Many people are familiar with Paris, Normandy, and Versailles, but the South of France is a paradise for foodies, wine-lovers, history buffs, and anyone who loves sunshine. The region stretches from the Spanish border to the Italian coast and offers a spectrum of cultural and culinary experiences. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel in luxury from Marseilles to the French Riviera with Titanium Tours, experiencing an intimate look at some of France’s most captivating regions. Here’s a peek into this unforgettable journey and why the South of France should be firmly on your travel radar.
A Foodie and History Lover’s Paradise
The South of France is more than just picturesque lavender fields and sun-kissed beaches. Known primarily for its rosés, Provence has blossomed into a world-class wine region featuring exceptional reds, whites, and sparkling vintages. Imagine sipping exquisite wines at vineyards like Château Peyrassol or Château La Nerthe while soaking in the rolling vineyard landscapes—a true adventure for any wine enthusiast.
Dining here is equally thrilling, with Michelin-starred restaurants, friendly provincial bistros, and Bib Gourmand gems scattered across cultural hubs like Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.
Did you know that Avignon once served as the center of the Catholic world? For over a century, starting in the 14th century, this stunning city was home to the Popes themselves. Exploring the Pope’s Palace with a private guide brought centuries of history vividly to life, a must-see for any history buff.
Getting There: Easy Access via Air and Rail
The South of France welcomes visitors primarily through the Marseilles and Nice airports. My journey featured a smooth connecting flight through Amsterdam on KLM, where even economy class felt surprisingly comfortable, with good food and service.
For those wanting to explore like a local, France’s extensive TGV high-speed rail network offers speedy and affordable connections between Paris, Avignon, Monaco, and beyond. With Titanium Tours, we enjoyed luxurious private transfers, making travel stress-free.
Luxury Stays that Feel Like Home
The accommodations on this tour were quite simply some of the best 5-star+ hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Each hotel on this trip was a story unto itself.
- Hotel La Mirande, Avignon — Once an archbishop’s palace, this property exudes rococo elegance mere steps from the Pope’s Palace in the walled-medieval portion of the city. The marble tubs, vintage wall coverings, and warm service made it an oasis of comfort. Just opulent. Breakfast was included and delicious, with a fresh spread and a chef on hand to make eggs or omelets.
- Les Lodges Sainte Victoire, Aix-en-Provence — Perched above the city with breathtaking views of the mountain that inspired the painter Cézanne, this hotel offers a modern blend of steel, glass, and wood. All rooms featured patios or decks, with lots of natural light — a perfect wellness haven for relaxation. We dined at one of the hotel’s restaurants and were impressed with the creative takes on French countryside classics. The pigeon lasagna was a unique treat.
- Royal Riviera Hotel, St. Jean Cap Ferrat — This seaside retreat transported me to a Grace Kelly-era idyll. With chic bars, Michelin-starred dining (seasonally available with locally sourced ingredients from within 40km), and the ever-attentive concierge Fabian, every detail felt carefully curated for sheer indulgence.
Getting Around: Walk, Train, or Drive
Traveling through quaint villages and vibrant cities is a delightful experience. While the countryside is easy to navigate by car, many towns encourage walking due to limited car access in medieval quarters. Avignon, for example, restricts vehicles within its old city walls, inviting visitors to explore the cobblestone streets on foot
The French Riviera’s dramatic cliffside villages charm but do require some agility, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern. Public transportation and private transfers ease travel between spots.
Must-Do Experiences
While the wine tours were a clear highlight, the trip included several unique and immersive stops:
- Visiting a truffle farmer, who shared the deep culinary and cultural importance of this regional delicacy.
- A hands-on perfume-making class at Molinard Perfumerie, offering a surprisingly engaging dive into haute fragrance.
- Exploring the Pope’s Palace in Avignon and the lively markets of Aix, filled with local stories and flavors.
Pro tip: I would recommend guided tours whenever possible. They enrich your experience, especially if your French isn’t fluent.
Where to Eat: Local Flavor, No Fuss
French cuisine in general is known for its exacting standards, plenty of butter, haute cuisine, and — let’s be honest — a bit of snootiness. But in practice, the cuisine of the South is much more relaxed and accessible. While there are certainly star-rated spots, most of the restaurants we dined at were comfortable and unpretentious, with thoughtfully crafted menus that changed frequently and leaned heavily on local, seasonal ingredients.
Dining highlights:
- Grilled Octopus at Ambrosia del Mar in Beaulieu
- Carrot Soup at Le Goût du Jour in Avignon
- Fresh market bites at La Pissaladière in Nice
Notable restaurant stops:
- Le Goût du Jour (Avignon)
- Bibbendum (Avignon)
- La Villa Gallici (Aix-en-Provence)
- Ambrosia del Mar (Beaulieu)
Embracing Local Culture
One of the most rewarding cultural gems was a market and cooking class with chef Rosa Jackson in Nice.
Rosa, a former TimeOut Paris editor and author of Nicoise, took us through the market she knows intimately, introduced us to her favorite vendors, and guided us through a hands-on meal in her studio kitchen.
This behind-the-scenes look into Mediterranean flavors and traditions made the trip more than sightseeing — it became a genuine cultural exchange.
My best advice for inserting yourself into the local culture is the same I give all my travelers to Europe; learn a few phrases, always be polite and say hello and goodbye, and try to put yourself in small groups with local guides. The rewards are immeasurable.
Travel Tips
Pack light, bring layers, and expect plenty of sunshine—300 days a year in Nice, to be exact. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. The French, especially outside Paris, warm up to polite, friendly visitors who try a tad of their language and customs.
Why You’ll Love It
Titanium Tours delivered a seamless blend of luxury and local authenticity, making me feel less like a tourist and more like part of an extended family. I wouldn’t hesitate to return. In fact, I loved the people, sunshine, history and food so much… I could happily retire there.
If you’re craving a trip filled with rich history, unforgettable meals, and radiant sun, let’s start crafting your custom South of France itinerary today — because with Next Travel, your next trip will be nothing short of seamless and extraordinary.
