The South of France is the perfect French holiday destination. There are many great places to visit, the scenery is always beautiful, and the food and culture are hard to beat.

This area of France has a wonderful climate with long warm summer days stretching through to September and October. Winters in Southern France, especially along the Mediterranean coast, is always mild.

The Ultimate South of France Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

The best way to explore Southern France is by car. This south-of-France road trip from Toulouse to Nice (or vice-versa) covers the French regions of Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. This Southern France road trip itinerary lasts two weeks, and it is a good itinerary for first-timers in Southern France who love history, sightseeing, outdoor activities, and great food.

This road trip south of France is one of the best road trips in France. Read more about road-tripping in France:

Southern France Road Trip Overview

Start: Toulouse
Finish: Nice
Duration: 14 days
Suggested route: Toulouse – Narbonne – Arles – Camargue – Aix-en-Provence – Cassis – Cannes – Nice
Total distance: 751 Km, 8.5 hours drive in total
Region covered: Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Best for: history, sightseeing, nature, small towns, food & wine

This south of France road trip itinerary starts from Toulouse, the capital city of the Occitanie region. Toulouse is easy to reach by train from Paris or Bordeaux. The journey from Paris to Toulouse by train takes around 4 hours while Bordeaux to Toulouse by train is only 2 hours.

Toulouse also has one of the major airports in France. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) has regular and seasonal international flights from Europe, Africa, and America.

South of France Road Trip Map

South of France Road Trip Itinerary

For this south of France road trip, you don’t need the car until day 2, so if you are taking a self-drive trip in a hire car, wait until then to pick up your rental car in Toulouse. Go here for some great tips for renting a car in France.

Day 0 – Arrival at Toulouse

Arrive at Toulouse the day before the start of this road trip around Southern France. For your two nights in Toulouse, the Boutique Hotel SOCLO is comfortable, beautiful, and very central. Its swimming pool and garden are ideal for the warmest days in Southern France.

Located in the southwest of France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Toulouse is the fourth largest city in France. Boasting a rich historical heritage and sumptuous monuments, the famous ‘Pink City’ always ranks among the most beautiful cities in France.

Cradle of aviation and space, Toulouse is ranked among the most advanced technology parks in terms of research. With many mansions, old buildings, museums, and monuments, Toulouse welcomes many students and tourists each year, making the city very lively and an excellent base to explore the region.

The list of interesting things to visit in Toulouse includes:

• Place du Capitole
• Basilique Saint-Sermin
• La Cité de l’Espace
• The banks of the River Garonne
• La Maison de la Violette
• Halle de la Machine (exhibition hall of performance machines)
• Nocturnes at Marché Victor Hugo (Thursday night)

Day 2 – Toulouse – Carcassonne – Narbonne

It’s time to hit the road and drive to Narbonne, the next stop of this Southern France road trip. The drive from Toulouse – Narbonne via the A61 highway is straightforward and it only takes 1.5 hours.

If you are not in a hurry, stop for a couple of hours at Carcassonne to admire one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. The Cité de Carcassonne is listed UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top sights of the Cathar Country.

For your stay in Narbonne, book two nights at Hôtel La Résidence. Set in an elegant 19th building well located to the Canal de la Robine, with restaurants and public parking nearby, Hôtel La Résidence offers everything you could expect for a perfect stay in Narbonne.

Day 3 – Narbonne

Located in the Aude department, in the Occitanie region, Narbonne is a touristy city thanks to its 5 km of thin sand at Narbonne-Plage. It is also a city with a rich history that goes back to Roman times (118 BC) and an excellent base to explore the Massif de la Clape and the Fontfroide Abbey.

The Canal de la Robine is one of France’s oldest canals, and it separates the Historical Center and the Cité district in central Narbonne. Here, you will see vestiges of Antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and Narbonne’s Age of Gold at the end of the 19th century.

