France has always been the center of culinary envy, known worldwide for its signature cuisine consisting of traditional techniques, ancestral secrets, and home-cooked comfort dictated by high-quality standards. From morning pastries to afternoon macrons, farm-fresh cheeses to wine, cider, and olive oil, and fresh food markets offering the freshest produce to unique dishes like snails and frog legs, you can truly enjoy it all in France.
Provence's claim to fame might be its rolling lavender fields, but there's a lot more to enjoy in this region of France. It's a gastronomically rich area filled with vineyards, olive groves, and agricultural land, so tasting or preparing its Provençal cuisine is a must. You can also enjoy wine tastings and exploring historic villages like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and other hamlets dotting the hills.
The historic town of Avignon sits on the left bank of the famous Rhône River, its claim to fame being the incredible Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace ever built. Explore the city by walking or cycling among grand 14th-century monuments while surrounded by unique history. Then take advantage of Avignon's surrounding countryside and discover the heart of Provence, from lavender fields and vineyards to the region's signature cuisine.
This quick five-day getaway reveals the culture and flavors of Aix-en-Provence, the historic capital of the Provence region of southeastern France. You'll discover the secrets of "Aix" with a guided stroll through its ancient thoroughfares, sample regional gastronomic specialties, plus take a local cooking class. You'll even enjoy a bonus cooking class in a nearby village in the Alpilles Mountains.
This exciting, yet easy-going itinerary is the perfect introduction to France—especially for groups and families (ages 10 and up). Over the course of two weeks, you'll spend quality time in Paris, the Loire Valley, Provence, and the French Riviera with a fun mix of educational tours led by local guides and free time to explore on your own.
Perhaps no other region encompasses France's exceptional beauty better than Provence. During this five-day self-drive itinerary, you'll experience the highlights with stops in emblematic cities such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence, as well as traditional villages in the scenic countryside. Finish the adventure in medieval Avignon and a wine tasting in nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Most travelers will find that 5 to 10 days is perfect for a well-paced France trip with stops in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Paris or Bonnieux. Get inspired with the following Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and Marseille trip ideas below.
Take your family on a fun-filled and educational tour of France with this 14-day adventure. Start in Paris, the City of Lights, where you'll climb the Eiffel Tower and explore the history of the French Revolution. Then, it's off to Aix-en-Provence for walks through markets and a private boat tour into Calanques National Park. Learn about ancient Roman times in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, play on the beaches of Saint-Tropez, and rent roller skates on the lively avenue of Nice's Promenade des Anglais.
The southern French region of Provence is an ideal destination for an active-yet-relaxed family trip. All ages will enjoy the combination of good food (including cooking classes), ancient and medieval history and culture, and fun outdoor activities like biking and boating. Starting in the millennia-old city of Marseilles and ending in gorgeous Aix-en-Provence, you'll visit many picturesque villages and natural areas en route for a taster (quite literally) of the south of France.
As one of France's first wine regions, Provence has been making wine for more than 2,000 years. Taste the fruits of all that historic expertise and more on this 15-day road trip. You'll stay in six different cities in the region, exploring everything from soapmaking to Sauternes, and modern museums to Roman ruins, as you take in all that Provence has to offer.
Eat and drink your way from Paris to the Mediterranean coast on this three-week, self-drive adventure. Start in Paris with wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting, move on to Annecy for lakeside cycling and fondue, then continue to the Alps to summit glacial peaks and soak in hot tubs. After touring the gastronomic capital of Lyon, Provence's "easy life" beckons before winding down with sailing and beach time along the stunning coastlines of Marseille, Le Lavandou, and Nice.
Hit all the essential sites and explore some lesser-known gems on this epic, three-week loop tour around France. Start in Paris for art, cuisine, and shopping. Eat your way through Lyon before wine tasting in Beaujolais and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Discover mountains and history among the olive groves of Provence, enjoy the sun-soaked coastal cities of Marseille and Nice, then return inland for more wine and gastronomy in Bordeaux.
Discover all the things that fairy tales are made of on this comprehensive, three-week tour of France. Start in Normandy, where you'll explore the rugged coastline and massive fortresses. Head to the Loire Valley for lavish châteaux, gardens, and vineyards, then turn south into the Dordogne and discover its unusual natural scenery. Continue to Lyon and immerse yourself in its "foodie" culture before embarking on a wine-tasting extravaganza between Châteauneuf and Burgundy.
French cuisine and countryside are the star attractions on this three-week, self-drive itinerary. Setting out from Paris, you'll embark on a gastronomic odyssey as you wind your way south towards the Riviera. Take a culinary walking tour of Lyon, stroll the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Beaujolais, cycle to the hilltop villages of the Luberon, and learn to cook Provençal favorites in Aix-en-Provence. After some downtime on the beaches of Saint-Tropez, your journey ends in Nice, where you'll explore its bustling markets and take a day trip to nearby Monaco.
