10-Day Scenic Road Trip Exploring the French Riviera and Provence Highlights

Day 1: French Riviera Highlights

Nice, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Eze, Monte-Carlo on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, Nice

Enjoy a fresh, organic breakfast with pastries and coffee to start exploring Nice’s Promenade des Anglais.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Castle Hill, Nice

Climb or take the elevator to Castle Hill for panoramic views of Nice and the Mediterranean.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

A scenic 30-minute coastal drive to the peninsula known for its luxury villas and beautiful gardens.
Free, 0h30m

11:45am

Stroll the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat Coastal Path

Walk the famous Sentier du Littoral for breathtaking sea views and charming coves.
Free, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at La Table du Royal, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood and local ingredients in a refined setting.
EUR40, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Eze Village

20-minute drive to the medieval hilltop village known for its stunning views and perfume factories.
Free, 0h20m

3:00pm

Explore Eze Village and Fragonard Perfumery

Wander cobbled streets, visit the exotic Jardin Botanique, and tour the Fragonard perfume factory (open till 6pm).
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Drive 20 minutes to glamorous Monte-Carlo, home to the famous casino and luxury yachts.
Free, 0h20m

5:00pm

Visit Casino de Monte-Carlo

Admire the spectacular architecture and explore the casino interiors; entrance fee applies if gambling or on tour.
EUR17, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café de Paris, Monte-Carlo

A classic brasserie offering French cuisine and excellent people-watching in the heart of the casino square.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Cote d’Azur Coastal Towns

Saint Paul de Vence, Antibes, Cannes on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Colombe d’Or, Saint Paul de Vence

Breakfast in an artistic setting known for hosting famous painters and offering fresh local fare.
EUR25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Saint Paul de Vence Village

Visit the picturesque medieval village, its galleries, and the Fondation Maeght museum (open 10am-6pm).
EUR14, 2h

11:45am

Drive to Antibes

30-minute drive to the lively harbor town famous for its Picasso Museum and charming old town.
Free, 0h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Figuier de Saint Esprit, Antibes

Michelin-starred restaurant offering refined Mediterranean cuisine in a historic setting.
EUR60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Picasso Museum, Antibes

See an impressive collection of Picasso’s works housed in the ancient Chateau Grimaldi (open 10am-6pm).
EUR7, 1h

3:15pm

Drive to Cannes

Short 30-minute drive to Cannes, renowned for its film festival and sandy beaches.
Free, 0h30m

4:00pm

Promenade and La Croisette Walk, Cannes

Stroll along the famous beachfront boulevard lined with luxury shops and grand hotels.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Optional visit to Le Suquet, Cannes Old Town

Wander narrow streets offering charming views and historical sites.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at L’Affable, Cannes

Enjoy elegant, creative French dishes in an intimate atmosphere near the Palais des Festivals.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 3: Islands and Coastal Gems

Cannes, Ile Marguerite, Saint-Tropez on April 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, Cannes

Start early with organic breads and coffee near the seafront.
EUR15, 1h

8:30am

Boat to Ile Marguerite

Catch a ferry from Cannes port to Ile Marguerite (about 15 minutes), known for its fort and nature trails. Ferry operates from 9am to 6pm.
EUR10, 3h

11:45am

Explore Ile Marguerite

Visit Fort Royal prison museum and enjoy walking the peaceful island paths.
EUR6, 2h

1:45pm

Return to Cannes and drive to Saint-Tropez

Take ferry back then a scenic 1.5-hour drive along the coast to Saint-Tropez.
Ferry+Fuel approx EUR30, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll Saint-Tropez Port and Old Town

Explore luxury yachts, boutique shops, and lively cafés around the harbor and narrow streets.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Vague d’Or, Saint-Tropez

Book ahead for this Michelin 3-star restaurant showcasing stunning Mediterranean haute cuisine.
EUR130+, 2h
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Day 4: Coastal Villages and Islands

Port Grimaud, Hyères on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Plage, Saint-Tropez

Enjoy fresh coffee and croissants before heading out.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Port Grimaud

A 45-minute drive to the charming marina town known as the ‘Venice of Provence’ with canals and colorful houses.
Free, 0h45m

9:45am

Explore Port Grimaud

Walk the canals, enjoy waterfront cafés and shops
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Hyères

Another 45-minute drive to Hyères, gateway to the Porquerolles Islands.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at L'Olivier, Hyères

Taste Provençal specialties in the medieval part of town.
EUR30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Hyères Old Town and Gardens

Visit Villa Noailles art center and wander ancient streets and gardens.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Optional ferry to Porquerolles Island (seasonal: check schedule)

Explore beautiful sandy beaches and walking trails; check ferry times and availability.
EUR15, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Terrasse, Hyères

Enjoy fine dining with local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Marseille and Calanques

