Provence 10-Day Itinerary: Nice to Marseille
The French Riviera - South of France
If you're trying to plan an amazing trip through Provence, but are not sure where to start things off, where to go, or how much money you'll need, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you take in all of the nightlife, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples along the way. Consider this your go-to guide, giving you all the details to schedule an epic 10-day adventure through the region.
The reasons to visit Provence are plentiful. You'll find beautiful beaches, colorful towns, historical cities, and delicious food. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Nice (2 days)
- Cannes (1 day)
- Saint-Tropez (2 days)
- Marseille (2 days)
- Aix-en-Provence (1 day)
- Avignon (2 days)
Saint-Tropez, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Beaches
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
- Nightlife
Prepare to be captivated by the region's breathtaking beaches. You really can't miss spending some time indulging in the soothing waters for a fun and relaxing experience. The beaches in the vicinity of Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes are unmissable gems.
Ensure you include visits to the region's delightful small towns in your plans. They present a fantastic chance to connect with and experience the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon.
Provence is a treasure trove of history waiting to be discovered. Make sure to soak in the richness of the area through its historic architecture, museums, and charming atmosphere. It's an experience you can't miss.
Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to Provence is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. Dining opportunities in Marseille, Nice, and Cannes are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.
The stunning scenery of Provence is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Cannes for the beautiful scenery.
Provence is all about scuba diving and snorkeling, and you wouldn't want to miss it. The waters boast remarkable clarity and are home to a wealth of marine life. Make sure to set aside some time to get into the water. Dive enthusiasts, take note – the diving opportunities around Saint-Tropez are nothing short of terrific.
Provence has plenty of hot nightlife spots that are worth visiting. The nightlife in Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Cannes is especially festive.
The Port of Cannes, France
When is the best time to visit?
You can easily dive into the vibrant energy of summer in Provence, a season that attracts plenty of visitors. While crowds are part of the deal, the flip side is that all attractions and amenities will be at your fingertips, making it an ideal time to explore.
Who is this itinerary for?
Provence isn't just a fun destination, it's also a haven for couples seeking a romantic getaway. If you and your loved one are on this adventure together, you're in for a special treat. For romantic charm, Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Nice especially should not be missed.
Provence makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Saint-Tropez.
Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget.
Aix en Provence
Transportation
Getting around between these destinations in Provence isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 2 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Nice to Avignon because it covers a lot of distance and the transportation options are good in both places. However, you could always loop back to the beginning if it's easier. Also, you can do this route in the opposite direction if you find better tickets into Avignon instead of Nice. To get to Nice, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
Exploring with this itinerary is a blast if you've got a car. If you can't bring your own, just rent one. Having your own set of wheels in Provence is the ticket to total freedom and flexibility. Cruise at your own pace and pull over whenever the mood strikes.
Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Provence is a breeze, swiftly linking major cities while smaller destinations may require a bit more time, possibly involving transfers to local buses. Stick to the primary routes, and you'll find it easy to navigate, offering ample opportunities to sit back and appreciate the picturesque scenery outside your window. Don't forget to check ticket prices and schedules ahead of your trip.
Generally speaking, buses are a great way to get around in the area. They are very affordable, quick, and easy. If you're traveling on a budget and don't want to drive yourself, check out the price options and consider this as a great alternative to other methods of transport.
Is 10 days enough time in Provence?
Yes, 10 days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of Provence. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in 10 days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around 10 days to see everything.
The Port of Cannes, France
How much does a 10-day trip to Provence cost?
Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 10-day journey across Provence. Our cost estimates are based on the average daily expenses of real travelers, coupled with data from major companies. Keep in mind, these costs are per person and exclude transportation between destinations. Consider this a helpful guide, because opting for mid-level hotels, regular dining, and covering main attractions will keep you on par with these averages. For those on a tighter budget, hostels and budget hotels, along with more affordable dining options, can keep you below these estimates. Conversely, indulging in luxury accommodations, upscale dining, and private tours might push you well above this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $181 | 2 | $363 |
| Cannes | $185 | 1 | $185 |
| Saint-Tropez | $191 | 2 | $383 |
| Marseille | $195 | 2 | $390 |
| Aix-en-Provence | $177 | 1 | $177 |
| Avignon | $790 | 2 | $1,580 |
| Total per person | $3,078 | ||
| for 2 People | $6,156 | ||
The anticipated expenses for this 10-day journey in Provence tallies up to $3,078 per person. Keep in mind that this figure excludes the cost of moving between destinations, as that will depend on the transportation option you use.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through Provence based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Calculated from Kayak's hotel data, please note that taxes and fees are not factored into these figures. Consider these prices as a gauge for mid-range hotel experiences. Yet, keep in mind that it's easy to spend more or less, especially if you opt for budget-friendly stays or treat yourself to high-end luxury hotels. During peak travel season, these prices will also be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $97 | 2 | $194 |
| Cannes | $152 | 1 | $152 |
| Saint-Tropez | $469 | 2 | $938 |
| Marseille | $95 | 2 | $190 |
| Aix-en-Provence | $118 | 1 | $118 |
| Avignon | $114 | 2 | $228 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $1,820 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're on the lookout for budget-friendly options during your journey, hostels are a terrific option catering to younger or solo travelers. The prices listed below detail the average expenditure for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. While privacy may take a backseat in a hostel dorm, the vibrant atmosphere often transforms these shared spaces into social hubs, creating wonderful chances to meet up with fellow travelers. It's important to note that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, with additional benefits like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data from HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Nice | $25 |
| Cannes | $40 |
| Marseille | $24 |
| Aix-en-Provence | $27 |
| Avignon | $16 |
Provence Itinerary
1. Nice
2 Days
Nice is a world famous destination along the French Riviera. It's lined with pebbly beaches and iconic shopping areas. The city is famous for its popularity amongst celebrities, but casual vacationers will also enjoy visiting the many cafes and and coastal views around town. Visitors can walk down the famous and historic promenade or pop in a local eatery to try some French cuisine.
Nice offers snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for couples, families, and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented seaside destination, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
Luxury resorts in the area are especially popular. If you can swing it, stay at one while you're here for relaxation, pampering, and fun.
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