Famed for its warm weather and beautiful Mediterranean influence, the south of France has made its way on to many travel bucket lists over the years. As you move from coast to coast you’ll see the architecture, scenery, and culture change, and the different offerings of each city and town leave an abundance of exploration before you.
With so much to see and do in the south of France, planning a trip can be a little daunting. Luckily, I’ve done the hard part for you, and made this 7 day south of France itinerary. Starting in Toulouse in the west and making your way along the Mediterranean coast, you’ll see cities such as Marseille and Nice, and dive deep into everything this part of France has to offer. I’ve got everything included – a plan for each day, and recommendations for where to eat, drink, and stay. Really, all you have to do is book flights!
This post may contain affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Read more in my disclaimer.
7 Day South of France Itinerary Breakdown
Toulouse 2 Days/ 1 Night
Montpellier 1 Day/ 2 Nights
Marseille 1 Day
Nice 2 Days / 4 Nights
Monaco 1 Day
About the 7 Day South of France Itinerary
- Although completely achievable in seven days, this is a very fast-paced itinerary, based on seeing as much of the south of France as possible in a week. If you’d prefer a more relaxed trip, you can customise this itinerary to suit your needs, either by extending the time of the trip or by skipping some destinations to spend longer in others.
- Alternatively, if you want to see even more of the south of France, there are many more destinations that you can add to this itinerary. I recommend: Carcassone, Avignon, Saint Tropez and Menton. These smaller towns are great if you’re travelling in a car, but are a bit more complicated on public transport.
How to Plan Your Trip
With any big trip, it pays to do some research beforehand to make sure you are prepared. Here are a few top tips that will help make your 7 day South of France itinerary as seamless as possible.
Getting to the South of France
The easiest way to get to Toulouse to start your week in the south of France, and particularly when coming from elsewhere in Europe, is by flying into Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. The airport is well connected with European destinations, including London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, and Paris.
To find the best option, I recommend using Skyscanner, as you can search around for different flights.
You’ll finish up the trip in Nice, which has a well-connected airport for destinations across Europe.
How to Get Around
All of the cities in this south of France itinerary are accessible by public transport – and they’ve been tried and tested as I did this exact route without a car. France’s train network, SNCF, is efficient, quick, and fairly cheap. You can expect to pay between €15 and €30 for each journey, and if you’re keeping an eye on your budget, it’s worth looking online beforehand to see what times the cheapest tickets are available.
The other option for getting around for this 7 day South of France itinerary is with a car. This is certainly easier as it’s a bit quicker and faces no constraints in terms of train times, etc., but make sure you research parking options and routes beforehand.
When to Visit the South of France
The south of France is known for its beautiful summer weather, so visiting during the summer months would seem to be the best option. This will be a great choice if your top priority is the weather.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the summer months (June-August) are high season in the south of France so you can expect it to be crowded and expensive.
With this in mind, I think the best time to visit the South of France is in the spring shoulder season (April-June). You can still see temperatures in the high teens and low twenties, but with fewer people around! Sometimes the slightly lower temperatures can even be a good thing when you want to get out and explore. The autumn shoulder season (August-October) would also be a good choice.
South of France Tips
- Check all opening hours in advance. Many establishments and attractions are closed on Sundays, and often Mondays as well. With limited time at each destination, you’ll want to plan carefully to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. It’s also common for restaurants to close in the afternoon, so don’t get caught hungry and check these beforehand as well.
- Dragging a week’s worth of luggage around gets irritating and tiring quickly, so on days when you’ll leave your destination in the evening, I recommend making plans to store your bags. Often your hotel will let you store your bags after you check out, and you can also check out nannybag.
Toulouse (2 Days)
The first city you’ll visit in this south of France itinerary is Toulouse. It’s found in the southwest of France, in the Occitanie region, and is known as La Ville Rose, thanks to the terracotta brick that has been used to build a majority of the city’s buildings since Roman times. Aside from an abundance of pink, Toulouse offers a laidback, artsy vibe, and interesting attractions.
