It goes without saying that the French Riviera countryside in South of France is iconic. Just look at the clear water that melts with the bright blue sky along the Côte d’Azur … Isn’t that a dream?
Rent a car and follow our itinerary on the highway to fulfill your desire for a holiday like sun-and-beach! And if you are planning to travel back to Paris after your trip to South of France, remember to check out the list of Most Affordable Restaurants in Paris!
Practical tips
It’s certainly interesting to start your epic road trip to the South of France! Just imagine a one-of – a-kind travel experience overlooking the Mediterranean sea while driving! It may be a lengthy 1 to 2 day drive trip from Paris (depending on your itinerary). Unless you want to spend some time in the Capital, it might be more effective to fly straight to Marseille or Nice.
If Côte d’Azur is at the top of your list and you decide to explore all of France by riding down from the north, it should be a excellent choice to start your journey from Eurostar stations to Calais or Lille and then head to the more eastern portion of France (such as Burgundy then Lyon).
We know you’re in a rush to the Sun and shores, but be aware of speed as the radar camera is all over France, you may risk a fine of € 25 for yourself or your vehicle rental business!
What to do when you have:
1 Day🚗: driving along the famous Côte d’Azur is a must: Nice, Cannes, Eze, Monaco and Antibes fortified medieval village.
2 Days🚗: Visit Saint Tropez and Sainte Maxime’s famous and luxurious holiday destination among Hollywood stars
3 Days🚗: walk along the cliffs of Calanques in Marseille and Cassis
4 Days🚗: Walk around the world’s capital of Parfum, Grasse and marvel at Aix-en-Provence’s lavender areas.
Must Not Miss in South of France
Food & drinks in South of France
People in the South love to prepare their meals with new ingredients and seasonal products. If you’re around the Riviera, how can’t you try the typical bouillabaisse (a traditional Provençal fish stew) besides Rosé wine and the Niçoise Salad?Originating from Marseille’s fishing ports, this traditional blended seafood soup produced from clam, lobster and fish is highly wealthy in flavor and nutrition.
You should also attempt South-West of France’s magret de canard (seared duck breast). You can attempt this regional dish around France, but they do it with sweet and sour sauce, soy sauce or honey … delish in the South!
Outdoor activities in South of France
Due to the large supply of sunlight in the South of France, it is the ideal place to do as many outdoor activities as possible! You can spend your morning on local markets, attend some music festivals on the waterfront, go sunbathing and lie on the beach (tanning is essential), start your hiking trip, or even scuba dive in the clear turquoise seas around Nice!
Where to go next after South of France
Head west to Arles, Avignon, and Nîmes. The former is the lovely town that Van Gogh held dear to ; in Avignon you could take part in the July 3-week outdoor theater festival ; and in Nîmes you would be amazed at the medieval Arena, a Roman amphitheater.
Further towards Spain’s border, you will reach Montpellier and its neighboring coastal paradise, Sète, where lots of French holidaymakers have spent their summer. Narbonne is another secret historic town with its incredible local wines, beautiful landscape and heritage to be found off the beaten track.
