The French Riviera and Provence, a land of opulence where the rich and famous unwind. This region beckons travelers to discover its coastal charm, culinary delights, beachfront bliss, and picturesque drives. This meticulously crafted French Riviera itinerary offers a blend of experiences.
Check out the French Riviera itinerary 7 days:
Day 1 of French Riviera tours: Arrival in Nice
Arriving in Nice, a city that warmly welcomes visitors, sets the tone for your enchanting Riviera France journey. Most flights land in Nice in the late morning or early afternoon. After checking into your hotel, consider a leisurely stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais. It offers stunning views of the coastline.
For the energetic, Castle Hill provides a breathtaking cityscape. Explore Old Nice (Vieux Nice) with its winding streets and vibrant cafes. Conclude your first day of French Riviera tours with gelato from Fenocchio Glacier in Old Nice.
Day 2 of France trip itinerary: Villefranche-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Day two introduces you to the enchanting towns along the coast. A short Uber or taxi ride takes you to Villefranche-sur-Mer. This is a tranquil haven in the east of Nice. Explore the vibrant streets and savor lunch at a waterfront restaurant. Visit Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild with its splendid gardens and panoramic views. Enjoy a scenic walk to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and its charming beach and harbor. Conclude the day of your French Riviera itinerary 7 days with dinner in Nice.
Day 3 of French Riviera itinerary 7 days: Monaco
Day three of your France trip itinerary brings a leisurely change of pace. Morning relaxation on Nice’s sun-kissed beaches precedes your journey to Monaco after lunch. The 20-minute train ride offers picturesque views. Stroll along Monaco’s harbor for yacht-spotting, explore the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, and visit Prince Rainier III’s car collection. You can also wander through the Japanese Gardens. Cafe de Paris Monte Carlo is an ideal evening choice. The Monaco Grand Prix course is also an important attraction.
Day 4 of Riviera France: Antibes and Cannes
Explore more of the French Riviera coastline on day 4 of the France trip itinerary. A 20-minute train ride from Nice takes you to Antibes. This place is renowned for Europe’s largest yachting harbor, Port Vauban. After taking a 7-minute train ride, you will arrive in Cannes. It is a city that offers beautiful and untouched beaches. It is also known for the renowned Cannes Film Festival. The 5-hour excursion from Nice covers both Antibes and Cannes.
Day 5 of French Riviera itinerary: Road Trip to Marseille
Embark on a road trip along the captivating coastline on day 5 of the French Riviera itinerary 7 days. Winding mountainous roads along the Three Corniches offer stunning views. Stop in the charming town of Eze. Explore Vence for a leisurely lunch. Drive two hours west to Marseille, known for its captivating Old Port. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner in Marseille.
Day 6 of French Riviera itinerary 7 days: Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Avignon
Experience the stunning beauty of Parc National des Calanques with a boat tour. Transition to the charm of Provence with a half-hour drive to Aix-en-Provence. Enjoy lunch, stroll the inviting streets, and explore the iconic Cours Mirabeau. Continue with a scenic one-hour drive to Avignon. Enjoy dinner at one of Avignon’s superb restaurants on day 6 of the French Riviera itinerary.
Day 7 of French Riviera tours: Mont Ventoux and the Rhone Wine Region
Day seven of the French Riviera tours offers various options. Opt for a guided Rhone wine tour or a self-driving exploration. Mont Ventoux, renowned in the cycling world, is also an amazing place. The Rhone region offers wine tasting in Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Explore the picturesque countryside around Malaucene, Vaison-la-Romaine, and Orange.
Want To Extend Your France trip itinerary?
In case you have a few more days then you can spend three more days in this splendid place. Here is what you can explore at this time.
Day 8 of Riviera France: Pont du Gard, Les Baux, St. Remy, and More
Begin the day of your Riviera France trip with a half-hour drive to the Pont du Gard, an impressive Roman aqueduct. Continue to Arles for a bustling market and the Roman Arena. Visit Les-Baux-de-Provence with its panoramic views. Try Pastis, a regional beverage. Conclude the day in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the birthplace of Nostradamus and Van Gogh’s ear incident.
Day 9: Drive to Nice through the Luberon Valley
Before departing, visit Pont D’Avignon and the Palais des Papes. Drive to Roussillon in the Luberon Valley, known for its striking red cliffs. Enjoy lunch and consider a detour to St. Tropez. Alternatively, head to Nice, where you can dine and enjoy the nightlife. This is how you can spend day 9 of the French Riviera itinerary.
Day 10: Departure or Continuation of Your Travels:
Bid adieu to the French Riviera and Provence on your final day. Catch a flight home or continue your journey to some other interesting destination in France.
Best time to visit the French Riviera
The best time to visit French Riviera is from April to October. April, May, September, and October are optimal to avoid peak summer crowds.
Where You Can Stay?
In Nice, choose hotels that provide stunning views of the Promenade des Anglais. In Avignon, select a hotel that has a prime location, exceptional service, and nearby cafes.
Things to Keep in Mind While Planning French Riviera and Provence Tour:
Planning a trip to the enchanting French Riviera and Provence requires careful consideration to make the most of your visit. Here are essential things to keep in mind:
- Seasonal Timing: Choose your travel dates wisely. Select the best time to visit the French Riviera. Try to strike a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist season. From luxurious seaside resorts to charming boutique hotels and rustic countryside inns, the region offers diverse options.
- Transportation: Plan your transportation, whether it’s by train, car, or a combination of both.
- Local Cuisine: Savor the renowned Provencal cuisine. Try traditional dishes like ratatouille, bouillabaisse, and pastis, along with regional wines.
- Attractions: Prioritize your must-visit attractions, such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the Cannes Film Festival, and historic sites like Palais des Papes and Pont du Gard.
- Cultural Events: Check for local festivals, markets, and events happening during your stay. These provide an authentic cultural experience.
- Language: While English is widely spoken, learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for local culture.
- Currency: Use euros as the local currency. Credit cards are generally accepted, but cash may be needed at smaller establishments.
- Time Management: Allocate sufficient time at each destination, as the region is filled with picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures.
- Research: Do thorough research on opening hours, ticket prices, and any reservation requirements for attractions and restaurants.
- Take Assistance: The best way to plan your trip is by hiring the services of Exclusive France Tours.
Conclusion
The France Riviera and Provence itinerary offers a curated blend of coastal exploration, culinary delights, and beachfront relaxation. It also offers scenic road trips in the captivating French Riviera and Provence. From the glitz of Monaco to the charm of Provence, it promises an unforgettable experience. So set out on this trip to one of France’s most captivating regions.
