Whether or not you reside on the French Riviera, the spring holidays offer the perfect opportunity to take a few extra days off for a vacation. If you want to enjoy the beach while also visiting sights, the ideal plan is to start from Nice and travel to Marseille in seven days. Here’s an overview of the itinerary to follow.
Starting from Nice
To embark on a road trip along the Mediterranean, departing from Nice is highly recommended. You can get there by plane or train and rent a vehicle directly on site. Alternatively, drive your own car if you prefer not to bother with paperwork. On the day of your arrival, take some time to explore the city. If you arrive early in the morning, take the opportunity to stroll along the Promenade des Anglais and sit on a terrace to enjoy the view while having a coffee or hot chocolate. If you’ve never set foot in the city before, start with Old Nice. This way, you’ll pass through Albert 1er Park and the Palais de la Méditerranée. If you choose the reverse direction, take the time to wander through the narrow streets of the old town. You’ll discover colorful facades, as well as the Cours Saleya where markets and flower markets are held.
INDULGING IN LOCAL CUISINE
A visit to Nice wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its local cuisine. Among the classics is the Niçoise salad, which typically includes tuna, lettuce, and various raw vegetables. If you prefer a beachside picnic, go for the pan bagnat. It’s the sandwich version of the aforementioned salad. For the more indulgent, try the pissaladière, a delicious onion tart, or socca. The latter is perhaps the most well-known culinary specialty of Nice, made from chickpea flour.
GO FOR A HIKE FROM NICE
After a good night’s sleep, head to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Instead of driving, opt for a hike along the coastal path. It starts at Coco Beach and runs along the shoreline and will take you 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace. Once in Villefranche-sur-Mer, take the time to explore the village. You’ll see lovely traditional houses and wander through the cobblestone streets. After lunch, visit the Saint-Elme citadel. Designated as a Historic Monument, entry is free and the building offers a unique view of the bay and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Must-See Cities
When you leave Nice to head towards Marseille, make sure to stop at certain places. For instance, Saint-Tropez. Stroll along the old port and through the picturesque streets of the old town. If you’re a fan of the famous policeman, take a short detour to the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum. This place became iconic following the filming of movies with Louis de Funès. Once the visit is over, head to one of the many bakeries in Saint-Tropez. There you can taste one of its famous tarte tropézienne. After all, vacations are about enjoyment.
TOULON
After visiting Saint-Tropez, head to Toulon. However, be aware that if you’re driving, the Crit’Air sticker is mandatory in the Toulon-Provence-Mediterranean low-emission zone. Ensure your vehicle category allows you to drive there. A boat tour is recommended, as it will allow you to discover the city’s history and maritime heritage, and why not continue to the island of Porquerolles? Also, make a stop at the market located on Cours Lafayette. There you’ll find all the essentials of Provence and have the opportunity to delight your taste buds. Of course, a road trip on the French Riviera implies beaches. Toulon has many, and the small coves along Cap Brun are highly recommended.
Ending Your Trip in Marseille
Your journey will conclude in Marseille. Between the Calanques National Park, visiting the Old Port, and exploring the Frioul islands, there’s no shortage of activities. We recommend staying in the Phocaean city for at least two days. This way, you can stroll through the Old Port at dusk and enjoy a good restaurant to discover the local gastronomy. For the more active travelers, there’s the option to explore the calanques by land through a hike or by water by renting a kayak or paddleboard. It all depends on your preferences. Of course, this itinerary is just a suggestion. You could also include visits to typical villages in the region, like Grasse, in your vacation plans.
