Top 25 Places to Visit in the South of France
The South of France is a hidden gem and has a charm of its own that will leave you wanting more. There is so much to see and do which is why I’ve put together a guide on the top 25 places to visit in the South of France. It covers everything from star-studded streets in Cannes, beautiful picturesque villages, and towns in Provence to the wine capital, Bordeaux.
When we decided to embark on our sabbatical to Europe, my husband convinced me to add the South of France to our itinerary. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t know what to expect. I had countries like Italy, Greece, and Croatia in mind instead. But I’m so glad we decided to go to the South of France. It has its own Riviera with turquoise waters, picturesque hills, and medieval villages. This was the perfect opportunity for me to unravel all the hidden treasures in the area. And if you are a foodie like me, you’ll understand just why you need to visit this region! From rich stews to sweet delights, the food is bursting with flavor.
The beautiful beaches, amazing food, and cute little French villages add more to the appeal of this sunny part of France. It doesn’t matter if you have been here before, or if this is your first visit, a South of France road trip is the perfect French holiday.
When planning a trip to the South of France, you’ll realize very quickly there are endless places to visit. From the sparkling sea of the Cote d’Azur to the lavender fields in Provence, castles to medieval cities, this guide will assist in planning your South of France itinerary and will ensure you include the top places to visit in the South of France.
South of France Travel Guide
Best Time to visit the South of France
There is no bad time to visit the South of France as it has something unique to offer any time of the year. But it’s best to plan ahead so you can make the most of your time while visiting.
The summer months between June and August are peak seasons which means higher prices and larger crowds all around. The locals also tend to take this time off and holiday in the region, making beaches and other tourist spots incredibly crowded.
September sees the end of peak season and tourism starts to quieten down. It’s generally a good time to visit southern France. The region isn’t as crowded and the temperatures are still warm during the day. If you do plan to visit the lavender fields, which is one of the highlights in Provence, you’ll need to plan your trip between June and the end of July. This is when the lavender fields are fully in bloom. By August, you’ll miss the lavenders in bloom.
How long do you need in the South of France?
In a perfect world, you could spend weeks or even months exploring all the hidden treasures in the South of France. But if you have 10 days to two weeks in the South of France, you’ll be able to cover a reasonable amount. I’d say allow a minimum of two weeks to make it a worthwhile trip. Anything less will seem like a rush.
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Top 25 Places to Visit in the South of France
From glitz and glamour, warm sunny beaches to mouth-watering cuisine, the South of France makes for the perfect holiday destination. To help you plan your perfect trip to southern France, refer to this guide which includes the top places to visit in the South of France. This list of places covers everything from cities that are famous to cute little French towns that will charm you off your feet. Whether you are looking for culture, delicious food, warm beaches, or a bit of history, this guide has some of the best things to do in the South of France and covers all the region has to offer.
1. Nice
This part of the French Riviera offers everything travelers want from a holiday. With world-class art, stunning beaches, balmy weather and delicious food, the capital of the French Riviera is the place most people think of when visiting the south of France.
Explore Old Town where you’ll come across grand plazas and open-air markets. There’s always something going on in the evenings so take a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais to catch a glimpse of the action.
Nice has some of the best beaches on the French Riviera. So, if you don’t mind pebbles, you can head down to the beach and sunbathe or simply enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters.
Nice also makes the perfect base for many day trips to neighboring towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, Monaco, and Cannes. Plenty of trips to the French Riviera and south of France start in Nice as it has a large airport. So something to consider when you plan your south of France trip.
2. Monaco
With its deep blue sea and palm trees that line the streets, Monaco is filled with tropical vibes, has lush vegetation, and provides perfectly warm weather of the Côte d’Azur. Monaco exudes luxury no matter where you look and has become the perfect holiday destination for the rich and famous.
Just a 30-minute train ride from Nice, Monaco attracts crowds to its high-profile yacht shows, the annual Formula One Monaco Grand Prix car race, and the famous Monte Carlo Casino.
Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town where you’ll find small boutiques and souvenir shops. At the heart of the city stands the Prince’s Palace which is the current residence of the Prince of Monaco. You can catch the changing of the guard ceremony at 11.55 each day.
And of course, you can visit Monaco without visiting the famous Monte Carlo casino. Even if gambling is not your thing, you can take a walk through the main casino area to see the grandeur of the place. Monaco also has lush vegetation which results in there being some beautiful gardens around the place. If you have time on your hands, be sure to visit the Japanese Garden or Jardin Exotique.
3. Cannes
With its long stretches of sandy beach and 300 days of sunshine, Cannes attracts visitors from all over. Take a walk along the Boulevard de la Croisette. The promenade offers views of the sea and sand on one side and upscale hotels and boutiques on the other. Cannes is well known for its annual film festival which attracts celebrities from all over the world.
Cannes is a short car ride from Nice so be sure to add it to your list as it’s easy enough to get to.
4. St. Tropez
Once a humble fishing village, today Saint-Tropez is a playground for the rich and famous. With its picturesque port and quaint historic town, beautiful Mediterranean scenery, and fine sandy beaches, it’s not hard to see why Saint Tropez attracts visitors from all walks of life.
Find a café in Place des Lices and soak in the ambiance of Saint Tropez or simply sunbathe at one of its finest beaches.
5. Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Somewhere between Nice and Vence is the beautiful village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence perched high on a hilltop. The scenic beauty of this place makes it one of the most beautiful villages in France. If you are looking to lose yourself among cobblestone streets and want to soak up history, then you should visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Though a short distance from Nice and Cannes, it’s quite different from the bustling city of Nice, or the star-studded streets of Cannes. If you stand on the medieval walls that surround the town, you can see all the way out to the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Marseille
Marseille is France’s oldest and second-largest city, so as you’d expect it doesn’t quite have the calmness of the smaller towns and villages in the South of France. It’s a bit more chaotic and edgy and is a real working city with a cosmopolitan vibe.
There are many things to do in Marseille. If you only have a short amount of time Explore the charming Vieux Port, marvel at the Notre Dame de la Garde or jet off on a boat towards the Parc National des Calanques.
7. Cassis
Cassis is a charming fishing village located just 30 minutes from Marseille. It is known for its incredible beaches and local markets. Lined with pastel-colored houses and delicious restaurants, Cassis is a pleasant surprise for those who visit for the first time.
It’s probably one of the best coastal towns in the South of France. You can stroll through the old town, browse the boutiques, take in the historic sites, and walk the pier.
8. Aix–en–Provence
Once the capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence is a typical Provencal city. With its open-air markets, fountains that adorn squares, and outdoor cafes, Aix-en-Provence provides visitors with a typical insight into the southern France lifestyle. Aix’s historical center has gorgeous architecture. It is a great location as a base to visit other places in Provence.
9. Roussilon
With its warm-toned color scheme and advantageous views overlooking the Provençal countryside, Roussillon is one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s not hard to see why, Roussillon has many beautiful houses and every street provides a great photo opportunity.
Roussillon is a charming village with shady squares, fascinating architectural details, and natural attractions. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants so you can while away a few hours in this beautiful town.
There are some cute souvenir shops, gorgeous little boulangeries, and wine shops that you can check out. If you are driving through the South of France, Roussillon is a great place to stop by for a few hours, explore the narrow streets of the village, grab a bite and be on your way. There is a car park at the top of the hill.
10. Lourmarin
This small village in the South of France is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Not as overrun with tourists as other towns in the region, Lourmarin offers an authentic Provençal experience. It has one of the best markets in the area, several chic boutiques, and a castle with delicious wine. You’ll also come across some pretty squares with old fountains.
Lourmarin is charming and captivating and I’d highly recommend you stop by this cute little village. This charming village makes an excellent day trip or even a pit stop on your way to your main destination.
