South France Exploration – 4‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Nice Highlights

Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and check into your hotel in the historic Old Town. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais for a refreshing sea‑view walk.

Afternoon: Wander the narrow streets of Vieux‑Nice, visiting the Cours Saleya market to sample local olives and socca. Climb up to the Colline du Château for panoramic views of the city and the Baie des Anges.

Evening: Dine at a seaside bistro enjoying fresh Mediterranean seafood, then sip a glass of rosé while watching the sunset over the turquoise waters.

Day 2: Cannes & Antibes Riviera Experience

Morning: Take a short train ride to Cannes and wander the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, spotting luxury yachts and the Palais des Festivals.

Afternoon: Head to the charming town of Antibes, exploring the historic Fort Carré and the Picasso Museum housed in the Château Grimaldi.

Evening: Return to Nice and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a traditional Provençal restaurant in the Port area, followed by a leisurely night‑cap at a local wine bar.

Day 3: Lavender Fields & Hilltop Villages of Provence

Morning: Drive to the Luberon region, beginning with the perched village of Gordes, where stone houses cascade down the hillside.

Afternoon: Continue to the ochre town of Roussillon, strolling through its colorful lanes and visiting the nearby Ochre Trail for a short hike.

Evening: Stop at a family‑run vineyard near Apt for a wine tasting session, then head back to Nice, enjoying the quiet countryside sunset.

Day 4: Marseille’s Port & Cultural Gems

Morning: Board a high‑speed train to Marseille and start at the bustling Vieux‑Port, watching the fishing boats unload their catch.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Basilique Notre‑Dame de la Garde for sweeping city views, then explore the historic Le Panier district with its art galleries and cafés.

Evening: Savor a dinner of bouillabaisse at a waterfront restaurant, followed by a leisurely walk along the newly revitalized La Corniche promenade.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Promenade des Anglais, Nice – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Vieux‑Nice & Cours Saleya – 3 hrs – €15 (market snacks)
• Colline du Château – 1.5 hrs – €8 (lift ticket)
• Cannes Croisette – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Fort Carré, Antibes – 1.5 hrs – €6
• Picasso Museum, Antibes – 2 hrs – €12
• Gordes Village – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Roussillon & Ochre Trail – 2.5 hrs – €5
• Vineyard Tasting, Luberon – 1.5 hrs – €20
• Vieux‑Port, Marseille – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Notre‑Dame de la Garde – 1.5 hrs – €7
• Le Panier District – 2 hrs – €0 (free)
• Bouillabaisse Dinner – 2 hrs – €35
• Total Estimated Cost: €133

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the stunning Calanques near Marseille or a wine‑tour day in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. For a shorter trip, you can compress Days 2 and 3 by using a guided half‑day tour that combines Cannes, Antibes, and the Luberon villages, allowing you to return to Nice in the evening.