From Nice to St Tropez and stunning places in between, the South of France coastline is dotted with wonderful cities and towns.
With so many places located near one another, it provides a great opportunity to venture out and see a variety of places in one trip at your own leisurely pace.
I recommend flying into Nice, and then using this city as a base to explore more of the region. This really is one of the best road trips you can do in the world!
Now check out my tips for getting around and where to go to experience the highlights of the South of France.
Getting Around
Hiring a car and journey down to the famous Saint Tropez whilst stopping off at the likes of the cultural Antibes, glamorous Cannes, and quaint Sainte-Maxime. With the maximum journey time between towns varying between half an hour to an hour, it’s a great chance to experience the French Riviera in one go. You could also ride the public bus service, or take the train – both offer really scenic routes to see the landscapes and spectacular southern French coastline.
South of France Itinerary
Check out my guide to the most essential destinations to add to your South of France itinerary to see this stunning region of Europe for yourself.
Nice
Fly into Nice and spend at least two or three nights here to begin with. Among the larger cities in France, it is a place for young and old alike. Whether they are visiting for its culture or simply to walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais and gazing out onto the Ligurian Sea, there is plenty to see.
One landmark that should be the first on the itinerary is Parc de la Colline du Chateau. This is the original site of Nice and once reputedly housed a citadel before being dismantled by the soldiers of French King Louis XIV in 1706. Nowadays, it is a beautiful green space with a majestic waterfall making it a great area to stroll around.
Nice has a habit of honouring its famous residents, none more so than artist Henri Matisse whose works are showcased at Musee Matisse. It features a collection of oil paintings, drawings, sculptures, tapestries and the iconic paper cut-outs by the artist who stayed in Nice during the 1940s.
Head to the seafront and you have the choice of 14 private beaches offering the level of seclusion simply not afforded in other parts of the region.
Picture moment: Head up to Ancien Chateau to get a glorious view of the Port of Nice.
2. Villefranche
From Nice you can do a day trip to Villefranche (as seen in the main article photo). This beautiful town has stunning scenery and views of the ocean
3. Monaco
Monaco is where you can experience the lives of the rich and famous. Head to the Monaco Casino and harbour to see of the most luxurious super cars and yachts. Monaco isn’t likely to be your favourite place you go, but it is somewhere you have to see. Monaco can easily be done on a day trip from Nice.
4. Antibes
Once you’ve enjoyed a few relaxing days in Nice, drive from Nice to Antibes. Take Prom. des Anglais before joining the A8 out of Nice. Turn onto the D6098 to Rue de Fersen which takes you into Antibes. Journey time is around 40 minutes.
Situated between Nice and Cannes, Antibes provides the perfect stop-off point if you are partial to spot of fine art and some magnificent views.
Antibes was originally founded by the Greeks over 2,000 years ago and while less developed compared to its French Riviera counterparts. It has been home to artists such as Picasso and Nicolas de Stael, as well as acclaimed writer Ernest Hemingway. This heritage is recognised with the Picasso Museum, which is an absolute must for art lovers.
No visit to Antibes is complete without a trip to Cap d’Antibes. This hugely idyllic four-mile peninsula has been converted into a number of luxurious estates. It has become a favourite among the movie stars visiting the nearby Cannes Film Festival but it is a great place to simply get away from the buzz of the city and watch the ocean calmly lap up against the shore.
Picture moment: No place in the area can beat Cap d’Antibes when it comes to snapping a great photo.
Next stop, Cannes. Drive from Antibes to Cannes by joining the D6007/D6107 from Rue de Fersen from Antibes. Follow the coastal road as it merges into Avenue Marechal Juin and then Boulevard de la 1ere Division Francaise Libre before turning right onto Rue Jean de Riouffe in Cannes.
5. Cannes
Around ten miles from Antibes is the famously known, Cannes, another major stopping point on the French Riviera and well worth a couple of nights stay.
Once a small fishing village, the seaside town is now known across the globe as being the home of cinema. Every May, the Cannes Film Festival showcases the very best Hollywood and independent producers have to offer.