11. Gordes
The small medieval town, of Gordes is built directly into the hilltop it rests on. Takes the concept of a hilltop village to a whole new level! In my opinion, Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages and one of the best towns in the south of France. You have to see it to believe it.
The town’s cobblestone streets wind around the hill and at the top, you’ll find a castle containing the town hall and a small art museum. Take a walk through the town, grab a seat at one of the small cafes or restaurants, and indulge in a meal as you take in the views.
To keep up with the architecture and styling, any new buildings in Gordes must be built with limestone and capped with terracotta tiles. The view from a bit farther away tends to be the ideal way to experience Gordes.
12. Sénanque Abbey
Located near the village of Gordes, the Sénanque Abbey is an unmissable place to visit in the South of France!
The abbey was founded in the 12th century and is still the home of monks today. These days the Abbey is best known for its gorgeous lavender fields. The best time to see them bloom is from the last week of June to the beginning of August.
13. Avignon
Avignon is a beautiful city known for the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. Built in the 14th century, the fortified structure covers the top of a hill overlooking the Rhône River.
Avignon is a city rich in religious history and stunning architecture. There was a time in the Middle Ages when this charming city was the center of western Christendom. Six papal conclaves were held in the breathtaking Palace of the Popes.
If you’ve seen a photo of Avignon, you’ve most likely seen a picture of its most famous bridge. Nowadays only 4 of its original 22 stone arches remain. Take a stroll to the end and then make your way through the arty-walled town or take a cruise down the Rhône River. On this 2-hour private walking tour, you’ll explore the history, and culture of Avignon and see the awe-inspiring Palace of the Popes.
14. Pont du Guard
A masterpiece of engineering and a thing of great beauty, Pont du Guard is a Roman aqueduct that was originally built to bring fresh water from Uzès to Nîmes. Over the centuries, once it couldn’t be used as an aqueduct anymore, it became a bridge to cross the Gardon river. It’s the highest Roman bridge in the world measuring 48m by 275m.
Apart from taking in the views, you can walk across the bridge or even swim in the Gardon River. There is an onsite tour you can take that even takes you inside the aqueduct.
It’s not something you see every day so I’d highly recommend putting aside a morning to come to view the aqueduct. The Pont du Gard is in the South of France in the Occitanie region. The closest city is Uzès – about a 10-minute drive away. It’s easy enough to get to Pont du Guard from Avignon too, about 30 minutes. A trip to the South of France wouldn’t be complete without seeing the ancient Roman ruins of the Pont du Gard aqueduct and bridge. It was one of my top places to visit in the South of France.
15. Nimes
Nîmes has a historic center with many tree-lined streets and fountains that adorn public squares. There are several Roman monuments scattered throughout the city. The Arènes de Nîmes is one of them and is a perfectly designed Roman amphitheater. Many of these monuments are among the most well-preserved in the world.
The town is largely walkable, has a lively ambiance, and is known for its festivals.
16. Uzès
Tucked away in the hills in the South of France is a small little town called Uzès. While Uzès may not be as popular as some of the other destinations in France, it’s a charming town that is slowly starting to attract more tourists. In my opinion, it certainly was one of the best towns in the South of France.
The square is the best place to begin a walking tour of this town. The medieval center is a joy to explore on foot. Stroll through the cobblestone streets that will lead you to beautiful squares. Or simply find a café and grab yourself a coffee and pastry as you watch people walk by.
If you are lucky enough to catch one of the markets, be sure to purchase some local produce.
17. Montpellier
Holding its place as the seventh-largest city in France, Montpellier is located in the Occitanie region. Being home to one of the oldest universities in the world, students make up a decent size of the city’s population. Despite being a modern city, Montpellier has retained its historic charm in the Old Town known as L’Écusson. Tourists can walk through the winding pedestrian streets, explore art galleries, visit churches, shop at boutique stores, and dine at traditional restaurants. I’d highly recommend you stroll through the cobblestone streets at your pace while taking in the atmosphere around you.
