Are you planning a trip to Paris and the south of France? Wondering how long you need and which towns to include?
I will tell you all about our trip to Paris and the south of France plus other towns we visited on the way. This is a series that will be released every week starting next week.
In the meantime, I will give you a sample of the towns we visited, and you can follow the posts in the coming weeks.
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Our whole trip lasted 18 days and we started with a night stop in Paris. Afterwards, we travelled to Lyon, next Marseille, Porquerolle Island, St. Tropez, Port Grimaud, Grimaud, Cannes, Monaco, Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Camargue, Avignon, Dijon, Fontainebleau and Paris again. It was a great trip, and it was the second time we visited many of the places.
We were travelling independently in France with a car as we are confident travellers and speak a bit of the language. However, if you prefer to be part of a tour and to have everything organised for you, I advise you to book a complete tour with Tourradar.
Tourradar has different kinds of tours that will fit your time and budget. If you book it via my links you can get a discount by using this code: RoseG50.
Below is a map showing the cities we visited on this trip to France:
You will learn about the details as the posts come out, but I can guarantee you that you can have a brilliant time in all the towns mentioned here. We can recommend a visit to all of them.
Let’s start with Lyon, the first town we visited:
LYON
On the way to the south, located in the east-central part of France, is Lyon. It is a vibrant city known for its rich history, culinary excellence, and cultural heritage. It is the third-largest city in France and has earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation for its well-preserved historical districts. Often overshadowed by Paris and Marseille, Lyon is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
The best things to see in Lyon are its Old Town (Vieaux Lyon), the two Cathedrals (St. Jean-Batiste and Notre-Dame de Fourviere), the many museums, the Presqu’ilê, the Roman theatres and ruins, the Croix-Rousse District, the murals, the culinary scene and all of Lyon’s Festivals throughout the year.
Try this City highlights Walking tour that will take you to the most important places in Lyon with a local guide.
One of the best 5* in Lyon – Intercontinental Lyon
One of the best 3* in Lyon – Hotelo Lyon Charité
One of the best restaurants in Lyon – l’Institute
MARSEILLE
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is a dynamic and diverse destination that blends Mediterranean charm with a rich cultural history.
As a port city with a history that dates back more than 2,600 years, Marseille has long been a melting pot of influences from around the world.
Its unique mix of cultures, vibrant neighbourhoods, and stunning natural surroundings make it one of the most exciting cities to visit in France.
The highlights of Marseille are the Vieaux Port (Old Port), Le Panier District, the two Cathedrals (Notre-Dame de la Garde and La Major Cathedral, Château d’if and Calanques National Park, the Palais des Papes, Cours Julian and the Urban art Scene, the museums and the beaches.
Why not explore Marseille in an Urban Hiking Tour with a local Guide? While taking your exercise you will learn about the history, culture and heritage of this exciting city.
One of the best 5* in Marseille – Intercontinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
One of the best 3* in Marseille – Hotel Life Marseille VP – Vieux Port
One of the best restaurants in Marseille – La Mercerie
PORQUEROLLES ISLAND
Porquerolles Island is one of the most beautiful and serene destinations in the south of France. It is part of the Îles d’Hyères archipelago, which lies off the coast of the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
This idyllic island, located just a short boat ride from the coastal town of Hyères, offers a stunning combination of pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and charming village life.
Porquerolles is often described as a little slice of paradise. It is ideal for those seeking natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a peaceful retreat.
The highlights are the beaches, cycling and hiking, Forte Sainte-Agathe, the village of Porquerolles with all its charming atmosphere.
You can visit Porquerolles on a boat excursion for the day accompanied by a guide that will tell you all the secrets of the island.
One of the best 3* in Porquerolles Island – Hotel Residence Les Medes
One of the best restaurants in the island – La Plage d’Argent
SAINT TROPEZ
Saint-Tropez, located on the French Riviera in the Var department, is a glamorous and iconic destination. It is known for its stunning coastal beauty, vibrant nightlife, rich history, and a magnet for celebrities and jetsetters from around the world.
Once a humble fishing village, Saint-Tropez became a popular resort destination in the 20th century. It was immortalised in the 1950s by actress Brigitte Bardot in the film “And God Created Woman”.
Today, it remains one of the most famous and sought-after spots on the Mediterranean coast. It offers a mix of luxury and charm, with plenty of things to see and do.
The highlights are the Vieux Port (Old Port), Place des Lices, La Citadelle de Saint Tropez, the beaches, the Museums and shopping (if you have a deep pocket)!
You can have a guided tour that will take you to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud for the day. This tour leaves from Cannes, Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer.
