Have you ever dreamed of strolling through sun-soaked streets?
Picture yourself sipping wine in a charming café. The cities of the South of France offer exactly this kind of magic.
From glamorous coastal towns to historic hilltop villages, this region captivates every visitor. You’ll find crystal-clear waters, lavender fields, and ancient architecture. Each city tells its own story.
Whether you seek luxury in Cannes or authentic charm in Provence, there’s something for everyone. This guide covers all the must-visit destinations. We’ll help you plan the perfect Southern France getaway.
Ready to explore some of the most beautiful places in France? Let’s start this exciting tour together.
The French Riviera: Beaches and Coastal Towns
The French Riviera sparkles along the Mediterranean coast. Known as the Côte d’Azur, this stretch attracts millions yearly. These South of France cities blend luxury with natural beauty perfectly.
1. Nice
Image source: Wikipedia
The Heart of the Côte d’Azur
Nice serves as the perfect base for Riviera exploration. The famous Promenade des Anglais stretches for seven kilometers. Palm trees line this waterfront walkway.
Old Town (Vieux Nice) bursts with color and life. Narrow streets lead to local markets and bistros. Castle Hill offers panoramic views worth the climb.
2. Cannes
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The City of Film and Luxury
Cannes epitomizes French glamour year-round. La Croisette Boulevard showcases designer boutiques and grand hotels. Sandy beaches stretch alongside this famous promenade.
Le Suquet, the old town, provides authentic charm. Cobblestone streets wind up to a medieval castle. From here, views of the bay are spectacular.
3. Saint-Tropez
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A Famous Holiday Hotspot
Saint-Tropez maintains its fishing village charm despite fame. The old town features pastel-colored houses and quaint squares. The Citadelle fortress overlooks the entire bay.
Pampelonne Beach attracts sun-seekers and celebrities alike. Beach clubs and restaurants dot the coastline. The port fills with luxurious yachts during summer.
4. Menton
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The Pearl of France
Menton sits near the Italian border in peaceful splendor. This town boasts the warmest climate in France. Colorful buildings cascade down to the sea.
Gardens flourish in Menton’s subtropical microclimate. The famous Lemon Festival celebrates citrus abundance each February. Old Town streets reveal Baroque churches and Italian influences.
5. Villefranche-sur-Mer
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A Picturesque Fishing Village
Villefranche-sur-Mer charms visitors with authentic coastal beauty. The deep-water port shelters colorful fishing boats. Medieval houses line the waterfront in pastel hues.
The old town preserves its 14th-century character perfectly. Rue Obscure, a covered street, dates back centuries. Just minutes from Nice, this village offers a tranquil escape.
Inland Provence: History, Art, and Authentic Charm
Beyond the coast, Provence reveals its timeless soul. These South of France cities showcase centuries of history and culture. Lavender fields and vineyards surround ancient stone buildings.
6. Avignon
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A City of Popes and History
Avignon stands as a monument to medieval power. The massive Palais des Papes dominates the skyline. Seven successive popes called this palace home.
The famous Pont d’Avignon stretches partially across the Rhône. Only four arches remain of the original bridge. The city walls still encircle the historic center completely.
Summer brings the renowned theater festival to town. Streets fill with performers and art enthusiasts. Markets overflow with regional produce and local crafts.
7. Aix-en-Provence
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The Aristocratic Heart of Provence
Aix-en-Provence exudes sophistication at every corner. Tree-lined Cours Mirabeau forms the city’s grand boulevard. Fountains splash throughout this university town.
Paul Cézanne found inspiration in Aix’s light and landscapes. His studio remains preserved as a museum. Montagne Sainte-Victoire, his favorite subject, looms nearby.
Markets bring the city to life each morning. Fresh flowers, local cheese, and olive products fill stalls. Café culture thrives on sunny terraces year-round.
8. Arles
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Van Gogh’s City
Arles captivates with Roman monuments and artistic legacy. The ancient amphitheater still hosts events today. Roman theaters and baths dot the compact center.
Vincent van Gogh created 300 works here in fifteen months. Yellow house facades recall his famous paintings. The hospital courtyard garden recreates his peaceful sanctuary.
Traditional festivals celebrate Provençal culture throughout the year. Costume parades and bullfights draw enthusiastic crowds. Photography exhibitions showcase contemporary art alongside ancient stones.
9. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
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A Charming Town with Artistic Roots
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers quintessential Provençal charm. Tree-shaded boulevards replace ancient ramparts. Wednesday markets transform the center into bustling bazaars.
Roman ruins at Glanum reveal the town’s ancient past. Van Gogh spent a year at the nearby asylum. His room overlooks the gardens he painted repeatedly.
Boutique shops sell local olive oil and herbs. Restaurants serve traditional dishes on shaded terraces. This small town perfectly captures Provence’s relaxed lifestyle.
Picturesque Hillside Villages: Fairytale Getaways
Perched villages crown the hilltops of Southern France. These medieval gems offer breathtaking views and timeless charm. Stone houses seem to grow from the rocky cliffs themselves.
10. Gordes
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A Stunning Hilltop Village
Gordes rises dramatically from the Luberon valley floor. Stone buildings spiral around the castle at its peak. Every corner reveals another postcard-perfect view.
The village market brings local life each Tuesday morning. Lavender products and regional specialties fill vendor stalls. Narrow alleys lead to art galleries and craft shops.
