Provence is the perfect destination for a road trip. Its beauty, character and stunning weather has been bewitching tourists for centuries. The region is diverse though. It is home to everything from a sizzling coastline and lively coastal cities to whisper quiet villages and fragrant lavender fields. This can make it hard to plan a route that covers everything you want to see. While it is tempting to embark on an endless tour of Provence, here at Economy Car Hire, we have come up with an itinerary that ticks all of the boxes!
Nimes to Avignon (45 Mins)
Pick up a car in Nimes and make your way to your first stop- Avignon.
This graceful city is a treasure trove of magnificent art and architecture. It quite literally oozes that classic French romance. Ringed by remarkably well preserved 800 year old fortress walls, Avignon is a place rich in history and culture. The Old Town is a warren of cobbled streets and lantern lit passageways. Navigate your way through the maze of charming streets and discover hidden squares characterised by sprawling pavement cafés.
Top 3 things to do in Avignon:
- The Palis des Papes– A UNESCO world heritage site and a architectural Marvel! Tour the grounds and the original papal apartments. Experience the corrupt splendour, luxury and sumptuous indulgence religious officials enjoyed during the medieval period.
- Rocher des Doms– This lush park offers an idyllic refuge for those seeking to escape the heat of the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake and enjoy views of the city and surrounding countryside from the peak of a small crag. You can also access the notorious Pont d’Avignon from here!
- La Cour du Louvre– For those seeking authentic French cuisine, this hidden gem is guaranteed to hit the spot. Book a table in the courtyard strewn with soft glowing fairy lights. Tuck in to a menu rich with traditional French dishes prepared with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Bon apetit!
Avignon to Aix-en-Provence (1 Hour)
Aix-En-Provence is just an hour’s drive from Avignon.
Super chic Aix-en-Provence is all class. Here you’ll find leafy boulevards lined with 17th century mansions and cobbled public squares complete with sparkling fountains. A thriving cultural centre, everyone from poets and artists to high flying lawyers rub elbows in this gilt edged city.
Top 3 things to do in Aix-en-Provence:
- Cours Mirabeau– Stroll down this street and you will have captured the essence of Aix-en-Provence in one fell swoop. Canopied by lush trees, flanked by regal buildings, this grand old street is chic but cheerful. Stop for a coffee at one of the pavement cafés and sample the wares of the street market vendors.
- Le Grande Marche– The largest market in Provence Le Grande Marche is an explosion of sounds, scents and colour! On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays market stalls flood the city’s streets and squares. Besides fresh food and sweet treats you will also find, vintage flea markets, and flower stalls.
- La Chimere Café– Embrace the glamor of Aix-en-Provence at La Chimere Café. This former nightclub is just as shimmery as its name suggests. Star spangled vaulted ceilings, grand chandeliers and miles of rich crimson velvet characterise this opulent restaurant. Throw on your glad rags and make a night of it.
Aix-En- Provence to Cote d’Azur (1 Hour 30 Mins)
The Cote d’Azur is renowned for the glamour of its cities, the remarkable beauty of its countryside and the stunningly blue sea it is named after. It has been captivating visitors for centuries. Whether you’re looking to uncover its true Mediterranean magic or simply want to throw yourselves into the glitzy social whirl, the Cote d’Azur is always a treat.
- St Tropez: This Jet-set destination may appear all glitz and glam, but behind the shimmering façade is a simple old fishing town of mesmerising beauty. Feast on fresh seafood platters in the old fishing quarter La Ponche. Wander from beach to beach along the coastal path.
- Cannes (1 hr 30 mins): Glamourous Cannes is all about luxuriating in a life of leisure. Lounge on the beaches, soak up the sun by the pool and sip posh coffees or fine wine in the trendy terrace cafes and bars.
- Nice (45 mins): A popular tourist destination since the 18th century, Nice has a glittering reputation as the ultimate holiday hotspot. Combining the advantages of a major city with the charm of a beach resort, it is home to superb culture and shopping as well as being a foodies paradise.
- Monaco (30 mins): This beguiling city may be small but it certainly packs a punch. Visit Monaco’s central district Monte-Carlo and try your luck in the glamorously notorious casino. Explore the Jardin Exotique where you’ll find an explosion of exotic flora and lush gardens tumbling down the slopes of Monghetti through a maze of paths, stairways and bridges.
Monaco to Alpes de Haute Provence (2 Hours 45 mins)
Once you have managed to bring yourself to leave the utopia of the French Riviera, make your way back in land to Alpes de Haute Provence. Navigate your way along the swooping rural roads as they carry you up into the alps. Soak up the panoramic views across the Mediterranean sea and dramatic vistas that are stretched across the peaks of the alps. Built on remarkable natural heritage, the Alpes de Haute Provence offers a variety of activities that make the most of its stunning landscape.
Top 3 things to do in Alpes de Haute Provence:
- Lavender Fields– The Alpes de Haute Provence landscape is marked by the undulating plateaus and magnificent horizons of the purple hued lavender fields. The valensole plateau is the most emblematic location and can be accessed by a pleasant bike ride along the Routes de la Lavende!
- Forcalquier– This medieval old town with its narrow streets is adorned with fountains and beautiful 12th and 15th century buildings. Visit the Romanesque cathedral and relax in the leafy shade of cobbled square with a coffee and a delicious pastry from the local patisserie.
- Lac du Lauzet on the Ubaye– For those looking to cool off after a few days hiking and biking through the valleys, why not take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Lac du Lauzet. This charming bathing lake is set in breath-taking surroundings at the foot of the mountain transporting you to secret piece of paradise.
From the Alpes de Haute Provence it is a 2 ½ hour drive back to Nimes.
Whether you are on a tight schedule or have time to spare, a road trip through Provence will be everything you dreamed a drive through the South of France could be. Travelling by car you will have the freedom to explore at will, not to mention immunity to French transport strikes. Whilst it’s always a good idea to have a route planned, you never know what hidden gems you may come across! A road trip offers you the chance to discover and visit unique unknown towns and villages, making your journey a truly personal trip. Something travelling by public transport cannot offer.
If you have already visited Provence and fancy something different, why not check out our suggestions for road trips in Spain? Make the trip from Barcelona to Gibraltar or explore the stunning region of Asturias!
Think we have missed something crucial on our road trip? Please let us know! Just leave a comment below with your suggestion.