One of the best 5* hotels in Saint-Tropez – Hotel La Ponche
One of the best restaurants in Saint-Tropez – Villa Azur
PORT GRIMAUD
Port Grimaud, often referred to as “Little Venice,” is a charming seaside village located along the French Riviera, in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, near the town of Saint-Tropez.
This picturesque, canal-lined town is one of the most unique destinations on the Mediterranean coast. It offers a delightful combination of Venetian-inspired architecture, colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and a relaxed maritime atmosphere.
Whether you’re arriving by boat, walking along the canals, or simply enjoying a café by the water, Port Grimaud has a distinctly laid-back and romantic vibe that attracts visitors from around the world.
We stayed in Port Grimaud for a week with our kids when they were small. We loved the atmosphere of the village and have lovely memories of that holiday. This time, we only visited it very quickly on our way to Cannes.
The highlights there are the canals and bridges, the village centre, the architecture and design, the beach and seafront, the market square, the chapel Saint-Jean-de-Paule, and the shops and restaurants on the waterfront.
The same tour mentioned before will take you to Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud and leaves from Nice, Cannes or Villefranche-sur-Mer.
One of the best hotels in Port Grimaud – Best Holiday Port Grimaud
One of the best restaurants in Port Grimaud – La Grimaudoise
GRIMAUD
Grimaud is a charming, historic village located in the heart of the Var department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is just a few kilometres inland from the Mediterranean coast.
Often overshadowed by the nearby glitzy town of Saint-Tropez, Grimaud is a serene and picturesque gem. It offers a glimpse into traditional Provençal life, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coast.
The village is perched on the hills of the Massif des Maures. It provides visitors with both natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage.
Here’s a look at the highlights of Grimaud and what you can see when you visit this delightful village: the Medieval Village, Grimaud Castle, the Church of Saint-Michel, hiking and outdoor activities.
There is a very nice private tour covering Grimaud and Port Grimaud + a cruise in an electric boat. This tour leaves Saint-Tropez, but it can be organised for the pick-up to be somewhere else in the Riviera.
One of the best hotels in Grimaud – Hotel Le Verger Maelvi
One of the best restaurants in Grimaud – Les Santons
CANNES
Cannes, located on the French Riviera, is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and the internationally famous Cannes Film Festival. While the festival draws celebrities and cinephiles from around the globe each May, Cannes is worth visiting year-round. It is full of Mediterranean charm, stunning beaches, and cultural attractions.
The highlights to visit there are La Croisette (Iconic Boulevard), Le Suquet (Old Town), Palais des Festivals, Marché Forville, Lérins Islands and the beaches.
Why not try this exciting e-bike tour seeing all the highlights of Cannes with a local guide?
One of the best 5* in Cannes – Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel
One of the best 3* in Cannes – Hôtel de Provence
One of the best restaurants in Cannes – La Palme D’Or
MONACO
Monaco, the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican, is a dazzling principality on the French Riviera. Known for its wealth, glamour, and stunning coastal scenery,
Monaco offers a blend of historical landmarks, luxurious experiences, and cultural attractions. Despite its small size (just 2.1 square kilometres), this city-state is packed with things to see and do.
The highlights are: Monte Carlo and the Casino de Monte Carlo, Prince’s Palace of Monaco, Monaco Grand Prix, Monaco Old Town, Port Hercule, Jardin Exotic, Japanese garden, Museums and the beaches.
There is this nice walking tour covering all the highlights and secrets of Monaco with a guide
One of the best 5* in Monaco – Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
One of the best 3* in Monaco – Columbos Hotel Monte-Carlo
One of the best restaurants in Monaco – La Môme
AIX-EN-PROVENCE
Aix-en-Provence, often called simply “Aix,” is a charming city in southern France. Known for its rich history, elegant architecture, and ties to art and culture, especially as the birthplace of the famous painter Paul Cézanne.
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Aix exudes a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe. It has tree-lined boulevards, bustling markets, and historic sites. It’s a city that perfectly captures the Provençal way of life.
The highlights are: Cours Mirabeau, Vieux Aix (Old Town), Paul Cézanne’s Studio, Saint-Sauveurs Cathedral, the many fountains, the markets and museums.
You can learn and understand the unique history and taste the delights of Provence on this Aix-perience guided tour.
One of the best hotels in Aix-en-Provence – Le Pigonnet – Espirit de France
One of the best restaurants in Aix-en-Provence – Le Ramus
ARLES
Arles, a historic city in southern France, is a captivating blend of ancient Roman heritage, Provençal charm, and artistic inspiration.
It is nestled on the banks of the Rhône River in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. It is best known for its well-preserved Roman monuments and its connection to Vincent van Gogh, who created over 300 works here.
A visit to Arles is like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets, sun-soaked squares, and rich cultural history.
