Getting two weeks on the southern side of France is the ideal way and perfect trip for a holiday. One can easily design an itinerary that fits their schedule or customize it as they wish. They will certainly encounter some of the best stops and the most amazing sights in all of Europe. Renting a car will definitely offer one the most flexibility of schedule, or one could certainly use a French rail pass to do the two-week tour. They can even plan a multiple leg flight, fly into Nice and then fly out of Bordeaux and then return to Nice. The itinerary can also start and end in Paris.
The best part is that lodging is easy and convent in France, thanks to an ever-growing selection of boutique hotel stays and villas in the south of France. You get everything from cars, bars, and restaurants, right in the middle of rural charm with well-tended vineyards and peaceful canals. Enjoy the epitome of la vie Française with the legendary vintages in the cities of grandeur and sophistication.
Southern France is loved by all and noted for an incredible diversity. It remains one of the most visited parts in the world as there is truly something for everyone here. Explore those sunny coastlines and feast your eyes on snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Escape to a rich history that takes you back to the Roman times. Then, there is a wealth of art and good food that there speaks about a vibrant culture. Get the chance to explore little towns, cozy little places, and nice cafés amidst beautiful scenery. Depending on what geographic proximity you have in mind and the length of your trip, there are plenty of recommendations.
Here is summing your trip-of-a-lifetime to the French Riviera in just two weeks!
Week one
First Day:
Fly to Nice and rest for some time. Get ready for a walk along the Promenade des Anglais and go up to Castle Hill. Enjoy walking on the footpaths dotted with kiosks, pergolas and palm trees or cycle on the cycle paths. Stop for a refreshment anytime on the streets that are lined with bars and restaurants.
Second Day
Spend the next day in Nice as there is plenty to do and see. Take a self-guided walk through Vieux Nice and explore a couple of Nice’s fine museums. You can finish the day off with a dinner on the beach.
Third Day
Drive along the coastal route to Monaco and spend the day in almost-neighboring Monaco. You can go to the nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer. Enjoy scenic driving routes throughout the French Riviera, and you are likely to come across fine-dining restaurants and some must-see attractions on the way. Make your way to the sun-soaked beaches of St. Tropez.
Fourth Day
Rise early and drive to the Inland Riviera. Drive north to Vence or Grasse, and you can continue on to the Gorges du Verdon. You will come across a heady mix of Roman remains as well as unspoiled coves, great hotels, busy beaches plus the exquisite restaurants. If you are fond of wildlife, beach life and hiking, this is the region for you.
Fifth Day
Spend the fifth day driving to Provence. You can continue west into the Luberon and explore the villages of the Provençal heartland.
Sixth Day
Spend your day sampling the Luberon hill towns and enjoy the local village market. Drive across the hills to the valley of the Côtes du Rhône or drive to Vaison-la-Romaine via Sault, which is a must in June to late July, because this is the time when the lavender blooms.
Seventh Day
On the last day of your first week, explore Vaison-la-Romaine’s upper medieval village and the lower Roman city. Visit a winery or wine cooperative as you sail along the Côtes du Rhône wine road. Take a walk above Gigondas and tour the little Crestet.
Week two
Eighth Day
Start your day with a tour of the Roman theater in Orange and make a quick stop in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After covering Orange and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, continue south and halt in Avignon. Take a self-guided tour of Avignon in the afternoon.
Ninth Day
Spend the ninth day exploring Nîmes and the Pont du Gard. You can explore the Roman amphitheater. Bring your swimsuit along as the weather is really good. Just float on your back to enjoy some great views of the 2,000-year-old aqueduct.
Tenth Day
Take a joyride through the Camargue and wind up in Arles. Enjoy the Saturday-morning market if you happen to be there during your tour.
Eleventh Day
You can spend the whole day in and near Arles. Enjoy some more sightseeing in the afternoon with a trip to Les Baux.
Twelfth Day
Drive to Cassis on day 12, and it is a must to visit Aix-en-Provence or Marseille. Watch the sun go down from the old port as you enjoy a bouillabaisse dinner.
Thirteenth Day
Spend all day in Cassis experiencing la vie douce. You can hike to the Calanques or take a boat trip. Gaze at the pétanque balls fly and drive up Cap Canaille later.
Fourteenth Day
Fly out of Marseille on day 14. You can drive to Antibes if leaving from Nice and spend the entire day there.
Day 15: Trip is over, and it is time to go back with some great memories!
If you love to take a vacation alone or with your friends, visit a lot of great place in South of France.