South of France Itinerary: 7 Days of Riviera Bliss

Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, Marseille, and a hike into the Calanques. One region, five very different moods, and maybe just enough rosé to blur the difference.

South of France is the place where even the most ordinary croissant seems to glow with the light of a thousand suns. Life moves at a breezy, sun-kissed pace, and tourists don't rush (unless, of course, they're very late for their aperitivo).

From the glamorous Riviera to the charming Provence, passing through beachside bliss and medieval hilltop charm, this South of France 7-day itinerary will have you sipping, sunning, and sighing with contentment.

If you’re coming from the United States or anywhere else in the world, fear not—you don’t need a private jet to join the Côte d'Azur crowd (though it certainly wouldn’t hurt).

The most common entry point is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which has regular flights from major U.S. cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can fly into Marseille Provence Airport if you're planning to kick off your trip from Provence.

Remember that U.S. and other non-EU visitors will need to apply online for ETIAS travel authorization before the trip, a quick process that costs about €20 and stays valid for three years. Expect your first passport check to take a little longer than you remember: since October 2025, EU border points have been collecting fingerprints and a photo from non-EU arrivals under the new Entry/Exit System.

Alternatively, the TGV train can whisk you down from Paris to Nice or Marseille in just a few hours.

The South of France is a diverse playground of cities, each with its distinct personality. Nice is the Riviera’s stylish jewel, blending cosmopolitan vibes with a classic coastal beauty. Marseille, the gritty port city, pulses with energy and history, offering a unique cultural experience. Then there’s Aix-en-Provence, where tree-lined boulevards, outdoor cafés, and artistic heritage create a serene Provençal charm. Between these cities, you’ll also find other smaller but charming towns like Antibes, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Cassis.

The map below highlights all these destinations included in this South of France one-week itinerary, giving you a sense of the geographical flow from one location to the next.

Navigating the South of France is a breeze, especially when you’ve got a network of TER regional trains connecting the major cities along the coast. So renting a car is not strictly necessary, not for this itinerary at least. 

However, if you’re more of the “wander-where-the-road-takes-you” type, renting a car offers more freedom to zip between lavender fields and seaside roads. Just be prepared for some traffic, narrow lanes and limited parking areas.

Nice is the South of France’s golden ticket to the French Riviera, where palm-lined promenades greet you with open arms. Your first day will be all about soaking in Nice’s best spots, from charming markets to panoramic views.

Best Things to Do:

• Promenade des Anglais: A seaside stroll with serious Mediterranean flair. Bonus points if you can pull off a casual rollerblade like the locals.
• Castle Hill (Colline du Château): Climb (or take the elevator, it’s vacation after all) to the top of this hill for stunning views of the city and sea.
• Old Town (Vieux Nice): Wander through narrow streets that seem pulled straight from a painter’s palette. The architecture, food markets, and cute cafés are a feast for the senses.
• Cours Saleya Market: An open-air market where flowers, spices, and fresh produce 

Dining recommendation: Kick off your French Riviera culinary experience with Le Plongeoir, a Niçoise institution. 

Day 2 takes you to the glamorous peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, home to pristine beaches and jaw-dropping mansions. It’s the playground for the rich and famous, but you don’t need to be on a yacht to enjoy its beauty.

How to Get There:

• From Nice, take the bus 15 or 81 to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. The trip takes about 30 minutes, with panoramic views of the coast as a delightful bonus.

Things to See:

• Paloma Beach: One of the Riviera’s most famous and beautiful beaches, Paloma is the place to swim, sunbathe, or casually sip on something cold while admiring the view.
• Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: a stunning pink villa surrounded by nine themed gardens. Imagine what life would be like if your hobbies included collecting inestimable art and tending a rose garden?

Dining recommendation: return to Nice in the evening, and have dinner and the exquisite Chez Davia.

Today, you’ll hit two quintessential Riviera towns—Antibes and Cannes—each with its own distinct personality. Antibes is all about art, history, and casual coastal charm, while Cannes is... well, Cannes. Think red carpets, glamorous beaches, and a side of celebrity spotting.

How to Get There:

• Hop on the TER train from Nice to Antibes, which takes about 20 minutes. From Antibes, it’s another quick 10-minute train ride to Cannes.

