10 Gorgeous Cities in the South of France to Visit

There’s no region more beautiful than the South of France region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Comprised of the land in the southeast corner of France, this region has it all – sparkling shorelines, hilltop towns, and lavender countryside fields.

In the summer of 2016, I spent a month in this region, which, believe it or not, still wasn’t enough time to discover all the wonderful attractions in the area!

Cities to Visit in the South of France

If you’re interested in exploring the south of France, here are 10 amazing places you must visit! Whether you have just one week in France, or can explore for months, here is where I recommend going.

1. Nice

If you’re heading to the south of France, chances are you’ll start your journey in Nice, one of France’s largest metropolitan areas! It’s definitely one of the best cities to visit in France as a whole, and worth spending at least 1-2 days exploring the city.

Nice is located along the French Riviera, and its name comes from the Greek goddess of victory. In the late 18th century, aristocratic English families began to notice its immense natural beauty and spend their winters there. Thus the famous seaside walkway in Nice Promenade des Anglais was named after them!

Nice Plage in the South of France

2. Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is full of pastel-colored buildings and numerous fountains, for which it has become known for! It’s become the epicenter of summer in France travel.

Cathedral Saint Sauveur, Aix-en-Provence, Best of Provence

3. Avignon

Avignon is an old city with some stunning medieval Gothic architecture, like the Palais des Papes.

Palais des Papes Avignon DSC_0831

4. Menton

Menton is my favorite coastal town in the south of France. Seriously, just look at this view! Walk out along the rocky pier and you’ll see the layers of pastel-colored homes overlooking the Mediterranean bay. Menton is a smaller town that attracts fewer tourists than Nice, so you can usually find a nice spot on the amazing beach, too.

Basilique Saint Michel Menton, France, Best of Provence

5. Antibes

Antibes is a charming coastal French town that Picasso lived in for six months in the 1940s.

Antibes Plage de la Gravette, South of France Beaches

6. Arles

Filled with pastel-hued buildings and windows with colorful flower pots, Arles is a Provençal dream town! Seriously, walking through this small town I was constantly in awe by its charm. Be sure to visit the stunningly well-preserved Roman amphitheater as well as Place du Forum.

Arles France, Explore Provence

7. Cannes

Cannes is a lovely coastal French town known for its annual Cannes Film Festival which attracts international film stars and the film industry elite.

Miramar, Cannes, France

8. Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins is a quiet coastal French town known for its relaxing beach clubs and colorful beachside umbrellas.

Blue and white umbrellas on beach by Juan-Les-Pins, France

9. Grasse

Grasse is the only place on this list that I haven’t personally been, however, I thought I’d mention it as it’s the perfume capital of the world (and of course, I’m dying to go there!)

10. Monaco

Even though Monaco is technically not part of France, I’m still including it on this list as it’s physically located in the south of France and even included as a stop on the SNCF trains that run through France!

The south of France is also home to some of the best beaches in France, so be sure to visit at least one! Where are your favorite places in the South of France?


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5 Comments

  1. Villefranche-sur-mer (Villafranca) is the deepest water port in the western Mediterranean and the site where Italy’s Count Cavour signed an agreement with France’s Napoleon III to cede Savoia’s Nizza (Nice) to France in return for French help against the Austrians to regain Venice. The agreement angered Garibaldi, Nizza’s most famous favorite son, born in Nizza, when he learned about it.

  2. Grasse is a very nice town in Provence. I Stayed there for 2 weeks some years ago. Cannes is not to far away from Grasse.

  3. Hi Victoria! Great article, I used to live in Menton in 2015 and your post made me super nostalgic. I did want to mention though, that Monaco is its own country and is not technically part of France :)

    1. Hi Lauren, I’m aware that Monaco is its own country, however it is physically located in the South of France. It is a popular destination for travelers to the region which is why it was included. This is a travel blog, not a geography course :)

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