Toulouse Itinerary: Day 1
On your first morning in Toulouse, head towards Pont Neuf and grab breakfast at Café Cerise. After breakfast, you’re going to take a little walking tour to get to know the city of Toulouse. You can either book a guided walking tour (or a bus tour if you’d like to save your legs!), or follow my recommendations for a self-guided walking tour. The best place to start is Capitole, Toulouse’s main city square. Here you’ll see the city hall, a fine example of Toulouse’s red brick buildings that earned its nickname, and you’ll have the chance to take in the atmosphere of this exciting city.
After Capitole, wander through the streets towards the Couvent des Jacobins. This is an old Roman-Catholic church that dates back to the 13th century and, like most churches across France and Europe, has an interesting history. Wind up your walking tour at Pont Neuf, the oldest bridge to cross Toulouse’s Garonne River.
If the weather permits, take some time to relax along the river. A few good spots are Prarie des Filtres, Port de la Daurade, or Place Saint-Pierre. You’ll also want to grab some lunch – there are several cafés around Place Saint-Pierre, and you can also try Café des Artistes or Le Café de Toulouse.
For the afternoon, explore Toulouse’s canals – by foot, boat, or both! The main canal is Canal du Midi, which loops around the outside of the city, and there’s a smaller Canal de Brienne that runs alongside the Garonne river from Pont Saint-Pierre. Take some time to wander along the canals, or book a boat tour from Bateaux Toulousains. The boat tour is a great option if you want to see as much of the canal and the significant surrounding buildings as possible. If you opt to walk, grab a pastry from Le Montagu along the way to keep you going.
To wind up your first day in Toulouse, try some traditional Toulousain cuisine for dinner – I recommend cassoulet. Two great options are La Cave au Cassoulet (please note: temporarily closed, check before visiting) or Le Colombier.
Toulouse Itinerary: Day 2
After a great night’s sleep, fuel up for day two in Toulouse with some traditional French pastries for breakfast. One of the best things about France is you’ll truly struggle to find a bad pastry – walk into any bakery and you’ll find delicious treats.
Spend a relaxing morning in the peaceful Pierre Baudis Japanese Gardens. It makes for a lovely walk and is one of the best free things to do in Toulouse. After, visit another of Toulouse’s churches, the Romanesque-style Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse which dates back to the 11th century.
The famous Victor Hugo market is both an attraction, and a great place to get lunch. Browse an incredible range of local produce downstairs, and then head to the upstairs restaurants to taste it all.
For the afternoon, choose one of Toulouse’s great museums to visit. Cité de l’espace is a museum celebrating Toulouse’s leading aerospace industry, with modern and interactive exhibits and full-scale spacecraft models. Halle de la Machine is a truly unique space where you can see huge machinery sculptures on display. Both museums are a little far out of the city (although still easily reached by bus route 23), so if you don’t want to venture too far out, the Toulouse Museum, a natural history museum, is a great space to visit.
The last thing to do in Toulouse before heading on to the next destination in the 7 day south of France itinerary is to get dinner. You could head back to one of the traditional restaurants recommended in day one of the trip, or try somewhere new, like Le Wallace, or the beautiful Le Bibent.
Where to Stay in Toulouse
Hostel (budget): La Petite Auberge de Saint-Sernin
Hotel: Citadines Wilson Toulouse
Dive deeper into your Toulouse visit with the Complete Toulouse Travel Guide!
Montpellier (1 Day)
Heading down towards the coast from Toulouse, we stumble upon the adorably chic Montpellier, home to winding streets, bourgeois buildings, and plenty of good wine. Montpellier is a small city, so one day here is enough, but you’ll love soaking up all the atmosphere, as well as the Mediterranean sun!
One Day in Montpellier Itinerary
You only have one day in Montpellier, so it’s going to be busy. Start with a great breakfast – either pastries from Des Rêves et du Pain, or Bonobo if you’d like a sit-down breakfast/brunch.
