Picture yourself sipping rosé as the Mediterranean glitters below, the scent of lavender drifting through sun-warmed cobblestone streets. That is the South of France — effortlessly glamorous, wildly delicious, and more magical than any postcard ever captured.
But planning a trip here can be surprisingly tricky. There are dozens of towns to choose from, the distances between them are deceiving, and the tourist traps are real. This 7-day South of France itinerary is built to help you avoid the mistakes and experience the best the Côte d’Azur has to offer — from the grand boulevards of Nice to the private coves of St. Tropez.
Day 1–2: Nice — Gateway to the Riviera
Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, drop your bags, and do absolutely nothing for an hour. You have earned it. Nice rewards the slow traveller.
What to do in Nice
Start your first morning on the Promenade des Anglais — the legendary seafront boulevard that stretches five kilometres along the bay. It is best before 9am, when the light is still soft and the joggers haven’t packed it out.
From there, wander uphill to Vieux-Nice (Old Town), where the market stalls of Cours Saleya overflow with flowers, olives, and socca — the iconic chickpea pancake that locals eat for breakfast and you will eat every single day.
Spend your second day at the Matisse Museum and the hilltop village of Èze, perched 430 metres above the sea with views that will make you question everything about your daily commute.
Where to stay in Nice
- Hôtel Negresco — the grande dame of the Promenade, worth a splurge for one night
- Hotel Aston La Scala — excellent value, 5 minutes from the old town
- Villa Rivoli — boutique charm in a Belle Époque mansion
Neko’s tip: Book the Nice City Pass if you plan to visit museums. It covers public transport too, which saves you significantly over two days.
Day 3: Monaco — A Principality in a Day
Monaco is 20 kilometres from Nice and deserves exactly one full day. Take the train from Nice (22 minutes, €4) and walk uphill to the Prince’s Palace first thing before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
Spend the afternoon at the Oceanographic Museum, founded by Jacques Cousteau and still one of the finest aquariums in Europe. Then stroll through Casino Square — you don’t have to gamble; window-shopping the Ferraris parked outside is entertainment enough.
End the day with a sunset drink at Sass Café overlooking the harbour.
Day 4: Cannes — Beyond the Film Festival
Cannes is 33 kilometres west of Nice — an easy train ride. Take the 15-minute ferry to Île Sainte-Honorat — a tiny island owned by monks who make their own wine and honey. The beaches are quiet, the ruins are ancient, and the restaurant serves a lunch you will talk about for years.
➔ Continue reading: Cannes vs St. Tropez — Which Should You Choose?
Day 5–6: St. Tropez — Sun, Rosé, and Hidden Coves
St. Tropez is the centrepiece of any South of France itinerary. Getting here from Cannes takes about 1.5 hours by boat (the most scenic option). Book the boat.
On your first morning, walk to Place des Lices for the Tuesday and Saturday market. Spend afternoons at Pampelonne Beach. On your second day, hire a bicycle and cycle the Sentier du Littoral — a coastal path through pines and past secret coves that cannot be reached by car.
Where to stay in St. Tropez
- Château de la Messardière — five-star hillside estate with panoramic sea views
- Hôtel Lou Cagnard — charming provençal villa, excellent value
- Pastis Hotel — intimate boutique hotel loved by artists
Best restaurants in St. Tropez
- Vague d’Or (three Michelin stars) — for one extraordinary dinner
- La Tarte Tropézienne — the original bakery where the cream-filled brioche was created in 1955
- Sénéquier — the red terrace café on the port where everyone eventually ends up
➔ Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in St. Tropez | Best Hotels in St. Tropez
Day 7: Arles or Marseille — Southern Soul
End in Arles for Roman amphitheatres and Van Gogh’s footsteps — or push to Marseille for a half-day before your flight: the Vieux-Port fish market, the MuCEM museum over the sea, and a bowl of bouillabaisse at Chez Fonfon.
7-Day Summary
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Nice | Promenade des Anglais, Vieux-Nice, Èze |
| 3 | Monaco | Prince’s Palace, Casino Square, Oceanographic Museum |
| 4 | Cannes | Île Sainte-Honorat, Le Suquet |
| 5–6 | St. Tropez | Pampelonne Beach, Sentier du Littoral, Place des Lices market |
| 7 | Arles / Marseille | Roman ruins, bouillabaisse, MuCEM |
Practical Information
Getting around: Excellent trains between Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. Rent a car for St. Tropez and inland. Ferries between Cannes and St. Tropez are seasonal (April–October).
Best time to visit: May–June (warm, not crowded) or September–October (ideal — summer heat without summer crowds, sea still warm).
Budget tip: Stay in Nice and day-trip to Monaco and St. Tropez to save significantly on accommodation.
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