14 days in South of France Itinerary

The 2013 European "Capital of Culture," Marseille is the largest port city on the breezy Mediterranean coast and the second largest city in France.

Venture out of the city with trips to Aix-en-Provence (Paul Cezanne’s Studio, Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, &more) and Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine (in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, explore the striking landscape of Parc National des Calanques, explore the striking landscape at Calanques, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Laurent.

For where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Marseille trip planner.

Lahore, Pakistan to Marseille is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 4 hours traveling from Lahore to Marseille. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Lahore in October: high temperatures in Marseille hover around 26°C and lows are around 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to drive to Avignon.

An ancient town center surrounded by medieval ramparts, Avignon is a major city of Provence and a Mediterranean city in the Vaucluse department on the left bank of the Rhône River.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Wed): stroll through Parcours de L'Art, then do a tasting at Distillerie A. Blachere, then contemplate the long history of Pont d'Avignon, and finally step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, admire the natural beauty at Jardin d'Alcinoos, and then admire the masterpieces at Carrieres des Lumieres.

To find ratings, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Avignon tour itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Marseille to Avignon takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) early enough to go by car to Carcassonne.

Best known as a fortified town, Carcassonne is a walled city that provided the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the location for many scenes in Kevin Costner's movie "Robin Hood." For a daily dose of excitement, medieval jousting tournaments are held twice per day between the two walls--while this may sound like a typical touristy show, it's actually an entertaining display of combative competition and horsemanship.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Fri): explore the historical opulence of Chateau Comtal, steep yourself in history at Cathar Castles, then wander the streets of Cité de Carcassonne, and finally learn about all things military at Centre Culturel De La Memoire Combattante. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Sat): admire the masterpieces at Musee des Beaux-Arts, learn about winemaking at O'Vineyards, and then do a tasting at Winemaker Workshops.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Carcassonne trip planner.

You can drive from Avignon to Carcassonne in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In October in Carcassonne, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Saint-Raphael.

Saint-Raphael vacations have so much more to offer than an indulgent splurge on a beach.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): appreciate the history behind Notre Dame d‘Afrique, then make a trip to Massif de l'Esterel, and then look for gifts at Catalan Bougie. Keep things going the next day: enjoy the sand and surf at Plage de Guerrevieille and then get outside with Cap du Dramont.

To find other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Saint-Raphael online tour itinerary planner.

Getting from Carcassonne to Saint-Raphael by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or fly. In October, daytime highs in Saint-Raphael are 25°C, while nighttime lows are 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Nice.

Well-known for the beautiful views of its famous Promenade des Anglais waterfront, Nice is an ethnically-diverse coastal port city on the French Riviera and the fifth most populated city in France.

Nice is known for museums, historic sites, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: appreciate the extensive heritage of Vieille Ville, pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Orthodoxe Saint Nicolas et Sainte Alexandra, take some stellar pictures from Colline du Chateau overlook, and don't miss a visit to Place Massena.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Nice itinerary builder app.

Drive from Saint-Raphael to Nice in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, daily temperatures in Nice can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.