15 Incredible Things to Do in the South of France

There are many reasons why France is constantly jostling for the title of the number one holiday destination in the world. Most visitors are drawn to Paris’s elegant architecture and iconic landmarks, others want to see the châteaux of the Loire Valley or the beautiful towns of Alsace, and some just come for the food. In my opinion, the real gems are found in southern France.

The countryside’s natural beauty, the Mediterranean coastline and sandy beaches, and the luxurious hotels and delicious food of the south of France only begin to describe its allure. This part of the country also has charming old cities, medieval villages, striking mountains, dreamy beaches, and storied histories.

I’ve lived on the French Riviera for quite some years, and I love luring friends who think they should spend their whole trip in Paris to our picturesque shores. Therefore, I am pleased to share my take on what to do in the south of France and how to have an amazing trip in the country’s most beautiful regions.

While “southern France” could encompass regions beyond the French-Spanish border, southwest France has a distinct identity. So, we’ll stick to the French Riviera and Provence below, saving the Pyrenees and most of Occitanie for another day. Read on to see why you need more time in these places than elsewhere in France!

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – The Mediterranean Coastline
• Best park – Verdon Natural Regional Park, home to the Gorges du Verdon
• Free activity – The Promenade des Anglais & its Beach
• Activity for kids – Monaco Museum of Oceanography
• Activity for adults – Drinks & Dining in St. Tropez
• Place to eat – Le Plongeoir in Nice
• Nightlife – Waka Bar in Nice
• Place to stay – Le Méridien Nice

Things to Do in the South of France

As you’ll see, most of the things I list below are towns and villages (and, in Monaco’s case, a country)—each one is a destination itself with many things to do.

I do my best to share the best things to do in each and how much time you’ll need to spend there. Most can be visited in a day, and don’t be surprised if you want to hit them all!

1. Nice

Address: Nice, France

We’ll start with the biggest city on the Côte d’Azur and where you’ll probably be arriving: Nice, home to a major international airport and railway station with connections across Europe. This seaside city is steeped in history, culinary delights, and fantastic views.

Its most famous landmark is the Promenade des Anglais, the street and walkway that lines the Mediterranean. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk or bike it, especially to the eastern end, where the famous “I Love Nice” sign sits at the top of a panoramic hill.

The beach here comprises pebbles and small rocks, typical of the French Riviera, and very popular for sunbathing and swimming in nice weather.

The old town, with narrow cobblestone streets and charming old buildings, is on the other side of the promenade. Its eastern end stops at Castle Hill, or the Colline du Château, which is a historic park with even more great views of the old town and promenade at the top. The old town and Castle Hill are great for guided walking tours to understand the history and identity of this important city.

Other fun things to do in Nice include the Matisse Museum, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the flower market on the Cours Saleya, and nightlife at places like the Waka Bar. The best restaurant in Nice, and possibly on the whole riviera, is Le Plongeoir for its sea views, high-end atmosphere, and amazing food. For accommodation, my favorite hotel is the Le Méridien Nice – it has ocean and old town views, a great rooftop restaurant, and luxurious rooms.

See Related: A 2 Days in Nice, France Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy

2. Saint Paul de Vence

Address: Saint Paul de Vence, France

One of the most popular provincial villages to visit on the French Riviera is the medieval town of Saint Paul de Vence. This hilltop village, with its cobbled streets and medieval walls, will transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Located about 30 minutes from popular places to stay, such as Nice and Antibes, this small town is a popular day trip destination set slightly back from the seaside. Its narrow, pedestrianized streets are wonderfully peaceful and picturesque for wandering around.

It’s a village famous for art, as you’ll notice from the many galleries throughout—and the scenery should explain exactly why it’s so popular to paint!

Just outside the walled town, there’s a Fragonard perfumery, famous on the Riviera for its fragrances made just a few miles from there. Some of the best lunch restaurants are on the western edge of town, near the walls and outskirts, with more room for tables and chairs.

If you have a car during your trip, I like combining Saint Paul de Vence with Gourdon, another tiny village on an even higher hill overlooking the Côte d’Azur from the hinterland. Both are on the official list of the most beautiful villages in France. Without a car, you can also do this route on a guided tour from Nice, Antibes, or Cannes.

3. Gorges du Verdon

Address: Verdon Gorge, France

Another highly popular day trip from the coastal towns of southern France is to the Verdon Natural Regional Park, where you’ll find the famous Gorges du Verdon. This special place is called the Grand Canyon of France for its striking natural scenery.

