Day 1: Arrival in Nice - A Whirlwind Start
Nice is the transportation hub of Provence and the center of the French Riviera. It is a common stop for many tourists heading to southern France and hosts numerous festivals. It’s a place full of flowers and greenery, like a beautiful fairy tale world. After arriving in Nice, take the day to explore at your leisure, wandering around to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 2: Marseille - Discover Perfumes, Enter Cannes
Arrive in France’s second-largest city, Marseille. The Marseillaise is the French national anthem, and yes, it comes from this very Marseille. Here, explore the perfume industry, particularly in the famous perfume factory of Grasse, where you can find century-old fragrances, including Marilyn Monroe’s favorite, Chanel No. 5.
Aside from perfumes, head to Cannes, home to the renowned European Film Festival. Imagine walking down the red carpet as you visualize winning the Palme d’Or. The festival palace also has handprints of famous directors and film stars, making it an ideal spot to possibly encounter a celebrity.
Day 3: Marseille - Embrace Local Flavor, Stroll Through Van Gogh’s Footsteps
The Château d’If, a square 28-meter-long building, once housed dangerous prisoners. This is where Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo was set. Another symbol of Marseille is the Notre-Dame de la Garde, where you can stand in awe of the golden statue of the Virgin Mary and see bullet-scarred walls from World War II. From the church, you can also enjoy a view over the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Visit Arles, beloved by Van Gogh, and explore his former home, the Yellow House, and the café where he painted Café Terrace at Night. The world-famous Sunflowers are also linked to this place, as Van Gogh was deeply inspired by Arles. Take a walk through Van Gogh’s art—perhaps his paintings will come to life for you.
Tips:
1. The Château d’If is about a 20-minute boat ride from the Old Port. Boats leave every hour. Ticket prices: €5 for adults, €4 for students, free for under 18s.
2. Near the sunflowers in Arles, there are also famous olive groves.
3. Café prices are high, so consider just strolling and taking photos. If you want to try the coffee, go ahead!
Day 4: Avignon - “A Dream of the Curtain” Filming Location, Experience Local Culture
The iconic Pont Saint-Bénézet, or the “broken bridge” from the 1990s drama A Dream of the Curtain, still evokes romantic scenes. Avignon, with its incomplete bridge, represents the beauty of imperfection and lost love. Explore the Pope’s Palace, an example of Gothic architecture, and don’t miss the light show that happens from August to October.
Visit the Petit Palais Museum, which houses Renaissance works, and the ancient religious structure of the Église Saint-Pierre.
Tips:
• The Petit Palais Museum tickets are €6 (discounted €3). Hours: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Closed on New Year’s Day, Christmas, and Labor Day.