14 days in South of France Itinerary

Although its luxury shops, nightlife, casinos, and high-end restaurants give Cannes a feeling of exclusivity, this classic French Riviera city has alternatives to suit every budget.

Venture out of the city with trips to Forcerie Vial (in Tanneron), Massif de l'Esterel (in Agay) and TakSea (in Saint-Raphael). There's still lots to do: make a trip to La Croisette, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Colgan's Brewery, explore the world behind art at Musee Picasso, and get to know the fascinating history of Le Sentier du Littoral, Cap d'Antibes.

To see photos, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, use the Cannes trip itinerary planning website.

Newark, USA to Cannes is an approximately 12.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Newark in July since evenings lows in Cannes dip to 65°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to 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 29th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Cathédrale La Major, then take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and finally stop by The Panier.

To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Marseille trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Cannes to Marseille in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 88°F, and evening lows to 68°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) 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 30th (Fri): explore the historical opulence of Palais des Papes, snap pictures at Pont d'Avignon, then sample the fine beverages at Distillerie A. Blachere, and finally delve into the distant past at Roman Theatre of Orange.

To find maps, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Avignon driving holiday website.

Traveling by car from Marseille to Avignon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July in Avignon, expect temperatures between 88°F during the day and 64°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to go by car 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.

On the 31st (Sat), take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and then learn about winemaking at O'Vineyards.

For where to stay and other tourist information, read our Carcassonne trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Avignon to Carcassonne takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. July in Carcassonne sees daily highs of 84°F and lows of 64°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) early enough to drive to Sarlat-la-Caneda.

Sarlat-la-Caneda is the capital of the former Périgord Noir, now referred to as the Aquitaine region that is home to a historical area consisting of impeccably preserved 14th-century buildings and sites.

Venture out of the city with trips to Roque Saint-Christophe Fort et Cite Troglodytiques (in Peyzac-le-Moustier) and Grotte de Rouffignac (in Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Castelnaud, relax in the rural setting at Les Noyeraies du Landers, stroll around Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, and make a trip to Vieux Sarlat.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Sarlat-la-Caneda online itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Sarlat-la-Caneda takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for slightly colder nights when traveling from Carcassonne in July since evenings lows in Sarlat-la-Caneda dip to 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can travel to Nice.

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.

Step out of Nice to go to Vence and see Azur Wine Tours, which is approximately 34 minutes away. Spend the 4th (Wed) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Marineland. The adventure continues: take a stroll through Old Town, get great views at Colline du Chateau overlook, enjoy the sand and surf at Castel Plage, and contemplate the long history of La cité médiévale.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Nice trip planner.

You can do a combination of car and flight from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Nice in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Sarlat-la-Caneda in August, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 71°F in Nice. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.