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Provence and the French Riviera: Why I Fell in Love with the South of France
- Heather Vergara
- 6 days ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
I expected the South of France to be beautiful. I expected charming villages, vineyard lunches, glamorous beach clubs, and impossibly blue water stretching along the Mediterranean.
What I didn't expect was how deeply I would fall in love with the feeling of being there. There is a certain rhythm to life in the South of France that immediately invites you to slow down. Long lunches stretch late into the afternoon. Evenings begin with a stroll through town and somehow end hours later over a glass of rosé. The days feel full, yet never rushed.
As I traveled through Provence and along the French Riviera, I kept noticing something else: how beautifully everything was cared for. The vineyards, the villages, the coastal towns, even the roads connecting them seemed thoughtfully preserved and rooted in a sense of place. The beauty wasn't confined to famous landmarks - it was woven into everyday life.
That's what makes this region so compelling. It manages to feel both elegant and effortless, luxurious and authentic, glamorous and grounding all at once. After experiencing it firsthand, I understand why travelers return again and again. The South of France is far more than a collection of postcard-worthy destinations. It's a place to savor, a place to slow down, and a place that stays with you long after you've returned home.
If you're considering Provence and the French Riviera for a future trip, here's what I learned about experiencing this remarkable corner of France.
Provence: The Heart of the South of France
If the French Riviera is known for glamour and seaside energy, Provence is the region that quietly steals hearts. Located in southeastern France between the Rhône River and the Mediterranean Sea, Provence is home to idyllic hilltop villages, 18th-century chateaux nestled among lavender fields and olive groves, Roman ruins and Romanesque abbeys, and some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.
Provence is a region best experienced slowly. Some of my favorite moments weren't the headline attractions at all. They were lingering over lunch on a shaded terrace, cycling through the Alpilles countryside, wandering the charming streets of Saint-Rémy in the evening, and discovering small villages that felt untouched by time.
Where to Stay in Provence
One of the reasons I love designing Provence itineraries is that there isn't a single "right" way to experience the region. On the map, Provence is expansive, but most visitors spend their time exploring three distinct areas:
The elegant city of Aix-en-Provence
The Alpilles region surrounding Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
The hilltop villages of the Luberon, including Gordes
Choosing the right base will shape your entire experience. If you're looking for a more vibrant city atmosphere, Aix-en-Provence is a wonderful choice. But after experiencing Saint-Rémy firsthand, it's the place I will recommend for travelers seeking that quintessential Provençal experience.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is often considered the cultural heart of Provence. Tree-lined boulevards, bustling markets, stylish boutiques, and beautiful fountains give the city a refined energy that feels distinctly Provençal without being sleepy.
Aix is an excellent base for first-time visitors who want easy access to restaurants, shopping, museums, and day trips to nearby wineries and villages. While it's a city, it has a relaxed pace and charm that make it feel far removed from France’s larger urban centers.
Aix is ideal for: First-time visitors, culture enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy a lively town atmosphere near their hotel.
My favorite properties in Aix-en-Provence
Villa Gallici: an elegant and luxurious stay near town
Tucked away just outside Aix-en-Provence's historic center, Villa Gallici feels like a private Italianate villa hidden within the city. The intimate property is known for its beautifully decorated rooms, lush gardens, and exceptional service. Guests can easily walk into Aix for shopping, dining, and sightseeing before returning to a peaceful oasis at the end of the day.
Château de Fonscolombe: a classic countryside château experience
Set on a sprawling 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and gardens, Château de Fonscolombe combines historic grandeur with a relaxed countryside atmosphere. Located about 20 minutes from Aix-en-Provence, guests can spend their days enjoying the estate, dining on the terrace, exploring nearby wineries, or venturing into Aix and the surrounding villages.
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
If Aix is the cultural heart of Provence, Saint-Rémy is its soul. Located in the Alpilles mountains, this picturesque village most closely matched the Provence I had imagined. Warm stone houses with shutters in blues and greens, charming cafés and markets, and winding country roads dotted with olive groves and vineyards create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and deeply authentic.
During my visit, I found Saint-Rémy to be the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity. It offers easy access to some of Provence's most beautiful countryside while maintaining a walkable village center filled with excellent restaurants, boutiques, and local character.
Saint-Rémy is ideal for: repeat visitors, active travelers, and anyone seeking a more immersive Provençal experience.