These breakfast spots are both conveniently next to the first stop of the day. Montpellier’s Promenade du Peyrou is a large esplanade, with the city’s Arc de Triomphe, a water fountain, views over the city, and an impressive 18th-century viaduct. It’s the perfect place to take in the surroundings of this new city, and get to know Montpellier a little.
After exploring the Promenade du Peyrou, head down to the Montpellier Cathedral to take in the dominating Roman-Catholic architecture, and then take a nice stroll through the botanic gardens nearby.
The most beautiful area of Montpellier is the winding streets of the old town, so start wandering down here, making sure to stop at the Notre Dames des Tables Basilica, a beautiful Baroque-style church that’s right in the middle of the old town, and might be missed if you weren’t looking up to see it. You’ll soon find yourself emerging from the old town at Place de la Comédie, Montpellier’s main square. This area is as full of life as it is history, named after the Opera theatre that sits proudly on the south-eastern side of the square and is surrounded by fantastic bourgeois buildings that give a Parisian air to the Mediterranean city.
Enjoying the bustling atmosphere of Place de la Comédie is sure to work up an appetite, so head back into the old town and get some lunch at Ma Premiere Cantine.
There are a few options for a culture-packed afternoon in Montpellier. If you want to stay in the city, opt for visiting a museum such as Musée Fabre, La Panacée, or the Pavillon Populaire (the latter is a great option for free things to do in Montpellier). However, if you’re up for a bit more adventure, Montpellier has some wonderful wine estates on the outskirts of the city. This wine tour will take you to Château de Flaugergues and Château Puech-Haut. It is possible to book tickets to these wine estates individually, but I recommend booking a tour, as it will ensure a much more carefree experience.
Back in Montpellier, it’s dinner time, so head to a restaurant in the old town – I recommend Angus et Bacchus or Chupinazo. There are countless bars around the area with seats that spill into the streets, perfect for a few drinks to round off the day in Montpellier.
Where to Stay in Montpellier
Budget Hotel: Hotel Colisee
Mid-Price Hotel: Grand Hotel du Midi Montpellier
Marseille (1 Day)
Time for the third stop on the 7 day South of France itinerary – we reach Marseille and get our first proper look at the Mediterranean sea… and don’t worry, it won’t be the last on this trip. As France’s second-largest city (behind Paris, of course), Marseille has an abundance of things to see and do, with interesting museums, historic spots, and spectacular views.
One Day in Marseille Itinerary
After a morning journey to Marseille, pop into Deïa Coffee & Kitchen for a delicious and filling breakfast. This is the perfect way to fuel up for a mini walking tour of Marseille’s port and the surrounding area. Start at the beautiful Cathédrale La Major. It’s an example of neo-Byzantine architecture, which is rare in France. Then head on to the famous Vieux Port, taking in the beautiful boats and sparkling waters. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch the morning fish market, and there’s a cool mirrored optical illusion here as well, called L’Ombrière de Norman Foster. Heading on from the port, you’ll pass the medieval Saint-Victor Abbey, as well as the Saint-Nicolas Fort, which offers great views down over Marseille.
Finally, you’ll find up at Plage des Catalans, where you can relax, and grab some lunch at one of the nearby spots. I recommend Les Akolytes.
Spend the afternoon in one or two of the great museums Marseille has to offer. My top picks are the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean (MUCEM) and the Marseille History Museum (where you can see archaeological remains of the ancient Marseille port). You could also opt for the Museum of the Roman Docks (please note: temporarily closed, check for updates before visiting) or the Marseille Soap Museum.
For something different for the afternoon, book a street art tour of Marseille and discover a new neighbourhood with the locals.
When it comes to dinnertime, head to Ciel Rooftop for some delicious Italian food, and stunning views over the city. Or, for a truly special experience, end the night with a sunset dinner cruise around the Marseille coast.
