10-Day Scenic Tour of Provence: Marseille, Avignon, Valensole & Cannes

Day 1: Explore Marseille

Marseille, France on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café de l'Abbaye

Enjoy a traditional French breakfast of croissants and café au lait at this charming café near the Old Port. It's open from 7am, perfect for a fresh start.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Visit this iconic hilltop basilica with panoramic views of Marseille. It's a must-see for history and architecture lovers, open 7:30am to 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Miramar

Savour authentic Bouillabaisse, a traditional Marseille fish stew, at Le Miramar located on the Old Port. Open noon to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore the Old Port (Vieux-Port)

Walk around the vibrant Old Port area, watch the fishermen unload their catch, and browse local markets. Open all day.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM)

Discover Mediterranean history and cultures at this modern museum open from 11am to 7pm. Don't miss its impressive architecture.
EUR11, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Petit Nice Passedat

Dine at this Michelin 3-star restaurant focusing on refined seafood dishes by the sea. Reservations recommended; opens from 7pm.
EUR80, 2h0m

Day 2: Marseille Culture & Nature

Marseille, France on May 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Les Halles de la Major

Enjoy fresh pastries and local produce at this lively food market located near the cathedral. Open from 7am.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:45am

Château d'If and Frioul Islands Tour

Take a 30-minute boat trip from the Old Port to visit the legendary Château d'If and Frioul Islands. Ferry runs from 10am to 5pm.
EUR15, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Chez Fonfon

Return and enjoy a Provençal lunch of fresh seafood dishes at this popular spot in the Vallon des Auffes district, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Le Panier district

Discover the oldest neighbourhood in Marseille with its colourful streets, artisan shops, and cafes. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Marseille Cathedral

Admire this grand Byzantine-Roman style cathedral, open until 7pm, located near Le Panier.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Table du Fort

Sample modern Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting near the Old Port. Open from 7pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 3: Marseille to Valensole

Marseille to Valensole, France on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Enjoy coffee and pastries before the scenic drive to Valensole. Bakeries open from 7am.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Valensole Plateau

Embark on a 1.5-hour drive east to Valensole, renowned for its vast lavender fields that bloom beautifully in early summer.
Fuel cost approx. EUR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Lavender Fields

Walk or cycle through the iconic lavender fields, perfect for photography and soaking in nature's scent. Fields accessible anytime, best mid-morning.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Relais de Valensole

Enjoy a Provençal lunch featuring local cuisine in a quaint village restaurant, open 12pm to 2:30pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit the Valensole Market

If it's Thursday, explore the colourful local market selling regional produce, crafts, and lavender products. Market open from 8am to 1pm, but local shops remain open.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Local Lavender Museum (La Maison de la Lavande)

Discover the history and uses of lavender at this charming museum and shop open from 10am to 6pm.
EUR4, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Auberge la Fenière

Dine on rustic French dishes using locally grown ingredients in a cosy country inn open from 7pm.
EUR35, 2h0m

Day 4: Valensole & Surrounds

Valensole, France on May 14, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at local patisserie

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at a nearby bakery open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

Drive 25 minutes to this village overlooking the beautiful Verdon Gorge, offering stunning views and hiking trails. Accessible all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Bastide de Moustiers

On your way back, enjoy a refined Provençal lunch at this Michelin-starred restaurant in nearby Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR60, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Valensole Village

Return to Valensole village for a leisurely stroll and explore local shops.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Optional afternoon wine tasting

Visit a local vineyard such as Domaine Saint Jean de Matha for a tasting experience, open until 6pm by appointment.
EUR15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Café de la Place

Enjoy simple, traditional dishes in a friendly village café, open from 7pm.
EUR25, 2h0m

Day 5: Valensole to Avignon

Valensole to Avignon, France on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a light breakfast before the drive to Avignon. Many hotels offer from 7am.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Avignon

Take the scenic 2-hour drive west towards the historic city of Avignon.
Fuel cost approx. EUR25, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Palais des Papes

Explore one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, open 9am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Fourchette

Enjoy a delightful Provençal lunch in a cosy setting near the Palais des Papes, open 12pm to 2pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Avignon Bridge)

Walk part of this famous medieval bridge, known from the song 'Sur le Pont d'Avignon.' Open 9am to 7pm.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Avignon Old Town

