The Ultimate Southern France 3-Week Itinerary

Wine, Beaches, History, and Food

Thinking of mapping out an incredible journey around Southern France? If you're feeling a bit lost on the starting point, the must-visit spots, the budget, or the ideal timeframe, then this itinerary is for you. This trip will let you experience the nightlife, delicious food, beautiful locations, and couples along the way. Consider this guide your compass and roadmap for your upcoming adventure, providing all the details to craft an extraordinary 21-day trip in the region.

Along the way, you'll discover beautiful beaches, colorful wineries, historical cities, and delicious food. We'll start with some of the many reasons to visit this fantastic region. Then, we'll cover travel details such as the route, the estimated costs, things to do along the way, where to stay, and more.

This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:

1. Nice (3 days)
2. Saint-Tropez (2 days)
3. Marseille (2 days)
4. Aix-en-Provence (1 day)
5. Arles (1 day)
6. Avignon (3 days)
7. Montpellier (2 days)
8. Carcassonne (2 days)
9. Toulouse (2 days)
10. Bordeaux (3 days)

Carcassone, France

Itinerary Highlights

• Great for couples
• Family-friendly
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Delicious Food
• Small Town Charm
• Historic Sites
• Beautiful Locations
• Beaches
• Hiking
• Nightlife
• Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

It's no secret that amazing food is a major draw for travelers, and Southern France holds its own with fantastic cuisine. Your journey promises an abundance of remarkable restaurants and local dishes that deserve your attention. Dining opportunities in Nice, Marseille, and Aix-en-Provence are particularly amazing, so plan ahead.

The beautiful and charming small towns of the region are a must-see. They provide an excellent chance to dive into the local culture, history, food, and more. In particular, make sure you visit Avignon for that quintessential small town charm.

Southern France 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.

The mesmerizing landscapes of Southern France are a major draw for visitors, defining the essence of the region. Grab your camera because the real-life view is far superior to anything you've seen in photos. You don't want to miss Nice, Marseille, and Saint-Tropez for the beautiful scenery.

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. You absolutely can't overlook the beaches surrounding Saint-Tropez, Montpellier, and Nice, as they're a must-see.

You can't pass up the stellar hiking opportunities in Southern France, so make it a priority. Ensure you carve out some time to explore the local trails for breathtaking views, crisp fresh air, and a healthy dose of exercise.

Brace yourself for a vibrant nightlife experience in Southern France, complete with numerous hotspots that are totally worth checking out. Specifically, don't miss the nightlife in Marseille, Nice, and Saint-Tropez.

You absolutely can't miss out on scuba diving and snorkeling when you're in Southern France. The crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, making it a must-do experience. Don't forget to carve out some time to get out on the water. Especially noteworthy are the fantastic diving opportunities in the vicinity of Saint-Tropez.

Aix en Provence

When is the best time to visit?

Summer is a great time to visit Southern France. It's a peak travel season here that draws plenty of visitors for a good reason. Although you might encounter bustling crowds, the upside is that everything will be wide open and within easy reach.

Who is this itinerary for?

Let's get into the romantic side of Southern France. This region has a well-deserved reputation as the perfect spot for couples. If you're exploring with your special someone, get ready for a truly delightful experience. Especially visit Saint-Tropez, Marseille, and Nice for the enchanting atmosphere.

The region is a gem for families, offering plenty of kid-friendly activities that promise to turn your trip into an unforgettable and joy-filled experience. We'll get into some of the details later. In particular, make a point to visit Saint-Tropez and Toulouse.

Traveling on a shoestring budget or backpacking in the area? No worries, as there are abundant options for you. From budget-friendly hostels and economical hotels to cost-free activities, affordable dining, and an inviting social environment, your trip is sure to be fabulous without burning a hole in your pocket. Spending more time in Carcassonne and Montpellier can especially help your budget.

Saint-Tropez, France

Transportation

Traveling between these destinations in Southern France should be fairly easy for you, considering that most are around 2 hours apart on average.

We've planned this as a one-way journey from Nice to Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux instead of Nice. To get to Nice, you can see flight prices and schedules here.

Traveling around with this itinerary is easy if you have a car. If you didn't bring your own wheels, go ahead and reserve a rental car. Having your own set of wheels gives you total freedom and flexibility in Southern France since you can roll on your own time and pull over whenever the mood strikes.

Efficient and budget-friendly, train travel through Southern France 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.

As a general rule, buses present a highly effective way to navigate the area. Known for their affordability, efficiency, and comfort, it's an easy way to get around on a tight budget. Check out the prices and compare for yourself.

Is 21 days enough time in Southern France?

To see all of the highlights, 21 days will give you a comfortable amount of time to explore the highlights in Southern France. This detailed itinerary will make sure that you see the best parts of each place. You'll be able to plan a trip that's fun, relaxing, and efficient. If you find yourself wanting to see more, you can always extend your stay or schedule more time in a specific place, as it's entirely up to you. With an array of day trip possibilities, flexibility is key. However, if you're short on time, consider adjusting this schedule for a shorter yet fulfilling experience. While cutting out a few stops is feasible, we recommend aiming for around 21 days to truly take it all in.

