A 10 Day South of France Itinerary: Lavender Fields, Hilltop Towns, and Coastal Roads

It’s impossible to see the south of France in just ten days. But with some forward planning and a bit of local knowledge, you can definitely see the highlights of this gorgeous region. It all comes down to what you like to do.

On my first trip to southern France, I decided to do a little bit of everything: from lavender fields and beautiful beaches to hilltop villages and creating my own perfume. I didn’t want to narrow it down to just one thing. Naturally, as a history gal, I made sure I could step back in time by a few centuries, but I also took time to simply sit and take it all in.

And if there’s one thing that really blew me away, apart from the sparkling sea, it’s this region’s amazing light. I now understand why it was such a big drawcard for artists like Chagall, Picasso, and Matisse.

So, I’m sharing my ten-day South of France itinerary with you so you can enjoy the same stress-free experience I had. I hope it helps.

Top Tips On Planning Your Itinerary For a Stress-Free Visit

If you’re flying to the South of France, I suggest flying into Marseille, as the flights tend to be cheaper. You’ll then be perfectly positioned for the lavender fields. Alternatively, you could also fly into Nice. As I live in southwest France, I drove and stayed overnight with some friends in the Gers. 

You’ll also want to rent a car as it makes everything so much more accessible. Public transport is good, but having a car at your disposal means you can be more flexible. If you want to spend more time in a place, you can, as you aren’t sticking to a schedule or bus timetable.

You’ll then want to decide if you’ll have one base or prefer to stay in different places. I opted for the latter, as I didn’t always want to have to drive back from somewhere, especially if I was having wine with lunch. If you go for the one base, I’d suggest staying in Villefranche-sur-mer, as most things are within a 30- 60-minute drive.

Your Ten Day Itinerary To the South of France

Day 1: Explore the Plateau de Valensole

Morning: Get up early and head straight into the lavender fields
Afternoon: Stop at a family-run distillery and drive the D6 loop
Evening: Dinner in town and a quiet night in

You’ve hit the jackpot if you’ve timed your trip for late June or early July. This is when the lavender fields of Valensole are at their best. The smell hits you before the view does, and once you see those rows of purple stretching into the distance, it’s easy to understand why so many people make the trip. 

That said, you’ll need to share it. This isn’t a hidden corner of France, but if you head out just after sunrise, you’ll beat the crowds and catch that golden light artists go on about. The plateau itself is big. It’s not just one field behind a fence; it’s miles of farmland dotted with wheat, sunflowers, and tiny roads that make for a pretty special drive. 

The village of Valensole is small and quiet, mostly set up for agriculture, with a few restaurants and shops selling local soaps and oils. It’s been around for centuries, with Roman roots and medieval bones, but the main draw here is what’s growing all around it.

Must-do:

• Drive the D6 loop late afternoon with the windows down
• Pop into Lavandes Angelvin to see how the lavender oil is made and try their lavender ice cream (it’s really good)
• Take it slow. This is one of those places you feel more than “do”

Take a Tour

I love going on tours when I’m traveling, as the guides always tell you more than you can find out on your own. On this tour, your guide will talk you through the ins and outs of lavender, including how to tell the good stuff from the cheap knock-offs. You’ll stop at a local producer to see how it’s made and test what you’ve learned. 

Then it’s off to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, famous for its pottery, and then spend the afternoon taking in the views over the Verdon River. It’s the kind of day that smells great, tastes good, and doesn’t feel rushed.

👉 Book the Lavender Tour

Where to stay:

I stayed at a B&B called Le Jardin de Celina, which was a good choice. The food was superb, and the pool was great for cooling off. It’s also only a short walk to town.
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Day 2: Day Trip to Aix-en-Provence

Morning: Drive to Aix and grab a coffee on Cours Mirabeau
Afternoon: Explore the old town and Cézanne’s studio
Evening: Dinner in the city or head back to Valensole

You’ll want to leave Valensole early. The drive to Aix-en-Provence takes just over an hour, and it’s mostly easy roads. Once you get there, head straight for Cours Mirabeau, grab a seat at one of the cafés, and start with a coffee. It’s a wide boulevard lined with trees and fountains, and while it gets busy, it’s one of the best spots to people-watch.

