SOUTHERN FRANCE
Coastal cliffs and clear waters in the Côte d’Azur, medieval towns and wine sipping afternoons in Provence.
Cote D’Azur
High above the sea or right on the shore, the Côte d’Azur is made for summer escapes.
Base Yourself in Nice. It offers the perfect seaside stroll, with visitors wandering its colorful promenade and a food and cocktail scene that’s a thrill on its own.
Where to Eat in Nice: L'Epicerie Georges, Flaveur
By Train from Nice: Just a short trip up the coast, Monaco makes for an easy day escape. Stroll along the Mediterranean beneath cliffside palms, then settle into a sun-drenched plaza for lunch and a bit of people-watching.
By Car from Nice: Swim in Villefranche-sur- Mer’s sparkling waters, then settle in for a seafood lunch with coastal views. Afterward, brave the winding mountain drive to Èze, a postcard-perfect village popular for good reason. Wrap up the day in Saint Paul de Vence, where cobblestone streets, boutiques, and ivy-clad buildings invite you to slow down and soak it in.
Provence
Provence is easy to explore by train or car, with green hills and rivers connecting its lovable towns and villages.
Base Yourself in Avignon. A former medieval home of popes, the city sits along the Rhône and still feels rich in history. It’s also a hub for incredible French gastronomy.
Where to Eat in Avignon: La Mirande, Pollen
By Train from Avignon: Step into Arles, where timeworn Roman ruins and golden stone buildings line the streets. Explore the impressive coliseum, then sip rosé in a quiet plaza surrounded by Provençal beauty.
By Car from Avignon: Discover Gordes, perched high on a hill, and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, nestled by the river. Along the way, dine al fresco, wander quiet streets in the afternoon light, and pick up fresh fruit from small local vendors.