Pont d'Avignon, France

How much does a 21-day trip to Southern France cost?

Below is a budget breakdown for this exciting 21-day journey across Southern France. 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.

The anticipated expenses for this 21-day journey in Southern France tallies up to $4,792 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 Southern France 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.

Hostel Prices

If you're all about smart spending on your adventure, hostels are an enticing option, especially for younger or solo travelers. The prices outlined below show the average expenses for a dorm bed in a hostel at each destination. Despite sacrificing a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, the lively atmosphere often cultivates a social setting, creating fantastic opportunities to build new connections. It's worth noting that many hostels also offer private rooms at a slightly higher cost than dorms, along with additional perks like kitchens, social activities, and prime locations. These average prices are computed from available hostel data shared by HostelWorld.

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.

With beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Nice offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

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

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Nice. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Nice

If you're looking for more information and things to do 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Nice hovers around a reasonable $142 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Nice here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Nice have an average price of $97 based on the average from 349 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Nice here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Nice, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $29. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Nice here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Nice to Saint-Tropez.

Buses from Nice to Saint-Tropez are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

2. Saint-Tropez

2 Days

Saint Tropez is synonymous with celebrity vacationers and luxury villas. Particularly during the summer months you'll find many Hollywood A listers hanging out at exclusive beach clubs and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. The resort town is filled with extravagant yachts and designer brands, but there are also world class beaches and some of the best scuba diving along the French Riviera.

With beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Saint-Tropez offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for couples, families, and backpackers because of everything available.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

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.

Scuba diving and snorkeling in the waters around Saint-Tropez are some of main activities for visitors. This is one of the top scuba diving locations in the world.

Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.

What to See in Saint-Tropez

How to Spend 2 Days in Saint-Tropez

Day 1:

Scuba diving and snorkeling around Saint-Tropez is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Saint-Tropez is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the resort town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

Day 2:

Shopping in Saint-Tropez is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Saint-Tropez 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. If you're looking for glamour and beauty, then this resort city along the French Riviera has it all.

The public transit in Saint-Tropez is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort town quite easily and affordably. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

More Activities

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Saint-Tropez. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Saint-Tropez

If you're looking for more information and things to do in Saint-Tropez, see The Best Boat Tours in Saint-Tropez, The Best Food Tours in Saint-Tropez, The Citadel of Saint-Tropez, and The Port of Saint-Tropez.

Saint-Tropez Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Saint-Tropez hovers around a reasonable $159 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Saint-Tropez here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Saint-Tropez have an average price of $469 based on the average from 43 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Saint-Tropez here.

Suggested Hotels

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Saint-Tropez to Marseille.

Buses from Saint-Tropez to Marseille are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

3. 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.

With beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Marseille offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

After a day of exploring, you'll want to head out in the evening for a lively nightlife experience. After all, this is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the world.

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

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Marseille. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Marseille

If you're looking for more information and things to do 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Marseille hovers around a reasonable $158 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Marseille here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Marseille have an average price of $95 based on the average from 161 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Marseille, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $29. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Marseille here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence.

Buses from Marseille to Aix-en-Provence are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

4. Aix-en-Provence

1 Day

Aix-en-Provence is a charming university town in southern France that is perfect for exploring on foot. It's a popular study abroad destination for American university students, but it's also a great couples getaway.

With museums, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Aix-en-Provence offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for backpackers because of everything available.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

Shopping here is always fun and a very popular activity, so set aside some time to browse the local shops.

What to See in Aix-en-Provence

How to Spend 1 Day in Aix-en-Provence

Shopping in Aix-en-Provence is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

The delicious food of Aix-en-Provence 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. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

More Activities

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Aix-en-Provence. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Aix-en-Provence

If you're looking for more information and things to do in Aix-en-Provence, see The Best Wine Tours around Aix-en-Provence, The Best Luberon Village Tours from Aix-en-Provence, The Best Lavender Fields Tours from Aix-en-Provence, and The Best Walking Tours in Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Aix-en-Provence hovers around a reasonable $151 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Aix-en-Provence here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Aix-en-Provence have an average price of $118 based on the average from 71 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Aix-en-Provence here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Aix-en-Provence, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $28. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Aix-en-Provence here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Aix-en-Provence to Arles.

Buses from Aix-en-Provence to Arles are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

5. Arles

1 Day

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.

With museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Arles offers so much to visitors.

You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Arles. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.

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 1 Day in Arles

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.

More Activities

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Arles. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Arles

If you're looking for more information and things to do in Arles, see The Best Walking and History Tours in Arles, The Arles Amphitheatre, The Cryptoportiques, and The Saint-Trophime Cloister.

