South of France
The South of France is the place that invented the idea of a glamorous European vacation. The French Riviera, with its turquoise Mediterranean waters, pastel colored villages, and celebrity studded beach clubs, has been drawing travelers since the 1920s when the Fitzgeralds and their crowd made it fashionable. Just inland, Provence offers a completely different but equally intoxicating experience: lavender fields stretching to the horizon, honey colored stone villages perched on hilltops, and open air markets overflowing with olives, cheese, and rose wine.
The two regions sit side by side along the southern coast and are easily combined into a single trip. The contrast between the glamour of the coast and the rustic beauty of the interior is what makes the South of France so compelling. You can spend the morning browsing a market in a medieval Provencal village and the afternoon on a superyacht in Monaco.
Where to Go
Nice is the unofficial capital of the Riviera and the best base for exploring the coast. The Promenade des Anglais, the flower market in the old town, and the hilltop park of Castle Hill with views of the Baie des Anges are all wonderful. Nice also has an excellent food scene, blending French and Italian influences with its own Nicois specialties like socca (chickpea flatbread), salade nicoise, and pissaladiere.
Monaco is a 20 minute drive from Nice and a world unto itself. The Casino de Monte Carlo, the Prince’s Palace, and the Grand Prix circuit through the streets are the main draws. The concentration of wealth is staggering, and people watching from a cafe on the harbor is entertainment in itself.
Cannes is famous for its film festival but equally enjoyable outside of May, with a beautiful old town called Le Suquet, sandy beaches, and the car free Lerins Islands a short ferry ride offshore. Saint Tropez, further west, has the most famous beach club scene on the Riviera, though it is best visited in the shoulder season when the crowds thin.
In Provence, the Luberon Valley has some of the most beautiful villages in France: Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, and Menerbes among them. Avignon has the medieval Palais des Papes and a vibrant cultural scene. Aix en Provence is an elegant university town with fountain lined boulevards and excellent markets. The Valensole Plateau in late June and July offers the iconic lavender fields that define the Provence experience.
Where to Stay
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes is the legendary Riviera hotel, perched on a cliff above the Mediterranean with a saltwater pool carved into the rocks. Chateau de la Chevre d’Or in Eze is a collection of medieval buildings turned luxury hotel with panoramic sea views. In Provence, Crillon le Brave is a charming hilltop retreat near Mont Ventoux. La Bastide de Gordes offers five star luxury with views across the Luberon Valley.
Food and Drink
Provencal cooking is built around olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Ratatouille, bouillabaisse (in Marseille), daube (beef stew), and tapenade are regional classics. The markets are the best places to eat, with vendors selling roast chicken, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce that tastes better than anything you will find at home.
Rose wine is the drink of the South of France, and the pale, dry roses of Provence are the global standard. The region around Bandol and Cassis produces excellent examples. Sitting at an outdoor table with a cold glass of rose, a plate of cheese, and a view of either the sea or a lavender field is as close to a perfect moment as travel gets.
Let Us Plan Your South of France Trip
The South of France is one of the most romantic and rewarding destinations in Europe. We will help you combine the Riviera coastline with Provence’s inland beauty, choose between the towns and hotels, and build an itinerary that captures the best of both worlds.
