9-Day Scenic Coastal and Urban Exploration from Avignon to Lyon via Marseille, Saint Tropez, Nice, and Monaco

Day 1: Historic Avignon

Avignon, France on April 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Fourchette

Enjoy a traditional French breakfast with fresh croissants and coffee at this cozy cafe near Avignon's city center.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Palais des Papes

Tour the impressive 14th-century papal palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and understand Avignon's role in Catholic history. Open 9:30am - 6:30pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant La Mirande

Savor Provençal cuisine in this elegant restaurant located in a historic 18th-century mansion.
EUR40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)

Visit the iconic medieval bridge ruins offering scenic views of the Rhône River and fascinating medieval architecture.
EUR5, 1h0m

5:00pm

Explore Avignon Old Town

Stroll through the charming streets filled with shops, cafes and historic buildings as the day winds down.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at L'Essentiel

Indulge in refined French dishes with seasonal ingredients in a modern setting close to central Avignon.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 2: Marseille Coastal Culture

Marseille, France on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Travel Avignon to Marseille

Drive or take a train south for about 1h30m to reach Marseille, France's vibrant port city.
EUR30, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Café de la Banque

Experience a local Marseille favorite for coffee and pastries near the Old Port.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Explore this hilltop basilica offering panoramic views of Marseille and stunning mosaics. Open 7am - 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Miramar

Taste the world-famous Bouillabaisse seafood stew at this iconic restaurant on the Old Port.
EUR45, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Le Panier District

Wander Marseille’s oldest neighborhood full of colorful street art, small shops, and quaint cafés.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

Discover fascinating exhibits on Mediterranean culture in this architecturally striking museum. Open 11am - 7pm.
EUR9, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table du Fort

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist in a relaxed atmosphere near the port.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 3: Saint Tropez Glamour

Saint Tropez, France on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel Marseille to Saint Tropez

Drive approximately 2h30m along the beautiful coastline to reach the glamorous town of Saint Tropez.
EUR50, 2h30m

10:30am

Breakfast at Sénéquier

Start your day at this legendary waterfront café known for its vibrant red seating and classic French pastries.
EUR15, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Citadelle de Saint-Tropez

Explore the historic 17th-century fortress with panoramic views of Saint Tropez and the Mediterranean. Open 9am - 7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Vague d'Or

Dine at this 3-star Michelin restaurant offering exquisite coastal French cuisine; reservation recommended.
EUR150, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax on Pampelonne Beach

Enjoy the sun and sea on one of Saint Tropez’s most famous beaches, perfect for swimming and people-watching.
Free, 2h30m

6:00pm

Explore Saint Tropez Old Town

Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets with exclusive shops and vibrant markets before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Girelier

Savor fresh seafood dishes overlooking the harbor in this charming and lively spot.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 4: Nice City Charm

Nice, France on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel Saint Tropez to Nice

Drive approximately 1h30m along scenic routes to reach the vibrant city of Nice on the French Riviera.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Cappa

Grab fresh pastries and coffee at this popular bakery near the Promenade des Anglais.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Promenade des Anglais Walk

Stroll along Nice’s famous seafront promenade featuring beautiful views and vibrant street life.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Old Town (Vieux Nice)

Explore narrow medieval streets full of shops, markets, and colorful buildings in the historic center.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Chez Pipo

Try authentic Niçoise socca and local specialties at this well-known casual eatery.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Castle Hill Park (Colline du Château)

Climb or take the elevator to this hilltop park for panoramic views of Nice and the Bay of Angels. Open 8am to sunset.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Musée Matisse

Discover a remarkable collection of works by Henri Matisse in a beautiful villa. Open 10am - 5pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Bistrot d'Antoine

Enjoy refined French bistro cuisine in the heart of Old Town, featuring fresh ingredients and a warm setting.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 5: Monaco Luxury & History

Monaco on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Travel Nice to Monaco