Arles Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Arles hovers around a reasonable $153 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Arles here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Arles have an average price of $112 based on the average from 74 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Arles here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Arles, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $31. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Arles here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Arles to Avignon.

Buses from Arles to Avignon are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

6. 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.

With small town charm, museums, and delicious food, Avignon offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

You shouldn't miss the world-famous museums, monuments, and landmarks in Avignon. Make at least some time in your schedule to see the main sights, and plan for more if you want to see everything.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Avignon is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

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

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Avignon. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Avignon

If you're looking for more information and things to do 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Avignon hovers around a reasonable $763 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Avignon here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Avignon have an average price of $114 based on the average from 90 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.

Suggested Hotels

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Avignon to Montpellier.

Buses from Avignon to Montpellier are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

7. 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.

With museums, beaches, nightlife, and beautiful locations, Montpellier offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

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

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Montpellier. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Montpellier

If you're looking for more information and things to do 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Montpellier hovers around a reasonable $128 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Montpellier here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Montpellier have an average price of $78 based on the average from 69 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Montpellier here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Montpellier, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $35. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Montpellier here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Montpellier to Carcassonne.

Buses from Montpellier to Carcassonne are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

8. 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.

With museums, Carcassonne offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

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

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Carcassonne. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Carcassonne

If you're looking for more information and things to do 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

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Carcassonne hovers around a reasonable $115 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Carcassonne here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Carcassonne have an average price of $110 based on the average from 91 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Carcassonne here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Carcassonne, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $33. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Carcassonne here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Carcassonne to Toulouse.

Buses from Carcassonne to Toulouse are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

9. Toulouse

2 Days

Toulouse is located near France's Spanish border and it's the capital of the Occitanie region. It is filled with terra-cota buildings, giving it a nickname of "the pink city". You'll find a beautiful old town with many impressive landmarks and museums.

With big city activities, museums, nightlife, and delicious food, Toulouse offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families because of everything available.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Toulouse is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

What to See in Toulouse

How to Spend 2 Days in Toulouse

Day 1:

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Toulouse, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

The culinary scene in Toulouse is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city'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. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Toulouse is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. Within the city center it is very walkable and 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 old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

The public transit in Toulouse is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

More Activities

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Toulouse. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Toulouse

If you're looking for more information and things to do in Toulouse, see The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Toulouse, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Toulouse, The Best Affordable Food Tours in Toulouse, and The Best Carcassonne Day Trips from Toulouse.

Toulouse Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Toulouse hovers around a reasonable $136 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Toulouse here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Toulouse have an average price of $70 based on the average from 120 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Toulouse here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Toulouse, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $26. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Toulouse here.

Transportation

If you are driving yourself on this journey, see driving directions from Toulouse to Bordeaux.

Buses from Toulouse to Bordeaux are affordable and efficient. Prices can vary by date and time, so make sure to see the bus prices and schedules here.

10. Bordeaux

3 Days

Bordeaux is a the heart of France's winegrowing district. It's also a port city that's filled with a lot of history and architecture. The surrounding countryside is filled with vineyards and the city has many great restaurants where you can sample traditional cuisine and local wine.

With big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations, Bordeaux offers so much to visitors. It's also a great destination for families and backpackers because of everything available.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Bordeaux is always at the top of any foodie's travel list.

What to See in Bordeaux

How to Spend 3 Days in Bordeaux

Day 1:

Don't miss Cathédrale Saint-André during your trip to Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city'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. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Bordeaux is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Day 2:

Shopping in Bordeaux is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Bordeaux 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 city is filled with beautiful architecture, parks, and gardens.

The public transit in Bordeaux is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Day 3:

You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

More Activities

Dive in to all of the activities, attractions, tours, and things to do available in Bordeaux. Here are a few of the best options for you to consider, compare prices, and secure your bookings in advance for a seamless and enjoyable visit.

See More Activities and Tours for Bordeaux

If you're looking for more information and things to do in Bordeaux, see The Best Wine Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Cheap Walking Tours in Bordeaux, The Best Affordable Food Tours in Bordeaux, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Costs

Sourced from the spending habits of past travelers, the average daily travel cost in Bordeaux hovers around a reasonable $127 per person. Keeping your individual expenses in line with this estimate is quite manageable by opting for a mid-range hotel and enjoying meals at typical restaurants. See the breakdown below for more details into your potential daily spending along with a more economical, mid-range, and luxury travel cost ranges. For a comprehensive overview, explore our detailed travel costs for Bordeaux here.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels in Bordeaux have an average price of $112 based on the average from 134 hotels provided by Kayak. For more information and suggestions, see our analysis of hotel costs in Bordeaux here.

Suggested Hotels

Hostels

If you're embracing the backpacker's lifestyle in Bordeaux, hostels are your go-to for both savings and social experiences. A dorm bed comes at an average cost of $28. Take a deeper look at hostel options with our informative overview of hostel costs in Bordeaux 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 21-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!

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