The Best of the South of France: A One-Week Journey Through the Riviera & Provence

The South of France lives up to its reputation. It's a destination where glamour meets timeless charm, and where a single week can take you from sun-drenched coastline to rolling vineyards to the slow rhythm of hilltop villages. This itinerary offers a taste of it all: the sparkle of the Riviera, the countryside of Provence, and the kind of pace that makes a trip feel like a real reset. It's built for travelers who want both luxury and authenticity, and it can be tailored with private transfers, upgraded accommodations, or additional excursions depending on your style.

Where to Stay

A few favorites for the coast and countryside legs of the trip:

Hôtel Belles Rives, Antibes/Juan-les-Pins. An Art Deco icon right on the water, with its own private beach and a glamorous, old-Riviera feel

Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. One of the most storied properties on the Riviera, set on its own peninsula with a heated seawater pool carved into the rocks.

Vallon de Valrugues & Spa, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. A relaxed, garden-filled property just outside town, ideal for the shift from coast to countryside. Great spa, easy access to Saint-Rémy and the surrounding villages.

Domaine de Fontenille, Lourmarin (Fontenille Collection). A restored 18th-century winery estate in the Luberon, surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields, with the kind of quiet, residential feel that suits the slower pace.

Day 1: Antibes

Begin your trip by checking in at your hotel in Antibes, right on the coast. Spend the afternoon unwinding at the pool or a private beach and take your first dip in the Mediterranean. In the evening, explore Old Town Antibes, known for its lively atmosphere and waterfront dining. For dinner, La Taille de Guêpe is a great choice for creative Provençal cuisine, or Maison de Bacon for upscale seafood with sea views.

Day 2: Côte d'Azur by Boat

Spend the day discovering the Riviera from the water. Charter a private sailboat or motorboat to explore the coastline at your own pace, with time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy a picnic lunch on board. It's one of the best ways to experience the Côte d'Azur from a different angle. Return to port for dinner near the marina at Le Vauban, an elevated yet relaxed spot for fresh local seafood.

Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure, Nice or Cannes

Choose between a day in Nice or a day in Cannes, each offering a distinct Riviera experience. In Nice, stroll the Promenade des Anglais, browse the Cours Saleya Market, and have lunch at Le Bistrot d'Antoine, a local favorite. If Cannes is calling, explore La Croisette, stop into the designer boutiques, and dine at La Môme for modern Mediterranean cuisine and a lively atmosphere. Either option delivers a balanced mix of culture, dining, and scenery.

Day 4: Into the Provence Countryside

Travel inland to the Provence countryside and check into your hotel near Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. After settling in, head into town for dinner at La Table d'Yvan, known for its refined seasonal menu, or Bar-Tabac des Alpilles for a more casual local experience. This is where the trip shifts gears, trading the coast for a slower pace and a glimpse into authentic Provençal life.

Day 5: Premier Vineyards

Spend the day on a guided wine tour departing from Avignon, visiting premier vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the surrounding Provence countryside. You'll learn about the region's production methods and taste its celebrated blends, from full-bodied reds to crisp rosés. Afterward, enjoy dinner in Avignon at La Mirande for fine dining in a historic setting, or Fou de Fafa for a relaxed, high-quality bistro experience.

Day 6: Hilltop Villages and Slow Exploration

Spend the day immersed in Provence's wine country and hilltop villages. Visit Les Baux-de-Provence and have lunch at Bistrot de l'Aupiho or Oustau de Baumanière, both known for highlighting seasonal local ingredients. Spend the afternoon exploring the town or nearby vineyards before returning to Saint-Rémy for dinner at L'Aile ou la Cuisse, a local favorite that blends modern presentation with classic flavors.

Day 7: A Final Promenade

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and one last stroll through Saint-Rémy's markets, or take a short trip to nearby villages like Eygalières before heading to your return transfer. It's a quiet way to close out a week that moved from coastline to countryside, glamour to slow living, and back again.

Need to Know

This itinerary combines the best of the Riviera and Provence in a single week, but it's easy to adjust based on your pace and priorities. More time on the coast, an extra night in the countryside, or additional stops in Nice, Cannes, or the vineyards can all be worked in. Private transfers between regions make the transition from coast to countryside seamless, and upgraded accommodations or curated experiences (private wine tastings, boat charters, guided village tours) can be layered in throughout.

If a week in the South of France sounds like exactly what you need, let's start planning.