South of France Road Trip: A Guide to Stunning Destinations
Take a few minutes out to imagine yourself cruising along the lavender scent roads. As you breeze past these scenic places, the medieval villages will soon reveal themselves on the hilltops. In fact, you will feel as if you are seeing crown jewels of the France. This is just a glimpse of what your South of France Road Trip will feel like!
As you start exploring the South of France, you will come across a fascinating fusion. These include the combination of historic charm, the beauty of the coast and the delicious culinary delights.
Right from the glittering Mediterranean region to the rolling hills of the Provence. Every turn that you take in this area of France gives you an opportunity to find new treasure.
Want to know how you can make your French Road trip the memory of a lifetime? Read on!
P.S: Apply for France visit visa from UK in advance to ensure that you can comfortably travel!
South of France Road Trip – Which Places to Visit?
The South of France is a fascinating region which attracts thousands of the holidaymakers each year. Some of the biggest reasons for this are the diverse landscapes of the area. In addition to this, there is the rich cultural heritage that you will love seeing and experiencing.
In order to truly enjoy an unforgettable journey, you should start from one of the best places in France – Provence. This is the place where you will find the incredible lavender fields. But, these are not just some small ones. Instead, these fields of the lavender stretch endlessly under the warm sun. One must-try activity is the wine tasting in Provence!
Then, there is the beautiful Aix-en-Provence. This is the destination in France that is popular for its elegant boulevards. In fact, these wonderful attractions line up with the centuries old plane trees. But, wait! There is more to your South of France Roadtrip!
You can choose the next destination to be Nice. This is the perfect spot in the France for exploring the costal charm. One of the highlight attractions of this wonderful city is the Promenade des Anglais. From here, you can soak in the spell-binding views of the Mediterranean. Apart from this, you should also go to see the Narrow streets of the Old Town. In fact, when you reach here, you will find a lot of wonderful local restaurants. Here, you can enjoy some of the best and authentic Niçoise cuisine.
Apart from this, you can also check out the countryside between the Paris and Nice. These include attractions like the Saint-Paul-de-Vence as well as the Luberon region.
With these details, you can easily plan your French countryside road trip!
What is the Best time to Visit the South of France for a Road Trip?
The perfect time to go to the South of France will usually depend on your travel preferences.
However, there are some ideal times to visit the France for your Road Trip. You should also note that, some of the months will experience more crowds. On the other hand, there are months, where the crowds are less too.
So, starting with the ideal conditions, these fall during the Spring and Fall Season. The Spring season is during the months of April to May. Then, there is the Fall season which falls in the months of September and October. These are the seasons which feature the comfortable temperatures and fewer people.
The Spring is the time when you get to see the blooming wildflowers. On the other hand, the autumn season boasts the harvest time if the wine. In fact, this is also the time when you enjoy great weather for the hiking.
Now, coming to the peak tourist season – The Summer. During this season, you get to enjoy the vibrant festivals and the beach weather. However, there is one flipside. Lot of people in most of the major destinations and attractions of South France. So, if you do not mind this, then you can visit during the Summer.
Then, there is the winter season that is ideal for peacefully exploring the place. But, please note that, some of the attractions may run for only a few hours.
But, there is something you must do to ensure a hassle-free South of France adventure. That is getting a France Schengen visa for UK residents as soon as possible. This will enable you to easily go to France and kickstart your South of France tip on the road!
The Best Villages in South of France You Shouldn’t Miss!
1). Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – Check Out the Heritage of Art
You will come across the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in the foot of the Alpilles mountains. While the location will impress you, there is another thing that this place is popular for. And that is the artistic heritage, that you may not get to see anywhere else.
In fact, it is the works of the Van Gogh that you will get the opportunity to see. Take some time out to see some of the most famous works of the Van Gogh at Saint-Rémy-de-Provence!
Apart from this, there is the weekly market of the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. When this market pops up, it literally transforms the village. You will see the quaint village streets turn into a beautiful celebration of the local produce. So, when are you getting your France Tourist Visa from UK?
2). Gordes – One of the Top Places for South of France Road Trip
If there is one place of the Provence that you must see, it is the Gordes. This is because, you will find this place dramatically on a hilltop. The views itself will make you feel like you are on top of the world.