The list of interesting things to visit in Narbonne includes:

• Stroll around the Old Town
• Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Narbonne
• Visit the Musée Lapidaire de Narbonne
• Explore the Musée Roman Horréum (ancient Roman galleries)
• Beach day at Narbonne-Plage
• Sail the Canal de la Robine on an electric boat (no boating license required)

Day 4 – Arles

After three days in the Occitanie region, this road trip south of France moves to Provence. Provence is one of France’s favorite destinations and a must on any road trip to Southern France. With gorgeous towns such as Cassis, Grasse, St Remy, and Arles; and stunning countryside, you can see why it remains one of the most popular destinations in France to visit.

Start the day early with a coffee and drive to Arles, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Arles, book at Hotel du Musée, a charming former mansion built in the 17th-century and lovingly renovated in the center of Arles. Hotel du Musée offers stylish rooms with comfortable beds and a delicious breakfast in a lovely inner garden.

Located in the heart of Provence, Arles is always a favorite. Arles has it all: an interesting Roman heritage, beautiful 17th-century mansions, mazy streets, modern museums, and the wide rolling Rhône River. When the temperatures are warm, all the café-terraces and restaurants are full of locals and tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.

Arles was also the base for Paul Gauguin and Van Gogh. Here, Van Gogh painted some of his most famous masterpieces.

The list of interesting things to visit in Arles includes:

• Arènes d’Arles
• Roman Theater
• Arles through Van Gogh: Espace Van Gogh & Fondation Van Gogh
• Abbey of Montmajour
• Church and Cloister St Trophime
• Musée Départamentale Arles Antique
• Les Alyscamps (Roman necropolis)

Days 5 and 6 – The Camargue

From Arles, this road trip takes a detour for the sole reason of visiting the Camargue. The Camargue Regional Natural Park is the largest wetland in France, covering a surface of ​​100,000 hectares. It is famous worldwide for its stunning landscapes, lakes, and exceptional fauna.

Located on the axis of migration of birds from northern Europe to Africa, this area is also home to one of the main nesting sites for pink flamingos in France. But above all, the Camargue is an area for breeding Camargue horses and bulls! Here, bulls and horses live in semi-freedom, most often in herds, watched over by herdsmen on horseback.

From Arles, take the road D570 to Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Considered the capital of the Camargue, Les Saintes is a little corner of paradise, with beautiful beaches, wild nature, and some places of interest.

After four days on the road, it’s time to relax for a couple of days in one of the most beautiful natural regions of France! For your stay in the Camargue, book two nights at the Hotel La Tramontana. The hotel offers individually-decorated, airy rooms which lead to the outdoor swimming pool, the garden, and a private pond.

Day 7 – Aix-en-Provence

Start the day early and enjoy a last breakfast in the gardens of Hotel La Tramontana. Back to Arles, take the N113 road direction to Aix-en-Provence, the next stop of this road trip to Southern France.

For a unique stay in Aix-en-Provence, book a night at the Hotel des Augustins, a former 12th-century convent just off the famous Cours Mirabeau in the heart of the old town. The hotel features spacious rooms combining historic and modern features and a magnificent lobby.

Aix-en-Provence is the typical Provencal city and a wonderful place to explore in southern France. Aix’s historic center with Italian influences boasts beautiful architecture and pretty squares adorned with stone fountains. The markets of Aix are also worth exploring for their colorful stalls and delicious local products.

The list of fun things to do in Aix-en-Provence includes:

• Stroll around the city center
• A coffee break at Cours Mirabeau
• The Mazarin neighborhood
• Paul Cézanne’s workshop
• Granet Museum (art museum)
• Taste the famous calissons (Aix’s typical sweets)
• The Montagne Sainte-Victoire

Days 8 and 9 – Cassis

From Aix-en-Provence, drive to Cassis, the last Provencal destination of this south of France road trip itinerary. For your stay in Cassis, book two nights at Le Jardin d’Emile. This characteristic Provence-style house has the perfect location by the beach with a short walk to the port/town. It offers uniquely decorated rooms each with a different color and atmosphere, a garden, and an outdoor terrace overlooking Cape Canaille.

Cassis is a cute fishing town located on one of the sides of the Parc National des Calanques de Marseille-Cassis. This colorful town near Marseille, so typical of Provence, is one of the best coastal towns in France, perfect for a couple of relaxing days by the Mediterranean Sea.