My favorite property in Saint-Rémy:
Le Saint-Rémy: A walkable Provence village experience
Unlike many Provence properties set in the countryside, the family-run Le Saint-Rémy places guests just steps from the town's cafés, boutiques, markets, and restaurants while still providing a tranquil retreat complete with a spa, pool, and outdoor spaces. I loved being able to spend the day exploring the region and then step directly into the vibrant village each evening without needing a car.
Gordes and the Luberon
Gordes sits dramatically atop a hill overlooking the Luberon Valley. Its stone buildings, winding lanes, and lavender fields have made it one of Provence's most iconic destinations. While it attracts visitors from around the world, the village retains a timeless beauty that helps explain why artists and travelers have been drawn here for generations.
Gordes is ideal for: Travelers seeking a countryside experience who don’t mind drives to sightsee.
My favorite property in Gordes:
Airelles Gordes, La Bastide: An ultra-luxury hilltop retreat
Located above the Luberon Valley, Airelles Gordes, La Bastide is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Provence. The property has sweeping views over the countryside, beautifully manicured gardens, multiple restaurants, and exceptional service. It also provides easy access to the hilltop villages and markets that make the Luberon so beloved.
How to Experience Provence Well
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give anyone visiting Provence, it’s this: don’t try to see everything. The region’s magic isn’t found in checking sights off a list - it’s in slowing down and savoring the experience.
Provence is best enjoyed through its food, wine, and landscapes. Some of my favorite moments included a guided bike ride through the Alpilles with wine and olive oil tastings, a leisurely lunch with Provence rosé and profiteroles, and evening strolls through Saint-Rémy after the crowds had gone.
While the famous lavender fields bloom from mid-June to mid-July, Provence is equally enchanting in May, when temperatures are mild, and visitor numbers are lower. For first-time visitors, I recommend spending at least three or four nights in Provence, choosing one home base, and exploring the region at a relaxed pace.
Saint-Tropez and the French Riviera
After the peaceful countryside of Provence, arriving on the French Riviera feels like stepping into an entirely different world.
Stretching along the Mediterranean coastline from Saint-Tropez in the west to Monte Carlo near the Italian border, the French Riviera - known locally as the Côte d'Azur - encompasses a collection of seaside towns and villages, each with its own personality. From the glamour of Saint-Tropez to the elegance of Nice, the medieval charm of Èze, and the colorful harbor towns that dot the coastline, there is no single Riviera experience.
What surprised me most was that despite its reputation for luxury and celebrity culture, the Riviera still feels deeply connected to the sea. Yes, you'll find iconic beach clubs, superyachts, and Michelin-starred restaurants, but you'll also discover local markets, waterfront cafés, and picturesque villages perched above the Mediterranean.
Where to Stay on the French Riviera
One of the biggest decisions when planning a Riviera itinerary is choosing the right home base. While the coastline stretches for nearly 100 miles, most travelers don't need to see everything. In fact, I find the most rewarding trips focus on one area and allow time to truly experience it.
For most of my clients, I recommend choosing between three distinct Riviera experiences:
The glamour and beach club culture of Saint-Tropez
The walkability and logistical convenience of Nice
The understated elegance of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Each offers a completely different perspective on the Côte d'Azur while providing easy access to some of the region's most beautiful towns and villages.
Saint-Tropez: For Riviera Glamour
Saint-Tropez may be synonymous with glamour, but what surprised me most was how charming it felt. Beyond the yachts and beach clubs lies a walkable harbor town filled with pastel-colored buildings, inviting cafés, boutiques, and lively squares. By day, visitors can enjoy some of the Riviera's most iconic beach clubs and coastal scenery. By evening, the waterfront comes alive with restaurants, people-watching, and a distinctly Mediterranean atmosphere.
Saint-Tropez is ideal for Beach lovers, couples, celebratory trips, and travelers seeking a glamorous Riviera experience.
Choosing where to stay in Saint-Tropez is often a decision between walkability in town versus being on the beach. Here are my favorite properties:
La Ponche: historic charm in the heart of Saint-Tropez
Tucked into the heart of Saint-Tropez's historic old town, La Ponche offers a glimpse into the village's quieter and more authentic side. Long before Saint-Tropez became synonymous with luxury yachts and beach clubs, this waterfront neighborhood was a humble fishing quarter, and the hotel retains much of that character today. La Ponche is ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the charm and history of Saint-Tropez while remaining steps from the harbor, restaurants, and boutiques.
