The South of France has a way of seducing you. It’s not only the lavender fields or the beaches that sparkle in the sun – it’s the atmosphere. Meals stretch on longer than planned, the air is thick with the scent of herbs, and everywhere you go there’s a reminder of just how long people have been living well here.
When we help clients plan trips to this part of the world, we often tell them: don’t try to tick everything off. Instead, slow down and soak it all in. Below are the places we always come back to – and the ones our travellers talk about years later.
1. Provence: Lavender Fields & Hilltop Villages
Provence is a region that almost feels suspended in time. Come in July and the lavender fields are in full bloom, rolling out endlessly under the summer sun. The smell is intoxicating, the hum of bees constant, and it all feels wonderfully alive. Olive trees twist out of the hillsides, and the vineyards here produce a crisp rosé that somehow tastes better when sipped outdoors.
We always recommend wandering through Gordes, which clings dramatically to the hillside, or Roussillon, with its ochre-red buildings glowing in the afternoon light. They’re busy in peak season, but still worth it. Some of our clients like to base themselves near Aix-en-Provence and use it as a hub, mixing village day trips with lazy afternoons in shaded cafés. Trust us: market mornings here, with their baskets of cheese, bread, and fruit, are unforgettable.
2. Côte d’Azur: Glamour & Hidden Coves
When people think of the South of France, the Riviera is usually what comes to mind. And yes, it has the glitz — Monaco’s superyachts, Nice’s promenade, the film-star sparkle of Cannes. But there’s more to it than that.
We recommend balancing the iconic with the hidden. Spend a morning strolling through Nice’s flower market before heading up the Promenade des Anglais. Take a side trip to Èze, perched high above the coast with views you won’t believe until you see them. And don’t miss St Tropez at least once — the energy here is infectious, especially in the evenings.
Some of our clients like to spend a day just finding the smaller coves — the kind of spots where locals swim and picnic away from the crowds. That’s the Riviera at its most rewarding.
3. Avignon: Medieval Charm
Avignon is compact, historic, and endlessly charming. It’s one of those cities that rewards slow wandering. The medieval walls still encircle the old town, and stepping into the Palais des Papes feels like travelling back centuries.
Highlights here include crossing the Pont d’Avignon (yes, the one from the nursery rhyme), strolling the Rhône riverbanks, and dining at one of the city’s little bistros where Provençal dishes are paired with regional wines. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Avignon Theatre Festival, the whole city buzzes with energy.
4. Aix-en-Provence: Art & Everyday Life
Aix is elegant without trying too hard. The fountains trickle in shaded squares, Cézanne’s studio is open to visitors, and on market days the streets are full of colour and chatter.
We recommend taking time to explore on foot: buy a cone of roasted almonds, linger at a café terrace, and watch locals carry baskets of produce home. It’s these little everyday moments that make Aix feel so authentic. Some of our clients like to spend a few nights here, combining art, history, and day trips to vineyards nearby.
5. Cassis: A Coastal Secret
Cassis is often overlooked, but we think it’s one of the South’s best-kept secrets. A small fishing port framed by cliffs and turquoise waters, it’s far less flashy than the Riviera but every bit as beautiful.
The Calanques — fjord-like inlets carved into the coast — are the main draw here. We recommend taking a boat out to swim in their clear waters. Afterward, return to the harbour for a long seafood lunch. It’s simple, unfussy, and exactly what you want from a coastal escape.
Why the South of France Stays With You
What makes the South of France unforgettable isn’t just the scenery — it’s the way it makes you feel. You slow down, you eat better, you notice details you’d usually rush past. At Bella Rome Travel Worldwide, we often suggest pairing these highlights with one of our France Luxury Tours so you can enjoy the perfect mix of iconic spots and off-the-beaten-path experiences. Some of our clients combine Provence with the Riviera, others focus on wine and food. Whatever your style, there’s a rhythm to life here that lingers long after you’ve returned home.
Ready to Experience It?
Whether it’s the lavender fields of Provence, the glamour of the Côte d’Azur, or the hidden inlets of Cassis, the South of France always delivers something special. It’s a place to return to again and again, and each visit feels just a little different from the last.
Let us help you plan your journey – one that feels personal, memorable, and impossible to forget.
