5-Day Scenic Road Trip from Nice Through the French Riviera and Provence - Reverse Route

Day 1: Cassis and Antibes

Nice to Antibes and Cassis, France on June 19, 2025

2:00pm

Departure from Nice

Start your scenic road trip heading west along the coast towards Antibes, about a 30-minute drive.
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2:30pm

Explore Antibes Old Town and Picasso Museum

Wander through the historic streets and visit the Picasso Museum, open till 6:00pm, for a cultural introduction to the region.
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4:30pm

Walk along the Cap d'Antibes

Enjoy a refreshing walk with beautiful sea views along the coastal paths surrounding Cap d'Antibes.
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6:00pm

Drive to Cassis

Head east along the coast for about 1h15m to Cassis for your overnight stay.
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7:30pm

Dinner at La Villa Madie, Cassis

Savour exquisite Michelin-starred seafood dishes with views of the Mediterranean.
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Day 2: Coastal Calanques

Cassis and Provence on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Fournil de Cassis

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee by the harbour before embarking on your day.
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9:00am

Boat trip to Calanques National Park

Take a stunning 2-3 hour boat tour through the world-famous Calanques fjords, perfect to experience the pristine coastline.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Chez Gilbert, Cassis

Enjoy authentic local seafood dishes like bouillabaisse in a bustling harbour-side setting.
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2:00pm

Drive to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Head north for about 1h15m to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, known for its Roman archaeology and Van Gogh art.
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3:30pm

Visit Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery

Explore the monastery where Vincent Van Gogh once stayed; open 9:00am-6:00pm.
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5:00pm

Stroll Saint-Rémy Markets and Old Town

Enjoy the charming marketplace and artisan shops, perfect for picking up souvenirs.
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7:00pm

Dinner at L'Essentiel, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Dine on seasonal French cuisine with a modern twist in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Day 3: Avignon and Luberon

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Avignon, Gordes, France on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Jeunesse, Saint-Rémy

Enjoy a hearty French breakfast with local produce to fuel your day.
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9:30am

Drive to Avignon

Travel approximately 30 minutes northwest to Avignon, a city rich in history and culture.
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10:00am

Visit Palais des Papes

Explore this impressive 14th-century Gothic papal palace; open 9:00am-7:00pm.
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12:00pm

Lunch at La Table d'Uzès, Avignon

Sample refined French classics with local ingredients near Avignon’s historic centre.
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1:30pm

Explore Pont Saint-Bénézet

Walk the medieval bridge, also called Pont d’Avignon, and admire the Rhône River views.
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2:30pm

Drive to Gordes

Continue east about 1 hour to the hilltop village of Gordes, famous for its stunning architecture.
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3:30pm

Visit Gordes and Sénanque Abbey

Explore the beautiful village and nearby 12th century abbey surrounded by lavender (blooming in July).
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5:30pm

Drive to Bonnieux

A brief 30-minute drive to Bonnieux for an overnight stay in the Luberon.
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7:00pm

Dinner at Aupiho, Bonnieux

Taste traditional Provençal dishes in a welcoming village atmosphere.
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Day 4: Lake & Gorge Landscapes

Bonnieux to Lake of Sainte-Croix and Verdon Gorge on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Le Pain de Vaucluse, Bonnieux

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee to start your day.
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9:00am

Drive to Lake of Sainte-Croix

About a 1h30m scenic drive north to this beautiful turquoise lake at the entrance of Verdon Gorge.
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10:30am

Lake of Sainte-Croix Activities

Relax, swim, or rent a paddleboat to enjoy the stunning lake surrounded by nature.
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12:00pm

Lunch at Le Galoubet, Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon

Dine in a lovely spot with views of the lake serving classic Provençal cuisine.
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1:30pm

Drive to Verdon Gorge viewpoints

Short 30-minute drive to the most spectacular viewpoints overlooking the canyon.
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2:00pm

Explore Verdon Gorge Viewpoints

Visit several viewpoints and take short hikes to appreciate the dramatic cliffs and turquoise river beneath.
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4:00pm

Drive back towards Nice

Begin the approximately 2h30m drive back to Nice for your last night.
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7:00pm

Dinner at La Petite Maison, Nice

Celebrate your final evening with refined Niçoise cuisine in a lively setting.
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Day 5: Nice & Departure

Nice, France on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Maison Auer, Nice

Indulge in artisanal pastries and strong coffee at this famous patisserie.
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9:00am

Promenade des Anglais and Old Town

Enjoy a leisurely morning walk along the seafront promenade and explore the vibrant old town’s markets.
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11:30am

Visit Marc Chagall Museum

Discover one of the largest public collections of Chagall’s artwork in a peaceful setting, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
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12:45pm

Lunch at La Rossettisserie, Nice

Enjoy a delicious roast chicken meal, a perfect final taste of local cuisine.
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2:00pm

End of Trip

Prepare for your onward journey or relax in Nice.
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