If you’re planning a trip to the south of France, you might be wondering:
Provence vs French Riviera — which should I choose?
First, we'll explain the differences between these two neighboring regions, both geographically and in terms of what they offer travelers.
Provence stretches inland along the Rhône Valley, which runs from central France down to the Mediterranean. It also includes a beautiful stretch of coastline around Marseille, Cassis, and the Camargue.
The French Riviera lies further east along the Mediterranean, running from near Toulon to the Italian border. It tends to be more closely associated with coastal resort towns, but we like to help travelers discover lesser-known places, both along the coast and in the hills.
Both regions are beautiful, both offer sunshine, wine, and spectacular landscapes, and both are incredibly rewarding to explore by car. Yet the experience in each place is quite different. If you’re deciding between the two, or wondering if you should combine them, this guide will help you choose the destination that best suits your travel style, pace, and interests.
Provence: Sun-Drenched Villages and Gorgeous Scenery
Provence is the France many people dream of: stone-built villages perched on hillsides, farmers’ markets sheltered by plane trees, and beautiful golden evening light. You’ll find evidence of its Roman history (some of the ruins are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and there are medieval lanes to explore in the many charming little towns and villages.
Provence is ideal for travelers who enjoy days immersed in village life, open countryside, and short, scenic drives between markets, vineyards, and historic towns.
Why Travelers Love Provence
-
Hilltop villages
Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux, Ménerbes are all picture-perfect.
-
Lavender fields (mid-June–July)
We love the Luberon and Valensole. Sault is a good option for later in the season and into August.
-
Roman sites
Arles, Orange, and the Pont du Gard are extraordinary.
-
Local food and wine
Olive oil, rosé, goat cheese, truffles (we can organize a truffle-hunting experience for you if you book with us!), Provençal herbs (we’ll tell you where to get the best quality, for the best price).
-
Outdoor beauty
In additional to lavender, sunflower, poppy and tulip fields, there are olive groves, vineyards, and quiet country roads.
Best for
- Travelers who enjoy inland landscapes and short scenic drives between hilltop villages, vineyards, olive groves, and Roman sites rather than long days on the road
- First-time visitors to rural France who want a gentle introduction to village life, local markets, and countryside driving without feeling remote or isolated
- Photography lovers drawn to texture and light — stone villages, cypress-lined roads, vineyards, and (in season) lavender, sunflower and poppy fields rather than seascapes
- Wine and food enthusiasts interested in regional traditions, from Côtes du Rhône and Ventoux wines to olive oil, truffles, and Provençal home cooking
- Travelers interested in history layered into everyday life, including Roman ruins, medieval towns, and working agricultural landscapes
- Art-lovers, particularly fans of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne, many of whose masterpieces depicted the stunning and changing Provence landscapes.
- Couples who enjoy quiet evenings in small towns — apéritifs on village squares, local restaurants, and relaxed evenings rather than nightlife or resorts
A Provence Day Might Look Like
Market browsing, a scenic village walk, a leisurely terrace lunch, an afternoon exploring Roman ruins or at a wine-tasting, and a golden hour drive back to your charming B&B that we have selected just for you.
An Insider Tip for Provence
Visit Les Baux-de-Provence in the early evening for cooler temperatures and a spectacular sunset over the Alpilles — the views are unforgettable.
French Riviera: Sparkling Seas, Coastal Walks, and Mediterranean Glamour
The French Riviera (also known as the Côte d’Azur) offers you a sparkling turquoise sea, Belle Époque villas, and picturesque coastal paths lined with umbrella pines. While it has its glamorous side, many parts of the Riviera still feel relaxed, artistic, and distinctly Mediterranean.
Why Travelers Love the French Riviera
-
Beautiful seaside towns
As well as the city of Nice, we love to recommend smaller towns like Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Menton.
-
Art & culture
Museums dedicated to Chagall, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir.
-
Beaches & swimming
Quiet coves, pebbly beaches, and dramatic coastlines - we’ll recommend less crowded beaches if you book one of our French Riviera tours.
-
Coastal hikes
The Cap Ferrat coastal path is one of the region’s most scenic.
-
Mediterranean gardens
Exotic plants thrive in the warm microclimate of the region’s various botanical gardens.