Épi baie de Pampelonne: iconic Riviera beach glamour
Set directly on Pampelonne Beach, the property combines a stylish beach club atmosphere with an intimate luxury hotel experience. With a focus on sports and wellness and just nine suites, Épi maintains a level of activity and exclusivity that's hard to find in the Riviera.
Château de Valmer and La Pinède Plage: Provençal retreat and a beachfront escape
For travelers who want the best of both worlds - a lush chateau experience as well as a beachfront escape - the sister properties of Château de Valmer and La Pinède Plage are the perfect fit.
The Valmer estate is tucked away among vineyards, gardens, and towering pine trees, offering a peaceful escape from the energy of the Riviera. Within walking distance, La Pinède Plage's waterfront setting and beach club atmosphere are ideal for travelers who want their days centered around the Mediterranean.
Nice: For city walkability and easy Riviera daytrips
Nice is considered the gateway to the French Riviera, but it's much more than an arrival point. Set between the Mediterranean and dramatic hillsides, the city combines Belle Époque elegance, vibrant markets, world-class restaurants, and a lively local culture. While the
famous Promenade des Anglais and beach are iconic, I find the true charm of Nice in its colorful Old Town, where narrow streets, bustling squares, flower markets, and centuries-old buildings create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Mediterranean.
Its central location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Riviera. You can get to Villefranche-sur-Mer, Èze, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in 30 minutes or less, while the drive to Monte Carlo is under an hour.
Nice is ideal for: First-time visitors, food lovers, and travelers who want walkability and easy daytrips
My favorite hotels for Nice include:
Anantara Plaza Nice: for first-time Riviera visitors
Sitting directly on the Promenade des Anglais with easy access to Old Town, restaurants, and shopping, Anantara combines historic Riviera elegance with modern luxury. Enjoy the private beach club by day and panoramic sunset views at the rooftop bar by night.
Hotel du Couvent: for character and authenticity
Set within a restored 17th-century convent in Old Town, this property offers an intimacy and sense of place that feels worlds away from the larger waterfront hotels. With luxurious gardens, Roman baths, a Movement Studio, and farm-to-table dining, travelers can enjoy a serene retreat after touring the area.
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais: for families
For families looking for a recognizable brand with larger rooms, excellent service, and a lovely location, Hyatt Regency will check all your boxes!
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: For quiet luxury and easy Riviera daytrips
Considered one of the most exclusive enclaves on the Riviera, the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is known for its stunning coastal scenery, elegant villas, and understated sophistication. Unlike some of the Riviera's busier destinations, Cap-Ferrat feels peaceful and refined. Scenic walking paths hug the coastline, luxury hotels blend into beautifully landscaped grounds, and nearly every viewpoint offers another glimpse of the Mediterranean's remarkable shades of blue. With easy access to Nice and Monte Carlo, Cap-Ferrat is an ideal choice for travelers who value privacy and a slower pace while still wanting to explore the Riviera.
Cap-Ferrat is ideal for: Ultra luxury travelers and those seeking a peaceful retreat with exceptional scenery.
Cap-Ferrat offers two hotel stand-outs:
Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat: for iconic luxury
This legendary hotel, one of the most iconic in Europe, offers spectacular sea views, lush gardens, historic glamour, and world-class service.
Royal-Riviera: for an intimate waterfront experience
Located between Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Royal-Riviera offers boutique luxury paired with walkability and beach access as well as a more intimate vibe versus the Four Seasons.
How to Experience the Riviera Well
Like Provence, the French Riviera is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Rather than trying to check off every famous town - Nice, Monaco, Èze, Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Villefranche-sur-Mer - choose a home base and give yourself time to truly experience it.
I recommend spending at least four to five nights on the Riviera. This allows time to enjoy your hotel, relax at beach clubs, and explore a few nearby destinations without feeling rushed. During the busy summer months, private transfers can be a more relaxing alternative to driving, sparing you the challenges of traffic and parking.
Your experiences will vary depending on where you stay. From Nice or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, you can easily visit iconic destinations like Èze, Monte Carlo, and Villefranche-sur-Mer, while also enjoying the cafés, markets, and energy of Nice's Old Town. One of the joys of this part of the Riviera is the ability to experience several distinct destinations within a short distance.