Hyères, Marseille, Calanques, Cassis on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie de la Plage, Hyères

Grab a quick pastry and coffee before early departure.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Marseille

About 1.5-hour drive to Marseille, the bustling port city with rich history.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Iconic hilltop basilica offering panoramic city and sea views; open 7am-7pm.
Free, 1h

11:15am

Explore Vieux Port (Old Port), Marseille

Walk around the lively harbor with markets, cafés, and historic buildings.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chez Fonfon, Marseille

Enjoy traditional Bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous fish stew.
EUR40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Drive to Calanques National Park

Head 30 minutes to the stunning limestone cliffs and turquoise inlets; park open year-round but check hiking conditions.
Free, 4h

6:00pm

Drive to Cassis

Short 15-minute drive to the charming fishing village near the Calanques.
Free, 0h15m

6:15pm

Evening walk and dinner in Cassis

Dine seaside at Le Grand Bleu, with fresh seafood and Provençal flavors.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Aix en Provence

Cassis, Aix en Provence on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Meignan, Cassis

Enjoy artisan breads and local pastries to start the day.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Aix en Provence

40-minute scenic drive to the elegant university town known for its fountains and squares.
Fuel approx EUR10, 0h40m

10:15am

Explore Cours Mirabeau and Old Town, Aix

Walk through the historic streets with lively cafés, markets, and landmarks.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Deux Garçons, Aix

Historic brasserie with classic French dishes and a lively ambiance.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and Granet Museum

Tour the beautiful cathedral and the art museum featuring Cézanne works (museum open 10am-6:30pm).
EUR8, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Les Thermes Sextius Spa (optional)

Unwind at the historic spa renowned for thermal baths and massages.
EUR40, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table du Pigonnet, Aix

Enjoy refined dining in an elegant garden setting.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Luberon Villages

Aix en Provence, Gordes, Senanque Abbey on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pâtisserie Béchard, Aix

Savor exquisite pastries before a day of village exploration.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Gordes

About 1-hour scenic drive into the Luberon region to one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Explore Gordes

Visit the castle, narrow streets and local artisan shops with stunning hillside views.
Free, 2h

11:45am

Drive to Sénanque Abbey

Short 15-minute drive to the renowned 12th-century abbey famous for lavender fields (best mid-June). Open 10am-6pm.
EUR7, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at nearby L'Oratoire, Gordes

Enjoy Provençal dishes with views overlooking the valleys.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Les Baux de Provence

40-minute drive to this medieval hilltop village famed for its castle ruins and art exhibitions.
Fuel approx EUR10, 0h40m

3:15pm

Explore Les Baux de Provence

Visit Château des Baux and wander artisan shops and galleries.
EUR12, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at La Cabro d'Or, Les Baux de Provence

Delight in refined regional cuisine in a charming gourmet setting.
EUR55, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lavender and Canyons

Valensole, Gorges du Verdon on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Les Baux de Provence

Quick breakfast before departure, at a local café.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Valensole Plateau

1-hour drive onto the famous plateau, especially stunning when lavender blooms in mid-June; peaceful in April with olive groves.
Fuel approx EUR15, 1h

9:15am

Scenic Drive and Walks in Valensole

Explore the countryside roads, stopping for photos and gentle walks among olive and almond trees.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Gorges du Verdon

About 1.5-hour drive to Europe’s grandest canyon, with incredible turquoise waters and cliff views.
Fuel approx EUR20, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Chalet de la Maline near Gorges du Verdon

Enjoy casual Provençal fare with scenic views of the canyon entrance.
EUR25, 1h

2:15pm

Hiking in Gorges du Verdon

Choose a moderate trail like the Sentier Blanc-Martel (check trail conditions for April).
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Drive to Montélimar

2-hour scenic drive northwest to the gateway of the Rhône Valley.
Fuel approx EUR25, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le 114, Montélimar

Relax at a quality local restaurant famous for refined French cuisine and nougat specialties.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Montélimar Leisure Day

Montélimar on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison du Nougat, Montélimar

Try local nougat pastries and coffee to start your day.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nougat Museum and Factory

Discover the artisanal production of nougat and taste samples (open 9am-12pm, 2pm-6pm).
EUR8, 1h30m

11:15am

Walk in Parc Jouvet

Relax in this beautiful green space with sculptures and playgrounds.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at L’Amphitryon, Montélimar

Enjoy Provencal cuisine with fresh local produce in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Optional wine tasting nearby

Visit Domaine de la Rouvière for Rhône wines, about 15-minute drive (check for booking).
EUR20, 2h

5:00pm

Evening stroll and shopping

Explore town center shops and markets for souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant le Jardin

A charming restaurant offering a modern take on local dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Montélimar on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Departure

Relax with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before departing Montélimar.
EUR15, 1h
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