Location: Southeastern France, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and stretching from Provence to the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur).
Gateway City: Lyon (Capital of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes).
Currency: Euro (EUR).
Language: French is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1).
Best Time to Visit: The best time to do the road trip is between May and October. Summer gets very crowded during lavender season when tourists flock to Provence. We chose winter for this exact reason – to avoid the crowds and enjoy the region quiet, without the tourists.
Main Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), ~30 minutes from Lyon city center.
Getting Around: Rent a car for flexibility between cities; trains are ideal for day trips.
What to Expect
A 10 day journey through the heart of southern France, blending world-class cuisine, medieval charm, and coastal beauty. Beginning and ending in Lyon (or optionally ending in Nice), this scenic route winds through Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and the Côte d’Azur. Whether exploring Roman ruins, sipping local wines, or soaking in Riviera sunsets, the South of France is an enchanting mix of art, flavor, and slow-paced living.
Day 1 – Arrive in Lyon
- Arrive in Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital, and check into your Airbnb.
- Visit Saint Jean Cathedral in Vieux Lyon and wander through the Renaissance neighborhood.
- Discover Lyon’s traboules—hidden passageways linking courtyards and streets.
- Cross Passerelle St. Georges for scenic river views.
- Dinner at Casabea, a Mediterranean restaurant with excellent service.
Day 2 – Explore Lyon
- Take the funicular to Basilique de Notre-Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views.
- Walk back down to Vieux Lyon and enjoy lunch at Le Traboule, a gourmet food hall with multiple stalls.
- Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring boutiques.
- Dinner at Carmelo, part of the Big Mamma restaurant group—known for Instagram-worthy design and Italian comfort food.
- Evening stroll through Lyon’s charming streets.
Day 3 – Drive to Avignon (2 hrs)
- Grab brunch at Shawerman, a delicious neighborhood spot for a quick to-go meal before hitting the road.
- Stop en route at Théâtre Antique d’Orange, a UNESCO World Heritage Roman theater. This exceptionally well-preserved Roman theater stands as a testament to grandeur and historical significance.
- Explore the town’s Christmas market (seasonal) before continuing to Avignon.
- Check into your Airbnb in the old town and wander the medieval streets.
- Dinner at Mamma Corsica, a local restaurant favored by locals for its authentic cuisine.
Day 4 – Avignon & Arles
- Visit Palais des Papes, one of the largest Gothic buildings in the world and a UNESCO site.
- Head to Jardin des Doms for views of the Pont d’Avignon.
- Lunch at Hiely Lucullus, a Michelin-recognized restaurant blending Provençal and Peruvian flavors.
- Take the short train to Arles (instead of driving). Visit the Roman amphitheater and Cathédrale Saint-Trophime, both UNESCO sites.
- Explore spots that inspired Van Gogh before taking the evening train back to Avignon.
Day 5 – Drive to Aix-en-Provence (with stops in Roussillon)
- Depart Avignon for Aix-en-Provence, with a stop at Domaine de Tara vineyard for an impromptu wine tasting.
- Continue to Roussillon, one of France’s most beautiful villages, known for its ochre-hued houses.
- Arrive in Aix-en-Provence by evening and check into your Airbnb.
- Dinner at Tita, an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant—rated 10/10 for food and service.
Day 6 – Explore Aix-en-Provence (New Year’s Eve)
- Visit local markets and enjoy lunch at Chez Matias for empanadas.
- Spend the afternoon exploring Aix’s historic churches and winding streets.
- Prepare a cozy charcuterie and raclette dinner at your Airbnb with local cheese, bread, and meats.
- Toast to the new year with family and a movie night.
Day 7 – Drive to the Côte d’Azur (Cannes, Antibes & Cagnes-sur-Mer)
- Begin your drive toward the Riviera, first stopping in Cannes to explore Film Festival landmarks.
- Lunch at Mumbai Café for a comforting Indian meal.
- Continue to Antibes, exploring the ramparts and the old town.
- End the day with a breathtaking sunset over the sea.
- Check into your Airbnb in Cagnes-sur-Mer and enjoy a relaxing evening with takeout.
Day 8 – Explore Èze & Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab before heading to Èze.
- Wander Èze’s cobblestone streets and visit Jardin Exotique for panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
- Enjoy lunch at a local bistro before heading to Villefranche-sur-Mer to explore its colorful waterfront.
- Return to your Airbnb for a quiet night in with takeout and a movie.
Day 9 – Day Trip to Monaco (and Menton)
- Drive to Monaco and stroll past the casinos and luxury boutiques.
- Lunch at Izakaya Cozza.
- Make an impromptu detour to Menton, known for its pastel architecture.
- Dinner at Crêperie Fleur de Sel, a hidden gem serving outstanding galettes.
- Return home for your final night on the Riviera.
Day 10 – Drive to Lyon via Saint-Paul-de-Vence & Grasse
- Visit Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a hilltop artists’ village with cobblestone streets and art galleries.
- Stop in Grasse, the perfume capital of France, to tour local perfumeries.
- Stay overnight at a halfway point en route to Lyon.
Day 11 – Return to Lyon
- Arrive in Lyon and check into Pullman Hotel.
- Spend the afternoon shopping in the nearby mall.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at La Pampa, the hotel’s elegant restaurant.
- Stay overnight in Lyon before flying home the next morning.