The Verdon River carves through a steep gorge surrounded by tall cliffs on both sides before emptying into the electric-blue Lake of St. Croix. It’s a popular route to drive alongside.

Still, I recommend doing something even better—renting an electric or pedal boat, a kayak, or a paddle board on the lake and traversing the gorge via water. Plenty of places to rent these without reservations on the lake’s shores, and the trip up the river is simply spectacular.

After you’ve admired the gorges, head to the small village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, just 10 minutes away and on the official list of the most beautiful villages in France; here, you can have a lovely lunch, enjoy a town-center waterfall, and shop for local lavender products. By the way – if your trip is in June or July, you must plan to add a stop at one of the hundreds of lavender fields in this area.

This is a day done best by car, but if you don’t have one, guided tours are available from Nice and nearby Aix en Provence. If you’re staying in the latter and lavender fields are high on your list, tours are also made specifically for that.

See Related: Things to Do in a Small Town

4. Aix en Provence

Address: Aix en Provence, France

Aix en Provence, usually just called Aix by locals (pronounce: ex), is also a great destination. Larger than the other provencal villages but with picturesque, narrow streets in its historic center, it’s a popular starting point for those visiting the non-coastal part of southern France.

This was the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne, and fans of his work can tour his childhood home and his art studio. Some people consider Aix a university city, as the school here brings young people from all over France and even the world to study, giving the town a young and lively feel. Along its many old streets, there are tons of stores, both brand-name and local, and places to eat.

True history buffs might appreciate a walking tour of the city. Wine lovers will be very familiar with the variety from this region, specifically the rosé, and can find many winery day trips into the countryside. If you’re looking to explore much of this side of the Riviera and Provence, it may be worth spending a few nights in Aix – the Best Western Le Galice Centre Ville is comfortable and in a great spot.

5. Saint Tropez

Address: Saint-Tropez, 83990, France

Saint Tropez is somewhat synonymous with southern France. This little town is known as a holiday destination that the rich and famous frequent. You’ll find superyachts docked in its port, cobblestone streets crossing its old town, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera just down the road.

To be honest, getting to Saint Tropez is a bit of a nightmare – after the highway, it’s just a single, two-lane road leading down the hill into the town, and it’s notorious for its constant traffic. A much more scenic way to arrive is by boat from Nice or Cannes, which might even be faster!

Once there, you’ll find plenty of places to eat and shop along its famed port. You find even more by venturing further into the old town, with some great options on the Place des Lices, the town’s main square dating to the 1800s. Luxury and brand-name stores surround Saint Tropez – there’s even a Dior Café.

While the town of Saint Tropez is iconic and worth a visit for first-timers, my real advice for the summertime is to go just a bit further south to the famous Plage de Pampelonne. This massive, sandy beach is truly one of the best in southern France for relaxing, watersports, and beachside dining.

See Related: Things to Do in Burgundy, France & Places to Visit

6. Cannes

Address: Cannes, France

Cannes is another icon of southern France famous for its annual film festival and its many luxury hotels. Many visitors choose to stay here during their time on the Riviera, but you can also easily visit Cannes on a day trip from most other places in the area.

Luxurious shops and cafés line one side of the Boulevard de la Croisette, while the other is where beach bars and restaurants set up chairs and umbrellas on the sandy beaches. A few blocks back, the Rue d’Antibes is another street for shopping – one of the most popular sports in Cannes.

May is the famous film festival month when dozens of stars descend on the town and walk the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. While you probably won’t be able to access their exclusive parties and screenings, you can wait alongside the stairs to catch a glimpse of them or spot them around town. We got to see all of the stars of the Elvis movie in 2022!

If you’re a big cinema and Hollywood fan, you might consider a guided tour of Cannes given by a real screenwriter to most appreciate its local history and glamorous status. In the summertime, take to the water on a catamaran cruise to enjoy the peaceful Mediterranean Sea.

As mentioned, staying in Cannes is a great choice. If you want to do as the rich and famous do, stay at a luxury hotel like the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes.

7. Monaco

Address: Monaco, 98000, Monaco, France

I don’t think any trip to the French Riviera would be complete without a visit to the principality of Monaco, outside France. This tiny country is just 30 minutes by train from Nice or about an hour from Cannes and Antibes and is undoubtedly worth at least a few hours of your time.