Spend day 8 exploring Cassis. The town is dominated by a castle built in the 8th century and it is renowned for its trails running along the Cap Canaille, its round pebble beaches, and a little bit further, its creeks and their majestic cliffs plunging into deep blue water (Calanques). There’s also an adorable little port lined with multicolored buildings, cafés, and delicious restaurants offering bouillabaisse, seafood, and fish dishes.

On day 9, you can take a day trip to Marseille. You can also explore the Calanques of Cassis on foot or on a catamaran tour.

Days 10 and 11 | Cannes

The last days of this south of France itinerary by car are spent in Côte d’Azur, also known as French Riviera. Côte d’Azur is well-known for its beaches and coves, impressive views, azure water, and for being a playground for the wealthy. The French Riviera is also home to pretty towns and villages, and there’s a vibrant cultural scene, especially in the summer.

From Cassis, drive to Cannes, where you will spend two nights. For your stay in Cannes, book at Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes Mc Gallery. Located in central Cannes, 150m far from the famous La Croisette beach, this hotel offers the best of the French Riviera: stylish and comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant with sea views, and a private beach at an extra cost.

Known for its luxurious accommodations and shopping, as well as for the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, Cannes truly is a dream destination for many travelers. Cannes is the kind of place you visit when you want to relax and enjoy some luxury. With its stunning beaches, warm weather, and convenient location close to Nice, this is where the stars go for a holiday.

Use the first day in Cannes to visit the city.

The list of fun things to do in Cannes includes:

• Explore Le Suquet (Cannes’ oldest neighborhood)
• La Croix des Gardes neighborhood
• The Old Port
• La Croisette Walkway
• Sandy beaches
• Villa Rotschild

For your second day, you can take a relaxing catamaran tour with lunch or drive to one of the many great places to visit in the French Riviera, near Cannes:

• Antibes
• Juan-les-Pins
• Mandelieu-la-Napoule
• Lérins islands by ferry

Days 12, 13 and 14 – Nice

The last stop of this road trip Southern France is Nice, the capital of the French Riviera. For your stay in Nice, book three nights at the Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges. This 4-star hotel is nestled into the Colline du Château, and it comes with Nice’s best view over the Baie des Anges. Rooms are huge, with elegant Mediterranean décor and some of them also come with a private balcony with great ocean views.

In Nice, take your time to explore the Old Town, taste some provençal specialties, and of course, have a stroll on the famous Promenade des Anglais! Nice also has some of the best French Riviera beaches, and their turquoise waters are calling for a dip.

For your first two days in Nice, we recommend this Nice 2-day itinerary, which also explores the colorful neighboring town of Villefranche-sur-Mer. For your last day in the city, take one of these best day trips from Nice. We recommend Éze Village, but all the places on the list are lovely.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your road trip Southern France today!

France is a beautiful country with lots of culture and beauty to soak in and experience. Here are ten of the best places to visit in France…

Paris at Dusk

Champagne

Our tour de France wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention the birthplace of bubbly in the list of the best things to do. The Champagne region, which lies about 1.5 hours from Paris in the northeastern part of France, is a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates wine. Viewing the setting sun over rolling vineyards and a dreamy landscape is more than enough reason to visit the region. It is possible to tour one of the Champagne houses if you wish to learn more about Champagne – an unforgettable experience.

Gorges du Verdon

Why not visit the French equivalent of the Grand Canyon? Found in France’s south-eastern region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur the Gorges du Verdon, a 700 meters deep landmark is a must-see. The largest limestone canyon in Europe, carved by the Verdon River. A big attraction for those who love adrenaline-styled water sports and activities.

Corsica

Visit the stunning Mediterranean island Corsica, and you will soon forget that you’re on French land. Sitting between Italy and France, this island celebrates the best of each culture. The island is famous as the birthplace of Napoleon. And it is easy to see why it is known as the island of beauty.

The stylish coastal towns, pristine forests, and rocky peaks are wild, unspoiled, and beautiful. There are around 1,000 kilometers of picturesque turquoise coastline to explore, plus Corsica is a hotbed for scuba diving and snorkeling. If activities are not your thing and you want to relax, the pristine sandy beaches are irresistible.

