The Perfect South of France Roadtrip

If you’re planning a road trip through the South of France, this itinerary is a tried-and-tested way to make the most of your time. From charming villages to breathtaking natural landscapes, this journey offers a perfect balance of cultural experiences and scenic wonders. Here’s exactly how we did it, with recommendations to help you plan your trip efficiently.

A South of France Roadtrip allows for flexibility and discovery, but having a well-thought-out plan ensures you can see the highlights without feeling rushed. This itinerary balances must-see destinations with time to soak in the atmosphere, making it ideal for first-time visitors to the South of France.

Thursday, July 10

We landed in Nice just before noon, and after grabbing our luggage, we headed straight to the Holiday Inn Nice, an IHG Hotel. The hotel’s central location made it a great base for exploring the city. Check-in was smooth, and after freshening up, we had the afternoon to wander.

To make the most of your first day, spend it exploring Promenade des Anglais. It’s a short walk from most central hotels and provides a stunning introduction to Nice. We strolled along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and stopping for gelato at a nearby cafe. Allocate about two hours here. Later, we ventured into the Old Town (Vieux Nice), where we explored winding streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops. Dinner at La Rossettisserie was the highlight of our night. Make reservations ahead, as it’s a popular spot.

For those with more energy, consider wrapping up your evening with a visit to Castle Hill (Colline du Château). It’s about a 20-minute walk from Old Town, and the panoramic views of Nice at sunset are absolutely worth the climb. You can either take the stairs or the free elevator, depending on your preference and time. Don’t hesitate to pop into a local bakery for fresh pastries or wander into a lesser-known street to discover hidden gems on your South of France Roadtrip .

If you to explore more of Nice hotels, check out the list here. 

Friday, July 11

We wanted to explore nearby towns, so we hopped on a bus to Menton, a journey of about 45 minutes. The ride itself was a treat, offering picturesque views of the coastline and small villages along the way. We suggest leaving Nice early (around 9 AM) to make the most of your South of France Roadtrip.

Menton is often called the “Pearl of France” for good reason. Its pastel-colored buildings and serene ambiance make it a photographer’s dream. After exploring the old town and the port, we grabbed lunch at Le Mirazur, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal dishes. While on the pricier side, it’s an experience worth splurging on. We spent around four hours in Menton before catching the bus back to Nice, arriving in time for a relaxed evening at the hotel.

Consider stopping at Villefranche-sur-Mer, a charming village with a scenic harbor. It’s a quick detour and offers a quieter vibe compared to Nice. Stroll along the waterfront or enjoy a quick coffee at one of the local cafes before heading back to your base. This added a lovely touch to our day and gave us a glimpse of the Riviera’s diverse charm.

Menton’s slower pace and vibrant gardens provide a nice contrast to Nice’s bustling energy. The Jean Cocteau Museum is another highlight for those interested in art and history. 

Saturday, July 12

We checked out of our hotel early and picked up our rental car. The first stop of the day was St. Paul de Vence, a charming medieval village about 30 minutes away. Parking at Place Fighiera in nearby Èze Village was convenient. We spent the morning wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring local art galleries. For lunch, we recommend La Colombe d’Or, a historic restaurant known for its artist connections.

After lunch, we drove two hours to Verdon Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of Europe.” We spent a couple of hours here, taking in the dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities if you have extra time. By late afternoon, we were back on the road, heading to Valensole to catch the lavender fields at sunset. This drive took about 90 minutes.

Arriving in Valensole, the golden light hitting the endless rows of lavender was a sight to behold. We stayed the night in a small countryside guesthouse, which gave us easy access to the fields for sunrise photos the next day. For those looking to learn more on your South of France Roadtrip, consider visiting a local lavender distillery. We toured one near our guesthouse and gained fascinating insights into the production of essential oils, making our visit even more memorable.

Sunday, July 13

The lavender fields at sunrise were nothing short of magical. If you’re a photography enthusiast, allocate an hour or two here to capture the light as it changes. After a leisurely breakfast, we hit the road toward Roussillon, known for its ochre cliffs and pastel-colored buildings. Lunch at Le P’tit Gourmand was delightful, offering Provençal dishes in a cozy setting.