Things to Do in Antibes:

• Picasso Museum: Located in the stunning Château Grimaldi, this museum houses some of Picasso’s works that were created during his stay in Antibes. The setting is almost as beautiful as the art.
• Marché Provençal: This local market bursts with colors, scents, and flavors. Perfect for stocking up on fresh fruits, cheeses, and artisanal goodies.
• Cap d’Antibes: If you're feeling active, take a coastal walk around Cap d'Antibes. The sea views are worth every step.

Things to Do in Cannes:

• La Croisette: Take a stroll down this famous promenade, lined with luxury shops, five-star hotels, and pristine beaches.
• Palais des Festivals: Home to the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, this is where stars shine, and you can pretend you’re on the red carpet.

Monaco is the world’s second-smallest country but one of the wealthiest. It’s the kind of place where Ferraris are more common than bicycles, and everyone seems just a little bit too stylish.

How to Get There:

• Take a TER train from Nice to Monaco-Monte Carlo. The trip takes a breezy 20 minutes, and the train ride itself is a delight along the scenic coastline.

Things to Do:

• Monte Carlo Casino: This world-famous casino oozes luxury and elegance. Even if you don’t want to gamble, the architecture is worth the visit.
• Prince’s Palace: Home to the Grimaldi family, the palace is perched high above the city. Watch the changing of the guard or tour the grand apartments.
• Oceanographic Museum: Perched on a cliff, this museum offers fascinating exhibits on marine life. Plus, the views are spectacular.

End the day with a stroll around Monaco’s harbor, admiring the mega-yachts and wondering if you could ever justify spending that much on a boat.

Marseille is like the cool, slightly rebellious cousin of the French Riviera. It’s a bustling port city with a vibrant mix of cultures, history, and cutting-edge art. Sure, it’s got a bit more edge than its Riviera counterparts, but that’s part of the charm.

How to Get There:

• From Nice, hop on a TGV train to Marseille Saint-Charles. The trip takes about 2.5 hours.

Things to Do:

• Vieux-Port (Old Port): The heart of Marseille’s action. Fishermen still sell their catch in the morning, and the surrounding cafés and bars buzz with life.
• Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: Climb (or bus) your way up to this basilica for panoramic views over the city and sea. The golden statue of the Virgin Mary watches over the city from the top.
• Le Panier District: Lose yourself in the narrow streets of this vibrant neighborhood. It’s the oldest part of Marseille, bursting with street art, cute shops, and hidden gems.
• Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations): A striking modern museum with exhibits on Mediterranean history and culture, plus breathtaking views of the sea.

Dining recommendation: finish the day with a hearty bowl of bouillabaisse, Marseille’s famous fish stew.

Trade the bustling city of Marseille for the rugged beauty of the Calanques, a series of stunning, steep-walled inlets that stretch along the coast. The Calanque d’En-Vau is arguably the most spectacular, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. A perfect spot for hiking lovers.

How to Get There:

The easiest way would be to rent a car for the day. Alternatively, from Marseille, you can take bus 21 to the village of Cassis (about 40 minutes). From Cassis, you can either hike or rent a boat to reach Calanque d’En-Vau. The hike is around 2.5 hours each way, depending on your pace and how many photo stops you take (trust us, there will be many).

Things to Do:

• Hike to Calanque d’En-Vau: Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the trail to the calanque. It’s a moderately challenging trek, but the reward—plunging into those crystal-clear waters—is well worth the effort.
• Kayaking or Boat Trip: If hiking isn’t your style, rent a kayak or take a boat tour from Cassis to explore the calanques from the water.

Return to Marseille in the evening, your legs a little sore but your soul refreshed from a day spent in paradise.

For your final day, head inland to the picturesque town of Aix-en-Provence, known for its tree-lined streets, bustling markets, and a certain je ne sais quoi that makes you want to linger at a café all day. Aix is the quintessential Provençal town, offering a slower pace and plenty of charm.

How to Get There: take a TGV train from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence. The journey takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy day trip.

Things to Do:

• Cours Mirabeau: Start your day with a leisurely stroll down this famous tree-lined avenue, dotted with elegant mansions and vibrant cafés. Sit back, order an espresso, and watch the world go by.
• Atelier Cézanne: Visit the studio where post-impressionist painter Paul Cézanne worked his magic. The studio has been preserved exactly as he left it, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s life.
• Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: Explore this impressive cathedral, which blends Roman, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Its peaceful cloisters are the perfect spot for a moment of quiet reflection.

Wrap up your trip with a relaxed dinner in one of Aix’s many lovely bistros. Try some daube (a Provençal beef stew) and reflect on a week well spent in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.

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