Best for
- Travelers who want daily access to the sea, with opportunities for coastal walks, small beaches and coves, and time spent right on the water rather than occasional seaside stops
- Those seeking a mild, light-filled escape outside summer, especially in late fall, winter, and early spring, when temperatures stay comfortable and towns remain active
- Art lovers drawn to places shaped by 20th-century artists, including museums, studios, and towns associated with painters who lived and worked along the coast
- Travelers who enjoy lively, well-connected towns, with cafés, markets, waterfront promenades, and evening energy, without needing nightlife or clubs
- Those combining southern France with nearby destinations, as the Riviera makes an easy and logical base for including Monaco or crossing into Italy
A French Riviera Day Might Look Like
A coastal walk above the crystalline Mediterranean, a long lunch overlooking a harbor, an afternoon museum visit, and an evening strolling through a seaside promenade at sunset.
An Insider Tip for the French Riviera
Include a stop at Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, just east of Nice. The pink and white villa itself is impressive, but the real highlight is the series of themed gardens, including French, Italian, Japanese, and exotic, each with sweeping views over the Mediterranean. It’s an easy drive, works well as a half-day outing, and offers a peaceful escape away from the busiest coastal towns.
Should You Combine Provence and the French Riviera?
If you have 10–14 days, combining both regions can be a lovely option, and makes for a beautifully balanced trip.
A typical itinerary might include:
- 5–7 nights in Provence
- 3–5 nights on the Riviera
This gives you:
- history and culture
- quiet countryside, charming villages, and lively beachside promenades
- floral fields and vineyards, and turquoise bays
Driving between the two regions is easy, and if you travel with us, we’ll recommend our favorite, most scenic routes.
Which One Should You Choose? (If You Can Only Pick One)
The choice between Provence vs French Riviera comes down to pace, atmosphere, and the kind of beauty that appeals to you.
Choose Provence if you want…
- peaceful landscapes
- slower travel
- little villages
- local markets
- Roman history
- hill walks and vineyard scenery
- less-developed coastal areas and wildlife
Choose the French Riviera if you want…
- art museums
- coastal trails
- resort-style beaches
- sunshine all year round
- lively seaside towns
- day trips to Monaco or Italy
- city shopping
You might say that Provence offers the artistry of the countryside and the Riviera has a more glamorous feel. Both are wonderful regions to explore, especially on a self-guided driving tour of France where you can linger, wander, and explore at your own pace.
If you’d like help deciding — or you’d like a customized south of France itinerary that includes the best of both — we’d be delighted to plan a trip crafted around your interests and priorities.
Why Travel With France Just For You?
Our travelers enjoy traveling independently, but they also appreciate having local expertise behind the scenes.
Some people who contact us are deciding between Provence vs French Riviera, whereas others already know they want to visit both. This is why we offer tailor-made itineraries in both regions. You can see examples of our Provence tours and our French Riviera tours, all designed as self-guided trips with clearly planned routes and premium accommodations.
Here are some sample itineraries that include both Provence and the French Riviera:
What is included in our tour packages?
All our driving tours of France can be adapted and customized to suit your preferences.
Our tours include:
- A personalized itinerary based on your interests
- Premium B&Bs or boutique hotels that we have personally selected and where we know the hosts will offer you a warm welcome.
- Automatic car hire
- Our recommended driving routes
- Some activities and private tours
- A personalized guidebook and access to the MyFrance app
- Support from our team via WhatsApp or email while you’re in France
You travel independently with the reassurance that the details have already been taken care of.
Thinking About Visiting France?
If you’re still deciding between regions, or wondering how to structure your time, we would be very happy to advise you.
We warmly invite you to:
- Complete our trip-planning questionnaire below to share your ideas
- Get in touch via our contact form if you have questions
- Or email us directly at travel@france-justforyou.com
Send us your France trip-planning form
FAQ
Which is better: Provence or the French Riviera?
Neither is “better” — Provence is ideal for peaceful countryside travel, while the French Riviera offers Mediterranean scenery, art, and coastal charm.
Is Provence cheaper than the French Riviera?
Generally, yes. Riviera destinations like Nice, Èze, and Cannes can be more expensive, especially in peak season.
Can you visit both Provence and the French Riviera in one trip?
Absolutely — many travelers combine them. With 10–14 days, it’s a perfect pairing.
Is it easier to drive in Provence or on the French Riviera?
Provence is easier. The Riviera has busier roads, narrow streets, and more challenging parking (though we will share advice on where and how to find parking if you book a French Riviera road trip with us)
When is the best time to visit Provence and the French Riviera?
May–June and September–October are ideal for both. Lavender in Provence blooms in late June; the Riviera is pleasant even in winter.
Read our posts on the best time to visit Provence and the best time to visit French Riviera for more information.
Is Provence easy to explore by car?
Yes. A Provence road trip works very well for travelers who enjoy short, scenic drives between villages, vineyards, historic towns, and countryside landscapes, with plenty of flexibility along the way.
