Active 8-Day Provence & Cote d'Azur Exploration from Nice

Day 1: Arrival & Nice Intro

Nice, France on June 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Marché

Start your day with a fresh French breakfast including pastries and coffee at this charming spot open from 7am, perfect for fueling your first day in Nice.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Promenade des Anglais Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the famous seaside promenade, taking in the views of the Mediterranean and vibrant local life; a great way to stroll and acclimate.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Merenda

Savor traditional Niçoise cuisine in a cozy setting; open 12pm-2:30pm, a must-try for authentic regional flavors.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Old Town (Vieux Nice) Exploration & Castle Hill (Colline du Château) Hike

Explore winding streets and historic sites, then hike up Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city and coast; the hill hike takes about 45 minutes round-trip.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Olive & Artichaut

This charming bistro offers Mediterranean dishes focusing on fresh, local ingredients with a sophisticated twist; open til 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Gorges du Verdon & Moustiers

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, France on June 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & Car Rental Pickup in Nice

Early breakfast followed by picking up a rental car; renting a car is recommended for access and flexibility in Provence and Gorges du Verdon areas.
EUR15 + car rental cost approx. EUR60/day, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Scenic 2h drive from Nice to this charming medieval village known for its pottery and stunning setting under cliffs.
Fuel approx. EUR20, 2h

10:00am

Explore Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Walk through the village, visit local pottery shops, and hike the short trail leading up to the star suspended above the village for spectacular views.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Petite Auberge

Enjoy regional Provencal dishes in a warm village setting; open 12pm-2pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Gorges du Verdon Hiking & Sightseeing

Take the Sentier Blanc-Martel trail for beautiful hikes along the river canyon with exceptional scenery; choose a 3-hour hike section for a moderate challenge and stunning views.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Drive to Overnight Accommodation near Gorges du Verdon or Castellane

Stay in a countryside guesthouse or small hotel in Castellane or nearby village to avoid busy tourist hubs while being close to nature.
EUR70-90/night, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at local Auberge

Enjoy rustic Provencal meals at a local inn, ideal for tasting homemade dishes and local wines; often serve until 9pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 3: Mount Ventoux & Vineyards

Bedoin, France on June 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Simple breakfast prepared at the guesthouse offers fresh local bread and produce to start your day.
Included in stay, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Mount Ventoux Base in Bedoin

Short 45-minute drive to the base of Mount Ventoux, a legendary cycling and hiking destination.
Fuel EUR10, 45m

9:15am

Bike Rental and Cycling Mount Ventoux Ascent

Rent a bike in Bedoin and embark on a challenging but rewarding ride partway up Mount Ventoux; enjoy spectacular natural views and alpine atmosphere. Bikes typically rent from 8am-6pm.
EUR35, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Bar des Sports Bedoin

Casual local bistro offers hearty meals perfect after cycling, serving from 12pm-2pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Visit nearby family vineyards (Domaine des Hautes Glaces or similar)

Enjoy an afternoon tasting of organic or biodynamic wines, with a chance to chat with winemakers; usually by appointment or afternoon walk-in.
EUR15 tasting fee, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Gordes Village

About a 1h drive to Gordes, a picturesque hilltop village for your next overnight stay.
Fuel EUR12, 1h

6:15pm

Explore Gordes

Walk the cobbled streets and enjoy sunset views, avoiding large crowds by going late afternoon and early evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant L'Orangerie

Refined yet affordable Provencal cuisine with local products in an atmospheric setting; open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue & Surroundings

L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Gordes B&B

Enjoy homemade pastries and local jam; served from 7am to 9am.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive to L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

A 45-minute scenic drive to this charming antique market town full of canals and art galleries.
Fuel EUR8, 45m

10:30am

Explore L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on Foot and by Bike

Rent bikes (available 9am-6pm) and tour the riverfront and market areas, enjoying the unique antiques and art culture.
Bike rental EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Le Vivier

Fresh seafood and Provencal dishes located by the canal, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nearby Village Lourmarin

Short 20-minute drive to Lourmarin, a picturesque village with Renaissance castle and artisan shops.
Fuel EUR5, 3h including lunch travel

5:30pm

Return to Gordes or Nearby Overnight Stay

Drive back to your accommodation in Gordes or nearby, resting for the next day's activities.
Fuel EUR8, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Auberge de la Fenière

Experience gastronomic delights in a charming rural setting, reservations suggested; open until 9:30pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Aix-en-Provence Exploration

Aix-en-Provence, France on June 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for a full day in Aix-en-Provence.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Aix-en-Provence

A roughly 1-hour drive with good access roads to the vibrant city of Aix for rich history and culture.
Fuel EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence Old Town & Markets

Explore Place de la Rotonde, Cathedral, and cours Mirabeau. Experience local markets active in the morning.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Les Deux Garçons

Historic café known for classic French cuisine with lively atmosphere; open for lunch 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR35, 1h

2:30pm

Bike Ride in Surroundings or Visit Cézanne's Studio

Rent a bike (9am-6pm) to explore beautiful countryside or tour Paul Cézanne’s studio to connect with Provence’s artistic heritage.
Bike rental EUR15 or Studio entry EUR8, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Cassis

About 1.5-hour drive to Cassis for next night stay, allowing exploration of the coast next day.
Fuel EUR15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chez Gilbert, Cassis

Savor fresh seafood and Provencal dishes in a relaxed harbor-side restaurant, open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Cassis & Calanques National Park

Cassis, France on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start early with a light breakfast such as croissants and coffee, opening from 7am.
EUR10, 45m

9:00am

Bike Rental and Ride to Calanques National Park

Rent bikes (9am-6pm) and ride into the National Park, exploring scenic calanques (rocky inlets) and nature trails for hiking.
EUR15, 3h

12:30pm

Picnic Lunch at Calanques or Cassis Harbor

Prepare or buy picnic supplies from local market, enjoying waterfront views during your lunch break.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Boat Tour of Calanques (Optional)

Take a guided boat tour (approx. 2h) to see stunning cliffs and blue waters if energy allows; check availability and book in advance.
EUR25, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Nice

Approx. 1h15m drive back to Nice for last night stay and easy access to airport for next day departure.
Fuel EUR15, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Table Alziari, Nice

Hidden gem serving authentic Niçoise specialties with olive oil-based dishes; open until 10pm.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 7: Nice Local & Departure Prep

Nice, France on June 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed French breakfast to prepare for your final day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Bike Ride or Walk in Nice’s Gardens and Markets

Rent a bike and explore Nice’s Promenade du Paillon park and local markets for souvenirs and local food.
Bike rental EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fenocchio Ice Cream & Nearby Bistro

Taste famous local ice cream flavors at Fenocchio followed by a casual lunch at a nearby café.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Marc Chagall Museum or Matisse Museum

Choose either museum to dive into art history relevant to the region; open 10am-6pm with English texts available.
EUR8 per museum, 2h

5:00pm

Leisure Time for Packing or Light Walk

Relax or take a final stroll along the coast or Old Town to reflect on your Provence experience.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant Jan

Splurge a little at this Michelin-starred spot known for French-South African fusion cuisine, reservation required.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 8: Departure

Nice, France on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast & Car Return

Enjoy your last breakfast in Nice before returning your rental car at the airport.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Departure from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport

Proceed to check-in for your flight home.
N/A, N/A
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