There is something wonderfully easy about a getaway to the South of France. One moment you are wandering through a colourful market with a warm croissant in hand; the next, you are swimming in clear Mediterranean water or sipping rosé beneath a canopy of plane trees. From glamorous coastal towns to peaceful hilltop villages, this corner of France has a talent for making ordinary days feel rather special.
If you are planning your next escape, the South of France offers far more than sunbathing and taking photographs of pretty buildings. You can explore ancient streets, discover local food, browse independent boutiques, hike through dramatic landscapes and enjoy long, lazy lunches that somehow turn into dinner.
Here are some of the best South of France things to do for a memorable trip, whether it is your first visit or you are returning for another taste of the good life.
Start with a stroll through Nice
Nice is an ideal introduction to the French Riviera. It has the energy of a city, the beauty of a seaside resort and enough history to keep curious travellers happily occupied for several days.
Begin in Vieux Nice, the old town, where narrow streets are lined with pastel-coloured buildings, small galleries and tempting food shops. The area is particularly atmospheric in the morning, when locals are picking up fresh produce and cafés are setting out their chairs. Look out for socca, a savoury chickpea pancake that is a speciality of Nice. It is simple, inexpensive and deliciously moreish.
For one of the best views over the city, walk up to Castle Hill, or Colline du Château. There is no longer a castle at the top, but the panoramic views more than make up for it. From here, you can see the sweep of the Baie des Anges, the terracotta rooftops and the distant Alps on a clear day.
Then make your way along the Promenade des Anglais. You can walk, cycle or simply find a blue chair and watch the world go by. It is a lovely place for an early evening stroll, especially when the sun starts to soften and the sea turns every shade of blue.
Explore the glamour of Cannes
Cannes may be famous for its film festival, but you do not need a red-carpet invitation to enjoy it. The city combines polished seafront glamour with a charming old quarter and plenty of opportunities for a little holiday shopping.
Take a walk along La Croisette to admire the luxury hotels, designer boutiques and private beaches. Even if you are not planning to book a cabana, the people-watching is excellent. You may spot everything from impeccably dressed locals to tourists attempting to look relaxed while carrying too many beach bags.
For a different atmosphere, head uphill to Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic district. Its winding lanes lead to the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance and a viewpoint overlooking the harbour. The streets are quieter than the waterfront and full of restaurants serving Provençal dishes.
If you have time, take a short boat trip to the Lérins Islands. Île Sainte-Marguerite is known for its pine forests, walking trails and the former prison associated with the legendary Man in the Iron Mask. It is a peaceful change of pace from the bustle of Cannes and a wonderful place for a swim.
Spend a day in glamorous Saint-Tropez
Saint-Tropez is one of those destinations that has been photographed so often it can feel familiar before you arrive. In person, however, it still has plenty of charm. Its old port, cobbled lanes and sunny squares make it easy to understand why artists, writers and celebrities have been drawn here for decades.
Arrive early if you are visiting in summer. The town can become busy later in the day, and an early start gives you time to browse the market at Place des Lices. On market days, you will find everything from fresh fruit and flowers to woven baskets, clothing and Provençal homeware. It is the kind of place where buying “just one thing” can become a surprisingly ambitious shopping mission.
Walk around the Vieux Port, visit the Musée de l’Annonciade and climb towards the Citadel for broad views over the rooftops and coastline. For a quieter beach experience, venture beyond the centre to one of the nearby sandy coves. Pampelonne Beach is the most famous, with a mixture of relaxed beach restaurants and stylish clubs.
Visit the hilltop villages of Provence
Some of the most unforgettable South of France experiences are found away from the coast. Provence is scattered with villages perched on hillsides, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields.
Gordes is one of the most recognisable. Built into the side of a rocky hill, it offers beautiful views across the Luberon and a maze of stone lanes to explore. Visit early in the day or towards evening, when the light is especially beautiful and the streets are less crowded.
Roussillon is another favourite, known for its warm red and orange buildings. The colours come from the ochre-rich landscape surrounding the village. Follow the Ochre Trail for an easy walk through dramatic red cliffs and pine trees, but wear shoes you do not mind covering in dust.
For something a little more peaceful, try Ménerbes, Lourmarin or Bonnieux. These villages are perfect for slow wandering, a coffee in a shaded square and browsing local shops selling ceramics, linen and regional specialities.
- Visit village markets in the morning for the best choice of produce.
- Carry water, particularly during July and August.
- Check parking arrangements before arriving, as some historic centres restrict cars.
- Allow extra time for scenic drives; the roads are beautiful but not always quick.
Discover the beauty of lavender season
If you visit Provence in summer, seeing the lavender fields should be high on your list. The exact flowering period varies, but the fields are generally at their most colourful between late June and early August.
The Plateau de Valensole is one of the best-known areas for lavender landscapes. Rows of purple flowers stretch towards the horizon, often framed by cypress trees and golden wheat fields. It is undeniably photogenic, although the experience is even better when you pause to appreciate the scent, the buzzing bees and the sheer scale of the countryside.
Other excellent areas include Sault and the Luberon Valley. Try to visit early in the morning or around sunset for softer light and cooler temperatures. Be respectful when taking photographs: stay on paths and avoid stepping into working fields. A beautiful picture is not worth damaging someone’s crop.