On the other hand, Saint-Tropez offers a different experience entirely. Days can be spent enjoying a beach club, strolling the boutiques, taking a sunset yacht cruise, or simply savoring a long lunch overlooking the water. One of my favorite experiences here was a vintage C2V driving tour to the charming village of Ramatuelle with winding streets and bougainvillea-covered stone buildings.
The South of France: How to Get There
If you’re combining Provence and the French Riviera, you have a few ways to get there. Your best choice will depend on where you decide to stay.
Fly a multi-city itinerary into Marseille and out of Nice
Fly round-trip to Nice – while your drive to Provence will be longer, Nice offers more flight
options from the U.S. versus Marseille.
Combine Paris and the South of France via high-speed rail – fly into Paris and out of
Nice.
The leisurely way of life in Provence and the Riviera, plus the size of the region, requires a private driver or rental car. Show Them the World can arrange either! One word of caution: in summer’s peak season, traffic can be considerable along the Riviera, so pack your patience and build in extra time for transfers.
Planning your South of France Itinerary
One of the reasons I loved this trip so much is that it combined two completely different experiences into one beautiful journey. In Provence, the days were slower and centered around vineyards, markets, charming villages, and long lunches under the Mediterranean sun. Along the Riviera, the focus shifted to beach clubs, yacht cruises, waterfront dining, and the unmistakable glamour of the Côte d'Azur. Together, they created a balance that made the trip feel both restorative and exciting.
The South of France is a destination where thoughtful planning makes a tremendous difference. The right hotel, the right village, the right guide, and the right balance of activities and downtime can completely transform the experience.
After enjoying the South of France myself, I understand why so many travelers return again and again. It's a destination that feels extraordinarily cared for, effortlessly blending the beauty of the countryside and coast with the charm of timeless villages.
If the South of France is on your travel wish list, I'd love to help you create an itinerary that reflects your travel style and allows you to experience this remarkable region at its very best.
If you’d prefer to learn more about how I work before scheduling, you can explore my Start Planning page.
South of France FAQs
How many days do you need in Provence?
I recommend spending at least 3–4 nights in Provence. This gives you enough time to explore charming villages, enjoy local wineries, experience the region's food culture, and slow down enough to appreciate the Provençal lifestyle.
What is the best town to stay in Provence?
The best base depends on your travel style. Aix-en-Provence is ideal for first-time visitors who enjoy culture and city amenities, while Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a more authentic village atmosphere and easy access to the Alpilles countryside. Gordes is perfect for travelers seeking a luxurious countryside retreat.
When is the best time to visit Provence?
May, June, September, and early October are ideal. For lavender fields, plan your visit between mid-June and mid-July. May offers pleasant temperatures, beautiful scenery, and fewer crowds.
How many days should you spend on the French Riviera?
Plan for at least 4–5 nights on the French Riviera. This allows time to enjoy your hotel, beach clubs, local dining, and a few day trips without feeling rushed.
What is the best place to stay on the French Riviera?
Saint-Tropez is ideal for beach clubs and Riviera glamour. Nice is perfect for travelers who want a walkable city with easy day trips, while Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers a quieter luxury experience with stunning coastal scenery.
Can you visit Provence and the French Riviera in one trip?
Yes, and they pair beautifully together. Provence offers countryside charm, vineyards, and historic villages, while the French Riviera delivers Mediterranean beaches, luxury hotels, and seaside glamour. Together, they create a well-balanced South of France itinerary.
Do you need a car in Provence and the French Riviera?
A rental car or private driver is highly recommended, especially in Provence where villages and wineries are spread out. On the Riviera, private transfers can be a more relaxing option during peak summer months when traffic and parking can be challenging.
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Heather Vergara is a former PepsiCo marketing executive who left the corporate world to be a Mom and never found her way back. Instead, she focused on her passion for travel and adventure and created Show Them the World, a luxury travel planning service for busy families longing to reconnect and see the world together. She's now a Top Producer and Multi-Million Dollar Advisor with Gifted Travel Network, a boutique luxury host agency partnered with Virtuoso. Heather has helped hundreds of families experience Hawaii, Alaska, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, Italy, France, Greece, England, Ireland, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Iceland, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the Maldives, National Parks, and more to come!
Heather has an MBA in marketing from Indiana University, a Digital Marketing Executive Education certificate from Columbia University, and a BA in Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives with her husband, two kids, and two furry dogs in Zionsville, Indiana.
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