Top Tip: If you have time, pay a visit to Marseille’s Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica. It sits just outside the direct centre of the city, atop a hill (about 30 minutes walk from the Old Port).
(Half) Day Trips from Marseille
Although the itinerary above is the perfect way to spend one day in Marseille, you might opt to do something different during your stop here.
Just 30 minutes outside of Marseille is the Calanques National Park, a stunning coastal area known for its cliffs and bright blue waters. You can book a five-hour boat tour around the Calanques for this bucket list experience, with the chance to go swimming and snorkelling in the waters.
Another option, this tour of Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Cassis allows you to see Marseille, as well as some surrounding towns. Aix-en-Provence is a university city with Roman influence and a wonderfully laid-back vibe and Cassis is a simply beautiful coastal spot. This will certainly be a jam-packed day, but it’s perfect if you want to squeeze in as much of the south of France as possible during your trip.
Where to Stay in Marseille
When I was travelling around the south of France, I left Montpellier in the morning and left for Nice at night, meaning I didn’t stay over in Marseille. However, you may want to choose to stay over in Marseille, either by leaving Montpellier the night before or leaving for Nice the following morning. This would allow you to split up your travel time, and you may feel a little more rested.
Hostel (budget): The People Hostel
Hotel: NH Collection Marseille
Nice (2 Days)
Time to slow things down a little with a few days in Nice. This city, aptly nicknamed Nice the Beautiful, is a convenient hub to explore the French Riviera, and isn’t lacking in any of its own wonder. Some might overlook Nice in favour of the luxurious Cannes or Saint Tropez, but it is well worth a visit for its beautiful old town, views, and cultural history. You’ll spend the most amount of time on the 7 day South of France itinerary in Nice, with two full days here, and as many as 4 nights, as you’ll head out for a Monaco day trip after exploring Nice.
Nice Itinerary: Day 1
As usual, fuel up for the day with a nice breakfast/brunch. In Nice, pop to The Healer, La Femme du Boulanger, or Déli Bo. Then, get acquainted with the city by wandering around for the morning. You can either book a walking tour, to have a guided experience with insight from a local, or take yourself around Lympia Port, Castle Hill, along the Promenade des Anglais, and to Place Masséna.
Lunch is best enjoyed at the water, perhaps at the Blue Beach Restaurant and Bar, as you’ll spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. Nice’s beaches are stone rather than sand, so unless you can source a sunbed, it’s a smart idea to pay for entry to a beach club, such as the Blue Beach (mentioned above), or Cocoon Beach. It can be a little expensive, but hey, when you’re on the French Riviera you might as well enjoy a little bit of luxury!
Top Tip: While you’re relaxing on the beach, enjoy a bit of plane spotting! Planes flying into Nice Airport often fly over the water in perfect view, and it can be fun to watch them go by.
Head to the wonderful crêpe restaurant Pôp-ô-Thym for dinner. They have a great menu with a set dinner of savoury (main) crêpe, sweet crêpe for dessert, and drinks. Then get your first taste of the old town with a few drinks at one of the many bars on the winding streets.
Nice Itinerary: Day 2
For your second breakfast in Nice, head to another of the recommended spots from day 1 or grab some pastries from a bakery. You’ll start the day in a similar fashion, with another mini walking tour, this time through the old town.
Start at Nice’s Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Basilica, before passing the unique Tête Carrée library, and starting to get lost in the narrow streets of the old town. Here, make sure you pass by Nice Cathedral and then spend some time at the Saleya Flower Market by the water.
Refresh with a traditional Provençal fougasse from J. Multari, and then an ice cream from Fennochio. After lunch, head to a museum. I recommend either the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (MAMAC), which also boasts a rooftop with panoramic views over Nice, or Villa Masséna Musée, a mansion museum showcasing the best and most luxurious artefacts of French Riveria history.
Then, enjoy the waters of the Mediterranean with a boat cruise. Head out on either an afternoon boat trip or wait until the evening for a sunset tour, where you have the opportunity to go swimming!
