Southern France Travel Guide: French Riviera
Expert advice on when to visit, where to go, and things to do in Southern France.
July 16, 2026
6 minute read
Visiting Southern France is a great way to get variety without traveling a lot. The region offers culture, food, and coastal scenery that can be enjoyed from a single “home-base.”
This is one of the reasons why Collette offers a Spotlight tour to the French Rivieria. Spotlight tours are a great way to get a deeper experience in a destination, with the added bonus of a single hotel. Some tours also include secondary destinations that are within a day trip.
This Southern France Travel Guide, based on our France tours, will show you the best places to go in the south of France, things to do, and advice on the best time to visit Southern France
Quick Answer: Best Places to Go in Southern France:
Nice – Walkable streets, guided walks, and the flower market.
Monaco – Great for a day trip.
Cannes – See where the Cannes Film Festival takes place.
Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence – A medieval town filled with art galleries.
Èze – Look for hands‑on perfume experiences.
Saint‑Honorat Island – Take a ferry ride and sip wine made by monks.
Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat – Explore coastline views and historic villas.
Where to Stay in Southern France
On Collette’s tours, we use Nice as a “home-base” in Southern France. Staying in Nice lets you explore the Riviera without hopping hotels. From Nice, you can take day trips to Monaco, Cannes, and Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence.
“I enjoyed every day trip around Nice.” — Janice S., Traveler on Collette’s Spotlight on the French Riviera Tour.
Look for hotels just outside the historic center where you can find more comfortable rooms and easy access via tram, taxis, or rideshares.
Choosing a strategic “home-base” means no worrying about checkout in the mornings, coming and going as you please, and the freedom to change your plans without rearranging accommodations. You spend more time exploring neighborhoods, visiting markets, and lingering over meals — and less time repacking.
One‑of-a‑Kind Things to do in Southern France
Collette’s Tour Designers are always looking for experiences that make the trip extra special, and they’re experts at finding hidden gems and hands-on activities. Here a few experiences that stand out in Southern France:
Perfume‑making in Èze goes beyond watching a demonstration. Instead of touring a factory floor, you can create your own scent and take it home. It’s a souvenir that will remind you of your trip every time you use it.
A ferry trip to Saint‑Honorat Island offers a quieter contrast to the mainland. The island is home to a small community of monks who produce wine. You can sip away while looking out over the coast.
Visit a palace in Monaco. In Monaco you can visit the Prince’s Palace or take a scenic train ride through historic streets with views of Monte Carlo.
Practical Planning Notes: What to Expect in Southern France
Walking and Accessibility in Southern France
Historic town centers often limit vehicle access, which means walking from drop‑off points. Plan to spend time exploring on foot to take in the details. On our Southern France tours, most days involve one to two hours of walking, sometimes closer to three. The pace is relaxed, but cobblestones make comfortable shoes a must.
Pace and Timing
On our tours we like to start our days early and leave afternoons open, so you have plenty of time to return to a favorite market stall, stroll through nearby neighborhoods, swim, or relax. That slower pace in the afternoon helps the days feel balanced rather than rushed.
Transportation in Southern France
In Nice, public transportation like the tram is part of daily life. It can be busy, but frequent service keeps things moving smoothly and makes it easy to reach the city center.
Best Time to Visit the South of France
Spring and fall are generally the most comfortable times of year to visit the south of France.
Spring (March-May) is one of the best times to enjoy Southern France. Days are warm but not oppressive, towns feel active without peak crowds, and walking is more comfortable without the summer heat.
Summer (June–August) brings long days and is good for beaches, especially along the French Riviera. For travelers interested in more than beach time, summer's heat, crowds, and higher prices may make another time of year more appealing.
Fall (September–November) brings an end to peak summer crowds. Sea temperatures stay warm, markets are active, and the weather is good for strolling around towns and villages.
Winter (December–February) works well for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. This is our Tour Designer, Sandra’s favorite time to go.
Learn more about timing your trip to France.
FAQs About Visiting Southern France
What Are the Best Places to Visit in Southern France?
The best places to visit in Southern France include Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence, Èze, and Saint‑Honorat Island.
Where Should You Stay in the South of France for a First Trip?
Nice works well for first‑time visitors because it reduces travel planning by letting you stay in one hotel while exploring nearby towns and coastlines.
What are the Best Things to Do on the French Riviera?
On the French Riviera you can explore Nice’s flower market, visit Monaco and Cannes, spend time in Saint‑Paul‑de‑Vence, create your own perfume in Èze, and take a ferry to Saint‑Honorat Island for wine tasting.
What is the Best Time to Visit the South of France?
For most travelers, spring and fall offer the best balance of weather, things to do, and manageable crowds.
Is Summer a Good Time to Visit Southern France?
Summer works well for beach trips, but heat and crowds can make other seasons more comfortable if you want to explore nearby areas.
Can You Visit Southern France in the Winter?
Yes. Coastal cities remain lively, crowds are lighter, and winter temperatures ae more comfortable for walking.
Planning a Southern France Trip
Southern France is easiest to plan when you choose a strategic base. Nice gives you access to the Riviera’s standout experiences — markets, island time, perfume‑making, and flexible day trips — and gives you a good place to relax or explore in the afternoons.
Before tackling the logistics alone, check out our French Riviera Tour or our Mediterranean Coastal Journey. Even if guided touring is not on your radar, you might find that Collette’s guided tours are the perfect blend of expert support and time to explore your way.
See what some people who have taken our Spotlight Tour to the French Riviera have to say about their guided tour experience:
“I loved that we stayed at the same hotel every night. I would specifically book a Spotlight Tour again.” — Mary E. "Perfect mixture of a guided tour and alone time to explore the city” — Joshua B.
