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)
Arles, 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 Marseille, Arles, 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 Marseille and Nice is especially festive.
Carcassone, 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, Marseille, Nice, and Arles 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 Carcassonne and Montpellier tend to favor budget travelers.
Pont d'Avignon, 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.
Nice, 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 | $142 | 3 | $427 |
| Marseille | $158 | 2 | $317 |
| Arles | $153 | 2 | $307 |
| Avignon | $763 | 3 | $2,288 |
| Montpellier | $128 | 2 | $256 |
| Carcassonne | $115 | 2 | $231 |
| Total per Person | $3,824 | ||
| for 2 People | $7,649 | ||
From these calculations, the estimated cost for this 14-day itinerary of Southern France costs $3,824 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) |
|---|---|
| Nice | $29 |
| Marseille | $29 |
| Arles | $31 |
| Montpellier | $35 |
| Carcassonne | $33 |
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.
What to See in Nice
How to Spend 3 Days in Nice
Day 1:
Don't miss the Promenade des Anglais during your trip to Nice, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The culinary scene in Nice is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this seaside destination's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.
Nice is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the seaside destination, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Nice, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.
The public transit in Nice is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the seaside destination quite easily and affordably. There are both buses and trams.
Day 3:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.
Nice is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.
More Activities
In Nice, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Nice, see The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Nice, The Best French Riviera Tours from Nice, The Best Eze Tours from Nice, and The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Nice.
Nice Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Nice is $142 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Nice here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $10 | $27 | $78 |
| Food2 | $21 | $53 | $128 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $13 | $24 |
| Alcohol2 | $8 | $18 | $38 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Nice is $97 based on the average from 349 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Nice here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Nice, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $29. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Nice here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Nice to Marseille.
2. Marseille
2 Days
Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy.
Many travelers come to Marseille because it has beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
Marseille 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 city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
Marseille has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Marseille
How to Spend 2 Days in Marseille
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
The delicious food of Marseille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
Marseille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.
Day 2:
Marseille offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The Old Port area is one of the most scenic parts of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and it remains quite busy today.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
Public transit in Marseille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
More Activities
In Marseille, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Marseille, see The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille, The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille, The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille.
Marseille Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Marseille is $158 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Marseille here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $13 | $30 | $60 |
| Food2 | $19 | $45 | $105 |
| Entertainment1 | $17 | $41 | $81 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $29 | $65 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Marseille is $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Marseille, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $29. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Marseille to Arles.
Taking a bus from Marseille to Arles is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
3. Arles
2 Days
Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.
Many travelers come to Arles because it has museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Arles has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
Arles has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Arles
How to Spend 2 Days in Arles
Day 1:
Arles is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the town's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).
Arles is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.
Day 2:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.
Arles is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. This small city is famous for inspiring works by Vincent Van Gogh.
Public transit in Arles is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.
More Activities
In Arles, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Arles, see The Best Walking and History Tours in Arles, The Arles Amphitheatre, The Cryptoportiques, and The Saint-Trophime Cloister.
Arles Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Arles is $153 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Arles here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $11 | $25 | $47 |
| Food2 | $25 | $56 | $101 |
| Entertainment1 | $15 | $33 | $62 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $26 | $50 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Arles is $112 based on the average from 74 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Arles here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Arles, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $31. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Arles here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Arles to Avignon.
Taking a bus from Arles to Avignon is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
4. Avignon
3 Days
Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.
Many travelers come to Avignon because it has small town charm, museums, and delicious food. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. You'll want to make a plan of how to see everything on your list. Set aside at least enough time to see the highlights.
Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants.
Avignon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Avignon
How to Spend 3 Days in Avignon
Day 1:
Avignon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.
The delicious food of Avignon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.
Avignon is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.
Day 2:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.
Public transit in Avignon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.
Day 3:
The small-town atmosphere of Avignon is one of the main reasons that visitors come here. Spend at least part of your day exploring the town to see the many sights and attractions. Located along the Rhône River, this town is filled with history, charm, and beauty.
