First trip to southern France

Hi there,

My husband, our 1-year-old son, and I have decided to head to southern France in mid-September.

We don’t know the region at all—it’ll be our first time.

We only have 9 days, and we’re really torn between Provence for its gorgeous villages, its "slow" vibe, Provençal markets, flavors, and colors, and the famous French Riviera for its beaches, ports, and because it’s intrigued us for so long.

I found a beautiful place to stay in a *mas*, but it’s not in the region at all (it’s in the Gard).

My husband found a place he really likes in Saint-Aygulf, but before booking, I’m hesitating and wanted to get some advice.

Obviously, with only 9 days, we clearly have to choose. I thought about splitting the trip in two, but that seems like a bad idea for two reasons: first, we’re traveling with a little one, and second, if we spread ourselves too thin, we risk not seeing anything properly.

Since we don’t know the area at all, I’m worried the coastline might be too built-up with big buildings, etc., like Lloret de Mar (no offense to anyone who loves it—it’s just not what we’re looking for).

Anyway… what would you recommend for a first 9-day trip to the south?

Thanks so much!

Hi! As for the concrete sprawl on the Côte d'Azur, it's not too bad—it's not quite Lloret de Mar, even though there are some big buildings in certain areas. There’s plenty to do in the south of France: Arles, Gordes, the Luberon, Les Baux de Provence. I lived in the Var for a few years—you can visit Le Castellet and La Cadière d'Azur. Otherwise, north of Nice, the hilltop villages before reaching the Mercantour. It all depends on whether you want to see the coastline or head inland

Hello,

I’d found a lovely place in a *mas* but it’s not in the region at all (it’s in the Gard).

My husband found a place he really likes in Saint-Aygulf, but before we book, I’m a bit hesitant and wanted to get some opinions...

So you haven’t booked anything yet?

Where in the Gard did you see the *mas*? If it’s in the Cévennes, it could be interesting. The Gard coast, on the other hand, doesn’t have much charm in my opinion—ugly buildings, flat coastline... There’s the Camargue, but to me, it’s not as nice as the Var coast! I don’t know Saint-Aygulf, but it’s not far from Saint-Raphaël and the Estérel massif... The area is absolutely stunning and not overdeveloped! I wouldn’t hesitate between the two! If you can find a place near Agay or Cap Dramont, that would be even better... Though Saint-Aygulf is only about 20 km away, so it’s still doable. Here’s what I found quickly—just a quick overview: https://www.routard.com/idees-week-end/cid139634-l-esterel-sur-la-corniche-d-or.html Depending on what you’re told and what you’re looking for, I’ll come back with more info on the Estérel massif and its coast, as well as what you can do (activities, visits, etc.). From the coast, you can explore a bit inland—there are also beautiful things to see and gorgeous villages! How old is your child?

Hello,

My husband, my 1-year-old son, and I have decided to head to the south of France in mid-September.

We don’t know the region at all—it would be our first time.

We only have 9 days, and we’re really torn between Provence for its gorgeous villages, its "slow" vibe, Provençal markets, flavors, and colors, and the famous French Riviera for its beaches, ports, and because it’s been intriguing us for a long time.

I found a beautiful place in a *mas*, but it’s not in the region at all (it’s in the Gard).

My husband found a place he really likes in Saint-Aygulf, but before booking, I’m hesitating and wanted to get some opinions...

Obviously, with only 9 days, we clearly have to choose. I thought about splitting the trip in two, but that seems like a bad idea for two reasons: first, because we’re traveling with a little one, and second, because if we spread ourselves too thin, we risk not seeing anything properly...

Since we don’t know the area at all, I’m worried the coastline might be too built-up with big buildings, etc., like Lloret de Mar (no offense to those who like the place—it’s just not what we’re looking for).

Anyway... what would you recommend for a first 9-day trip to the south?

Thanks so much!

Hi! I’d recommend the Cévennes for affordable Airbnb prices (around 90 € per day, all included). Otherwise, there are campsites by rivers and lakes. If you go further south, apart from being on foot, your 9 days will be spent in monstrous traffic jams, and you’ll come back with your wallet empty ;)