22 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.

When in Nice, make a side trip to see Lérins Islands in Cannes, approximately Cannes away. Spend the 23rd (Thu) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Marineland. There's still lots to do: visit Old Town, admire the natural beauty at Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze, pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice, and get great views at Colline du Chateau overlook.

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Nice day trip planner.

Louisville, USA to Nice is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET) is 6 hours. When traveling from Louisville in June, plan for little chillier days in Nice, with highs around 76°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 66°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can travel 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Sarlat-la-Caneda side-trips: Gouffre de Padirac (in Padirac), Cathedrale St-Front (in Perigueux) and Chateau Feely (in Saussignac). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Chateau des Milandes, step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Beynac, walk around Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, and admire the natural beauty at Les Jardins d'Eau.

For where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Sarlat-la-Caneda vacation planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and car from Nice to Sarlat-la-Caneda takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Nice in June, plan for little chillier nights in Sarlat-la-Caneda, with lows around 55°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Tue): step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, take a stroll through Cité de Carcassonne, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Carcassonne Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, contemplate the waterfront views at Lac de Cavayere, and then learn about winemaking at O'Vineyards.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Carcassonne visit site.

Drive from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Carcassonne in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In June, daily temperatures in Carcassonne can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) early enough to drive 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Avignon: Amphitheatre (les Arenes) (in Arles), Les Baux de Provence (Chateau des Baux de Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres) and La Maison Carree (in Nimes). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes, take in the spiritual surroundings of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, don't miss a visit to Moulin de Jerusalem, and snap pictures at Pont d'Avignon.

To find traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Avignon day trip app.

Drive from Carcassonne to Avignon in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Avignon can reach 83°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Marseille: Aix-en-Provence (Paul Cezanne’s Studio, Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, &more). Spend the 4th (Mon) exploring nature at Parc National des Calanques. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, visit The Panier, and take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Marseille trip planner.

You can drive from Avignon to Marseille in 1.5 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. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Saint-Raphael.

Saint-Raphael vacations have so much more to offer than an indulgent splurge on a beach.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Saint-Raphael: Forcerie Vial (in Tanneron), Wine Tours Provence & Riviera (in Cogolin) and Le Cap Lardier (in La Croix-Valmer). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Massif de l'Esterel, head outdoors with Eco Gliss, contemplate the waterfront views at Les Gorges du Verdon, and get interesting insight from Club de Plongee d'Agay.

For traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Saint-Raphael road trip website.

Getting from Marseille to Saint-Raphael by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of train and bus. In July in Saint-Raphael, expect temperatures between 84°F during the day and 66°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.