10‑Day South of France Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nice & Seaside Stroll

Morning: Land at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and check into your hotel in the Old Town. Take a leisurely walk along the Promenade des Anglais to soak up the Mediterranean breeze.

Afternoon: Explore the charming alleys of Vieux Nice, sampling socca at a local café and visiting the bustling Cours Saleya Market for fresh produce and flowers.

Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant with a view of the harbor and enjoy a sunset cruise around the Bay of Angels.

Day 2: Art & Gardens in Nice

Morning: Visit the iconic Musée Matisse perched on the hill of Cimiez, followed by a stroll through the tranquil Monastère de Cimiez Gardens.

Afternoon: Head to the Musée Marc Chagall to admire the vibrant stained‑glass windows, then relax on the pebble beach at Plage de la Réserve.

Evening: Sample Provençal cuisine at a traditional bistro in the Port district and enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar.

Day 3: Cannes & Antibes

Morning: Take a short train ride to Cannes and wander the famous La Croisette, stopping at the luxurious boutiques and the Palais Des Festivals.

Afternoon: Continue to Antibes to explore the historic Vieil Antibes and the impressive Musée Picasso housed in the Château Grimaldi.

Evening: Return to Nice for a relaxed dinner in the lively Rue Masséna area.

Day 4: Perfume Capital – Grasse

Morning: Travel inland to Grasse, the world’s perfume capital, and tour the Fragonard Perfume Factory for an aromatic workshop.

Afternoon: Stroll through the medieval streets of Grasse, visiting the Cathedral of Notre‑Notre and the charming Place aux Aires square.

Evening: Return to the coast and enjoy a beachfront dinner in Juan‑les‑Pins, sampling fresh seafood.

Day 5: Marseille – Port and History

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

Afternoon: Ride the historic Le Petit Train up to the impressive Basilique Notre‑Dame de la Garde for panoramic city views.

Evening: Savor Bouillabaisse at a waterfront restaurant in the Le Panier district, followed by a stroll through its narrow alleys.

Day 6: Aix‑en‑Provence & Lavender Fields

Morning: Take a short train to Aix‑en‑Provence and explore the elegant Cours Mirabeau, admiring its fountains and cafés.

Afternoon: Join a guided tour of the nearby Lavender fields of Valensole (season permitting) or visit the historic Hôtel de Caumont art museum.

Evening: Return to Marseille for a relaxed night in the vibrant Vieux Port area.

Day 7: Avignon – Papal Palace

Morning: Travel to Avignon and start at the majestic Palais des Papes, exploring its grand halls and secret chambers.

Afternoon: Walk across the iconic Pont d'Avignon and visit the charming Place de l'Horloge for a coffee break.

Evening: Attend a performance at the historic Théâtre du Petit Saint‑Pierre or dine in the lively Rue de la République.

Day 8: Arles & Roman Heritage

Morning: Head to Arles to discover the well‑preserved Amphitheatre and the ancient Roman Theater, both testaments to the city’s Roman past.

Afternoon: Visit the Van Gogh Foundation to see works inspired by the region, then wander the picturesque streets of the historic center.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner by the Rhône River, tasting local specialties such as gardianne de taureau.

Day 9: Nîmes & Pont du Gard

Morning: Explore Nîmes’ Roman marvels, starting with the imposing Arena of Nîmes and the well‑preserved Maison Carrée.

Afternoon: Take a short trip to the UNESCO‑listed Pont du Gard, walking across the ancient aqueduct and learning its history at the visitor centre.

Evening: Return to Avignon for a leisurely night, perhaps sampling a glass of local Côtes du Rhône.

Day 10: Carcassonne & Departure

Morning: Travel to Carcassonne and tour the magnificent Cité Médiévale, including the Château Comtal and the double‑wall fortifications.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the medieval town, then begin your journey back to Nice (or your departure airport) for your flight home.

Evening: Reflect on your adventure over a final glass of rosé, perhaps at the airport lounge, before departure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Promenade des Anglais (Nice) – 2 hrs – €0
• Vieux Nice & Cours Saleya – 3 hrs – €0
• Musée Matisse – 1.5 hrs – €10
• Monastère de Cimiez Gardens – 1 hr – €5
• Musée Marc Chagall – 1.5 hrs – €12
• La Croisette (Cannes) – 2 hrs – €0
• Musée Picasso (Antibes) – 2 hrs – €13
• Fragonard Perfume Factory (Grasse) – 2 hrs – €15
• Vieux Port (Marseille) – 2 hrs – €0
• Basilique Notre‑Dame de la Garde – 1.5 hrs – €5
• Cours Mirabeau (Aix‑en‑Provence) – 2 hrs – €0
• Lavender Fields (Valensole) – 3 hrs – €20 (tour)
• Palais des Papes (Avignon) – 2 hrs – €12
• Pont d'Avignon – 1 hr – €6
• Amphitheatre (Arles) – 1.5 hrs – €8
• Van Gogh Foundation (Arles) – 1 hr – €9
• Arena of Nîmes – 1 hr – €9
• Maison Carrée (Nîmes) – 1 hr – €6
• Pont du Gard – 2 hrs – €12
• Cité Médiévale (Carcassonne) – 3 hrs – €10
• Château Comtal (Carcassonne) – 1.5 hrs – €8
• Meals & Local Transport – – – €250
• Accommodation (9 nights) – – – €1 350
• Inter‑city Train Pass – – – €180
• Total Estimated Cost – – – €1 950

Tips

To extend your trip, add a day in the Languedoc‑Roussillon region to explore the vineyards of Minervois or the coastal charm of Collioure. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 7 and Day 8 by using Avignon as a base for both Arles and Nîmes, reducing travel time while still seeing the key Roman sites.