Aix has a long history as a Roman spa town, later becoming the seat of the Counts of Provence. Wandering the narrow streets, with all the pastel-colored shutters and old stone façades, is lovely. Paul Cézanne was born here, and if you’ve got the time, you can visit his studio, which has been left more or less as it was when he died.

Must-do:

• Walk the old town without a map. You’ll get lost a bit, but that’s part of the fun
• Visit the daily market. It spills through Place Richelme most mornings
• Stop by Cézanne’s atelier and look at his old paint-stained coat hanging by the window

Where to eat:

Le Poivre d’Ane is a bit tucked away, but it’s worth it. It’s right off Place des Cardeurs, and the food is amazing. It really deserves a Michelin star, and it was one of my favorite meals of the whole trip. They offer a seasonal menu, and everything tastes so fresh. If you’re gluten-free, you’re in luck as they have a few GF options.

Where to stay:

I stayed overnight at Hôtel des Augustins, set in an old 12th-century convent, which really appealed to me, loving history as I do. Like most things in France, the Revolution shook it up. The convent was broken up and sold off, and the nearby church was torn down. What’s left, like the bell tower gifted by King René, can still be seen from a few rooms. 

The chapel was turned into a hotel in 1892, and it’s been hosting guests ever since. There’s even a painting in the chapel called Susanne and the Elders linked to the Tuscan school of Orazio Gentileschi. If you’re into art, history, or just sleeping somewhere with real stories in the walls, this place is worth checking out.

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Day 3: Cassis and the Calanques

Morning: Drive from Aix to Cassis and grab breakfast at the port
Afternoon: Take a boat tour of the Calanques or hike to a viewpoint
Evening: Fresh seafood, a glass of local white, and a night by the sea

The drive from Aix to Cassis takes under an hour, so there’s no need to rush out. Aim to arrive mid-morning, just as the village wakes up, but before it’s swamped with visitors. Cassis is a working fishing port with candy-colored buildings, small boats bobbing in the harbor, and a salty breeze that hits you as soon as you leave the car.

There’s history here, though most people don’t come for that. The area has been settled since Roman times, and the cliffs you’ll see later once marked the edge of their empire. These days, it’s better known for the Calanques, steep, rocky inlets carved into the limestone coast, filled with unbelievably clear turquoise water. You can take a boat tour or hike one of the trails from town if you’re up for it. Just bring water and wear real shoes. Flip-flops won’t cut it.

Must-do:

• Take a boat out to at least three Calanques (Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau are the classics)
• Hike the cliff path if you’re fit and don’t mind a bit of scrambling, it’s worth it for the views
• Walk the waterfront with a scoop of lavender or fig ice cream from one of the old-school gelato places

Where to eat:

Le Grand Large sits just above the cliffs with views out over the water and the Cap Canaille. The seafood’s fresh, the setting’s unbeatable, and it doesn’t feel tourist-trap-y. Try the grilled sea bream or their bouillabaisse if it’s on the menu.

Where to stay:

I stayed at Astoria Villa, and it’s all about location, location, location. The views are unbelievable, and the pool is gorgeous, with a big daybed. It’s high up and a bit of a climb, but as I had the car, it wasn’t an issue. Plus, they have private parking, which is a bonus.

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Days 4 & 5: Cannes and Antibes

Morning: Drive from Cassis to Cannes and walk the Croisette
Day 4: Spend the day exploring Cannes
Day 5: Head to Antibes for art, sea views, and old town wandering

The drive from Cassis to Cannes takes about two hours, depending on traffic, so start early to make the most of the day. Cannes has a big reputation thanks to the film festival, but don’t expect Hollywood glitz everywhere. The famous Croisette is great for a walk, but much of the beach is private, and prices reflect that. Still, it’s worth seeing for the high-end shopping and yacht-spotting.