From Roussillon, it’s a short drive to Gordes, another picturesque village perched on a hill. We spent the afternoon exploring before continuing to Avignon, a journey of about an hour. Once in Avignon, we checked into Hôtel Le Bristol Avignon. The evening was spent wandering the city’s old streets and enjoying dinner at La Fourchette, a bistro serving traditional French cuisine.

Before heading to bed, we took a leisurely stroll along the Rhône River to catch a glimpse of the illuminated Pont Saint-Bénézet. This historic bridge is a symbol of Avignon and looks stunning at night. It was the perfect end to a day on a South of France Roadtrip filled with vibrant colors and timeless charm.

Monday, July 14

This was our longest day on the road, so we started early. At 8 AM, we checked out of our hotel and drove to Nîmes, arriving by 9 AM. The Nîmes Amphitheater is a must-see, one of the best-preserved Roman arenas. After an hour of exploring, we hit the road again, heading to Béziers (about an hour’s drive).

In Béziers, we stopped for lunch at L’Octopus, a contemporary restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. After a quick exploration of the city’s cathedral and old town, we continued our journey to Carcassonne (another hour away), arriving around 2 PM.

Carcassonne’s medieval citadel is straight out of a fairy tale. We spent about 90 minutes here, walking along the fortified walls and learning about its history. By mid-afternoon, we were back on the road to Perpignan, a two-hour drive. Once in Perpignan, we dropped off our rental car at Avis – Gare Sncf Centre Del Mon and caught the evening train to Barcelona, arriving around 8 PM. Also, you can visit the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus if you have more time. Its stained glass windows and Gothic architecture are breathtaking.

Tuesday, July 15, and Wednesday, July 16 

We checked into Nobu Hotel Barcelona, a stylish choice with great amenities. Barcelona deserves at least two full days. Highlights include the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. Each site can take 1-2 hours to explore, so plan accordingly. For food, don’t miss La Boqueria Market and tapas at Quimet & Quimet.

On our second day in Barcelona, we ventured to Montjuïc Hill, which offers stunning views of the city and several attractions, including the Magic Fountain and the Montjuïc Castle. This area is less crowded in the morning, making it an ideal spot to start your day. We wrapped up our time in the city with a leisurely evening at Barceloneta Beach, enjoying the sunset and fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Another highlight of our Barcelona trip was exploring El Born, a trendy neighborhood known for its vibrant arts scene and boutique shops. The Picasso Museum, located in this area, was a cultural delight. We spent a few hours admiring the extensive collection of Picasso’s works, which provided fascinating insights into his artistic evolution. Strolling through the narrow streets of El Born, we also discovered hidden cafes and artisan stores.

No visit to Barcelona would be complete without indulging in the city’s famous nightlife. On our final evening, we visited a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, savoring cocktails and enjoying live music. The atmosphere was electric, yet relaxed, making it a perfect way to bid farewell to this city. Barcelona truly offers something for everyone.

If you have extra time for Barcelona, check out our Spain itinerary here to guide you on your travel!

Day 8: Homeward Bound

Thursday, July 17

We wrapped up our trip with a relaxed morning in Barcelona before heading to the airport for our flight home. Reflecting on the journey, the South of France roadtrip offered an incredible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

As we boarded the plane, we couldn’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions—grateful for the unforgettable memories and a little sad to leave it all behind. Truly, every place we visit will stay with me.

Tips for Maximizing Your South of France Roadtrip

1. Start Early: Many attractions are less crowded in the morning, so plan to arrive at major sites as soon as they open.
2. Pre-Book Tickets: For popular spots like Carcassonne and Verdon Gorge activities, book in advance to save time.
3. Plan Meals: Research restaurants ahead of time to avoid long waits and ensure a memorable culinary experience.
4. Be Flexible: While the itinerary is structured, leave some room for spontaneous detours or extra time at places you love.

This South of France road trip is packed with highlights and unforgettable moments. Use this guide to plan your adventure, and you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo