How long is the Provence & French Riviera Grand Loop route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 5 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Marseille, France to Marseille, France in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September: shoulder months beat the crowds.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Culture, Classic road trip, Beach.

Provence & French Riviera Grand Loop

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The route · 5 stops

1
Marseille
2 nights
France's oldest city opens the route with drama. Two days gives time for a Calanques boat cruise, the buzzing Vieux-Port fish market, and Le Panier's steep lanes. Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over everything from the hill. Strong bouillabaisse game.
France's oldest city opens the route with drama. Two days gives time for a Calanques boat cruise, the buzzing Vieux-Port fish market, and Le Panier's steep lanes. Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over everything from the hill. Strong bouillabaisse game.
Book Calanques boat tours in advance. Summer hikers need a fire-risk permit for certain trails. Park near Vieux-Port and walk. Airport taxis take 30 minutes and cost around 40 euros.
2
Arles
2 nights
Van Gogh painted here, but Arles has older claims to fame: a first-century Roman amphitheatre still used for festivals, ancient baths, and a UNESCO old town compact enough to cover on foot. Two nights give time for the Camargue (pink flamingos, wild horses) and Pont du Gard one valley west.
Van Gogh painted here, but Arles has older claims to fame: a first-century Roman amphitheatre still used for festivals, ancient baths, and a UNESCO old town compact enough to cover on foot. Two nights give time for the Camargue (pink flamingos, wild horses) and Pont du Gard one valley west.
Pont du Gard is 45 minutes northwest on the D986. Arrive before 10am. The Camargue is 30 minutes south: Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is the best base village for flamingo spotting.
3
Saint-Tropez
2 nights
The Riviera's most glamorous resort earns two nights. A morning at the old port watching the fishing boats, an afternoon at Pampelonne beach, and a second day exploring Gassin and Ramatuelle on the hillside above. The Annonciade museum is small and world-class.
The Riviera's most glamorous resort earns two nights. A morning at the old port watching the fishing boats, an afternoon at Pampelonne beach, and a second day exploring Gassin and Ramatuelle on the hillside above. The Annonciade museum is small and world-class.
Park outside the centre and use the shuttle. Pampelonne has free public beach sections alongside the private clubs. Shoulder season (May, September) brings lower prices and manageable crowds.
4
Nice
3 nights
The Riviera capital earns three nights. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais at dawn, dig into Vieux-Nice's markets and socca stalls, and climb Castle Hill for the best free view on the coast. Day trips run to Monaco (25 min), the hilltop village of Eze, Antibes, and Cannes.
The Riviera capital earns three nights. Stroll the Promenade des Anglais at dawn, dig into Vieux-Nice's markets and socca stalls, and climb Castle Hill for the best free view on the coast. Day trips run to Monaco (25 min), the hilltop village of Eze, Antibes, and Cannes.
Stay in Vieux-Nice for market access and the shortest beach walk. Buy a day bus pass for coastal hops. Return your hire car early; city traffic and airport parking are both expensive.
5
Marseille
The loop closes back in Marseille. If time allows before the flight, stop in Cassis on the A50 for coffee and a glass of Cassis AOC white wine beside the fishing port.
The loop closes back in Marseille. If time allows before the flight, stop in Cassis on the A50 for coffee and a glass of Cassis AOC white wine beside the fishing port.
Cassis is 20 minutes east on the A50, with a small port, excellent white wine, and cliff-top walks above the calanques.

Provence & French Riviera Grand Loop

The route · 5 stops

Marseille

Arles

Saint-Tropez

Nice

Marseille

Route highlights

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Provence & French Riviera Grand Loop

The route · 5 stops

Marseille

Arles

Saint-Tropez

Nice

Marseille

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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