Once you’ve had your fill of Cannes, make your way up the coast to Antibes. It’s less showy, more relaxed, and honestly, more interesting and way less touristy. Picasso worked here briefly, and the small museum in the Château Grimaldi is worth a visit, even if you’re not a big art person. It’s got the sea on one side and history on the other.

Must-do:

• Walk the Croisette for the people-watching alone
• Check out the Marché Provençal in Antibes as it’s packed but full of great produce
• Visit the Picasso Museum, but also just sit on the sea wall with an ice cream and watch the waves crash

Take a Tour

We signed up for a sea kayaking tour of the Calanques, thinking it’d be a nice way to see the coast. It ended up being one of the best things we did the entire trip. You start off in the Cassis port, paddling out into that unbelievably clear Mediterranean water. No crowds, no noise, just you, a few others, and these massive limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea.

The route first takes you to Calanque de Port Pin, which is as calm and peaceful as it sounds. Then you push on to Calanque d’En-Vau, which is a bit more dramatic. The cliffs close in, the water turns deep blue-green, and it honestly feels like something out of a movie. 

The pace is relaxed, the guides are good at reading the group, and the kayaks are easy to handle even if you’ve never been in one before. There were maybe ten of us in total, so it didn’t feel like one of those big tourist conveyor belt things.

👉 Check rates and availability for the Kayaking Tour

Where to stay:

My suggestion would be to stay in Cannes. That way, you can explore more and take a day trip to Cassis. We stayed at Hotel Victoria, which was literally a couple of hundred meters from Promenade de la Croisette. The rooms were a really good size, and the staff were really lovely. I enjoyed the free wine during happy hour on our first evening.

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Day 6: Grasse

Morning: Head to Grasse and create your own perfume
Afternoon: Enjoy a walk around Grasse
Evening: Return to Cannes for dinner and a low-key night

Start the day with a 30-minute drive inland to Grasse, where the vibe is completely different from Cannes. Grasse is a quaint town and is the historic heart of the French perfume industry. They’ve been distilling scents here since the 17th century, and it’s still home to some of the biggest perfume houses in the world. If you’ve ever worn Chanel No. 5, the jasmine probably came from here.

Must-do:

• Take a perfume-making workshop at Molinard or Fragonard. It’s hands-on, not just a tour, and you’ll leave with a bottle of something you actually created
• Stop by the Musée International de la Parfumerie. Even if you’re not big on museums, this one’s surprisingly interesting and gives context to how much the perfume industry shaped the town
• If you’ve got the legs for it, climb up to Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral. The views over the countryside are great, and the inside has works by Rubens that most people walk right past

Take a Tour

The big attractions are Fragonard and Molinard, where you can take a tour and learn how perfume is made. If you’ve ever wanted to mix your own scent, this is the place. It’s also genuinely interesting, especially when you realize just how much work goes into one tiny bottle.

👉 Take the Molinard tour 

Day 7: Saint-Paul de Vence

Morning: Drive from Cannes and grab coffee just outside the village
Afternoon: Wander the lanes, visit a gallery or two, and soak it all in
Evening: Dinner at the edge of the ramparts with a glass of something local

Saint-Paul de Vence isn’t a place you rush. It’s less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, but you’ll want to leave the car in one of the lower parking areas and walk up. The village gets busy, especially in peak season, but there’s a reason everyone keeps coming: it’s a fabulous mix of art, old stone, and Provençal light

It’s one of the oldest medieval towns in the region, built on a rocky outcrop and fortified since the 14th century. You can still walk the ramparts and see where the town defended itself over the years, though now it’s defending itself mostly from tourist buses. That said, it hasn’t lost its soul.

