Your Ultimate South of France Map & Road Trip Guide
Exploring the South of France is a dream come true for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and unforgettable experiences. To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together the ultimate South of France Mapshowcasing the best places to visit on a road trip!
Our South of France Road Trip Itinerary
Nadia and I packed our bags, grabbed our South of France map, and hit the road! Here’s a breakdown of the must-visit destinations and hidden gems we discovered along the way:
1. Hiking in the French Alps – Parc National des Écrins
📍 Location: Prunières, France
🏞 Why Visit: Stunning alpine scenery, wildlife, and hiking trails
We kicked off our adventure at the Parc National des Écrins, a paradise for outdoor lovers. With towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and plenty of trails, it’s the perfect place to connect with nature. Keep an eye out for marmots and ibex along the way!
2. The Unique Rock Formations of Les Mées
📍 Location: Les Mées, France
🪨 Why Visit: One-of-a-kind rock formations shaped by time
Les Mées is famous for its striking rock formations that look like giant monks standing tall. We climbed to the Belvedere viewpoint for an awe-inspiring panoramic view.
3. Lavender Fields of Valensole – A Must-See!
📍 Location: Valensole, France
💜 Why Visit: Endless fields of lavender (best from June to August)
Nothing captures the essence of the South of France quite like Valensole’s rolling lavender fields. We strolled through the fragrant rows and captured postcard-perfect photos.
4. Ochre Trails of Roussillon – A Colorful Hike
📍 Location: Roussillon, France
🎨 Why Visit: Vivid red, yellow, and orange cliffs
One of the most surreal landscapes in France, the Ochre Trails felt like stepping onto another planet. The vibrant hues of the earth here make it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers.
5. Kayaking in the Turquoise Waters of Verdon Gorge
📍 Location: Parc Naturel Regional du Verdon, France
🚣 Why Visit: Stunning canyon with crystal-clear waters
We rented kayaks and paddled through the famous Verdon Gorge, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This was easily one of the highlights of our trip!
6. Birdwatching in the Wild Camargue
📍 Location: Parc naturel régional de Camargue, France
🦩 Why Visit: Flamingos, wild horses, and a unique wetland ecosystem
The Camargue is like no other place in France. We spent the day at the Parc Ornithologique du Pont de Gau, spotting flamingos, herons, and wild horses.
7. Hiking the Calanques – A Mediterranean Paradise
📍 Location: Parc national des Calanques, Cassis, French Riviera
🌊 Why Visit: Dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden beaches
The Calanques National Park offers breathtaking hikes along the Mediterranean. After a challenging trek, we reached stunning hidden coves where we took a refreshing swim.
8. A Picnic in the Cassis Forest
📍 Location: Forêt Communale de Cassis
🌲 Why Visit: A peaceful retreat with beautiful sea views
After our hike, we unwound in Forêt Communale de Cassis, a lush forest with picturesque trails and viewpoints overlooking the coast.
9. A Stroll Through Glamorous Cannes
📍 Location: Cannes, French Riviera
🎬 Why Visit: Home of the Cannes Film Festival, charming old town, and beautiful beaches
We wandered through Le Suquet (Old Town), visited the Marché Forville, and enjoyed a relaxing picnic on the beach.
10. Discovering the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Nice
📍 Location: Nice, France
⛪ Why Visit: A hidden architectural gem in the heart of Nice
The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Nice is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Its colorful domes and intricate mosaics make it a must-see attraction.
11. The Hidden Beauty of Cap-d’Ail
📍 Location: Cap-d’Ail, French Riviera
🌅 Why Visit: Coastal walks, exotic gardens, and stunning villas
A short drive from Nice, Cap-d’Ail offers breathtaking coastal views. We explored Villa E-1027, designed by architect Eileen Gray, and admired the Jardin Exotique.
12. A Glimpse of Luxury in Monaco
📍 Location: Monaco
🏎 Why Visit: The playground of the rich and famous
We ended our road trip in Monaco, strolling through Place du Casino, visiting the Musée Océanographique, and marveling at the opulence of this tiny but glamorous country.
Plan Your Own Adventure with This South of France Map
We hope our South of France road trip inspires your next adventure! To make planning even easier, we’ve created an interactive South of France Map highlighting all these amazing locations. Click below to explore it and start planning your journey!
🗺 Get the South of France Map Here
🚗 Ready to hit the road? Let us know your favorite South of France destinations in the comments below!