South France 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Nice Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and settle into your hotel. Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais to enjoy the Mediterranean sea breeze.

Afternoon: Explore the narrow streets of the Old Town (Vieux Nice), visiting the Cours Saleya market for fresh Provençal produce and local crafts.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant in the Port of Nice and savor dishes like bouillabaisse while watching the sunset over the harbor.

Day 2: Cannes & Antibes Coastline

Morning: Take a short train ride to Cannes. Stroll along the glamorous La Croisette, spotting luxury boutiques and the iconic Palais des Festivals.

Afternoon: Head to Antibes to visit the historic Fort Carré and the Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi, overlooking the marina.

Evening: Return to Nice and enjoy a relaxed dinner in the vibrant Rue Masséna district, sampling local wines.

Day 3: Marseille & Calanques

Morning: Travel by train to Marseille. Begin with a visit to the bustling Vieux-Port, where fishermen sell their daily catch.

Afternoon: Take a boat tour to the stunning Calanques National Park, hiking along limestone cliffs and swimming in crystal‑clear waters.

Evening: Explore the historic Le Panier quarter, enjoying dinner at a traditional bistro with views of the Notre‑Dame de la Garde.

Day 4: Aix‑en‑Provence & Lavender Fields

Morning: Arrive in Aix‑en‑Provence and wander the elegant streets lined with fountains, stopping at the Cours Mirabeau for coffee.

Afternoon: Join a guided tour of the nearby Lavender fields of Valensole (season permitting) to experience the iconic purple landscapes.

Evening: Return to Aix‑en‑Provence for a dinner featuring Provençal cuisine at a charming courtyard restaurant.

Day 5: Avignon & Departure

Morning: Travel to Avignon and explore the massive Pont d'Avignon and the historic Papal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Afternoon: Stroll through the lively Place de l'Horloge square, enjoying a final Provençal lunch before heading back to the airport.

Evening: Depart from Avignon or return to Nice for your flight home, carrying memories of the South of France.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Promenade des Anglais (Nice) – 1.5 hrs – €0 (free)
• Old Town (Vieux Nice) – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Port of Nice – 1 hr – €20 (dinner)
• La Croisette (Cannes) – 1.5 hrs – €0 (free)
• Fort Carré (Antibes) – 1 hr – €8
• Picasso Museum (Antibes) – 1.5 hrs – €12
• Vieux-Port (Marseille) – 1 hr – €0 (free)
• Calanques National Park (boat tour) – 3 hrs – €30
• Le Panier (Marseille) – 1.5 hrs – €0 (free)
• Cours Mirabeau (Aix‑en‑Provence) – 1 hr – €0 (free)
• Lavender fields (Valensole) – 2.5 hrs – €15 (tour)
• Pont d'Avignon – 1 hr – €6
• Papal Palace (Avignon) – 2 hrs – €12
• Place de l'Horloge (Avignon) – 1 hr – €0 (free)
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – €70
• Total Estimated Cost: €220

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in the Luberon to visit the hilltop villages of Gordes and Roussillon, or extend your stay in Nice to enjoy the nearby Monaco day‑trip. For a shorter trip, you can condense the itinerary by skipping the lavender fields and focusing on the major coastal cities—Cannes, Marseille, and Avignon—while still experiencing the highlights of South France.