To take a little Provence home with you, look for local lavender honey, essential oils, soaps and linen sachets. They make thoughtful souvenirs and are considerably easier to fit into a suitcase than a full-size lavender bush.
Take a scenic drive along the coast
The French Riviera is made for road trips. The coastal roads between Nice, Antibes, Menton and Monaco offer dramatic views, hidden beaches and plenty of reasons to stop along the way.
Antibes is a particularly enjoyable stop. Explore the old town, walk along the ramparts and visit the Musée Picasso, housed in the historic Château Grimaldi. The Cap d’Antibes coastal path is ideal for a scenic walk beside the water, although some sections can be uneven.
Continue east to Menton, close to the Italian border. Known for its colourful buildings, gardens and citrus trees, Menton feels slightly more relaxed than some of its glamorous neighbours. The old town rises steeply from the sea, so comfortable shoes are a very good idea.
For spectacular scenery above the coast, take one of the three scenic routes known as the Corniches. The Moyenne Corniche is a popular choice, passing through attractive villages such as Èze. Stop in Èze to explore its steep medieval streets and the exotic garden at the top. The views across the Mediterranean are well worth the climb.
Enjoy a long Provençal lunch
Food is one of the best reasons to visit the South of France. Meals here are about more than simply eating; they are an opportunity to slow down and enjoy local ingredients, good company and a little people-watching.
Try a Provençal table filled with tapenade, fresh bread, tomatoes, olives, grilled vegetables and local cheese. Regional favourites include ratatouille, bouillabaisse, pissaladière and daube provençale. In coastal towns, look for fresh seafood. Inland, menus often feature lamb, goat’s cheese and seasonal vegetables.
Do not rush dessert. A slice of tarte tropézienne, a scoop of lavender ice cream or a simple bowl of peaches can be the perfect ending to a leisurely meal. Pair it with a glass of local rosé if that is your style, but remember that the South of France also produces excellent reds and whites.
For the best value, look for a formule du jour at lunchtime. These set menus often include several courses and showcase what is freshest that day. Booking ahead is sensible in popular towns, especially during the summer months.
Shop for Provençal treasures
Shopping in the South of France is wonderfully varied. You can browse luxury labels in Cannes, handmade ceramics in a Luberon village or baskets and woven textiles at a local market.
Look for traditional Provençal fabrics, often decorated with cheerful patterns inspired by flowers, olives and landscapes. Tablecloths, napkins and cushion covers are practical souvenirs that bring a little Mediterranean colour into your home.
Other items worth seeking out include olive oil, regional honey, artisan soap, pottery, woven baskets and lavender products. In larger towns, independent boutiques often sell jewellery, sandals and clothing from French designers that you may not find elsewhere.
Markets are best approached with a little patience. Walk around once before buying, compare prices and ask whether an item is locally made. A friendly “bonjour” before browsing is essential French etiquette and may lead to a much warmer shopping experience.
Spend time in the Calanques
Between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is home to striking limestone cliffs, turquoise water and secluded inlets. It is a must for anyone who enjoys walking, swimming or simply being surrounded by dramatic scenery.
You can explore the area on foot, by boat or by kayak. The route from Cassis towards Port-Pin and Port-Miou is popular, although access restrictions may apply during periods of high fire risk. Always check official information before setting out, particularly in the hot summer months.
Boat trips from Cassis offer a relaxed way to see several calanques without tackling steep paths. If you prefer a more active day, take plenty of water, sun protection and sturdy footwear. Some routes are more demanding than they first appear, and flip-flops are not a serious hiking strategy, no matter how optimistic you feel at breakfast.
Find a quieter side of Marseille
Marseille is lively, colourful and full of character. The Old Port is the obvious place to begin, with fishing boats, waterfront restaurants and the famous fish market. From here, wander through Le Panier, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where street art, small galleries and independent shops fill the narrow lanes.
Make time for the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, which sits above the city and offers impressive views across Marseille and the sea. Back at street level, try a bowl of bouillabaisse or explore the city’s North African and Mediterranean food scene.
Marseille rewards curiosity. It may not have the polished feel of Cannes or Antibes, but its energy is unmistakable. Spend a little time away from the main tourist routes and you will discover a city with plenty of soul.
Plan your perfect South of France escape
The best time to visit depends on the kind of trip you want. Summer brings sunshine, beach days and lavender fields, but it also means higher prices and larger crowds. Late spring and early autumn offer warm weather, easier restaurant bookings and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Public transport works well between major coastal cities, while a hire car is useful for exploring villages, vineyards and lavender country. If you are combining both, consider spending a few nights in a city such as Nice before hiring a car for Provence.
- Book accommodation and popular restaurants early for July and August.
- Pack comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and steep village lanes.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and apply sun protection regularly.
- Keep some cash for village markets and small cafés.
- Learn a few simple French phrases; “bonjour”, “merci” and “s’il vous plaît” go a long way.
- Leave space in your luggage for market finds and edible souvenirs.
Whether your ideal break involves beach clubs, mountain walks, market mornings or meals that last well into the afternoon, the South of France makes it easy to create a getaway that feels personal. Come for the sunshine, stay for the food, and prepare to start daydreaming about your next visit before your suitcase is even unpacked.