This article captures one of the most memorable Mediterranean road trips we've ever taken. Our journey through Southern France led us through the charming countryside of Provence and along the stunning Côte d'Azur, offering the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. We explored charming cities like Eze, Menton, and Nice, indulged in exquisite dining, and relaxed on breathtaking beaches with turquoise waters.
If you're seeking a trip that combines incredible food, scenic landscapes, enchanting towns and beaches, and a dose of adventure, this 10-day road trip through Southern France has it all. Let's dive into an itinerary that will make you want to visit this unique region.
Day 1: Arrival in Lyon
Start your adventure by flying or taking a train into Lyon. After picking up your rental car at Lyon Airport, spend your first day exploring this vibrant city. Lyon is renowned for its gastronomic scene, so why not treat yourself to lunch at one of the traditional Bouchons?
A traditional bouchon in Lyon serves hearty, rustic Lyonnaise cuisine, like sausages, duck pâté, and quenelles (creamed fish or meat). We highly recommend trying Daniel et Denise Croix Rousse for an authentic taste of local flavors.
Afterward, take a stroll through town, and don't miss the chance to visit Saint Antoine Market Place by the river. Grab some fresh fruit or local produce and enjoy it with a view of the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière and the Metallic Tower of Fourvière (Lyon's Eiffel Tower) in the background. If you love shopping, spend a few hours browsing the charming streets and boutiques. In the evening, treat yourself to an unforgettable fine dining experience at the world-famous Paul Bocuse restaurant—an ideal way to kick off your road trip!
Finally fulfilling an 11-year dream, dining at Paul Bocuse was a true milestone for us, especially for Jake, who has always dreamed of coming here. This iconic culinary institution is a must-visit and well worth the wait.
Day 2: Lyon to Marseille, with a Sweet Stop in Bourg de Péage
After breakfast, hit the road toward Marseille, taking a detour to Bourg de Péage, a town dear to me as the sister city of my hometown. Growing up, guests from Bourg de Péage would bring us the legendary brioches with pink sugar-coated almonds (called Pralines) from Pascalis Bakery, a family business since 1892. I couldn't resist stopping for one of these delicious treats—a true taste of local tradition and childhood memories.
Upon reaching Marseille, explore this vibrant port city for half a day. If you love Vietnamese cuisine, we highly recommend Co Bay, where we enjoyed the tastiest pho we've ever had.
Day 3: The Calanques of Cassis - Hiking and Beaches
Next on the itinerary is a visit to the famous Calanque d'En-Vau near Cassis. You can park at Parking Calanque Port-Miou Cassis for the day (€10). While hiking trails were closed due to fire danger on our visit, we enjoyed exploring the charming town of Cassis before heading to Plage du Bestouan, a popular local beach.
We also discovered Les Roches Plates de la Presqu'île, a hidden beach ideal for a more secluded experience—the crystal-clear water and cliff-jumping spots made for a perfect beach day.
After relaxing here, we continued to Nice for the night, ending the day with dinner and cocktails at La Pairoliere.
Days 4-6: Nice - The Perfect Home Base!
Nice is the ideal base for exploring the Côte d'Azur, with its blue beaches, lively vibe, and endless food options. Staying near the port gives easy access to parking and exploring nearby towns. And if you decide to stay in Nice, there's plenty to do—from exploring its charming streets to discovering local markets.
Day 4: Explore Nice's Old Town
Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, then wander the Old Town's shops and boutiques. Don't forget to buy a Marseille-made soap or herbs de Provence as a souvenir. For lunch or dinner, book a spot at Le Panier for an incredible three-course meal (€45 per person), where you can enjoy delicious dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 5: Beach Day & Breakfast at Clay Cafe
Start with breakfast at Clay Cafe on Rue Bonaparte. Their smoothie bowls and avocado toast are Instagram-worthy and delicious. Arrive early, as the place fills up quickly.
Relax at Nice's famous beach—though rocky, the stunning Mediterranean waters make up for it. Don't forget to bring a thick towel or beach mat since the stones can be pretty uncomfortable to lay on. If you're up for a bit more of a challenge, hike up the stairs to Bellanda Tower or Colline du Château for breathtaking views over the city. It's the perfect way to get a panoramic perspective of Nice's beautiful coastline!
Day 6: Antique Market & Lebanese Dinner
Stroll through the Marché Aux Fleurs Market for delicious fruits and local produce. On Mondays, the market transforms into an antique market. Continue your shopping spree with a visit to Galleries Lafayette, grab some mini donuts from Springfield, and enjoy a laid-back day of shopping and beach relaxation.