The tiny streets are lined with art galleries, some of them genuinely interesting, some clearly aimed at cash-rich cruise shippers. Pick and choose. The Fondation Maeght is up the hill if you want serious modern art. The cemetery at the edge of town is worth a quiet visit; Marc Chagall is buried there.

Must-do:

• Walk the entire village wall; it’s not long, but the views are worth it
• Pop into one or two galleries for a browse and visit Marc Chagall’s grave
• Sit with a glass of rosé and let an hour pass without doing anything productive

Where to eat:

La Colombe d’Or is legendary, and if you’re up for a splurge, it’s worth it for the setting alone. Picasso and Matisse actually traded art for meals here. 

Day 8: Villefranche-sur-Mer

Morning: Short drive from Cannes, coffee by the harbor
Afternoon: Explore the old town, swim at Plage des Marinières
Evening: Fresh fish, sunset views, and a relaxed night in town

Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of those places that sneaks up on you. The harbor is one of the deepest in the Mediterranean, which is why it’s always been strategic, but these days, you’re more likely to see cruise ships and fishing boats than warships. The old town slopes steeply down toward the sea, and it has the most gorgeous colored buildings.

There’s some proper history here too. The town was part of the Duchy of Savoy before it became French; you can still feel that mix of influences. The Rue Obscure, a covered street built in the 13th century, is worth a wander. If the weather’s good, spend the afternoon at Plage des Marinières. It’s a public beach with actual sand (a rarity on this coastline), and the water is clear enough to see the fish swimming past your feet.

Must-do:

• Visit Chapelle Saint-Pierre, a small 14th-century fisherman’s chapel right on the quay. Jean Cocteau decorated the inside in the 1950s with intimate, strange, and beautiful murals.
• Explore the Citadelle Saint-Elme, a 16th-century fortress that now houses museums, sculpture gardens, and a few surprising modern art installations. The best part is it’s free to enter, and the views from the ramparts are incredible.
• Check out the Oceanographic Observatory, a working research station studying marine life since the 19th century. Worth a look if you’re into marine science or just curious.
• Take the coastal walk to Cap Ferrat, which starts near the harbor and winds along the edge of the sea. It’s a proper walk, not just a quick photo stop, with crashing waves, sea spray, and the occasional glimpse of a millionaire’s backyard. Bring water and good shoes.

Where to eat:

La Mère Germaine is a classic. Right on the harbor with tables looking out to the boats, this place has been doing seafood since the 1930s. Go for the catch of the day with a glass of rosé. 

Where to stay:

If it’s the beachfront you’re after, you’ll love Hotel De La Darse, where we stayed for two nights. The views across the harbor are stunning, and the food at the hotel was really good too.

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Day 9: Èze

Morning: Drive up from Villefranche and get there before the crowds
Afternoon: Wander the old village, hike the Nietzsche Path, or head to the exotic garden
Evening: Have dinner with a view and enjoy the quiet once the day-trippers leave

Èze is tiny, and yes, it gets busloads of tourists, but there’s a reason people keep coming. This clifftop village looks straight out over the Mediterranean, and if you arrive early, before the coaches roll in, you can still catch a bit of its stillness. I’m an early bird, so we arrived at 8 am and practically had the place to ourselves. 

The streets are narrow and uneven, and everywhere you go involves an uphill climb, so wear comfy shoes. Don’t bother with a map. Just walk. Let your feet find their own way through stone arches and past tucked-away courtyards.

Must-do:

• Jardin Exotique d’Èze: Sitting at the very top of the village, this garden is full of cacti, statues, and cliffside benches with some of the best views on the Côte d’Azur. Don’t skip it. Even if you think gardens aren’t your thing.
• Nietzsche Path: If you’re up for a proper walk (and your knees can handle it), take the trail from the village down to Èze-sur-Mer. It’s steep, rocky, and sweaty on the way back up, but the views are unreal. This is the same path Nietzsche walked when he was writing Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and you can see why he got philosophical.
• Chapelle de la Sainte-Croix: You won’t find this in most guides. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Èze, tucked behind a quiet lane. Still has the original wooden beams and a strange, peaceful air.

