16 Days in Southern France in Depth
Day 1
Nice
 
Start your adventure on the Promenade des Anglais, a famous seaside walkway lined with palm trees and perfect for relaxation. Afterward, take a hike up Castle Hill for panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean Sea. Conclude your day exploring the enchanting narrow streets of the Old Town, filled with local shops and cafés where you can indulge in traditional Niçoise cuisine.
Promenade des Anglais
Castle Hill
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Day 2
Nice
 
Begin your day at Cours Saleya Market, a vibrant local market filled with colorful stalls and the freshest produce. Afterward, visit the striking Russian Orthodox Cathedral, known for its unique architecture and rich history. Finish your day at the Matisse Museum to appreciate the revolutionary art of Henri Matisse in a tranquil setting.
Cours Saleya Market
Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Matisse Museum
Day 3
Marseille
 
Begin your day at the historical Old Port of Marseille, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy fresh seafood. Next, visit Notre-Dame de la Garde, a basilica offering stunning views and rich history. End the day exploring Calanques National Park, famous for its spectacular cliffs and crystal-clear waters, perfect for hiking or a boat trip.
Old Port of Marseille
Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
Calanques National Park
Day 4
Marseille
 
Begin at the Marseille History Museum to delve into the city’s rich past through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Then, embark on a boat trip to Château d'If, an iconic fortress with a fascinating history. End your day at Vallon des Auffes, a quaint fishing port where you can relax and enjoy a meal with stunning views.
Marseille History Museum
Château d'If
Vallon des Auffes
Day 5
Aix-en-Provence
 
(Marseille)
Discover the vibrant Cours Mirabeau, a bustling avenue filled with shops, cafés, and fountains. Visit the Atelier Cézanne to explore the former studio of the famous painter, gaining insight into his creative world. Conclude your day at the Pavillon de Vendôme, surrounded by stunning gardens and art exhibitions in a peaceful setting.
Cours Mirabeau
Atelier Cézanne
Pavillon de Vendôme
Day 6
Avignon
 
Begin at the impressive Palais des Papes, a historical landmark that showcases the grandeur of the papacy in medieval times. Visit the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet for stunning views and to learn about its significance. Conclude your day at the tranquil Rocher des Doms, a beautiful park offering panoramic views and peaceful surroundings.
Palais des Papes
Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d'Avignon)
Rocher des Doms
Day 7
Vers-Pont-du-Gard
/Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
 
(Avignon)
Kick off your day at the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct that highlights impressive engineering and historical significance. Next, explore the Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon, a serene monastery with stunning architecture. Finish your day at Fort Saint-André, a historic fortress that offers sweeping views and a connection to the area's military past.
Pont du Gard
Chartreuse de Villeneuve lez Avignon
Fort Saint-André
Day 8
Avignon
 
Begin your day at Avignon Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, before climbing to the nearby Rocher des Doms for panoramic views. Explore the Musée du Petit Palais to admire a collection of Renaissance art. Finally, visit Les Halles Market for a vibrant culinary experience and a taste of local flavors.
Avignon Cathedral
Musée du Petit Palais
Les Halles Market
Day 9
Carcassonne
 
Explore the medieval city of Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive fortifications. Visit the Château Comtal to learn about its history and enjoy panoramic views from its ramparts. Finally, admire the Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse, known for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Carcassonne Medieval City
Château Comtal
Basilica of St. Nazaire and St. Celse
Day 10
Carcassonne
 
Start your day along the Canal du Midi, enjoying its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Then, visit Carcassonne Cathedral, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. Finally, explore the Musée de l'Inquisition, where you can learn about this dark chapter in history and its significance.
Canal du Midi
Carcassonne Cathedral
Musée de l'Inquisition
Day 11
Toulouse
 
Begin at the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, an architectural masterpiece and a significant pilgrimage site. Visit the Capitole de Toulouse, the grand city hall that showcases the city’s rich history. Cap off your day at the Cité de l'Espace, a fun and educational space museum with interactive exhibits for all ages.
Basilica of Saint-Sernin
Capitole de Toulouse
Cité de l'Espace
Day 12
Albi
 
(Toulouse)
Explore Albi’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Southern Gothic architecture that captivates with its grandeur. Visit the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum to admire a remarkable collection of the famous artist's works. Finally, stroll across the historic Pont Vieux for picturesque views of the city and its landmarks.
Albi Cathedral
Toulouse-Lautrec Museum
Pont Vieux
Day 13
Toulouse
 
Start your day at the Musée des Augustins to explore a fine arts collection in a beautiful setting. Walk to Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge in Toulouse, for picturesque views along the Garonne River. Conclude your day in the peaceful Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Musée des Augustins
Pont Neuf
Jardin des Plantes
Day 14
Montpellier
 
Experience the lively atmosphere of Place de la Comédie, the bustling main square filled with cafés and shops. Visit Montpellier Cathedral, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and serene ambiance. End your day at Promenade du Peyrou, a beautiful promenade offering spectacular views and a peaceful park for relaxation.
Place de la Comédie
Montpellier Cathedral
Promenade du Peyrou
Day 15
Nîmes
 
(Montpellier)
Begin your day at the Arena of Nîmes, an impressive Roman amphitheater where history comes alive. Then, visit Maison Carrée, a stunning Roman temple showcasing the city’s architectural heritage. Conclude your day at Jardins de la Fontaine, a beautiful park filled with greenery and historical charms, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Arena of Nîmes
Maison Carrée
Jardins de la Fontaine
Day 16
Montpellier
 
Start at the Musée Fabre to explore an impressive collection of European art in a stunning setting. Visit the Porte du Peyrou, a triumphal arch celebrating King Louis XIV, before concluding your trip at Aquarium Mare Nostrum, a fascinating marine aquarium perfect for a fun and educational experience.
Musée Fabre
Porte du Peyrou
Aquarium Mare Nostrum