A Short Trip to Provence

Having just returned from a wonderful short break here I can assure you that you don’t need to book an expensive tour guide to get to know this region of France. This is my own personal itinerary for a three day vacation -I hope this helps you to Plan a trip to Provence of your own.

Nice is a good place to base yourself for your trip, if, like me,  you only have a short stay in the area – especially since you can fly into Nice airport from many international locations. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, head to Vieux Nice - the perfect place for lunch and a carafe of rosé. I highly recommend ‘La Voglia’ for its excellent tartines. Before retiring, The Promenade des Anglais , where the fashionable set hang out – is the perfect place for a relaxing seafront stroll.

When in Nice attractions to look out for are the beautiful Salaya Flower market, the Matisse Museum and the Russian Cathedral. Nice Port is highly recommended for an evening meal – you can watch the ferries come and go while dining– and a lively nightlife is centered here too.

Although buses are plentiful I would advise you to opt for a hire car, so that you can enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery at your own pace. Head out of Nice on the coastal road to the village of Villefranche where you can stop for a lunch of crepes in the pretty harbor. Cap Ferrat is just a little further on where you can take a tour of Rothschild’s Villa and walk the cliff top footpath for some great sea views. If you feel like splashing out you can dine at ‘The Sloop’ which overlooks the harbor.

From Nice, drive the spectacular Corniche coastal road to Monaco. Watch the changing of the guards in Monte Carlo’s Old Town, and then trace the Formula One Grand Prix circuit – keeping in with this theme you could then have lunch in ‘Le Bistorquet’ the restaurant which overlooks the famous race course. If you fancy a flutter spend a couple of hours in the Casino – alternatively browse the exclusive boutiques.

Back in Nice (if you have the time) you can take the free elevator to the top of Chateau Hill for spectacular views – and later catch a quick lunch in ‘Le Safari’ before heading off to catch your flight home. I hope you find my itinerary useful when you next Plan a trip to Provence. Enjoy your holiday!