Southern France Two Week Itinerary
Wine, Beaches, History, and Food
Ready to plan an incredible trip around Southern France but unsure where to begin, how to get around, or what kind of budget you'll need? This itinerary has all of the details, offering everything you need to lay out your fantastic 14-day adventure. The region is full of nightlife, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples, and this journey will let you experience all of it.
While visiting Southern France, you'll find beautiful beaches, colorful wineries, historical cities, and delicious food. We've put together plenty of specific plans below, starting with with the many reasons why you should visit this amazing region. We then cover estimated costs, where to stay, the route, and things to see and do along the way.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Nice (3 days)
- Marseille (2 days)
- Arles (2 days)
- Avignon (3 days)
- Montpellier (2 days)
- Carcassonne (2 days)
Carcassone, France
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small Town Charm
- Historic Sites
- Delicious Food
- Beautiful Locations
- Beaches
- Hiking
- Nightlife
You're not going to want to miss the beautiful and charming small towns of the region. They will provide a great chance to experience the local culture. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon.
So much history is to be found in Southern France. Don't miss the historic architecture, museums, and charming vibe of the area.
Many travelers embark on journeys with the pursuit of mouthwatering cuisine, and Southern France is no exception. This trip promises a plethora of exceptional restaurants and local delicacies that demand a taste. The food in Arles, Marseille, and Nice is especially delicious.
One of the primary attractions in Southern France is its jaw-dropping scenery, drawing visitors from far and wide. Make sure to pack your camera because seeing it in person is better than you've heard. You don't want to miss Nice, Arles, and Marseille for the beautiful scenery.
One of the main reasons to visit the area is to see the gorgeous beaches and relax in the water. The beaches around Nice and Montpellier are not to be missed.
The hiking in Southern France is top-notch, so don't miss it. Be sure to set aside some time to hit the local trails for epic views, fresh air, and plenty of exercise, too.
When the sun goes down in Southern France, the nightlife heats up with a wide array of cool spots that you won't want to miss. The nightlife in Nice and Marseille is especially festive.
Vegetable Market in Marseille, France
When is the best time to visit?
If you're looking to escape the cold weather for a warmer destination, then Southern France is for you. It's a popular getaway with travelers not just because of the great weather, but also for the many activities and attractions. It can get quite popular in the winter, so plan ahead.
Summer is a very popular time of year for a trip to Southern France. While you might experience plenty of crowds, everything will be open and accessible.
Who is this itinerary for?
Let's make sure to talk about the romantic aspects of Southern France. It's known to be such a great couples' destination. If you're traveling with your loved one, you're in for a treat. For romantic charm, Arles, Marseille, and Nice especially should not be missed.
Looking for a perfect family-friendly destination? Look no further than Southern France, where a multitude of kid-friendly activities awaits to make your trip an absolute delight. In the various sections below, we'll discuss this even more.
If you're watching your wallet or embarking on a backpacking escapade, the area has got you covered with a range of budget-friendly options. From economical hostels and budget hotels to free activities, affordable eats, and a vibrant social atmosphere, your trip is set to be fantastic without breaking the bank. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Montpellier and Carcassonne tend to favor budget travelers.
Nice, France
Transportation
It's fairly easy to get between these destinations in Southern France, as most of these places are an average of 2 hours apart.
We've planned this as a one-way journey from Nice to Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne instead of Nice. To get to Nice, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
A great way to get around with this itinerary is by car. If you don't bring your own, you'll definitely want to rent a car to get from place to place. This will give you the most freedom and flexibility on your trip through Southern France, as you'll be able to set your own schedule and stop when you want.
Traveling by train through Southern France is not only easy, but also affordable and efficient. While trains connect major cities very quickly, getting to smaller destinations can sometimes take a little more time. Some smaller towns may even require connecting to local buses. But generally, it's easy to get around if you stick to the main routes, and you'll be able to sit back and admire the views out the window. Check out the ticket prices and schedules ahead of time, too.
In the broader context, buses prove to be an excellent mode of transportation in the area because of their affordability, quick service, and ease of use. For those on a tight budget without a car, check out the prices and make your own judgement. You'll see that buses are a great option.
Is 14 days enough time in Southern France?
Yes, 14 days provides a comfortable window to explore the major attractions in Southern France. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures you can absorb the essence of each destination, creating a trip that's not only enjoyable but also leisurely. If you find yourself yearning for more local flavor, extending your stay or dedicating extra time to specific areas is an option. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. Conversely, for those with time constraints, consider adjusting this proposed itinerary for a condensed yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 14 days to truly savor everything.
Pont d'Avignon, France
How much does a 14-day trip to Southern France cost?
The estimated budget breakdown for this 14-day trip through Southern France is shown below. This budget is based on our daily average travel costs which come from the spending habits of actual travelers along with cost data from major companies. The daily average costs are per person and do not include the transportation between destinations. These estimated costs are meant to be a guide. You can stay close to thse costs by staying at mid-level hotels, eating at normal restaurants, and paying for some of the main attractions in each location. It's possible to stay on a cheaper budget if you stay in hostels or budget hotels and eat at less expensive restaurants. It's also very easy to go over this budget by staying at high-end luxury hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking private tours.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $181 | 3 | $544 |
| Marseille | $195 | 2 | $390 |
| Arles | $196 | 2 | $392 |
| Avignon | $790 | 3 | $2,370 |
| Montpellier | $153 | 2 | $306 |
| Carcassonne | $147 | 2 | $294 |
| Total per person | $4,295 | ||
| for 2 People | $8,591 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 14-day itinerary of Southern France costs $4,295 per person. This does not include the transportation between destinations, as that cost will vary depending on your chosen option.
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 Southern France based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
For your accommodation costs, the average hotel room price for each destination is shown below. This hotel cost data is calculated from the prices of hotels provided by Kayak, and do not include taxes and fees. The average prices represent typical mid-range hotel rooms, but it's always possible to spend more or less than this average if you stay in budget-friendly or high-end luxury hotels, respectively. Also, during peak travel season, these prices will usually be higher.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $97 | 3 | $291 |
| Marseille | $95 | 2 | $190 |
| Arles | $112 | 2 | $224 |
| Avignon | $114 | 3 | $342 |
| Montpellier | $78 | 2 | $156 |
| Carcassonne | $110 | 2 | $220 |
| Total expected hotel cost* | $1,423 | ||
Hostel Prices
If you're looking to save some money on your trip, hostels are a great option for younger travelers or solo travelers. The prices below represent the average cost for a dorm bed in a hostel for each place. While you give up privacy in a hostel dorm, the atmosphere is usually very social and offers a great opportunity to make new friends along the way. Many hostels also offer private rooms for higher prices than dorms. Many also offer kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | $25 | 3 days | $74 |
| Marseille | $24 | 2 days | $49 |
| Arles | $31 | 2 days | $63 |
| Avignon | $16 | 3 days | $49 |
| Montpellier | $33 | 2 days | $65 |
| Carcassonne | $32 | 2 days | $64 |
| Total expected hostel cost* | $364 | ||
Southern France Itinerary
1. Nice
3 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.
Many travelers come to Nice because it has beaches, 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.
Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
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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