10 Towns to visit in the South of France

The south of France is one of my most favorite places in the world. After living a few years in Paris, a trip to south was my yearly jaunt to the sun and sea. The south of France has so much to offer, from lush lavender fields and rosé vineyards in Provence to turquoise beaches and charming coastal towns in the French Riviera. A trip to this area of France is truly magical and a unique experience to discover a different side of France apart from Paris. The towns are more quaint, the people are more friendly and the fresh Mediterranean-influenced cuisine is more divine. It is no doubt that I plan to retire here one day!

If you’re dreaming of a trip to the south of France, I’ve got the perfect guide to all of the most charming towns that show you the best of what this area of France has to offer!

TOWNS TO VISIT IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE:

1. ST. TROPEZ

Saint Tropez is the ultimate French Riviera destination. This lux hotspot is frequented by celebs and tourists alike. Every corner here is utterly breathtaking, from the colorful streets lined with luxury boutiques and restaurants in the old town to the white sand beaches and turquoise Mediterranean waters.

If you’re looking to get lost, simply stroll around the streets and find plenty of colorful alleyways filled with vintage charm and cascading flowers. I also recommend spending a day at a chic beach club in Ramatuelle like Cabane Bambou or Les Palmiers .

2. VALENSOLE

The lavender mecca of the south of France. Located in the Provence region of France, Valensole is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful places to witness lavender season. The lavender fields are like none other, with large expanses of rolling hills filled with these purple beauties located right outside of the small town. The lavender season is short, so if you’re traveling to the south from late-June to mid-July you will want to take advantage of this opportunity!

My favorite lavender fields can be found along Route de Manosque and there are also some gorgeous sunflower fields nearby. The town of Valensole itself is equally as beautiful so make sure to stop by the shops for some lavender goods!

3. MENTON

Menton is on the eastern most edge of the South of France, right next to the Italian border. This colorful town has a gorgeous stretch of beaches and lots of Franco/Italian influence.

If you are traveling to Menton in February, there is a unique Lemon Festival filled with colorful displays and floats. In the spring or summer months, you can’t miss the beach! A visit to the beautiful gardens at Serre de la Madone or Val Rahmeh-Menton Botanical Garden should also be on your list!

4. ÈZE

Èze is a fairytale village perched high above the sparkling Mediterranean, between Nice and Monaco on the French Riviera. With its winding cobblestone lanes, ancient stone buildings, and breathtaking sea views, it feels like stepping into a painting. Often called an “eagle’s nest” for its dramatic cliffside setting, Èze charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and timeless beauty.

Lose yourself in its maze of artisan shops and flower-filled alleys, climb to the Jardin Exotique for sweeping panoramas, or follow in Nietzsche’s footsteps on the scenic trail from the sea.

5. VILLEFRANCHE-Sur-MER

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a hidden gem located right next door to Nice. This coastal town is on the small side, so it’s much quieter, relaxed and has an overall vacation vibe. My favorite part of this town is the beautiful pastel colored homes that line the streets in absolute perfection. This was by far the most charming town in the south of France for me. Plus there is a quaint public beach to visit too!

6. MOUSTIERs-SAINTE-MARIE

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is the kind of village that feels like it was built by artists and poets rather than architects. Tucked into a dramatic cleft between two cliffs in Provence, it’s a storybook scene brought to life—complete with a tiny chapel perched high above and a mysterious golden star suspended on a chain across the gorge.

As you wander the cobbled lanes, the sound of water from a natural spring echoes through the streets, mingling with the scent of lavender and the sight of pastel shutters and handmade pottery. This village is famous for its delicate faïence ceramics, which you’ll find in charming workshops tucked behind ivy-covered walls.

7. VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

If you’re looking for some other awesome views of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, check out the pedestrian walkway near Place Wilson. I also recommend capturing views from above along the Boulevard Napoléon III towards Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

8. SAINT-JEAN-CAP-FERRAT

Located around the corner from Villefranche-Sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a beautiful coastal peninsula home to many gorgeous beaches and hotels. The highlight of this peninsula is most definitely the famous pink palace located here, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild.

The design of this villa is absolutely stunning, from the pink facade to the detailed interior and the lush variety of gardens on the property. There is enough to keep your eyes and your camera occupied for quite some time! Out of the eight different gardens here, mine was certainly the Spanish one. I loved the unique details here and of course the bougainvilleas! The villa also has an interesting history, so make sure to catch some tidbits during your visit here.

9. CASSIS

Cassis is a great southern escape located nearby the big city of the south, Marseille. This town is easy to access from Marseille and is a fantastic starting point if you are looking to hike the gorgeous rocky limestone inlets of this region referred to as Les Calanques. Read my full Travel Guide to Cassis & The Calanques.

The town itself is full of charm, with quaint streets plentiful with restaurants and shops; There is also a lovely marina where you can sit down and have a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, I highly recommend spending the day hiking the three calanques that are closest to Cassis: Calanque de Port Miou, Calanque de Port Pin, Calanque d’en Vau. You can reach these calanques on an intermediate hiking experience that will last you several hours.

10. MENTON

Menton is on the eastern most edge of the South of France, right next to the Italian border. This colorful town has a gorgeous stretch of beaches and lots of Franco/Italian influence.

11. GORDES

Gordes is consistently named as one of the most beautiful towns in France and it’s clear why! This hillside town looks like something from a movie set. Everything is perfectly placed and the provencal-style buildings give you all of the Country-French feels! The best view of this town is located along the Route de Cavaillon and it is breathtaking!

Also located nearby Gordes is the famous Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque. This abbey is a religious site, but it also is home to some of the most iconic lavender fields in the region. You cannot access the lavender fields, but it is well worth a visit for the views!

12. MARSEILLE

Marseille is the big city of the south and it is often avoided by tourists due to its chaotic size. This is a busy, crowded city, but it also has some charming pockets that I loved discovering! If you’re headed to other destinations to the south, Marseille might be your starting point. If it is, I would say its worth a day visit!

The most picturesque parts of Marseille are definitely the colorful Vallon des Auffres, which is a small port with a few cute restaurants tucked under a small bridge and the Quartier Panier located in the old town. For the best views, check out the views from the Pharo Palace or the InternContinental Marseille Hotel Dieu.

13. AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Aix-en-Provence is the city of a thousand fountains. Located in Provence, this city is one of my favorites in France because the townscape is so beautiful! Filled with fountains, rustic cobblestone streets, lovely squares and amazing shops and restaurants, Aix-En-Provence is a destination in itself!

If you plan a visit, two of my favorite spots are located at the Place d’Albertas and the Pavillon de Vendôme.

I hope that you find this guide useful for planning your perfect trip to the South of France! These towns are so much more than just a photo, so make sure to experience each to the fullest!

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10 Towns to visit in the South of France