Compare South of France holidays

From scenic lavender fields to medieval palaces, the South of France overflows with things to see and do. Whatever activities take your fancy, the pièce de résistance is finishing your day with the region’s incredible food, wine and views.

Food and drink

Dining in the South of France can be as fancy or simple as you like. With no shortage of Michelin-starred restaurants, there’s plenty of choice for splashing out.

But there are simpler local dishes to enjoy, too: bouillabaisse is a tomato fish stew with roots in Marseille, and salade niçoise originated in Nice. Pistou soup is a summer dish made with a French version of pesto.

Savour those fresh flavours with a perfectly chilled glass of dry Provence rosé. And for an apéritif, try pastis, a traditional French aniseed spirit.

Lavender fields

Photographing Provence’s famous lavender fields is high on the list of must-dos for a South of France holiday.

Plateau de Valensole’s lavender fields are probably the most well known, often photographed with the simple 11th-century Saint-Blaise church amid the purple flowers. The hillside town of Luberon is another treat that looks across lavender fields and picturesque neighbouring villages.

The best and easiest way to explore this region is by car when it’s in full bloom around mid-July.

Gorges du Verdon

The epic Gorges du Verdon in rural Provence may be the deepest gorge in France, but this 25km (15.5 miles) stretch of twisting river is better known for its dazzling turquoise colour.

You can hike around the top or head down to the meandering waters to explore the canyon by canoe, raft or just by bobbing along in a life jacket. The river leads to the artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, an ideal spot for a picnic and swim.

Le Palais des Papes

There are too many historic sites in southern France to list, but Avignon’s Palais des Papes is one you won’t want to miss. The largest gothic palace in Europe, it was constructed in the early 14th century when Pope Clement V temporarily (but understandably) moved from Rome to Provence.

Take a guided tour of the palace’s chapels and apartments, then pop over to the pope’s former summer home, nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It’s one of the finest wine terroirs in the world.

Cannes Film Festival, May

The annual Cannes Film Festival draws the biggest global stars to its famous red carpet to celebrate the finest achievements in filmmaking. Every May, superyachts gather like seagulls in the balmy seaside town and gowns flow for the cameras outside the Lumière Theatre.

Even if you’re not in the biz, you can catch public screenings during the Directors’ Fortnight and at Cinéma de la Plage (Cinema on the Beach). Get dressed up and you might even cadge an unused ticket to a star-studded screening.

The South of France claims some of Europe’s best beaches, from staggeringly beautiful coves and kid-friendly pristine sands to protected little bays ideal for snorkelling.

Pampelonne

Glamourous Pampelonne, just outside Saint-Tropez, was Brigitte Bardot’s favourite hangout. Backed by swish restaurants and bars, its stunning white-sand beach and clear waters are still popular with A-listers today.

Plage des Marinières

Just east of Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer is a little fishing village with beaches somewhat quieter than its neighbours. The sandy Plage des Marinières is the main public beach, with shallows suitable for kids.

Calanque d’En-vau

Calanque d’En-vau near Cassis is hard to beat for staggering views. Bright, clear water laps this pebbly cove between towering cliffs. Access is by boat or on foot, but it’s worth the hike.

Almanarre

Almanarre is a long stretch of sand with some of the finest windsurfing and kitesurfing in France. It’s also good for families who prefer space to spread out, enjoy warm shallows and spot the occasional flamingo.

Pointe de l’Aiguille

About 30 minutes from Cannes, in Théoule-sur-Mer, Pointe de l’Aiguille is a great spot for snorkelling. Follow the snorkel trail, marked by buoys to see its walls of sponges and anemones, a variety of fish and maybe even an octopus.

For a luxury holiday

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury holidays in the South of France. But there are some obvious places to stay, like upmarket Saint-Tropez. Here you can chill in private beach clubs with the rich and famous by day, then dine the evening away at a swish Michelin-star restaurant.

Cannes is also a good spot if you prefer the finer things. There are plenty of high-end hotels popular with the A-listers. La Croisette, the seafront promenade, is the perfect blend of dining, beach life and designer shopping.

For family holidays

If your kids love days packed with activities, consider staying in or near one of southern France’s larger cities. In Montpellier, you can spend the day at the zoo or the Musée Parc des Dinosaures in nearby Mèze.

For a family beach holiday, Blue Beach in Nice has a pool, trampoline and watersports. while Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s sandy shores have warm shallows and beachside restaurants.

To reduce some of the planning stress, consider a South of France package holiday, which is also a great way to pick up a bargain.

For romantic breaks

The Provençal countryside is pure romance. From wandering around the lavender and sunflower fields to strolling through a gorgeous village, the scenery is simply idyllic.

Hole up together in a rural retreat, away from the summer crowds, sipping wine on your private balcony overlooking rolling vineyards. Or, spend the day cycling narrow country lanes, visiting charming towns (Gordes is especially delightful), or explore on horseback with a picnic lunch.

If you need more of a cosmopolitan buzz from your couple’s holiday, consider Saint-Tropez, where you can hang in private beach clubs and enjoy exquisite tasting menus.

For cheap holidays

It isn’t the cheapest destination, but it’s still possible to get a good deal on a package holiday to the South of France if you stay outside the more lavish towns.

An alternative to Saint-Tropez are the hotels in nearby Port Grimaud and Cogolin. You can still easily access the glitz and glam of Saint-Tropez without dealing with the summer traffic every day.

Nice is also a good base for a relatively cheap South of France holiday, with public beaches, excellent local restaurants and accommodation for all budgets.

The South of France is a year-round destination, depending on what you’re looking for. The best beach weather is in summer, but it’s also the most expensive and busiest time of year.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

If you’re looking for a cheap South of France holiday, you’re better off avoiding June, July and August (peak season). Hotel prices also spike for the Cannes Film Festival in May. Hotel rates are lower in the shoulder season, around April, September and October, when temperatures average between 13C (April) and 22C (September).

When should I go for the best weather?

The hottest time of year is July and August, with daily averages of 27C, but it’s still pleasant in September and October after the UK school holidays. If you’re into hiking and sightseeing, you might consider April and May when it’s around 17C to 21C.