Wander through narrow streets filled with shops, cafés, and historical sites.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at L'Essentiel

Taste contemporary cuisine crafted with regional produce in an elegant atmosphere, open from 7pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 6: Avignon Cultural Day

Avignon, France on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Inguimbertine

Enjoy fresh breads and pastries at this popular bakery open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Musée du Petit Palais

Discover Renaissance art and paintings at this museum, open 10am to 6pm. A delight for art enthusiasts.
EUR7, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping and exploring Place de l'Horloge

Relax at cafés and browse shops near Avignon’s lively main square.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Caveau du Théâtre

Classic French bistro cuisine in a cosy cellar setting, open 12pm to 2pm.
EUR28, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Rocher des Doms

Enjoy calm garden views and stunning vistas over the Rhône river from this public park, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Optional boat cruise on the Rhône

Relax on a scenic river cruise, usually operating until 6pm. Pre-book to ensure availability.
EUR20, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table d'Uzès (in Avignon)

Enjoy refined Provencal dishes with excellent wine pairings, open evenings from 7pm.
EUR50, 2h0m

Day 7: Avignon to Cannes

Avignon to Cannes, France on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for your journey with a hearty breakfast, available from 7am at most hotels.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Cannes

Drive south along the scenic route for approximately 2.5 hours to the glamorous city of Cannes.
Fuel cost approx. EUR30, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into your accommodation and refresh before exploring the city.
Varies, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Astoux et Brun

Enjoy fresh seafood and oysters near the port, open 12pm to 3pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walk La Croisette promenade

Stroll along Cannes’ famous palm-lined boulevard by the sea, spotting luxury shops and hotels.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Visit the Palais des Festivals

Explore the site of the famous Cannes Film Festival and see the handprints of cinema legends. Open until 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at La Palme d'Or

Experience Michelin-starred dining with gourmet Mediterranean cuisine. Booking essential; open from 7:30pm.
EUR90, 2h0m

Day 8: Cannes Beaches & History

Cannes, France on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Boulangerie Pâtisserie Cannois

Enjoy local pastries with a seaside view, open from 7am.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Île Sainte-Marguerite

Take a 15-minute ferry from Cannes harbour to this peaceful island, known for its forests and the Fort Royal Prison. Ferries run 9am-6pm.
EUR15 return, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at La Guérite on Île Sainte-Marguerite

This charming restaurant offers delightful seafood with island views, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Return to Cannes and relax at Plage du Midi

Enjoy the sun and sea on one of Cannes’ largest public beaches.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Le Suquet historic district

Explore the old town with cobbled streets, artisan shops, and panoramic viewpoints. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mantel

Sample Mediterranean cuisine in this modern, elegant restaurant, open from 7pm.
EUR40, 2h0m

Day 9: Day trip to Antibes

Cannes to Antibes, France on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Cannes hotel

Start your day early with breakfast before traveling to Antibes.
EUR8, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Antibes

A short 30-minute train or car ride west to Antibes, famous for its old town and beautiful coast.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:00am

Visit Musée Picasso

Browse the Picasso museum set in the Château Grimaldi in Antibes, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

11:45am

Explore Antibes Old Town and Market

Wander through the lively market and narrow streets, full of local produce and crafts.
Free, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Le Figuier de Saint-Esprit

Enjoy fine dining with Provençal flavours in a Michelin-starred setting, open 12pm-2pm.
EUR60, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Port Vauban and the Billionaires’ Quay

View luxury yachts and soak up the marine atmosphere of the largest marina in the Mediterranean.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Cannes

Travel back to Cannes for your final evening.
EUR5, 0h30m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Le Roof

Enjoy panoramic views and Mediterranean cuisine atop a rooftop terrace, open 7pm onwards.
EUR45, 2h0m

Day 10: Relax & Departure

Cannes, France on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at La Brie Beach

Have a relaxed breakfast by the beach café to enjoy your last hours in Cannes, open from 7am.
EUR10, 1h0m

10:00am

Leisurely walk on La Croisette

Take a final stroll along the seaside promenade and do any last-minute souvenir shopping.
Free, 1h0m

11:30am

Check out and airport transfer

Arrange transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport or next destination, depending on your plans.
Variable, Varies