For a taste of traditional, local food, try La Merenda or Oliviera for dinner. Then, if you’re feeling fancy, head to the Negresco bar, housed inside the 5-star hotel of the same name. The Negresco is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, and the interior is simply exceptional. Be warned, drinks here are expensive, and it’s definitely about the experience of visiting.
Where to Stay in Nice
Hostel (budget): Villa Saint Exupery Beach
Mid-Price Hotel (with pool!): Aparthotel Adagio
Luxury Hotel: Hotel Suisse
Read Next: How to Spend a Weekend in Nice, France
Discover more things to do in Nice
Monaco (1 Day)
Although this is a 7 day south of France itinerary, you’ll actually be heading to another country for the final day, to finish the trip with a bang.
Monaco is a sovereign state between France and Italy, with some impressive stats. It’s the second-smallest country in the world, only trailing behind the Vatican City in Italy, and the most densely populated. Monaco’s wealth is its true attraction, offering the chance to see how the luxurious live, with expensive yachts, lavish houses, and designer stores. Spend the day here soaking it all up, with the glorious Mediterranean sea as a backdrop.
In this itinerary, your time in Monaco is slightly less structured, as a lot of your day depends completely on your budget – it’s possible to visit Monaco and spend very little money, but you could also splash out and make it a special occasion. Instead of a plan for the day, I’ve simply suggested some top attractions and experiences in Monaco.
What to Do in Monaco
There are many different ways to spend your day in Monaco, with beautiful things to see, and loads of special experiences to make memories in this unique place.
When exploring Monaco, here are the must-see spots:
- The Prince’s Palace and the Old Town
- Fort Antoine Theatre
- Monte Carlo Casino
- Port de Fontvieille (the best views are from above!)
- Port Hercule
There is so much more to see in Monaco after the main sights, and you might also be interested in:
- Monaco Oceanographic Museum
- Princess Grace Japanese Gardens
- The Fairmont Hairpin Bend (a famous spot in the Monaco Grand Prix)
- The Dog’s Head Viewpoint (back over the French border and only really accessible by car, but simply stunning views over the whole of Monaco)
Travelling the South of France on a budget? Check out 11 Free Things to Do in Monaco for some more inspiration!
Monaco is a really small country so it’s easily walkable. However, you can book a hop-on hop-off bus pass to make it even easier to get around during your day trip to Monaco.
Experiences in Monaco
If you’re looking for something extra for your day in Monaco, there are a couple of options.
Firstly, why not book a driving tour to experience the winding coastal roads of the Riviera. You could go for a custom tour in a vintage car, or a Ferrari driving experience around Monaco.
If you want to see more than just Monaco, there are plenty of tours that take you around the beautiful towns along the Mediterranean coast. This allows an amazing opportunity to not only learn about Monaco from guided experts, but also many other spots as well.
Where to Stay in Monaco
Accommodation in Monaco is not cheap, so heading back to Nice after your day trip to Monaco is the best option for your purse strings, even if you aren’t travelling on a tight budget.
However, here are a few luxury hotels options in case you decide to splash out. If you have the budget, a stay in any of these hotels would be a truly beautiful experience.
Hotel Hermitage | Fairmont Monte Carlo | Hotel Columbus
After a week of busy travel, the 7 day South of France itinerary is complete! Now all that’s left to do is make your way home out of Nice, with timeless memories in tow. Travelling the south of France was one of the best weeks of my life, and with this carefully curated itinerary I’m making sure that you’ll love it as much as I did.
If you’re not ready to end your trip here, why not just keep travelling? You could head north to the capital and follow this perfect 3-Day Paris Itinerary, or embrace mountain lake life with the Best Things to Do in Annecy, France. After my trip along the south of France I actually headed to Barcelona, so why not follow in my footsteps and check out the Ultimate Barcelona Travel Guide.
Leave a Reply