When travelers tell me they want to plan a south of France road trip, I usually start by asking how much time they have, when they’re planning to travel, and whether they’re hoping to focus on one region or combine a couple.
Those three details shape almost every decision that follows. Southern France covers a wide area, and although distances are reasonable, the experience on the ground can feel very different depending on where you go and how much you try to fit in.
I’ve lived in France for nearly 30 years, and at France Just For You, we help travelers plan self-guided road trips that feel comfortable and well-paced. This guide is meant to help you think through the bigger picture before you start booking anything.
If you’re already leaning toward a specific region, you may find our Provence road trip guide or French Riviera road trip guide helpful.
What Do We Mean by “The South of France”?
Most travelers use the term “south of France” to describe a broad part of the country that includes:
Provence
Known for villages, countryside, and Roman history — a region that’s particularly well suited to exploring Provence by car, with scenic drives linking markets, vineyards, and hilltop towns.
The French Riviera (Côte d’Azur)
Along the Mediterranean coast, where the character of each destination varies. If you’re curious about how places differ, our guide to French Riviera cities explains the atmosphere of each main town.
Occitanie, Carcassonne and the Cathar Country
Sometimes these nearby inland areas are included as part of a south of France tour, such as depending on the route
These regions are close enough to combine, and offer quite different experiences. Choosing where to focus and how much to include makes a real difference.
Provence or the French Riviera?
If you don't have time to visit both regions in one trip, rather than asking which region is better, I find it’s more helpful to think about the type of trip you'd like.
Provence may suit you well if you:
- Enjoy countryside drives and smaller towns
- Like local markets and relaxed lunches
- Are interested in Roman sites and medieval villages
- Prefer a quieter pace overall
From experience, Provence works best when you choose one or two bases (depending on the length of your stay) and explore from there. Changing accommodations too often can take time away from enjoying where you are.
The French Riviera may be a better fit if you:
- Enjoy being near the sea
- Like coastal walks and art museums
- Prefer towns with a bit more life, especially in the evenings
- Are traveling outside the busiest summer months
The Riviera can feel crowded in July and August, but at other times of year it’s very pleasant, especially with thoughtful planning.
If you’re weighing these two regions more closely, our detailed comparison of Provence vs French Riviera [coming soon!] may help clarify which one fits your travel style best.
Should You Combine Provence and the French Riviera?
Many travelers do combine the two, and it can work very well, as long as there’s enough time.
In practical terms, I recommend:
- At least 10 to 14 days if you want to include both regions
- Limiting yourself to two or three accommodation bases
- Being clear about what you want to prioritize
When combining the two regions, we recommend looking beyond the best-known places. Including a few lesser-visited areas or hidden gems of the French Riviera can make the experience feel more authentic and personal – and like you’re getting to know the ‘real’ France away from the tourist crowds.
Trying to see both regions in one week generally means too much driving and not enough time to enjoy each place.
A Simplified Example of a 10-Day South of France Road Trip
Many travelers find it helpful to see how a south of France road trip might be structured in practice before deciding on the details. Here’s an example of how we often approach a 10-day itinerary combining Provence and the French Riviera.
Days 1–4: The French Riviera
We would suggest flying into Nice, where picking up a rental car is straightforward. Although we do offer the option to stay in the city center, we prefer to recommend a stay at one of the lovely B&Bs we work with just a short drive outside of the city. This makes it easier to avoid traffic and crowds when you’re driving to and from little villages in the area at the start and end of the day.
From there, you can explore the old town of Nice, visit art museums, and enjoy coastal towns such as Antibes or Menton, while also spending time in the quieter Riviera hinterland.
Days 5–6: The Riviera Hinterland and Transition to Provence
Inland from the coast, the landscape changes quickly. These days are well suited to discovering hilltop villages, artisan workshops, and countryside scenery that many visitors miss. This is also a natural point in the trip to begin heading west toward Provence at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing straight from coast to countryside.
Days 7–8: Southern Provence (Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon)
Southern Provence works well when you choose one base and explore nearby villages and landscapes by car. From this area, travelers often enjoy markets, walks through villages such as Lourmarin or Ansouis, and visits to Aix-en-Provence. Depending on interests, this part of the trip might also include time in the Alpilles or the Camargue.
