Under the Provençal Sun: The Best 12-Day Road Trip Through Provence & the French Riviera

Most international flights into France arrive in Paris, making it the perfect place to begin your French adventure. You could also fly into Marseille or Nice, but I never say no to a little extra time in Paris!

After landing at CDG, there are several ways to reach the city. The RER B train is often the quickest option, while an Uber or private transfer can be a more comfortable choice if you're travelling with lots of luggage.

I recommend staying near Gare de Lyon, as you'll be catching the train there tomorrow morning. There are plenty of excellent options nearby, including Boutet Bastille Hotel Paris or Le Pavillon de la Reine.

After checking into your hotel, take some time to freshen up before heading out for a leisurely evening. Wander around Place de la Bastille and into the charming streets of Le Marais, where you'll find lively cafés and boutique shops around every corner. Finish the day with dinner at a nearby bistro or one of my favorites, Chez Janou (don't skip the chocolate mousse!) before heading back to your hotel for an early night. Tomorrow, your South of France adventure begins.

Start your morning with breakfast at your hotel or grab a croissant and coffee from a local boulangerie before making your way to Gare de Lyon. The high-speed TGV takes just over three hours to Aix-en-Provence, and it's a comfortable, scenic journey through the French countryside.

Once you arrive, pick up your rental car at the TGV station and drive into the city centre. I recommend staying at Villa Gallici Hôtel & Spa. Set in an elegant 18th-century Provençal residence, it's just a short walk from the heart of Aix and offers tranquil gardens and an outdoor pool; a peaceful escape after a day of exploring.

After checking in, spend the rest of the afternoon wandering Aix's charming streets, browsing boutiques selling classic Provençal lavender products and local artisan goods, or visiting Hôtel de Caumont or Cézanne's Studio.

Finish the day with dinner in the heart of the old town at a local restaurant like Licandro or Les Galinas. Aix-en-Provence is an excellent home base for the next several days, putting many of Provence's most beautiful villages and scenic drives within easy reach.

Start the day early and drive to Arles, one of the most historic towns in Provence. If you have time, make a stop at a small village like Salon-de-Provence along the way to wander its charming streets and enjoy a coffee before continuing your journey.

Once in Arles, you'll quickly see why it inspired Vincent van Gogh. As you stroll through the town, many scenes will feel familiar, as they appear in some of his most famous paintings. History lovers should also take time to visit the remarkable Roman Amphitheatre and Roman Theatre.

If you're a Van Gogh fan, don't miss the Fondation Vincent van Gogh and L'Espace Van Gogh, the restored hospital where the artist stayed and famously painted the courtyard. If you're visiting on a Saturday, be sure to explore one of the largest and best markets in Provence. Return to Aix-en-Provence in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner while wandering through the lively old town.

Day four is all about discovering the postcard-perfect villages that make Provence so unforgettable.

Start by driving to Roussillon, a colourful hilltop village famous for its striking ochre cliffs and warm orange buildings. Walk the Sentier des Ocres if you'd like to see the vibrant landscape up close, or simply wander through the village, browse the shops, and admire the panoramic views over the Luberon countryside.

If time allows, consider making additional stops in nearby villages such as Ménerbes, Gordes, or Bonnieux before continuing to Lourmarin. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin is full of charming shops and narrow streets perfect for exploring. Before leaving, visit the Château de Lourmarin, Provence's first Renaissance château, dating back to the 15th century. Return to Aix-en-Provence and dine at the hotel’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, La Taula Gallici.

After a few days of exploring villages, it's time to slow the pace and enjoy the Mediterranean coast. Spend the morning relaxing at Plage du Rouet or Plage du Verdon, and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach before heading into Marseille.

In the afternoon, explore France's oldest city. Wander around the lively Vieux-Port, admire the impressive Marseille Cathedral, and if you don't mind the extra drive or climb, visit the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde for panoramic views over the city and coastline.

Finish the day with dinner overlooking the harbour. Marseille is known for its fresh seafood, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal by the water before returning to Aix.

After several days of exploring, today is all about experiencing Provence's incredible food and agricultural traditions. Choose an activity that interests you most, whether that's touring a local winery, visiting an olive oil mill, wandering through a lavender farm (if you're visiting in season), or even joining a truffle hunting experience with a local guide.

Take your time and enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to Aix-en-Provence for one final evening. Pack your bags, enjoy one last stroll through the old town, and get a good night's rest before heading to the Côte d'Azur tomorrow.

