Èze, also known as “the village of art and gastronomy”.
While the walled city of Saint-Paul de Vence is set back into the lavender-scented hills, Èze sits high on the coastline offering spectacular views over the Côte d’Azur and towards Monaco.
There are numerous ways to while away a memorable afternoon here. Explore the town’s botanical garden, admire the timeworn lanes, or stop at the local Fragonard Perfume factory for a tour.
Fragonard Perfume Factory, Èze
If you’re planning to eat here, you’ll quickly discover why this mountain village is such a special gastronomic destination. Find unique food and equally unique views at the Michelin-starred La Table de Patrick Raingeard.
Add a second star with a booking at Le Chèvre d’Or. Alternatively, leave the luxury hotels behind for the maximalist interior and tasting menu of Restaurant Le Mas Provençal.
Aix-en-Provence
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