Your seven-day itinerary for the South of France

Picture this: You just arrived in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur in the south of France – but the area is so jam-packed with beauty that it’s hard to know what to do next.

Do you want to spend time by the beach in Cannes or explore historic towns like Avignon? Or do you want to gallop through fields of lavender or win big at a luxury casino?

Think no further, mon ami, because this seven-day itinerary will guide you through some of the best that Provence and the Côte d'Azur have to offer, step-by-step.

Day 1: Marseille

Start your day by wandering down to the Old Port (Vieux-Port), which dates back to the time of Greek settlement in 600BC and was the heart of the city until the nineteenth century. While you’re there, enjoy a delicious breakfast at Deïa or grab a coffee and croissant to-go and walk along the water.

Mid-morning, hop on a cruise that will take you around Calanques National Park so you can see the stunning sights of the park’s beaches, mountains and miniature fjords. Hot tip: aim for a cruise that includes lunch onboard.

Upon your return to the port, walk over to the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean to learn more about the people that call the Mediterranean home.

Finish your day with dinner on the terrace at Café de l'Abbaye, looking out over the port while you enjoy classic Provençal fare, including plenty of fresh seafood and decadent desserts.

Days 2 and 3: Day trips from Marseille

If you’re in Marseille any time from mid-June to mid-July, a visit to the stunning lavender fields is a must. For this, you can join a group tour or hire a car (consider Freely’s extra coverage for car hire) and drive there yourself.  

Valensole and Gourdes are two of the most popular areas to visit, but if you’re driving, you can simply cruise arounduntil you find a field you like and stop to take photos amongst the endless sea of purple plants.

Consider stopping at a local producer where you can try lavender ice cream and shop a range of products made with lavender.The village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie would make an ideal spot for a late lunch; nestled in the mountains, it’s home to a waterfall that runs right through the centre of town.

If lavender isn’t in season, consider catching the train to Avignon and visiting the Palais des Papes, home to several Popes during the fourteenth century. Explore the town and grab lunch before heading back to the train station and moving on to Arles, the town best known for its connection to Vincent Van Gogh.

Here, you can visit the Fondation Vincent van Gogh (be sure to take in the view from the roof) and grab a drink at Le Café Van Gogh, said to be the inspiration for Van Gogh’s ‘Café Terrace at Night’.

Day 4: Nice

Today, you’ll take the train east to Nice. I’m recommending Nice because it’s perfectly situated for day trips to other towns in the region and has a wide variety of attractions to keep visitors entertained – but for the record, almost anywhere would be an excellent choice (Cannes is ideal for a slower-paced, beachy getaway, for instance).

Drop your bags at your hotel, grab some wine and snacks at the supermarket, and join everyone else down at the beach until sunset before heading to La Merenda for dinner.