More Activities
In Avignon, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Avignon, see The Best Luberon Villages Tours from Avignon, The Best Wine Tours in Avignon, The Best Ancient Roman Tours Around Avignon, and The Best Chateauneuf du Pape Tours from Avignon.
Avignon Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Avignon is $763 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Avignon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $9 | $23 | $58 |
| Food2 | $16 | $36 | $74 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $17 | $37 |
| Alcohol2 | $7 | $18 | $40 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Avignon is $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Avignon to Montpellier.
Taking a bus from Avignon to Montpellier is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
5. Montpellier
2 Days
Montpellier is a town that's slightly inland from the southern French coast. The town is known for its cathedrals and and grand boulevards. It has a laid back atmosphere that makes a perfect place to explore for a day or two.
Many travelers come to Montpellier because it has museums, beaches, nightlife, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Montpellier has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Montpellier
How to Spend 2 Days in Montpellier
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.
Montpellier is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. With it's long history and beautiful architecture, this is a beautiful town.
Montpellier is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.
Day 2:
The beautiful beaches await you in Montpellier, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.
Public transit in Montpellier is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.
More Activities
In Montpellier, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Montpellier, see The Best Wine Tours in Montpellier, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Montpellier, The Best Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier, and The Best Walking Tours in Montpellier.
Montpellier Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Montpellier is $128 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Montpellier here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $12 | $28 | $53 |
| Food2 | $15 | $34 | $63 |
| Entertainment1 | $6 | $13 | $25 |
| Alcohol2 | $6 | $16 | $48 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Montpellier is $78 based on the average from 69 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Montpellier here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Montpellier, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $35. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Montpellier here.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Montpellier to Carcassonne.
Taking a bus from Montpellier to Carcassonne is an economical way to travel. Prices usually vary by date, so check out the bus schedules and costs here.
6. Carcassonne
2 Days
Carcassonne is a medieval town that sits beautifully on the top of a hill in Southern France. The town is filled with walled fortifications and a well-preserved castle. It has a fairytale quality that is enhanced by the fact that cars are not allowed in the walled city. Many people visit Carcassonne as a day trip.
Many travelers come to Carcassonne because it has museums and delicious food. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
What to See in Carcassonne
How to Spend 2 Days in Carcassonne
Day 1:
Don't miss La Cité de Carcassonne during your trip to Carcassonne, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.
Carcassonne is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.
Day 2:
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Carcassonne a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.
Carcassonne is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The town is filled with history and well preserved medieval sights.
Public transit in Carcassonne is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.
More Activities
In Carcassonne, a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do awaits. Check out some of the best options, compare prices, and make advance bookings to make the most of your time in the area.
For more ideas to help you plan your time in Carcassonne, see The Best Walking Tours in Carcassonne, The Best Wine Tours in Carcassonne, The Carcassonne Ramparts, and The Museum of the Inquisition.
Carcassonne Costs
Calculated from the travel expenses of previous visitors, the average daily travel cost in Carcassonne is $115 per person. Your individual expenses can stay close to this amount if you stay in a mid-range hotel and eat at normal restaurants. Below is a typical price breakdown of what you might expect to spend each day, per person, if you travel on a lower budget, mid-range budget, or luxury budget on your trip. For more details, see the travel costs for Carcassonne here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $3 | $8 | $15 |
| Food2 | $18 | $42 | $80 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $15 | $30 |
| Alcohol2 | $6 | $14 | $27 |
Accommodation
Hotels
The average hotel room price in Carcassonne is $110 based on the average from 91 hotels provided by Kayak. For more details, you can see our analysis of hotel costs in Carcassonne here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
If you're traveling on a backpacker's budget, hostels are a great way to save some money and meet other travelers, too. In Carcassonne, the average price for a bed in a dorm at a hostel is $33. For more information on hostels, you can see our overview of hostel costs in Carcassonne here.
Final Transportation
As the last destination in this itinerary, you'll want to find the best price home from here. Check flight prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your 14-day trip in Southern France, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
More Itineraries
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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