Take a short 30-minute train or drive along the coast to reach the glamorous principality of Monaco.
EUR10, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

Dine in style at this iconic café located in the heart of Monte-Carlo near the casino.
EUR25, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Prince's Palace of Monaco

Tour the official residence of the Prince of Monaco with its state apartments and impressive views. Open 10am - 6pm, closed Wednesdays.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Explore Monaco Old Town

Walk the narrow streets full of charming shops, restaurants, and historical sites near the palace.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse

Experience Michelin 3-star dining at the Hotel de Paris for an exquisite upscale meal; reservations essential.
EUR250, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Oceanographic Museum

Enjoy impressive marine life exhibits and spectacular cliffside architecture. Open 10am - 6pm.
EUR16, 1h30m

5:30pm

Tour Monte Carlo Casino

Admire the ornate architecture and possibly try your luck in this world-famous casino. Entry for non-players EUR10, open 2pm - 4am.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Nobu Fairmont Monte Carlo

Enjoy high-end Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in an elegant setting, perfect for a glamorous dinner.
EUR70, 2h0m

Day 6: Nice Art & Relaxation

Nice, France on April 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Emilie’s Cookies

Start with delicious homemade cookies and organic coffee in this charming bakery in central Nice.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Musée Marc Chagall

Explore the largest public collection of Chagall’s works focused on his biblical series. Open 10am - 6pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Cours Saleya Market

Browse vibrant flowers, fresh produce, and local crafts in Nice’s famous daily market.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Rossettisserie

Enjoy traditional French roasted meats and warm dishes in a cozy, authentic ambiance.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Blue Beach

Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of Nice’s popular private beaches offering sun loungers and beach service.
EUR20, 3h0m

5:30pm

Visit Nice Observatory

Explore this scientific landmark and enjoy panoramic views over Nice; open 9am - 6pm, check availability.
EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Acchiardo

Savor hearty Niçoise and Italian-influenced cuisine in this family-run restaurant in the Old Town.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 7: Travel to Lyon

Lyon, France on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Travel Nice to Lyon

Take a train (approx. 4h30m) or drive to Lyon, the gastronomic capital known for Renaissance architecture and cuisine.
EUR50, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Bistrot du Potager

Enjoy organic French cuisine in a cozy bistro serving traditional Lyonnais dishes near the old town.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tour Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Explore the Renaissance district with its narrow cobbled streets, traboules (secret passageways), and historic buildings.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Visit Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste)

Marvel at this Gothic and Romanesque cathedral famous for its astronomical clock.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Dine at this famous indoor gourmet food market with a variety of Lyon’s best small restaurants and vendors.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 8: Lyon Culture & Cuisine

Lyon, France on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Coffee Shop

Begin your day with specialty coffee and artisanal pastries in this trendy Lyon café.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Explore one of France’s finest fine arts museums showcasing paintings, sculptures and antiquities. Open 10am - 6pm, closed Tuesdays.
EUR8, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Comptoir Abel

Taste hearty Lyonnais dishes in this one of the oldest bistros in Lyon, beloved by locals.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Parc de la Tête d'Or

Relax at this large urban park featuring a lake, botanical gardens, and a small zoo.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll along Presqu'île District

Walk through Lyon’s lively shopping and entertainment district between Rhône and Saône rivers.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Poêle d’Antonin

Enjoy traditional Lyonnais comfort food with a modern twist in this charming, atmospheric restaurant.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 9: Lyon Farewell

Lyon, France on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Péché Sucré

Delight in fine pastries and coffee in this acclaimed Lyon patisserie.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Visit the majestic hilltop basilica offering beautiful mosaics and city views; open 7am - 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Roman Theatres of Fourvière

Discover ancient Roman ruins right next to the basilica that speak to Lyon’s rich history.
EUR5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at L'Institut Restaurant

Conclude your trip with creative French cuisine in a sophisticated setting near the Rhône River.
EUR60, 2h0m