The highlights there are: Arénes d”Arles (Roman Amphitheatre), Théâtre Antique (Roman Theatre), Church Saint-Trophime, Van Gogh Walk, the museums, Les Alyscamps (Roman Necropolis), Le CloIitre Saint-Trophime, and Cryptoportiques
Follow the steps of Van Gogh on this exciting guided tour covering his life in Arles as well as the Roman history of the town in the amphitheatre and the Theatre.
One of the best hotels in Arles – Hôtel & Spa Jules César Arles
One of the best 3* in Arles – Hotel Spa Le Calendal
One of the best restaurants in Arles – L’Arlatan
CAMARGUE
The Camargue, a unique natural region in southern France, is one of Europe’s largest wetlands.
The Camargue is Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône River delta. It is renowned for its wild landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant culture.
The Camargue is an incredible destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a taste of Provençal traditions.
Highlights are: wildlife watching, Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Salt Flats and Pink Lagoons, horseback riding, birdwatching and traditional festivals.
Enjoy this half-day 4 x 4 Camargue Safari from Arles. You will explore the Camargue Natural Regional Park on a 4 x 4 guided tour. You will see the Camargue wildlife such as horses, bulls, flamingos and others.
One of the best 3* in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – Hôtel Le Neptune en Camargue
One of the best restaurants in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – La Fabrique Des Sens
AVIGNON
Avignon, located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France, is a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Known as the “City of the Popes” due to its role as the papal seat in the 14th century,
Avignon is famous for its stunning medieval architecture, vibrant arts scene, and Provençal lifestyle. The city, set on the banks of the Rhône River. It offers visitors a mix of historic landmarks, cultural events, and culinary delights.
Highlights are: Palais des Papes, Pont d”Avignon, Place de L’Horloge, Avignon Cathedral, Rue des Teinturies, Rocher des Dom, Les halles d’Avignon, museums and festivals.
You can have a guided tour of Avignon’s historic centre and learn the rich history of the town from a local guide.
One of the best hotels in Avignon – Le Mirande
One of the best restaurants in Avignon – Le Violette
DIJON
Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté) region in eastern France. It is a city that seamlessly blends history, gastronomy, and culture.
It is Known worldwide for its mustard, fine wines, and rich culinary traditions. Dijon also boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, stunning architecture, and a vibrant arts scene.
It’s a delightful destination for history enthusiasts, food lovers, and wine connoisseurs alike.
Highlights are: Palace of the Dukes, Old Town, Notre-Dame of Dijon, Mustarde Boutiques, Les Halles market, Dijon Cathedral and museums.
You can have an express walk tour with a local in 60 minutes exploring the local landmarks and learning the history of this city.
One of the best 3* in Dijon – Hôtel de Halles
One of the best restaurants in Dijon – L’Essentiel
FONTAINEBLEAU
Fontainebleau, located about 55 kilometres southeast of Paris, is a charming town best known for its magnificent château and surrounding forest.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontainebleau is a favourite destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and those looking for a peaceful retreat from the bustling French capital. It combines royal history, stunning architecture, and outdoor adventures in a picturesque setting.
Highlights are: Château de Fontainebleau, the Forest, town centre and museums.
There is a tour of Château Fontainebleau in English with a guide with a small group of up to 6 people that seems ideal. Check it out.
One of the best hotels in Fontainebleau – Hôtel & Spa Napoléon
One of the best restaurants in Fontainebleau – L’Axel
PARIS
Paris, what to say about the “City of Light”? It is one of the most iconic and romantic cities in the world. Renowned for its art, history, fashion, and cuisine, Paris offers an enchanting blend of historic landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, world-class museums, and vibrant culture.
With its elegant boulevards, picturesque Seine River, and timeless charm, Paris has something to captivate every visitor.
Highlights are: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Montmartre and Sacré-Coer Basilica, Chaps-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe, Musée d’Orsay, Seine River cruises, Quartier Latin and The Panthéon, Palace of Versailles, Le Marais, Ópera Garnier, Pére Lachaise Cemetery, Tuilleries Garden, Centre Pompidou, Les Invalides and many more attractions..
There are many guided tours in Paris to chose from, but it is a good idea to take a bus Hop-On-Hop-Off tour to get a gist of the city and see all the landmarks in 24 or 48 hours.
One of the best 5* hotels in Paris – Hotel La Villa Saint German Des Prés
One of the best 3* hotels in Paris – Hotel Vacances Bleues Provinces Opera
One of the best restaurants in Paris – Pavillon Ledoyen
Those were the towns we visited on this trip. France is an incredible country, full of surprises and incredibly beautiful. We visited other towns in France on other trips. Have a look at the France page with posts from the Dordogne and Paris.
Below is a reel from The Travelling Surveyor Instagram account with more photos of this trip to France. Check it out and follow me on Instagram.
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