Where to eat:

Château Eza is a bit of a splurge, but if you’re only doing one fancy meal this trip, this is the spot. It’s set into the cliff, with tables hanging over the view, and the food lives up to the setting. 

Day 10: Menton

Morning: Leave Villefranche and head east for a slow arrival into Menton
Afternoon: Explore the old town, visit the gardens, and check out the border views
Evening: Head back to Marseilles, ready for your flight home

You’ll notice the vibe change as soon as you arrive in Menton. It’s quieter, brighter, and feels just a bit more Italian, which makes sense since you’re practically on the border. This is where the pace of life slows down even more. Menton’s been a winter escape for centuries, and while it’s often overlooked, it’s easily one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera. 

The old town is built in layers, climbing up from the port. There’s no rush to get to the top, but when you do, the view across the tiled rooftops and out to sea is one of those proper “I’m in France” moments. Below, you’ll find little plazas with orange trees, old men playing pétanque, and a few standout buildings that feel like they’ve just been holding their breath for the last hundred years.

Must-do:

• Walk through the old town: Start at the seafront and slowly wind your way up. You’ll pass pastel houses, washing lines, and staircases that lead nowhere in particular.
• Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum: If you’ve followed his work in Villefranche, this is a great follow-up. The museum is small but sharp, right on the water.
• Jardin Serre de la Madone or Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh: Both gardens are worth a wander. One is more structured, while the other feels wilder and more hidden. 
• Go to the beach: It’s your last full day. Swim if it’s warm enough, or lie out and listen to the waves. Menton’s beach is pebbly but wide, and never as packed as Nice.

Where to eat:

Port Garavan has views over the harbor. The risotto with lemon (Menton is famous for its citrus) is a good pick, and they do great grilled fish. 

What You Will Need For Your Trip

Before you get swept away by visions of sunlit vineyards and buzzing open-air markets, it pays to line up exactly what you’ll need for this kind of journey. Traveling through the South of France is a blend of walking, tours, and fabulous food, so packing smart is your passport to smooth days and dreamy memories. Plus, anticipating all essentials means less time juggling logistics and more time savoring rosé with a view.

• Travel Documents: This includes your passport, relevant visas if needed, ID cards, and proof of travel insurance. Keep both physical and digital copies handy. Having these organized in a dedicated travel wallet avoids frantic searches at the airport or train station.
• Comfortable Footwear: Since the South of France has lots of uneven cobblestone streets and villages on hills, cozy, sturdy shoes are a must. Opt for broken-in sneakers or practical loafers that handle both walking museums and beach promenades. Your feet will silently thank you on day seven when the hills of Saint-Paul-de-Vence still call you onward.
• Light Layers and Sunscreen: Weather in this sun-drenched region can shift from warm Mediterranean days to breezy evenings. Pack clothes in versatile layers: think light cotton shirts, a couple of sweaters, and a reassuring scarf for unexpected wind or an alfresco diner’s chill. Never underestimate good sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Portable Charger and Adapters: A reliable power bank keeps devices juiced between café stops, and a European adapter ensures your chargers fit the local sockets, making sure you’re never caught ‘off-grid’ in the wrong way. 
• Reusable Water Bottle: Exploring the South of France often means long sunny walks and tasting sessions, and staying hydrated is key. A sturdy, refillable bottle helps cut down on plastic waste and saves you from the surprise costs of buying bottled water everywhere. Plus, plenty of local fountains offer refreshing water if you know where to spot them.
• Travel Guide or Language App: Whether you prefer a physical guidebook or translation apps, having access to these makes all the difference. These resources tip you off to hidden eateries, cultural customs, and nifty shortcuts that maps alone won’t reveal. Plus, a cheery “Bonjour” goes a long way with locals who appreciate the effort.