If you want to experience a bit of glitz and glamour then head to La Croisette, a catwalk beside the sea. It is the city’s main tourist hotspot and boasts a range of luxurious boutique shops and features the Palais des Festivals, which is the sight where many a famous film star have walked up the 22 steps leading to the festival’s main entrance.
A must when staying in Cannes is taking a boat trip to the tranquil surrounding islands of Iles de Lerins. Just 20 minutes away is Ile Ste-Marguerite which has pristine white beaches and eucalyptus groves as far as the eye can see. Neighbouring Ile St-Honorat has a monastery dating back the fifth century.
Both these islands are in huge contrast to the hustle and bustle of Cannes and give that peace and quiet not afforded by the busy town.
Picture moment: From the clock tower and church in Le Suquet there are great views of the Bay of Cannes.
When you feel you’ve explored the wonders of Cannes and the local islands, head back on the road for just over an hour and you’ll arrive at the tranquil Sainte-Maxime. To get there, head on the A8 from Boulevard du Midi Louise Moreau and Avenue de la Mer/D92. Follow it to Les Pinedes/D1555 in Le Muy taking exit 36 from the A8 before taking D125 and D25 to Boulevard des Mimosas into Sainte-Maxime.
6. Sainte-Maxime
Away from the hubbub of Cannes, is the small town of Sainte-Maxime. Despite only being around an hour’s drive down the coast from the home of film, the small town has a slightly slower pace than its northern counterparts.
Like with many other areas of the French Riviera, Sainte-Maxime was built as a fishing community and as such you must try some of the excellent seafood the town has to offer. The harbour has become a thriving tourist hotspot with a range of great restaurants, bars and cafes.
Ideal for a one or two-night stay there are simply sumptuous food being dished up across the town. Head to Restaurant L’Instant on 187 Route de Plan de la Tour to sample its signature rice salads or Le Bistrot Paul Bert on 54 Rue Paul Bert for a spot of authentic French fine dining.
Picture moment: Port of Sainte-Maxime to watch all the yachts and fishing boats come into shore.
Last but not least, head over to stunning Saint Tropez. Take Boulevard des Mimosas to Avenue Charles de Gaulle/D559, following it to D98A and Boulevard Louis Blanc which leads to the entrance of Saint Tropez.
7. Saint Tropez
Across the bay from Sainte-Maxime, and just a 30-minute drive, is the final stop on this tour of the French Riviera – Saint-Tropez. Like Cannes, Saint-Tropez is another destination for the wealthy elite and a two or even three-night would cap off your Riviera journey.
Made famous by the French actress Brigitte Bardot, Saint-Tropez has been the backdrop for films such as And God Created Woman. It is a small piece of paradise with a range of luxurious restaurants spread along the waterfront.
If you are looking for a spot of culture then head to the Musee de l’Annonciade near the western end of the harbour. It is home to an amazing collection of post-Impressionist Fauve and many other pieces of 20th century art including works by Matisse, Dufy, Bonnard and Derain.
In the heart of the town is the legendary central square, Place des Lices. Locals and tourists mingle together enjoying games of petanque or having a coffee at one of the many cafes. If you can, make sure to visit the lively market which has everything from fruit and veg to antiques.
As the sun sets on Saint-Tropez, why not kick back with one of the finest wines in the region? Saint-Tropez is blessed with such delicious wines as Chateau Minuty Rose Cuvee De L’Oratoire which can perfectly compliment a light dinner.
Picture moment: Montee de la Citadelle provides great views of the city.
So what next? Once you’ve explored the region at your own pace, head back to Nice to catch a flight back home. Drive time from St Tropez to Nice is only around 2 hours and you can stop off to enjoy the views and capture picture perfect photos you may have missed on the way through.
Think a holiday to French Riviera could be expensive? Think again. With the Pound/Dollar to Euro exchange rate being at it’s highest for many years, it means you’ll get much more for your holiday spend than you would’ve done in recent past. With a number of cheap flights to Nice too, you can bag yourself a bargain to the south of France now. So go on, why not treat yourself?!
