22 days in South of France Itinerary

With a long history of producing regional wines since the Romans brought grapevines here during the first century, so many people consider Bordeaux to be the wine capital of the world.

Explore Bordeaux's surroundings by going to La Grande Dune du Pilat (in Pyla-sur-Mer), Chateau Paloumey (in Ludon-Medoc) and Chateau Cantenac (in Saint-Emilion). The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Place de la Bourse, make a trip to The Water Mirror, admire the landmark architecture of La Cite du Vin, and pause for some serene contemplation at Tour Pey-Berland.

To find photos, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Bordeaux trip itinerary planner.

Dallas, USA to Bordeaux is an approximately 16-hour flight. Traveling from Dallas to Bordeaux, you'll lose 7 hours due to the time zone difference. In May, Bordeaux is little chillier than Dallas - with highs of 70°F and lows of 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can 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.

Sarlat-la-Caneda is known for sightseeing, shopping, and adventure. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Chateau des Milandes, step into the grandiose world of Chateau de Commarque, admire the natural beauty at Eyrignac et ses Jardins en Dordogne, and relax in the rural setting at Les Noyeraies du Landers.

To see other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Sarlat-la-Caneda online vacation maker.

Getting from Bordeaux to Sarlat-la-Caneda by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train. In May, daytime highs in Sarlat-la-Caneda are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough 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.

On the 13th (Fri), make a trip to La Porte D'aude, visit Cité de Carcassonne, and then get to know the fascinating history of Place Carnot. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of Cathar Castles, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, and then learn about winemaking at O'Vineyards.

To see photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne trip planner.

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 May, daytime highs in Carcassonne are 69°F, while nighttime lows are 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Le Sentier des Ocres (in Roussillon) and Les Baux de Provence (Chateau des Baux de Provence & Carrieres des Lumieres). There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes, explore the world behind art at Musee Angladon, savor the flavors at Food & Drink, and take in the views from Pont d'Avignon.

For ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Avignon vacation planning website.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Avignon takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 74°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) to allow time to drive 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.

Explore Marseille's surroundings by going to Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence (in Aix-en-Provence) and Trolib (in Cassis). Spend the 19th (Thu) exploring nature at Parc National des Calanques. And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, make a trip to Randonnees theatrales Marcel Pagnol Cie Dans la cour des Grands, take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port, and wander the streets of The Panier.

For photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Marseille online trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Avignon to Marseille by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In May in Marseille, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 54°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Saint-Raphael.

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

On the 21st (Sat), get a dose of the wild on Forcerie Vial and then make a trip to Massif de l'Esterel. On the 22nd (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: head outdoors with Eco Gliss, make a trip to Cap du Dramont, and then identify plant and animal life at Agathonis Plongee.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Saint-Raphael itinerary planner.

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 May, plan for daily highs up to 72°F, and evening lows to 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to drive 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Nice: La Croisette (in Cannes) and Musee Picasso (in Antibes). Spend the 24th (Tue) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Marineland. The adventure continues: wander the streets of Old Town, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice, examine the collection at Musée Marc Chagall, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read Nice trip itinerary planning site.

Traveling by car from Saint-Raphael to Nice takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. May in Nice sees daily highs of 69°F and lows of 57°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 27th (Fri) to allow time for the flight back home.