Its wide tree-lined boulevards, elegant mansions, public squares, and gardens provide a certain flair to every visitor who passes through the city. If you are traveling with kids there’s a zoo and aquarium, and perfect sandy beaches on the coast just 15 kilometers away. Montpellier has a diversity of attractions and shouldn’t be missed when you are traveling through the South of France.
If you base yourself in Montpellier, make a day trip to the port city of Sète. It’s a real hidden gem in the south of France.
Note: If you are looking to purchase good wine, make your way to a place called Frontignan.
18. Sète
The Mediterranean port city of Sète is a real hidden gem in the South of France. You won’t often hear of this place as it can often be overshadowed by the coastal towns on the French Riviera.
This charming city is filled with fun things to do. You can explore the sights of Sète with a tour or simply walk around the town and visit some of its popular attractions.
19. Carcassone
The Cité de Carcassonne is a sight that will amaze you forever. It’s one of France’s oldest fortified cities. Walls have encircled the city since the 4th century but were modified in the 13th century to stand as a barrier against the Crown of Aragon to the south.
The stained-glass windows in the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus are some of the most beautiful you will see. Wander through the cobblestone streets, pop into souvenir shops, or simply sit down and take in the atmosphere of this walled city.
20. Toulouse
Toulouse has been given the nickname, “La Ville Rose”, meaning pick city. It’s because so many of the city’s buildings are pink in color, giving the cityscape a look like no other.
Toulouse provides a great mix of old and new with its historic center filled with spectacular architecture dating back centuries, while also being the headquarters for Europe’s largest Space Center and the multinational aerospace corporation Airbus.
Toulouse is quite laid back and the city center is easily walkable. You can do almost everything on foot. Be sure to visit the UNESCO-listed Basilique Saint-Sernin which takes you on a journey back in time to the era of medieval pilgrimages.
With countless churches, museums, gardens, and delectable cuisine, Toulouse has so much to offer. If you love exploring food as much as I do, be sure to try the hearty specialties, like cassoulet (meat and bean stew) and duck pâté. Toulouse is also famous for its Gâteau du Fénétra, a tart made with apricots, candied lemons, and almond meringue.
21. Lourdes
When I was three years old my parents took me to Lourdes. I don’t have any memory of the visit, except the photos to remind me that I had once been there. So, it has always been my goal to go back and visit one day. This time I went with my husband and my three-year-old son. It was a lovely experience and I feel so grateful that I was able to share this with my son.
It is said in the year 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in front of a 14–year–old peasant girl called Bernadette Soubirous. The town of Lourdes has since become a very significant site of pilgrimage and attracts millions of tourists every year. Pilgrims visit the Grotto, worship at the Basilique Notre-Dame du Rosaire (Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes), and participate in candlelit processions. Lourdes draws many pilgrims who hope for cures to an illness by bathing in the sacred waters. So far, the Catholic church has validated just over 60 official miracles.
The Lourdes Cathedral stands beside the River Ousse with the Pyrenees Mountains in the background. Pure spring waters flow into a Grotto where Saint Bernadette received visions of the Virgin Mary. Water from this source is believed to have healing properties. (You can purchase empty bottles at the souvenir shops before you enter the compound and fill them up with Holy Water before you leave)
If you are looking to visit the Pyrenees Mountains, Lourdes is a great starting point. Once you get to Lourdes, you can book a walking tour which takes you around the sanctuary.
22. Biarritz
A beautiful resort town in the South of France that offers something for just about everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to lay back and relax on the beach, admire the lighthouse or sip on Aperol, Biarritz is a coastal paradise that gives you an insight into Basque culture.
Biarritz has one of the hippest food scenes, many chic boutiques, a long promenade for beautiful strolls, and proximity to many other great destinations in the Basque region in the South of France. Don’t forget to walk past Hôtel du Palais, the town’s most famous landmark.