Provence

Provence is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, especially for its seemingly endless expanse of lavender farms. The area is almost completely covered with aromatic crops during the summer. The Valensole Plateau, the Sault Plateau, and the Luberon Valley are among the most beautiful places to visit.

For a photo that captures the beauty of Provence perfectly, nothing beats the flower meadows surrounding the Notre Dame de Sénanque Abbey. Every June and July, tucked away in the peaceful countryside near Gordes, the beautiful 12th-century church is bathed in purple hues.

Beautiful Provence

Dune du Pilat

The top of the Dune du Pilat, Bordeuax, which boasts stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the region, is a must-see for nature lovers. The breathtaking natural wonder, which is one of the most well-known sites in France, is located in La Teste-de-Buch on the Arcachon Bay coast. Every year, over one million people come to climb to the top and stroll along the 2.7km ridge.

Rocamadour

The wonderful hilltop hamlet of Rocamadour is France’s second most visited attraction, after Mont-Saint-Michel. The sacred village perched high on a limestone cliff overlooking the Alzou canyon in the Dordogne region is nothing short of spectacular. The UNESCO-protected medieval town was once a notable pilgrimage site renowned for its religious buildings. A famous statue known as the Black Madonna, which dates from the 15th century, is housed in the Chapel of Notre Dame.

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a magnificent medieval monastery perched on an island 600 meters off the coast of Normandy. The stunning ancient building looks like something from a fairy tale. The sheer natural beauty of this ancient city is enhanced by the tiny, twisting lanes and picturesque timber-framed homes that climb up to it.

Auvergne

It is the world’s largest volcanic ensemble and a prehistoric-era relic nestled within the heart of central France. There are four volcanic massifs in the park which cover 395,000 hectares. As the highest volcano in the region, the Puy de Dôme stands at an altitude of 1,465 meters. There are thousands of visitors from around the world who come to see these long-dormant sleeping giants. Hot-air ballooning, cycling, and hiking are popular on the peaks.

Saint-Tropez

There are many opportunities in Saint-Tropez for you to immerse yourself in the luxury lifestyle the town is famous for. Along the French Riviera, this gorgeous resort is home to countless designer boutiques, immaculate beaches, and yacht-hopping celebrities. It originally started out as a sleepy fishing village but was transformed into a luxury resort in the late 19th century with the arrival of artists such as Paul Signac and Albert Marquet.

The Loire Valley

Formerly the home of French royalty and nobility, the Loire Valley is known as the garden of France. It is one of France’s most iconic tourist destinations today and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Castles date back to the 9th century, but the Renaissance castles are the most famous like Chambord and Chenonceau. There are more than 300 elaborate chateaux open to the public, and each has a different story to tell.

A château holiday needn’t cost a king’s ransom. These 10 sumptuous castles-turned-hotels across France won’t break the bank

1. Château de la Côte, nr Périgueux, Dordogne

This spectacular 15th-century château has been owned and run by the same family since the last century. Travel past golden sunflower fields and it emerges through a forested hilltop. The interior pile oozes grandeur with original stone walls, wood panelling, a suit of armour in the hall, and huge fireplaces. Bedrooms are old-fashioned but impressive with antiques and numerous four-posters to choose from.

Breakfast can be taken in the “tower room” or on the front lawn. There’s also a pool, children’s play area and a secret arbour within the 20 acres of grounds.

2. Le Château, nr Lens, Pas-de-Calais

This tranquil manoir lies in a private park in the village of Fresnoy-en-Gohelle. It was built in 1928 to replace a chateau destroyed in the first world war, and the Vimy War Memorial is close by. Light pours in through art deco windows and interiors have been enhanced by the owner’s modern taste.

Sofas face a log-burner in the monumental hall, bedrooms are immaculate (satin sheets, electric shutters, smart antiques), and wonderful breakfasts are served at a table set with porcelain. Also on offer are a sauna, a gym, and simple-but-elegant dinners in each first-floor bedroom.

3. Château d’Étoges, Marne, nr Epernay, Champagne-Ardenne

Etoges, used as a stopover by French kings on journeys east, is a moated 17th-century château: you pass through the wrought-iron gates then over the footbridge to a little island fortress. The grounds have fountains, lawns and ponds.

