5-Day Scenic Driving Adventure Through the South of France Starting from Avignon

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Day 1: Historic Avignon

Avignon, France on May 8, 2025

11:00am

Palais des Papes

Explore the magnificent 14th-century Gothic palace complex, once the residence of the popes. Open daily 9:00am-7:00pm. A must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Halles d'Avignon

Enjoy a variety of fresh local produce and regional specialties in this bustling covered market. Ideal for tasting Provençal flavours in a casual setting.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)

Visit the iconic medieval bridge known from the famous song. Walk along the surviving arches and take in views of the Rhône River and city.
EUR5, 1h

4:00pm

Roam the old town

Wander through narrow, charming streets lined with cafes and boutiques, soaking up the Provençal atmosphere.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Fourchette

Savour classic French cuisine with a local touch at this cosy restaurant in Avignon’s centre, open till 10:00pm.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Roman and Medieval Gems

Arles and Les Baux-de-Provence, France on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Rendez-vous des Pains, Avignon

Start your day with freshly baked croissants and coffee at this local bakery before heading out.
EUR8, 45m

10:00am

Arles Amphitheatre

Visit this well-preserved Roman arena used for historic chariot races and now for cultural events. Open daily 9:30am-7:00pm.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Van Gogh Trail in Arles

Explore locations painted by Van Gogh during his time here, including the café and yellow house. Accessible anytime, self-guided walk.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Criquet, Arles

Enjoy Mediterranean dishes in a charming garden setting, famous for fresh seafood and Provençal flavours.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Drive to Les Baux-de-Provence (30 minutes)

Scenic drive to picturesque medieval village perched on limestone cliffs.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 0.5h

3:30pm

Château des Baux

Explore the ruins of a fortified castle with panoramic views of the Alpilles. Open daily 10:00am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Oustaou

Enjoy authentic Provençal cuisine in a cosy bistro atmosphere inside Les Baux village.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Provence’s Cultural Heart

Aix-en-Provence and Cassis, France on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien, Les Baux

Light breakfast with organic breads and pastries before departing to Aix-en-Provence.
EUR10, 45m

9:30am

Drive to Aix-en-Provence (1h)

Travel to the elegant city known for its fountains and art heritage.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Cours Mirabeau and Aix Old Town

Walk the vibrant boulevard lined with plane trees, cafés, and historic mansions. Explore local shops and the Cathedral of Saint-Sauveur.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Les Deux Garçons

Dine at a famous 18th-century brasserie where Cézanne once ate, enjoying traditional Provençal dishes.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:00pm

Drive to Cassis (40 minutes)

Head to the charming harbour town known for its calanques and Mediterranean coast.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 0.7h

3:00pm

Calanques Boat Tour

Take a 2-hour boat trip to explore the stunning calanques cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Tours typically run between 10:00am and 6:00pm, check availability.
EUR30, 2h

6:00pm

Stroll Cassis Port

Relax with an evening walk around the picturesque marina filled with cafés and bars.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Grand Large

Enjoy fresh seafood with Mediterranean flair overlooking the sea. Open until 10:00pm.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 4: Vibrant Marseille

Marseille, France on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Maison Geney, Cassis

Taste delicious pastries and morning coffee before departure to Marseille.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Marseille (45 minutes)

Travel to the bustling port city with rich cultural diversity.
Fuel approx. EUR10, 0.75h

10:00am

Vieux-Port and Fish Market

Explore Marseille’s historic old port area and lively fish market, open every morning until early afternoon.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Visit this iconic hilltop basilica with sweeping views over Marseille and the Mediterranean. Open 7:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chez Etienne

Relish traditional Marseille dishes such as bouillabaisse in this beloved local restaurant.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:00pm

MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations)

Explore fascinating exhibitions on Mediterranean culture and history. Open Tue-Sun 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Monday.
EUR11, 2h

6:00pm

Promenade along La Corniche

Enjoy a late afternoon walk along Marseille’s scenic coastal road with panoramic sea views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Miramar

Treat yourself to a refined bouillabaisse by the port, with fresh seafood and excellent wines. Open until 10:30pm.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 5: Hilltop Villages Finale

Gordes and Roussillon, returning to Avignon, France on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a local bakery in Marseille

Start your final day with flaky pastries and coffee at a highly rated boulangerie before driving inland.
EUR8, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Gordes (1h 20m)

Scenic inland drive to one of Provence’s most photographed perched villages.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h 20m

10:30am

Explore Gordes Village

Wander through narrow lanes of this stunning stone-built village enjoying shops, galleries and views. Free access.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at L'Arôme

Dine on fresh regional cuisine in this intimate restaurant within Gordes, open till 2:30pm.
EUR40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Drive to Roussillon (25 minutes)

Short drive to the vibrant ochre-coloured village famed for its cliffs and quarries.
Fuel approx. EUR5, 0.5h

2:30pm

Ochre Trail Walk

Take a guided or self-led walk through the stunning ochre colour trails offering spectacular views. Open daylight hours, free entry.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Return drive to Avignon (1h)

Conclude your trip with a smooth drive back to Avignon for your departure or overnight stay.
Fuel approx. EUR15, 1h
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed