8 days in South of France Itinerary

Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.

Step off the beaten path and head to Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat Hike and Spas. Venture out of the city with trips to Cannes (La Croisette, Le Suquet, &more). There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Old Town, take in nature's colorful creations at Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze, explore the world behind art at Musee d'Art Moderne Et d'Art Contemporain, and steep yourself in history at Villa & Jardins Ephrussi de Rothschild.

To find more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, use the Nice travel route website.

London, UK to Nice is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also take a train; or do a combination of car and train. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from London to Nice due to the time zone difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from London in March: high temperatures in Nice hover around 17°C and lows are around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can drive to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.

Engulfed in the Provençal culture, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer has many literary, artistic, and musical references from master artists due to its location where the Rhône meets the Mediterranean and as the pilgrimage destination for Romany people, sometimes called gypsies.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Fri): ride a horse along promenade a cheval, identify plant and animal life at Le Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, then pause for some serene contemplation at Notre Dame de la Mer - Église fortifiée, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Beach.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

You can drive from Nice to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in March, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can drive to Carcassonne.

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sat): snap pictures at Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge), step into the grandiose world of Chateau Comtal, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, and finally steep yourself in history at Cité de Carcassonne.

To find reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Carcassonne road trip site.

You can drive from Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer to Carcassonne in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train. In March in Carcassonne, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) early enough to drive to Cauterets.

Revered as a spa town and ski resort, Cauterets is a leisurely place well known for its abundant, naturally warm thermal springs and winter sports, such as skiing.

On the 26th (Sun), surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Pont d'Espagne, and then explore the activities along Gaube Lake.

To find photos, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Cauterets road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Cauterets takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) so you can drive to Saint-Emilion.

Standing magnificently on top of a hill overlooking the Dordogne Valley filled with lush vineyards, Saint-Émilion fuses history and modern culture with medieval ambience--even in its wine bars, museums, markets, art galleries, cafes, and shops.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Mon): make a trip to Monolithic Church of Saint-Emilion, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Collegiale de Saint-Emilion, then learn about winemaking at Chateau Laniote, then learn about winemaking at Chateau Cantenac, and finally do a tasting at Chateau Beaurang.

To see traveler tips and other tourist information, use the Saint-Emilion vacation planner.

Drive from Cauterets to Saint-Emilion in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train. In March, daily temperatures in Saint-Emilion can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.