Of all the places I’ve already said are playgrounds for the rich and famous, it’s most true for Monaco. Every building, sidewalk, and garden is meticulously maintained for beauty. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Rolls Royces are normal to see parked on the side of the road or driving around here.

The famous Monte Carlo Casino, where you can try your hand at a slot or table game, is on one side of the country and a must-see. The prince’s palace recently opened for touring, and the Oceanographic Museum are a few minutes away on the other side. I recommend walking between the two, as you can stop at the Prince’s Automobile Collection in between.

You can also enjoy the convenience of the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour in Monaco to see everything, or consider a hidden gems guided tour for an insider’s look. I believe a day trip is sufficient for Monaco, but if you want to indulge in its luxurious glory, you can stay at a hotel within the principality, like the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

See Related: Most Photographed Cities in the World

8. Les Baux de Provence & Saint Rémy de Provence

Address: Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, 13210, France

I group these next two villages because they are quite tiny and directly next to each other, making for an easily combined day trip. Les Baux de Provence and Saint Remy de Provence are just west of Aix, near the (also lovely) cities of Arles and Avignon, in the countryside.

Saint Remy, the larger of the two, is famous for being where Vincent Van Gogh committed himself after removing his ear in nearby Arles. He spent a year here, and some people consider his best work to have been produced during that time. You can tour his room at the St. Paul de Mausole Monastery and see the paint on the floor and the views that inspired those paintings.

Just to the south, Lex Baux is a tiny village among the rocky mountains of the area that is on the official list of the most beautiful villages in France. The ruins of a medieval fortress sit at its highest point and offer displays of ancient weapons and daily life, as well as panoramic views of the old buildings below and the olive groves in the distance. It’s the perfect place for ice cream with a view.

You won’t be able to get to these places by public transportation, and having a car is the best way to see them at your own pace. Day trip tours are available from places like Aix en Provence and Arles if that’s not possible.

9. Pont du Gard

Address: 30210 Vers-Pont-du-Gard, France

Close to the previous two small villages is the Pont du Gard, a stunning piece of the region’s Roman heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s close enough to combine in a day trip with Saint Remy and Les Baux but also interesting enough to warrant its day.

This massive aqueduct bridge was built in the 1st(!) Century, consisting of three tiers of arches crossing the Gardon River. It has withstood thousands of years of nature, war, and human development, remaining incredibly well-preserved and still standing strong.

The area surrounding the bridge has been turned into a sort of park. On the right bank is a restaurant, an interesting prehistoric cave, and a nice network of hiking trails along the river and up to higher levels of the bridge. The left bank hosts more hiking and viewpoints, as well as the Museum of the Pont du Gard.

Buy a skip-the-line ticket to save time, especially if you are combining this with other nearby attractions, as it can get quite busy here. If you have the time, there are some great spots on the right bank to picnic, swim, and relax in little beach-like spots – I plan to bring a bottle of wine on my next visit!

See Related: Day Trips from Strasbourg, France

10. Calanques National Park

Address: 13008 Marseille, France

Hikers and adventurers will not want to miss exploring Calanques National Park. This vast expanse is located between the large city of Marseille and the small village of Cassis and is best visited from the latter, which is reachable by train.

The park is filled with scenic hiking trails and beautiful beaches. A “calanque” is like a small cove, and this coastline is full of them. The rocky terrain on the shore has numerous narrow spots cutting inland for up to hundreds of feet, leaving sandy beaches at the ends.

Many trails cut through the park, leading to spots on cliffs high above the sea and beaches on the Calanques below. If you’re not a confident hiker, guided hikes are available, too. For a different perspective, you can also get out on the water for a kayaking tour of this park’s coastline.

11. Èze Village

Address: Èze, 06360, France

Many visitors consider the tiny hilltop village of Èze a do-not-miss in the south of France, and I don’t disagree. Perched on a cliff right between Nice and Monaco, Èze is convenient and beautiful.

Perhaps the most famous thing to do in Èze is to visit the Fragonard Perfume Factory and Laboratory just outside the old village. The staff offers a free tour of the facilities where you can learn the perfume-making process and about many types of fragrances from one of the country’s most prestigious brands.

The village comprises just a few windy, hilly streets up the hill. However, they are some of the most picturesque in the region. Wear appropriate shoes for exploring this town, as the streets are steep and cobblestone.

That goes for the Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden), too, and I’d also consider this hillside botanical walk a must-see here. There are a few ways to get to Èze and enjoy its medieval charm.