Days 9–10: Central Provence (Avignon and Surroundings)
For the final part of the trip, we often suggest moving north toward Avignon, which is a convenient base for exploring central Provence. This area lends itself well to slower activities such as cycling through vineyard areas, visiting smaller villages, or enjoying food-focused experiences, such as an outdoor private cooking class. From here, we will tell you where to return the car, depending on your next destination, when you book with us.
This is just one example of how a south of France road trip can be structured; in practice, we tailor the itinerary to your interests and the time you have available.
How Long Do You Need for a South of France Road Trip?
Here’s an example of how we guide our travelers:
- 7–9 days: focus on one region, either Provence or the French Riviera
- 10–14 days: combine Provence and the French Riviera at a comfortable pace
- 2–3 weeks: explore southern France more deeply, with time for slower travel
France often looks smaller on a map than it feels once you’re traveling through it!
The Best Time of Year to Go to France
Timing plays a big role in how enjoyable a south of France road trip will be.
Based on experience:
- May and June offer good weather and manageable crowds
- September and early October are often ideal, especially for travelers who prefer a calmer pace
- July and August are the busiest months, with higher temperatures and heavier traffic
If you have flexibility, September is often my first recommendation.
Why a Car Makes Such a Difference
Trains are excellent for traveling between major cities, but many of the places travelers enjoy most in southern France are easier to reach by car.
Driving allows you to:
- Stop when something catches your interest
- Visit villages and markets on your own schedule
- Stay in the countryside rather than only in larger towns
We always arrange automatic cars for our travelers unless they specifically request a manual, and we plan routes that are comfortable rather than rushed.
Common Planning Issues We Help Travelers Avoid
After years of planning road trips in southern France, we often see the same challenges come up:
- Trying to cover too many places
- Changing accommodations too frequently
- Underestimating summer crowds
- Choosing bases that make daily driving stressful
- Not allowing enough downtime
Most of these issues can be avoided with a bit of planning upfront.
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 and the coast, 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 carefully planned routes and accommodations.
Here are some sample itineraries that include both Provence and the French Riviera:
- Hidden beauties of the South-East of France
- Provence's History & the Riviera's Landscapes
- Provence's Scents & the Riviera's Shades
- A Real Taste of France
- Riviera Sceneries, Hidden Provence & Majestic Paris
- From Paris to Nice at Your Own Pace
What is included in our tour packages?
All our driving tours of France can be adapted and customized to suit your preferences.
When we plan a south of France road trip for our travelers, this includes:
- A realistic, personalized itinerary based on your pace and interests
- Carefully selected premium B&Bs or boutique hotels we know personally, where we know the hosts will offer you a warm welcome. This feels far more personal and authentically ‘French’ than staying at a chain hotel or renting a gîte for a week.
- Automatic car hire
- Clear daily guidance and driving routes
- Some activities and private tours that need to be booked in advance
- A personalized guidebook and access to the MyFrance app
- Support from our team via WhatsApp or email while you’re in France
You travel on your own, with the reassurance that the details have been thoughtfully and thoroughly taken care of.
Thinking About Your Own South of France Road Trip?
If you’re still deciding between regions, or wondering how to structure your time, that’s often a good moment to talk things through.
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
We’re always happy to help you think through what would work best for your trip and offer you our recommendations.
Send us your France trip-planning form
FAQs
Is the south of France a good region for a road trip?
Yes! Roads are well-maintained, distances are reasonable, and many highlights are easiest to reach by car.
How many days do I need for a south of France road trip?
Seven to nine days works well for one region. To combine Provence and the French Riviera comfortably, we recommend at least 10 to 14 days.
Is Provence or the French Riviera better for first-time visitors?
Both can work. Provence often feels easier for slower travel, while the Riviera suits travelers who enjoy coastal towns and cultural visits.
Is driving difficult in the south of France?
In general, no. With the right bases and route planning, most travelers find driving very manageable. You may find that local drivers are more comfortable driving fast along rural roads than you. Don't worry - just pull over to one side when you can and they will pass you.
Can France Just For You plan a self-guided south of France road trip?
Yes – custom self-drive trips in France are our specialty!
When is the best time to take a South of France road trip?
That depends on which regions you plan to include. Provence and the French Riviera offer quite different experiences at different times of year, in terms of weather, crowds, and overall atmosphere.
If you’re leaning toward Provence, this guide on the best time to visit Provence explains how the seasons affect travel there.
For coastal travel, our article on the best time to visit the French Riviera breaks down what to expect month by month.
