Coastal life and Provençal days
This trip moves between two different rhythms in the south of France. It begins in Nice, where days are shaped by city life, restaurants and the closeness to the sea. The journey then continues inland to Aix-en-Provence, where the pace slows down and everyday life unfolds around squares, markets and small roads through the landscape.
With three nights in each place, there is time to let both environments take center stage – without stress and without having to choose one over the other. If you want to adjust the trip, you can easily do so yourself.
Nice – the city by the sea
The journey starts in Nice, where the Mediterranean lies just a few steps from the city’s lively quarters. Days naturally move between the seafront promenade, the restaurants in the old town and spontaneous stops at squares and markets.
In Vieux Nice, narrow alleys wind between wine bars and small restaurants. The scent of freshly baked goods, grilled fish and citrus follows you through the streets, and the pace is relaxed yet vibrant. Along the Promenade des Anglais the beach stretches out – perfect for a swim between lunch and dinner.
When you want to see more than the city, excursions are close by. Villefranche-sur-Mer tempts with its sheltered bay and calm beach, Èze rises high above the coast with views over the sea, and the coastal roads towards Monaco offer vistas that make it easy to stop without a plan.
Three nights in Nice give you plenty of time to enjoy the city’s offerings while still feeling close to the sea.
From Nice towards Provence
After three nights in Nice, it is time to leave the coast behind and head inland. You can travel between Nice and Aix-en-Provence by train, but if you want to get more out of the journey, we recommend picking up a rental car and letting the road become part of the experience.
The route heads west from Nice, away from the sea and into a landscape that gradually changes. Pine trees, open views and smaller towns take over, and the drive becomes a gentle transition between coast and inland.
Distance:
Nice → Aix-en-Provence: approx. 2–2.5 hours / 200 km
With a car you have the freedom to stop along the way – for lunch, coffee or simply to take in the surroundings – and to adapt the trip to how you feel that day rather than to a timetable.
Aix-en-Provence – discover Provence on your own
In Aix-en-Provence, the rental car quickly becomes a natural part of the trip. The town itself offers squares, fountains and cafés where days can easily begin without a plan, but it is when you drive outside the city center that Provence truly opens up.
By car you can easily reach:
- Luberon, where villages such as Lourmarin, Bonnieux and Gordes are scattered between vineyards and olive groves
- The roads around Montagne Sainte-Victoire, where the landscape spreads out and viewpoints follow one after another
- Small wine and olive estates around Aix, where stops are often spontaneous
- L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, where canals, bridges and markets create a completely different atmosphere
Distances are short and days are easily shaped by weather and mood. One day can be spent in Aix with market visits and long lunches, the next on small country roads through the landscape – without any clear destination.
Three nights here give you the space to discover Provence at a pace that feels relaxed and personal.
Practical information
Best time to travel
May to October is the best period for this trip. Spring and early summer offer pleasant weather both on the coast and inland, while late summer brings warm evenings and lively squares. September is particularly appreciated for its calmer pace.
Getting around
There are good train connections between Nice and Aix-en-Provence, but for those who want to experience more, we recommend a rental car. With a car you have the freedom to go on excursions, take smaller roads and discover Provence beyond the city limits.
Rental car is not included in the price of the trip, and we recommend booking your car before departure.
Tip for your return journey
If you have an early morning or mid-morning flight home from Nice, it can be convenient to add an overnight stay near the airport. This helps you avoid stress on departure day and end your trip at a relaxed pace.
You return the rental car conveniently at the airport when heading home.
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