Apart from this, there are other amazing things that you can see here. The first is the ancient stone buildings of the Gordes. In fact, the local build them in a unique way. You will see these rise in tiers above the countryside!
Then, there is the nearby Sénanque Abbey. The captivating fields of the lavender surround this attraction. All of these combine to give your breathtaking opportunities to click the pictures.
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3). Èze – A Medieval Mediterranean Village in Southern France
When you first go to the Èze, you will feel like you are in an eagle’s nest village. And from here, you will get the chance to see the Mediterranean – from the dizzying heights!
If you love such incredible experiences, then, make sure to add Èze to your itinerary.
Here, you can take some time out to see the narrow cobblestone paths. These essentially wind through the boutiques and the artisan shops. Apart from this, there is the exotic garden of the Èze. This location in the top area of Èze boasts amazing views of the French Riviera. Get your France Visa from UK today to check out these fascinating destinations in South France!
4). Roussillon – Witness the Stunning Cliffs!
The Roussillon can be a wonderful addition to your South of France Road Trip. This wonderful destination is famous for one thing – The Red Cliffs.
You will notice these, when you visit the charming place with your near and dear. Apart from this, there are the ochre-colour buildings. These also make the Roussillon stand out from the rest of the villages in South France. But, that is not all, this place has to offer.
You can head over to the many walking trails that this place has to offer. By following these, you get to explore the former ochre quarries. But, the interesting part is the stunning colour variations that you will get to see here.
Apart from this, if you have some time, head over to the local art galleries. These have been inspired by the unique palette of the village!
9-day South of France Itinerary – An Ideal Road Trip for You
If you are planning to go on a South of France Road Trip, then you can use this itinerary or create your own around this!
Day 1-2: Discover Nice & Surrounding Areas
You can start your South of France Road Trip in the Nice. Try to spend a day or two exploring the colourful old town. Do not miss out on the Promenade des Anglais. Apart from this, you can also take a day trip to the elegant Monaco. If you want an alternative place, you can choose go to the charming Antibes.
Day 3: Explore the Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence
After two eventful days, you can drive to the hilltop villages of Èze and the Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In the Èze, make sure to check out its exotic gardens. When you reach the Saint-Paul-de-Vence, make sure to check out its modern art galleries. If you have some time, try to relish a wonderful dinner at a Michelin start restaurant.
Also see, France Visa for United Kingdom BRP Holders – Check the requirements
Day 4-5: Have a Wonderful Time in the Provence Region
For the next two days, book your stay in the Provence, specifically, Aix-en-Provence. Here, you can visit the Lavender Fields during its bloom season. Apart from this, try to see the Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. The Luberon villages are also quite beautiful and you can take some time out to see these too!
Day 6: Check Out the Gordes and Roussillon
For the sixth day, you can plan to discover the Gordes and the Roussillon. Try to first enjoy a morning at the Gordes. Here, you can enjoy take pictures of the stunning architectural marvels. In the afternoon, you can go to the Roussillon where you can explore the Ochre trails. Apart from this, go to the local markets to try out some regional specialities. All you need is a France Schengen Visa from UK!
Day 7: Visit the Avignon
When you reach the Avignon, make sure to visit the Pope’s Palace. Then there is the famous bridge that you can go to with your near ones. Apart from this, you can also try out the wine tasting tour. But, not just at any place. Instead, choose to enjoy this experience at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. You can end your day by going on an evening walk along the medieval ramparts!
Day 8: Witness the Verdon Gorge Area
After you go to the Verdon, try to explore the Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Apart from this, there is the gorgeous Verdon Gorge Area. Prefer to go on an adventure. Then, this place has many outdoor activities. Alternatively, you can enjoy a scenic drive with your loved ones. Love food? Then, you must try the Provençal cuisine.
Day 9: Return to Nice
For the last day, you can plan to return back to the Nice. However, take the scenic coastal route for an amazing memory that will top off your South of France Road Trip . During the drive, you can stop at the hidden beaches or the charming villages. Spend your final evening in the South part of France basking in the views of the Mediterranean.
