12 days in South of France Itinerary

Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.

On the 8th (Sat), take a stroll through Vieille Ville, then get great views at Colline du Chateau overlook, then make a trip to Place Massena, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Nice trip itinerary builder.

Amritsar, India to Nice is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from India Standard Time (IST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a -4.5 hour difference. Traveling from Amritsar in May, you will find days in Nice are much colder (24°C), and nights are slightly colder (16°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Aix-en-Provence.

Aix-en-Provence is a small, classically Provençal town, famous for being home to Cézanne.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Aix-en-Provence: Truffle Hunting at Les Pastras (in Cadenet) and Chateau de Lourmarin (in Lourmarin). There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, do a tasting at Chateau Henri Bonnaud, admire the striking features of Le Tour de l'Horloge, and take a stroll through Cours Mirabeau.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Aix-en-Provence vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Nice to Aix-en-Provence takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 14°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Tue) so you can go by car to Avignon.

An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes and then indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area.

To find photos, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Avignon online trip builder.

Getting from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In May, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Carcassonne.

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, explore the activities along Canal du Midi, then take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, and finally ponder the design of Fountain of Neptune. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then buy something for everyone on your list at Les Halles de Narbonne, then admire the landmark architecture of Cathedrale St-Just, and finally do a tasting at O'Vineyards.

To plan Carcassonne vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

Drive from Avignon to Carcassonne in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Avignon in May, you will find days in Carcassonne are little chillier (24°C), and nights are about the same (12°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to drive to Arles.

Remote, uneventful, but definitely not a waste of time, Arles is absolutely steeped in Provençal culture.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): delve into the distant past at Amphitheatre (les Arenes), explore the world behind art at Carrieres des Lumieres, then explore the world behind art at Musee Departemental Arles Antique, then look for all kinds of wild species at Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Eglise St-Trophime.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Arles tour planner.

You can drive from Carcassonne to Arles in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. May in Arles sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can go by car to Marseille.

The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, take in the waterfront at Le Vieux Port, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Calanques. Keep things going the next day: wander the streets of The Panier, then make a trip to Randonnees theatrales Marcel Pagnol Cie Dans la cour des Grands, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Cathédrale La Major.

To find other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Marseille trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Arles to Marseille takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. May in Marseille sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.