PLAN FOR
the
TRIP
Visa
REQUIRED
Starting in 2024, U.S. passport holders traveling to Europe will need to apply for authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before their visit. Be sure to check the process and requirements and anticipate delays.
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See below to get you started:
BEWARE OF
the
OLYMPICS
AND LE TOUR DE FRANCE!
The 2024 Olympics will be taken place in Paris July 26th - August 11th. Please be mindful of it when you plan for your trip. If you'd like to visit Paris, we recommend doing so prior to the wedding celebrations.
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In addition, also note that Le Tour de France will be wrapping up on July 21st in Nice. Maybe something to see...or avoid!
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To help you plan for the trip we have curated an 8-9 day itinerary in the South of France that we recommend doing prior to the wedding. You can spend more time in each place but this is the minimum we recommend for you to fully appreciate the French Riviera.
SOUTH
of
FRANCE
ITINERARY
Nice. Start in Nice, the biggest hub of the French Riviera. You will either land here or be dropped off by train. Lots to do in Nice: climb "la Colline du Château" for an amazing view of the bay, explore le "Vieux Nice" and get lost in the old town. Grab a gelato or socca (the local dish) for a snack and take a stroll on "La Promenade des Anglais", Nice's famous waterfont. Don't forget to wrap up the day with a dip in one of the bluest.
waters.
Cannes & Antibes. Cannes & Antibes are two iconic cities of the French Riviera. You may want to dedicate a day to each city for the full experience. Otherwise, from Nice, hop on a train to Antibes, 25-minutes away. We recommend taking a stroll in the old town known as the "Vieil Antibes". Go check out the world's most impressive Yachts in the "Quai des Milliardaires" and admire the view of the bay from the city walls. If you are up for it, grab your swimsuit and hiking shoes and head to le Cap, to hike "le sentier des douaniers", a scenic path with amazing views of the Mediterranean and Cap d'Antibes. For the second part of the day, hop back on the train and stop in Cannes, 15 minutes away. The Croisette and its luxury shops by the water are a must-see. If you had a full day to spend in Cannes, catch a ferry to les "Iles de Lérins" for a fun day of hiking, swimming and fun.
Monaco & Èze. On day 3, head East close to the Italian border to visit iconic Monaco. On your way there or back stop in the charming village of Èze, perched on a clifftop with breathtaking views of the French Riviera. In Èze, get lost in the picturesque streets, explore the exotic garden and climb to the very top of the village to admire the view. In Monaco, take a stroll at the Port Hercule to admire the yachts, take a pit stop at the Casino (formal attire may be required) or spend the afternoon at the Musée océanographique, the most beautiful Aquarium of the Côte d'Azur. Wrap-up the day by climbing up to the Royal Palace where you can admire the view of the "Rocher" as locals call it. Monaco is accessible by train from Antibes/Cannes/Nice.
DAY 4
Saint-Paul de Vence
DAY 5-6
Saint-Tropez
DAY 7-8
Aix-en-Provence
Saint-Paul de Vence. Leave the coast for a day to explore the inland. Among other charming villages to explore, Saint-Paul de Vence is one of the most delightful and picturesque. Take your time wandering the streets of the oldest medieval town of the south of France, check out the most amazing views of the French Riviera, explore the numerous art galleries, shop around for some Provence delicacies, and don't forget to stop for a crêpe and Apérol Spritz. For lunch, stop at the Café de la Place where locals play bocce ball. You can wrap up the day by spending a couple hours at La Fondation Maeght and its garden, one of the most iconic and curated collection of Art in la Côte d'Azur.
Saint-Tropez. On day 5, head west to Saint-Tropez. We recommend renting a car for this chunk of the trip to give you flexibility as trains don't directly stop in Saint-Tropez. Dedicate one day to wander around the village, its lovely streets and charming harbor. There is lots of shopping to do and good food to it. Stop at Sénéquier for an espresso and people watch in the afternoon. Don't forget to stop at La Tarte Tropézienne and try St Tropez's specialty: a delicious brioche filled. with custard. If you are visiting on a Tuesday/Saturday, it is market day at La Place des Lices, something you wouldn't want to miss. On day 2, we recommend a beach day at one of the beach clubs on "La Route Des Plages". Be sure to book ahead of time.
Aix-en-Provence. Last but not least, dedicate a couple days to Aix-en-Provence to experience some authentic Provence living. Aix is a beautiful mid-size city with a youthful spirit. Explore the old town, stroll up the "Cours Mirabeau"and stop at l'atelier de Cézanne, where famous French painter established his home base. Near Aix, enjoy the breathtaking views of la "Montagne Sainte Victoire" as well as the Provence countryside. Don't forget during your stay to try Aix's specialty treat: "les Calissons de Provence". Aix is easily accessible from Nice and Paris by train and is about 30 minutes away from the wedding venue: it is the ideal final stop before the wedding celebrations!
Join Us
Transport
& Accommodations
To book train rides:
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Car rentals: can be done at Nice's airport and/or the city. Browse on Expedia for best recommendations.
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Where to stay?
Antibes is a great home base for a few days if you plan to visit Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Saint-Paul de Vence, etc. From Antibes, you can easily catch a train in either direction. However, we do recommend a different sleeping arrangement for your Saint-Tropez/ Aix-en-Provence stays as it is a couple hours away.
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Helpful Links
Other itinerary suggestions:
https://www.ontheluce.com/south-of-france-by-train-itinerary/
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Other resources to browse:
https://www.france.fr/en/cote-dazur
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