End the day with dinner at Indigo, a cozy Lebanese restaurant away from the tourist crowds. After dinner, for drinks, head over to Super Bar on the lively Rue Bonaparte for a perfect end to your evening in Nice.
Day 7: Eze - Hidden Gem! & Pit Stop in Monaco
Take a day trip to the charming village of Eze, where you can stroll through cobblestone streets and explore the beautiful botanical garden. The Jardin Exotique is home to a remarkable collection of exotic plants from around the world, showcasing vibrant colors and unique shapes that create a truly enchanting atmosphere.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at La Chèvre d'Or's Les Remparts, a meal with a view you'll never forget. We ate the most delicious foie gras I have ever had. I highly recommend coming here for lunch before or after your visit to the botanical garden. The views from the garden, with its stunning cactus in front of a royal blue ocean backdrop, will easily blow your mind and make for the perfect photo spot.
Don't forget to stop by Fragonard Perfume Boutique to get a unique french perfum. All parfums come in different sizes bottles so, you can get a small sample.
After Eze, head to Monaco for an afternoon stroll. Though we only had a few hours here, you could spend the whole day exploring the luxurious streets and relaxing harbour. If you plan on visiting the famous casino, don't forget your passport and closed shoes for entry.
Day 8: Menton - Hidden Gem on the Côte d’Azur
Menton, a charming town near the Italian border, is another hidden gem along the Cote D'Azur. Known for its colorful oceanfront houses and tranquil vibe, Menton is perfect for a relaxed day.
Once in Eze, park at Parking Old Town - Sablettes and start strolling through town. For lunch, stop by Marché des Halles, a big market hall, where you can buy all kinds of local produce, including fresh fruits, fish, foie gras, and olives, for a picnic.
Afterward, stroll through the town and take in the views of the famous Basilique Saint Michel from the top of the orange staircase. We also found a unique perfume shop at the foot of the stairs, selling incredible tropical scents. I couldn't resist buying one of the unique perfums, which makes me feel like a living mermaid with its coconut vanilla scent.
Menton is home to two popular beaches: Plage des Sablettes and Plage de Fossan. Plage des Sablettes, with its fine sand, is family-friendly and perfect for a relaxed day by the shore. In contrast, Plage de Fossan has a pebbly beach and a quieter atmosphere, and we recommend it for its especially clear water—ideal for a peaceful swim and enjoying the Mediterranean views!
End the day back in Nice with dinner at Pappagallo, where the truffle pasta is to die for.
Day 9: Cap Ferrat - A Hidden Gem outside Nice!
For your last full day on the Côte d'Azur, venture out to Cap Ferrat and visit Paloma Beach. The drive through this small French town is scenic, and once you arrive, you'll find stunning beaches perfect for a quiet escape.
If you have extra time, spend the afternoon hiking the Sentier du Littoral or relaxing on Fossettes Beach. After your beach dip, I highly recommend stopping by the charming little town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to grab some fried squid from Restaurant Le Bar du Port and enjoy it by the harbor.
To break up our long drive back to Lyon, we stopped in Marseille for the night and revisited Co Bay (mentioned above) for dinner—we just couldn't resist their delicious pho!
Day 10: Provence Countryside & Departure from Lyon
On the final day, we decided to drive back to Lyon through the stunning Provençal countryside. We stopped near Bonnieux to see the stunning lavender field, surrounded by historic buildings in the distance. Sadly, the lavender had already been harvested—just imagine this scene with vibrant purple blooms instead of trimmed little bushes, hehe.
Along the way, we passed through a charming French village, where we stumbled upon an antique market by a church. A bit further down, we found a roadside farm shop where we bought fresh peaches. They also offered local treats like olive oil, homemade potato chips, pestos, and more.
Finally, return your rental car and catch your flight out of Lyon, bringing home memories of one of the most incredible Mediterranean trips we've ever taken. The scenic countryside drive back took us far longer than the highway, with so many charming places along the way that we couldn't resist stopping. We found roadside fruit stands, cute little towns, and endless picture-perfect views—if you take the scenic route, be sure to plan extra time for all the stops. Toward the end, we had to pick up the pace to avoid missing our flight, but honestly, we could have stretched this drive into a full-day adventure.
Summary
This 10-day road trip through Southern France was one of our favorite adventures. The trip had everything—from exploring hidden beaches and charming towns to indulging in fine dining and local delicacies. My highlights were the stunning Côte d'Azur, the beautiful town of Eze, the hidden gem of Menton, and the scenic countryside drive through Provence. Southern France is a foodie's paradise, with countless markets, restaurants, and coastal views to indulge in. We hope this guide inspires your next adventure!
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