The Best Small Towns to Visit between Nice and Paris
1). Annecy – One of the Best Stopovers from Nice to Paris
Most of the local and travellers popularly know this place as the “Venice of the Alps”. And the ambience of this place right gives it this incredible title.
One of the highlight attractions of the Annecy is the crystal-clear lakes. In addition to this, there are the medieval canals. Both of these combine to give the Annecy a “Venice Like Feel!”
Apart from this, there are is the old town that boasts colourful houses and the flowering bridges. During your stay in the Annecy, make sure to check these out.
Then, there are the popular local restaurants. These wonderful places serve the mouth-watering Savoyard specialities that you must try!
2). Beaune – Explore the Iconic Wine Capital of Burgundy
The Beaune is essentially one of the wonderful places that you can check out when you travel from Nice to the Paris.
This place is popular because it is the Wine Capital of the Burgundy Region. When you go to this place, you must check out its remarkable medieval architecture.
Another interesting attraction to see is the Hospices de Beaune. This place features the stunning red color roof tiles that you will enjoy clicking pictures of.
Apart from this, the wine tasting experiences in the historic cellars are memorable. Do not miss them out during your stay in the Beaune. Make your French countryside road trip memorable by adding these wonderful places to your itinerary!
Also see, 5 Days Itinerary In France: Best Routes and Destination!
3). Dijon – Experience Incredible Architecture of France
Dijon is a wonderful city in the France that is popular for its history, culture and the gastronomy. All of these attract many visitors to the Dijon every year!
Historically, the Dijon was particularly popular for its beautiful architectural landmarks. One of the famous ones is the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne. This is the palace which is home to Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the most important art museums of France. Here, you will find a wide collection that includes antiquity to the contemporary art.
Apart from this, you can head over to the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne and Église Notre-Dame. These are notable for their Gothic architectural style. When you go to the Église Notre-Dame, you find a particular attraction. It is the owl statue and many believe, it brings the good luck.
Then, there are the delicious dishes that you must try. The city is most popular for the Dijon Mustard. The visitors can also check out the local markets like the Les Halles de Dijon. Here, you can try out a variety of traditional Burgundian dishes. These include the escargots and boeuf bourguignon. Excited? Simply apply online France visa to get started!
4). Lyon – Popular Place to Visit during Nice to Paris Road Trip
Lyon is the third largest city of the France and boasts many amazing things that you can experience.
One of the biggest reasons to go to the Lyon is for its culinary excellence. The city is popular for its authentic Lyonnals cuisine. These include dishes such as the salade lyonnaise and quenelles. You can also try out the local specialities in the traditional restaurants which the locals call as bouchons.
As for the attractions, you must go to see the UNESCO Heritage Old Town or Vieux Lyon. You will come across Renaissance architecture, cobblestone streets and hidden passages here.
Want to dive into the local culture? Visit the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. You will find this on the top of Fourvière Hill, from where you will get to enjoy amazing views of the city. Other places include the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière and Musée des Beaux-Arts.
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Conclusion
A South of France Road Trip give you the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of unforgettable experiences. Whether it is glamour of the coast or the charm of the medieval villages. Each day on this road trip will help you discover new and amazing things . Additionally, your journey through the Provence and the French Riviera will help you create memories for life. Simply apply for France visa from UK today to ensure that you enjoy a memorable Road Trip through the South of France!
Checkout, France In Autumn: 15 Best Places To Visit (2025)
FAQs
The seasons of Spring (April to May) and the Fall (September to October), feature the ideal weather conditions along with a fewer number of tourists. If you want to see the Lavender blooms, you can visit from the Late June to the Early August.
Yes, you should do this, especially, if you are visiting the South of France during the peak season i.e., June to August. Try to book around 2 to 4 months in the advance.
A compact or a mid-size car works well for this type of road trip. However, make sure to consider the fuel efficiency of the car as well as the ease of parking. This will help you when you visit the medieval villages or go on the long drives.
Plan to keep a budget of around €150-250 for each day of the trip. This budget is for one person. The budget includes the stays, food as well as the activities. Apart from this, your budget will depend on the type of travel that you prefer.
It is always recommended to learn a few basic French phrases. These will come in handy during any emergency situations. However, most of the tourist areas generally have English speaking people and staff.
