Regions in Southern France
- Provence & Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) – beaches, lavender, wine, and glamour
- Occitanie – medieval towns, natural parks, and local food culture
- French Basque Country – beaches + surf culture
- The French Alps (southern part) – scenic mountains and ski resorts
Southern France (or le Sud de la France) is one of Europe’s most beautiful and diverse regions blending Mediterranean beaches, charming medieval villages, lavender fields, luxury glamour, vineyards, and mountain escapes.
Top Tourist Attractions
1. Provence
- Avignon – the historic Papal Palace
- Gordes & Roussillon – hilltop villages with stunning views
- Valensole Plateau – iconic lavender fields (best in June–July)
- Aix-en-Provence – artsy city, markets, fountains
- Verdon Gorge – dramatic turquoise canyon, kayaking, hiking
2. Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
- Nice – seaside promenade, old town, local markets
- Cannes – film festival city, beaches, luxury shopping
- Monaco – casinos, yachts, royal palace (technically separate but often included)
- Èze & Saint-Paul-de-Vence – picturesque medieval towns
- Saint-Tropez – glamorous beach destination
- Antibes – Picasso museum, coastal charm
3. Occitanie
- Carcassonne – fairytale medieval fortress city
- Toulouse – “Pink City,” known for aerospace industry & gastronomy
- Montpellier – student city with Mediterranean vibe
- Pont du Gard – ancient Roman aqueduct
- Camargue – wild horses, flamingos, and salt marshes
4. French Basque Country
- Biarritz – surf town and elegant seaside resort
- Bayonne – charming city with Basque culture & chocolate
Recommended Itinerary (10 Days)
Day 1–2:
Marseille
- Explore Old Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde, Calanques National Park
Day 3–4:
Aix-en-Provence & Lavender Route
- Visit local markets and wineries
- Day trip to Valensole & Verdon Gorge
Day 5:
Avignon & Gordes
- Visit Papal Palace and hilltop villages
Day 6–7:
Nice & Èze
- Explore old town, Promenade des Anglais
- Day trip to Èze village & Monaco
Day 8:
Cannes & Antibes
- Visit the Film Festival Palace & Picasso Museum
Day 9–10:
Saint-Tropez
- Relax at Pampelonne Beach, explore old town, enjoy seaside dining
Some Tips
1. Transportation
- TGV trains: Paris → Marseille or Nice (around 3 hours).
- Regional TER trains: Connect major towns in Provence and the Riviera.
- Car rental: Best for lavender routes and countryside adventures.
- Major airports: Nice, Marseille, Toulouse.
2. When to Visit
- Spring (April-June): Blooming lavender, mild weather, fewer tourists
- Summer (July-August): Beach season, festivals, but crowded & expensive
- Autumn (September - October): Vineyard harvest, pleasant weather, relaxed vibe
3. Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
- Wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Visiting lavender farms in Valensole
- Shopping at Provençal markets in Aix or Nice
- Taking a boat tour to the Calanques
- Tasting authentic bouillabaisse in Marseille
4. Use eSIM Instead of A Local SIM Card
Eskimo eSIM offers data for only $3.5 per GB in France. With a 2-year data validity, you can reuse any remaining data the next time you visit France, unlike local SIM cards which usually expire after only one month or less than a year.
FAQs
What makes Southern France different from Northern France?
Southern France has a warmer Mediterranean climate, a more relaxed pace of life, and strong influences from Italy and Spain.
Is Southern France suitable for family travel?
Yes. Families can enjoy beaches in Nice, wildlife safaris in the Camargue, lavender farms in Provence, and interactive museums in cities like Marseille and Toulouse.
How many days are ideal for exploring Southern France?
A minimum of 7 to 10 days is ideal to experience the highlights of Provence and the French Riviera.
What are some unique souvenirs to bring home from Southern France?
Popular souvenirs include lavender products, olive oil, Provençal textiles, local wines, handmade soaps from Marseille, and Basque berets or chocolates from Bayonne.
Is it necessary to know French when visiting Southern France?
Basic English is widely understood in major tourist areas such as Nice, Cannes, and Marseille.