23. Espellete
If I had to choose one village in Basque country it would be Espellete. Espellete is a small village located about 20 km from the famous resort town of Biarritz. The houses here are covered with red peppers is what makes this place so unique and distinguishes it from other traditional Basque villages.
Starting late summer, thousands of peppers are hung to dry under the red shutters of traditional Basque houses. Most of the shops in the city sell red peppers or products that contain it in some way or another. At the end of October, the village celebrates La Fête Du Piment (the pepper festival), with concerts, a big market, and a parade to celebrate the end of the drying season.
The unique village is extremely popular and can get quite crowded in the summer. Try and visit earlier in the morning to avoid large crowds. You only need a couple of hours to walk through this village. I would highly recommend having lunch at one of the many established restaurants here that will give you a taste of authentic Basque food. Visiting Espelette is certainly a culinary journey into the Basque country.
24. Arcachon
Arcachon is a coastal town on the Bassin d’Arcachon just an hour away from Bordeaux. It is known for its turquoise beaches, delicious seafood, and Dune du Plait.
Quite honestly, I had never even heard of Arcachon prior to my visit there. Our friend Pierre, who lives in the Basque country, suggested we make a day trip to this area to spend some time at its beautiful beaches and of course the famous Dune du Pilat (the tallest sand dune in Europe).
If you plan to spend a day in Arcachon, visit one of the beaches (Le Petit Nice, Plage de la Corniche, and La Salie) and be sure to make your way to Dune du Pilat. At over 100m high and 3 km long, it is quite a strenuous climb to the top (there are hard steps built-in to assist with the climb). You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean once you get to the top. Several excursions take you to Arcachon and include oyster tasting.
Arcachon is also one of the main osticulture (oyster farming) centers of France so eating oysters is a “must” when coming to the area. There are plenty of restaurants that offer oysters and other delicious seafood. The fresh breeze, perfect weather, and tranquil environment make Arcachon the perfect getaway for locals and tourists who come from afar. And if you are traveling with kids, this is one of the best places to visit in the South of France. Arcachon was a pleasant surprise and should be added to your south of France holidays list.
25. Bordeaux
And last but not least is the city of Bordeaux that’s Located on the banks of the Garonne River. A trip to the South of France wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world capital of wine. UNESCO has designated the entire city of Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site because of its architectural treasures. The city boasts over 350 buildings that are listed as historic monuments.
Bordeaux is a vibrant working city with a plethora of cafes and restaurants, open-air markets, and of course a multitude of outstanding wineries. Stroll through the historic center and marvel at the spectacular architecture. Visit Bordeaux Cathedral, Place de la Bourse, Place des Quinconces and Place de la Comédie. Allow at least three days to visit Bordeaux, two to tour the city, and one day to explore some vineyards.
Note: There are plenty of wineries in Bordeaux and it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to find the right ones to visit. While you can visit them yourself, you can also consider a wine tasting tour which will organize everything for you. Some great wineries to visit are Chateaux Saint-Émilion, Chateaux Médoc, and Chateaux Graves.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a guide to the top places to visit in the South of France. What I love about this region is the variety it provides. From glitz and glamour, seaside resorts and towns, picturesque hilltop villages, and historical monuments dating back to Roman times, the South of France is a great place to visit. This detailed list gives you an insight into some of the best places to visit in the South of France. If you end up visiting any of these places, be sure to send me a message or tag me @travelandtastewithtracy
Happy Travels!
Top 25 Places to Visit in the South of France
- Nice
- Monaco
- Cannes
- St. Tropez
- Saint-Paul-de-Vence
- Marseille
- Cassis
- Aix–en–Provence
- Roussilon
- Lourmarin
- Gordes
- Sénanque Abbey
- Avignon
- Pont du Guard
- Nimes
- Uzès
- Montpellier
- Sète
- Carcassone
- Toulouse
- Lourdes
- Biarritz
- Espellete
- Arcachon
- Bordeaux
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