It is, indeed, fit for a king, from the rooms with their delicate fabrics and linen to the elegant meals with home-grown veg. Opulent bedrooms glow with antiques and fresh flowers. The restaurant, in the orangery, has a fireplace – and if you fancy breakfast in bed, staff will bring it to your lace-covered table.

4. Château de Prye, nr Nevers, Burgundy

This château, in the village of La Fermeté, dates back to the Middle Ages and has an intriguing history: the Queen of Poland, Marie-Casimire, lived here at the tail end of the 17th century. It was enlarged in the 19th century, with vast rooms and palatial stables that even have marble-panelled walls, and the corridors heave with antlers and stag heads.

Cavernous bedrooms are en-suite and furnished with unusual antiques; breakfast is taken in the oak-panelled dining room with views of the park. Head out to explore the woodlands and river contained within the seven kilometres of walls.

5. Le Château de Mazan, nr Avignon, Provence-Alpes

The Marquis de Sade’s father and uncle were born in this château in an appealing little town at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Though the infamous Marquis preferred Paris, he often stayed at Mazan, organising France’s first theatre festival here in 1772.

These days, it is a family hotel and Frédéric, who speaks good English, runs it while his mother takes care of the décor. There are frondy palms and secluded spots in the garden and a beautiful terrace for dinner; the chef has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and is keen to win his own.

6. Château les Oliviers de Salettes, nr Valence, Rhône Valley-Alpes

After three years of renovations, the hotel now runs like clockwork. The building, athree-storey house with a turret at each end, lords it over five hectares of landscaped parkland, with dining terraces, boules pitch, and infinity pool.

For the doers, there are cookery lessons, wine tastings, and electric-bike rentals. Uncluttered bedrooms are full of lofty splendour and furnished in the classic French style. But dinner is the highlight here – beautiful food accompanied by heavenly views. The menu-de-midi is great value.

7. Château Touny les Roses, nr Albi, Midi-Pyrénées

If you’re on the trail of local hero Toulouse-Lautrec, then this pretty country estate will be right up your street. Set in seven hectares of garden and vineyard, the château’s traditional exterior gives no hint of what awaits. Inside, art is everywhere: in the flagged entrance hall and the striking red room, where breakfast is served, is an ever-changing backdrop of modern paintings.

The big bedrooms meld old-fashioned comfort with contemporary touches, and the château’s verdant grounds are no less impressive – 300 roses bloom in the formal garden, and there’s a pool, woodland to explore and a pathway that leads to a private jetty on the Tarn.

8. Château de Tanay, nr Lyon

This château is surrounded by acres of parkland with pool, and inside is equally splendid. A sleek modern decor illuminates fine stone work and medieval beams, there’s a games room, a grand piano and, beneath the great carved fireplace, a breakfast table.

In summer, you can tuck into croissants, hams and jams by the moat beneath the willow. Spend the day in old Lyon or treat the family to the Parc des Oiseaux… return for a château tour with your hosts or trot off for dinner at the local pizzeria.

9. Château de Potelières, nr Avignon, Languedoc

This château is surrounded by organic olive groves and orchards, which supply the fruits for homemade jams, there are benches under vast trees, and a pool with loungers and parasols. Inside is a hallway flooded with light, a wide stone stairway to galleries above, of which are terracotta and parquet-floored salons.

The dining room opens up to a balustraded front terrace, glassed-in for autumn and spring and open in summer, where buffet breakfasts are taken, and there’s a library and a music room, a billiard room and a scarlet salon with a fire that can be lit on cooler nights.

10. Château de Cop-Choux, nr Nantes, Western Loire

This elegant house was built just before the French Revolution, with towers added in the early 20th century. It has 18 hectares of park, a pool, rolling lawns, and ancient trees. Chestnut trees line the approach, a river runs through the grounds, and there are lakes and woods for ramblers, farm animals – and even dromedaries in summer.

Several bedrooms have windows on three sides and all are spacious. Breakfast comes with a selection of teas in a pretty paneled room or on the terrace; dinner is at separate tables.

Acknowledgements:  The Guardian