Today, make the nearly two-hour drive from Aix-en-Provence to Antibes. If you'd like to break up the journey, consider stopping in Fréjus for a coffee, or detour through Saint-Tropez if you don't mind adding a little extra driving time.

Antibes will be your home base for the next few days as you explore the French Riviera. While Nice and Cannes are both excellent options, I love Antibes for its more relaxed atmosphere, beautiful old town, and central location, making it easy to explore both east and west along the coast. Choose a stay with parking outside the historic center (as driving through the old town is limited), like Hotel La Villa Port d'Antibes & Spa or Royal Antibes. If you'd prefer a quieter seaside stay, Hotel Belles Rives on Cap d'Antibes is another excellent choice.

After checking in, spend the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets of Old Antibes. Visit the Musée Picasso, browse the Marché Provençal, and try a slice of socca, the region's famous chickpea flatbread. If the weather is warm, end the day with a relaxing swim at Plage de la Gravette or Juan-les-Pins before dinner.

Start early and make your way to the breathtaking hilltop village of Èze before the crowds arrive. Perched high above the Mediterranean, it's one of the most beautiful villages on the Riviera. Wander its narrow medieval lanes and visit the Jardin Exotique d’Èze, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the coastline.

Before leaving, pick up some sandwiches from a local boulangerie and continue the short drive to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Plage des Marinières. With its calm turquoise water and mountain backdrop, it's one of my favorite beaches on the Riviera. Parking can fill up quickly, so I recommend arriving earlier in the day if possible.

On your way back to Antibes, consider taking a scenic drive through or stopping for dinner in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Even if you don't stop, it's worth admiring the stunning villas and lush gardens.

Today you'll head close to the Italian border to visit the vibrant seaside town of Menton. With its vividly-coloured buildings, it feels surprisingly similar to Italy's Cinque Terre.

Menton is famous for its lemons, so be sure to browse the local shops selling everything from lemon jam and candies to limoncello and citrus-themed trinkets. Wander through the old town before walking up to the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange, where you'll be rewarded with beautiful views over the rooftops and the sparkling Mediterranean.

On your return journey, stop in a different country: Monaco! Visit the Prince's Palace if you'd like to tour the lavish State Apartments, then continue to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. While there's an admission fee to enter the gaming rooms, the elegant lobby can be visited for free. Before leaving, don't miss the viewpoint behind the casino, where you'll have a spectacular view over Port Hercules and its collection of luxury yachts.

Today is dedicated to the heart of the French Riviera, Nice. Start with a stroll along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, admiring the azure waters to your side. Next, head up to Colline du Château (by foot or elevator) for the most famous panoramic view of Nice before wandering through the rich streets of Old Town.

While exploring Old Nice, make time to try a few local specialties, like socca, pan bagnat or a classic salade niçoise. Cours Saleya Market is a great place to browse local produce and grab something casual for lunch.

If you're an art lover, Nice has plenty to explore, from the Marc Chagall National Museum and Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice to Villa Masséna, a beautiful Belle Époque villa that offers a glimpse into the city's history.

End the day with dinner overlooking the sea at Bocca Mar or enjoy a memorable meal at the La Rotonde Nice inside the iconic Hotel Negresco.

It's your last full day on the French Riviera, so slow the pace and enjoy it however you like. Spend the day relaxing on your favorite beach, revisit a town you loved most, browse the market in Antibes, or simply wander the old town one last time with a coffee or gelato in hand.

This flexible day gives you time to soak up the Riviera atmosphere before your journey back to Paris tomorrow.

This morning, return your rental car at Antibes train station and board the high-speed TGV back to Paris. I recommend an early departure so you'll arrive by noon and have one last afternoon to enjoy the city. For convenience, I'd once again suggest staying near Gare de Lyon, with great options in the 11th or 4th arrondissements mentioned above.

Spend the afternoon wandering Le Marais one last time, browsing boutiques and picking up any last-minute souvenirs. Or cross the Seine and explore the charming streets of Île Saint-Louis before continuing into the Latin Quarter.

One of my favorite things about Paris is how easy it is to get around by metro, so if there's somewhere you've been wanting to visit, now's your chance. Pick up some vacuum-sealed butter from Le Bon Marché to bring home, relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg, or head up to the rooftop at Galeries Lafayette (my favorite viewpoint) for one final panoramic view of Paris before your journey home.

After following this itinerary myself, I can't think of a better way to finish the trip than with one last evening in Paris. After nearly two weeks of exploring Provence and the Riviera, having Paris to look forward to at the end makes saying goodbye to France just a little easier, and gives you one last chance to soak it all in before heading home.