Amounts, distances and journey times are indicative. Check prices, timetables, reservations and access conditions with providers for your dates. The tables add up the listed expenses and do not guarantee a total trip cost.
Experiencing Provence from Within: Beyond the Luxury Clichés
The Côte d’Azur has a reputation as a flashy, unaffordable destination. Yet once you leave the yacht-filled marinas for coastal paths or the regional train winding between sea and cliffs, the region reveals its deeper Mediterranean character: small producers' markets, preserved wild coves and seasonal food scented with olive oil.
Avignon and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
Plan: Arrive at Avignon TGV station, 2 hr 38 min direct from Paris Gare de Lyon. Settle into the centre enclosed by medieval walls. Visit the Palais des Papes and Saint-Bénézet bridge. Cross the Rhône on the free river shuttle towards Villeneuve-lès-Avignon to visit Fort Saint-André at sunset.
“Do not take a taxi from Avignon TGV station to the centre. The regular La Virgule TER shuttle connects Avignon TGV with Avignon Centre in just five minutes for €1.70! For lunch, head to Les Halles in the morning and buy olive bread, artisan tapenade and AOP Banon goat's cheese for a Provençal feast costing less than €8.”
Estimated Budget, Days 1–2: Accommodation for 2 nights €145 · Admission fees €22 · Meals and markets €62 · TER shuttle €3.40 · Total for 2 days: €232.40.
The Stone Villages of the Luberon: Gordes, Roussillon, Bonnieux
Plan: Pick up a small rental car in Avignon. Cross Luberon Regional Nature Park. Discover Sénanque abbey tucked into its flowering valley, walk the Sentier des Ocres in Roussillon among glowing red cliffs, and pause in the hilltop village of Bonnieux overlooking cherry orchards.
“In Gordes, the official car park near the château costs €7 an hour. Instead, park at the viewpoint on the Route de Cavaillon (D15), a 15-minute walk uphill. The view of the perched village is far more spectacular, and parking is tolerated along the prepared verges. Choose lunch in Bonnieux or Ménerbes rather than Gordes, where terraces are often packed.”
Estimated Budget, Days 3–4: Car rental for 2 days €75 · Fuel €18 · Luberon accommodation for 2 nights €150 · Ochre trail entry €3.50 · Meals €70 · Total: €316.50.
Marseille and the Calanques of Cassis
Plan: Drive down to Cassis on the beautiful Route de la Gineste (D559), avoiding toll motorways. Hike in Calanques National Park to Port-Miou, Port-Pin and the majestic Calanque d’En-Vau, framed by towering cliffs.
“CHECK SUMMER RULES: Because of fire risk and overcrowding, Calanques National Park requires free advance online reservations for some coves, such as Sugiton, between June and September, and closes pedestrian access on strong mistral days. Check the official ‘Mes Calanques’ app at 6 pm the evening before. Carry at least 2.5 litres of water per person: there are no water points on the trails.”
Estimated Budget, Day 5: Fuel €12 · Packed picnic €9 · Overnight in Cassis or La Ciotat €85 · Grilled fish dinner €32 · Total: €138.
Nice and the Riviera by TER Zou!
Plan: Return the car in Marseille or Toulon, then take the TER Zou! along the coast beneath the red rocks of the Estérel. In Nice, explore the old town, taste hot socca at René Socca and climb to the Colline du Château park. The following day, take a TER excursion towards the hilltop village of Èze and the principality of Monaco.
“On the Côte d’Azur, driving is a nightmare: constant traffic on the Basse Corniche and parking at €4.50 an hour. TER Zou! serves the coast from Saint-Raphaël to Menton every 20 minutes. Nice–Monaco costs just €4.40, with sweeping views over Villefranche-sur-Mer bay and Cap Ferrat. To reach Èze village from the station, take the local Lignes d’Azur bus for €1.70 instead of a private taxi charging €45!”
Estimated Budget, Days 6–7: TER tickets €22 · Nice accommodation for 2 nights €160 · Socca and Nice specialities €48 · Bistro dinners €56 · Total: €286.
The Cap d’Antibes Coastal Path and Departure
Plan: Enjoy a final breath of sea air on the Tirepoil coastal path at Cap d’Antibes, between maritime pines and white limestone coves. Have lunch in old Antibes by the ramparts, then take the direct tram to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
“Nice tram line 2 connects the city centre directly to both airport terminals in 25 minutes for just €1.70. Avoid an airport taxi charging a fixed fare of €32 to €36 for the same journey.”
Estimated Budget, Day 8: TER to Antibes €3.60 · Niçoise salad lunch €16 · Airport tram €1.70 · Total: €21.30.
Overall Budget: 8 Days in Provence and the Riviera
| Stages | Listed Expenses, One Person |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | 232.40 € |
| Days 3–4 | 316.50 € |
| Day 5 | 138 € |
| Days 6–7 | 286 € |
| Day 8 | 21.30 € |
| Indicative Total of Listed Expenses | 994.20 € |
This amount adds up the items detailed in the stages and is not an all-inclusive budget. Add unlisted meals, transfers and other expenses, and adjust for prices on your dates. Only two days of car rental are included; add any extra days, insurance and travel to or from the route.