Nearby Sénanque Abbey sits surrounded by lavender fields. The 12th-century monastery still houses Cistercian monks. Summer transforms the landscape into a purple paradise.
11. Èze
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A Medieval Village with Mediterranean Vistas
Èze clings to cliffs high above the sea. This eagle’s nest village offers spectacular coastal panoramas. The exotic garden crowns the summit with cacti and sculptures.
Medieval gates welcome visitors into car-free streets. Artisan workshops occupy ancient stone buildings. Each twist reveals new views of the azure Mediterranean.
The Nietzsche Path connects Èze to the seafront below. This steep trail follows the philosopher’s daily walks. The contrast between the mountain and the sea creates unforgettable memories.
12. Cassis
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A Beautiful Coastal Town
Cassis combines seaside charm with dramatic natural beauty. The small port buzzes with fishing boats and pleasure craft. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh catch daily.
Calanques National Park begins at the town’s edge. White limestone cliffs plunge into turquoise waters. Boat trips explore these spectacular fjord-like inlets.
Local vineyards produce crisp white wines perfect for seaside dining. The Wednesday and Friday markets showcase regional products. This authentic fishing village resists mass tourism successfully.
Major Cities Beyond Provence and the Riviera
The South extends beyond typical tourist destinations. These major South of France cities offer urban excitement and cultural depth. Each maintains its distinct character and regional identity.
13. Marseille
Image source: Britannica
France’s Oldest City
Marseille pulses with Mediterranean energy and diversity. The Old Port remains the city’s beating heart. Fishing boats bob beside luxury yachts in the harbor.
Le Panier, the oldest district, climbs the hillside in layers. Street art decorates narrow alleyways and hidden squares. The MuCEM museum showcases Mediterranean civilizations brilliantly.
Fresh seafood defines Marseille’s culinary scene completely. Bouillabaisse originated in these ancient port kitchens. Markets overflow with North African spices and Provençal herbs.
14. Toulouse
Image source: Expedia
The Pink City
Toulouse glows with distinctive rose-colored brick architecture. The Capitol Square anchors the historic center grandly. Students fill cafés along the Garonne River banks.
The aerospace industry gives Toulouse its modern identity. The Space City museum attracts technology enthusiasts worldwide. Yet medieval churches and mansions preserve historic charm.
Canal du Midi flows through the city peacefully. Tree-lined paths invite cycling and walking adventures. Violet candies and cassoulet represent local culinary traditions.
15. Montpellier
Image source: Wikipedia
A Dynamic and Youthful City
Montpellier blends medieval roots with contemporary vitality. The historic center preserves elegant mansions and squares. Modern tram lines connect neighborhoods efficiently.
University students create a vibrant cultural atmosphere. Music venues and theaters program events nightly. The Fabre Museum houses exceptional art collections.
Place de la Comédie serves as the city’s lively hub. Outdoor terraces spill onto the grand oval plaza. This southern city balances tradition with innovation perfectly.
Nature and Adventure: Exploring the Great Outdoors
Southern France offers more than charming cities and villages. Natural wonders provide endless outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. These protected areas showcase the region’s wild beauty.
16. Calanques National Park
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Limestone Cliffs and Turquoise Waters
Calanques National Park protects spectacular coastal wilderness. White limestone cliffs drop into crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Hidden beaches reward adventurous hikers.
Hiking trails wind through pine forests and rocky terrain. Each calanque reveals its own unique character. Swimming in these natural pools feels magical.
Kayaking offers a different perspective on the cliffs. Rock climbers test their skills on vertical walls. This park proves the most beautiful places in France include natural wonders.
17. Verdon Natural Regional Park
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Europe’s Deepest Canyon
Gorges du Verdon amazes with its dramatic landscapes. Emerald waters carved this canyon over millennia. Vertical cliffs rise 700 meters above the river.
Water sports enthusiasts find paradise here. Rafting, kayaking, and swimming fill summer days. Hiking trails offer spectacular viewpoints at every turn.
Lac de Sainte-Croix spreads below the gorge entrance. Electric boats explore the lower canyon safely. Small villages dot the rim with restaurants and accommodations.
The Bottom Line
Your Southern France experience awaits with endless possibilities. Spring brings lavender blooms and comfortable temperatures for exploring. Summer offers beach weather and festivals.
Consider renting a car for maximum flexibility between destinations. Mix coastal glamour with inland authenticity for balanced exploration. Spend mornings in local markets and afternoons relaxing.
Book accommodations early during peak season. Each destination deserves unhurried appreciation. Small villages require independent transportation for access.
Create a flexible itinerary allowing spontaneous discoveries. The most memorable moments often happen between planned stops. These South of France cities offer experiences for every traveler.
Which destination calls to you first? Start planning your southern French escape today and let us know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Prettiest City in the South of France?
Gordes tops many lists with its stone buildings spiraling around a hilltop castle. The village offers stunning Luberon valley views and perfectly preserved medieval architecture.
Which Is the Best Part of the South of France?
The French Riviera combines glamorous beaches, charming towns, and easy access. Nice serves as an ideal base for exploring both coastal gems and hilltop villages.
What Is the Best Town to Live in the South of France?
Aix-en-Provence offers year-round appeal with university culture, markets, and a central location. The city balances an authentic Provençal lifestyle with modern amenities and excellent transport connections.
What Beach Towns Are Near Nice, France?
Villefranche-sur-Mer sits just 10 minutes east, while Antibes lies 30 minutes west. Both offer sandy beaches, charming old towns, and easy train access from Nice.