It’s easily reachable by car, and there are numerous tours from Nice and other areas on the Riviera that will stop in Èze. But if you like a good hike, take the train to Èze-sur-Mer, down by the sea, and walk up to the village on the Chemin de Nietzsche trail – it’s quite vertical but offers amazing views on the way.

See Related: Most Beautiful Small Towns in France

12. Villefranche-sur-Mer

Address: Villefranche-sur-Mer, 06230, France

On the other side of the hills that back Nice to the east is the little fishing village of Villefranche-sur-Mer, sometimes called Villefranche locally. It’s one of my favorite spots on the coast and is partially responsible for luring me to move to the region.

Villefranche is close enough to Nice that you could walk if you wanted to, either along the coast or up over Mont Boron via its trails. It’s also got a convenient rail station just two stops from Nice Ville. If you take the train to Monaco or elsewhere east of here, you’ll be captivated by the view from the window of Villefranche’s massive bay and sandy beach.

Enjoying its long, sandy beach is one of my favorite free things to do in southern France. In the summer, spots fill up very quickly, so arrive early. The locally-owned restaurants along the old town’s seaside offer some of the best seafood, pasta, and French cuisine I’ve had here.

You can also hike the nearby Chemin des Douaniers, a coastal path along the Cap Ferrat peninsula to the east of Villefranche, with spectacular views of the bay and town. There’s a great spot before the lighthouse where you can jump right into the water, too.

13. Menton

Address: Menton, 06500, France

The last village you’ll encounter before entering Italy is Menton. Some people refer to it as “the lemon town” because it’s famous for growing a local variety of citrus fruit and even hosts a massive festival to celebrate it each year.

It’s only fitting that you’ll find many buildings painted in yellows and oranges in Menton. The best view of this is from Sablettes Beach – walk out to the end of the quay alongside the port for a great photo of the yellow church and surrounding buildings, the beach, and the mountains.

Every February, Menton hosts the Fête du Citron, or the Festival of the Lemon. Local artists create massive sculptures of lemons and oranges in the town center, and parades run through the streets. You can also buy lemon olive oil, limoncello, citrus jams, and other products from local producers.

See Related: Where to Stay in Alsace

14. Roussillon & Gordes

Address: Gordes, 84220, France

We’re returning to Provence’s hilly countryside for two more of the most beautiful villages in France – Roussillon and Gordes, which both made the official list. These villages are side-by-side, just over an hour north of Aix en Provence and about three hours from Nice.

Even most south-of-France locals I’ve met aren’t familiar with Roussillon, which is a shame, but it’s great for crowds! Besides having a picturesque, very old historical center, the village is beloved for its Sentier des Ocres hike. This short, easy trail goes through a landscape of crimson-red rocks, cliffs, and sand that will make you think you’re somewhere in Utah.

It won’t take you more than two or three hours to hike and see the entire town of Rousillon, so you should pair it with Gordes, just 15 minutes away. This hilltop village is just generally beautiful, with old brick buildings making up its historic center and art galleries lining the streets. It’s a great place for coffee or lunch.

If you rent a car, this combination is doable on a day trip from the Nice area, but guided tours from there are less common. They are available from Aix en Provence, though, which you can reach by train if you want to see these wonderful little villages.

15. Antibes

Address: Antibes, France

Finally, I’ve saved my favorite for last – the seaside town of Antibes. A fraction of the size of Nice and not as high-profile as Cannes, Antibes sits between the two on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula that you’ll probably see just before landing.

Antibes is made up of a few smaller neighborhoods. To its east, Biot has a shoreline of pebble beaches just like those in Nice, and it’s one of my favorite places to spend a summer afternoon with a pizza. Juan les Pins is on the western side, with its famous summertime jazz festival, its sandy beaches, and the beach bars and clubs that line them.

The old town of Antibes is in the center and on the peninsula. It is a picturesque place lined by city walls and with a covered market in the center. There are countless great restaurants, cafés, and bars here. There’s also a museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso with many of his paintings and drawings, as he spent considerable time on this part of the Riviera.

The massive port is known as the superyacht capital of the world – there’s a section of it called Billionaire’s Quay (which goes nicely with Billionaire’s Bay, another real place with a nice beach on the peninsula).

You can rent a boat (though it will be much smaller than the billionaires’) and explore the sea independently if you’d like. I highly recommend considering staying in Antibes – the Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa is in a great spot and one of the best places in town.

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Related Resources

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