16 days in South of France Itinerary

Sarlat-la-Caneda is the capital of the former Périgord Noir, now referred to as the Aquitaine region that is home to a historical area consisting of impeccably preserved 14th-century buildings and sites.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Castelnaud, explore the historical opulence of Chateau des Milandes, and then don't miss a visit to Vieux Sarlat. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in nature's colorful creations at Les Jardins d'Eau, explore the historical opulence of Chateau de Beynac, then stroll around Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, and finally relax in the rural setting at Les Noyeraies du Landers.

To find traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Sarlat-la-Caneda online tour itinerary planner.

Paris to Sarlat-la-Caneda is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a train. When traveling from Paris in June, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Sarlat-la-Caneda: temperatures range from 31°C by day to 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (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.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Fri): explore the activities along Lac de Cavayere, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Eglise Saint-Nazaire, then wander the streets of Cité de Carcassonne, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Carcassonne Cathedral. On the 1st (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the fascinating underground world of Gouffre Geant de Cabrespine, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Canal du Midi, then do a tasting at Winemaker Workshops, and finally do a tasting at O'Vineyards.

For traveler tips, photos, maps, and tourist information, read our Carcassonne trip itinerary builder site.

Getting from Sarlat-la-Caneda to Carcassonne by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In June, plan for daily highs up to 30°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sat) so you can 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Avignon: Carrieres des Lumieres (in Les Baux de Provence), Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque (in Gordes) and Amphitheatre (les Arenes) (in Arles). The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Palais des Papes, contemplate the long history of Pont d'Avignon, indulge your senses at some of the top wineries in the area, and take an exotic tour of Wine Safari.

To find photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Avignon road trip app.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Avignon takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can drive to Marseille.

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

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Marseille: Aix-en-Provence (Paul Cezanne’s Studio, Paroisse Cathédrale Saint Sauveur Aix-en-Provence, &more). Spend the 6th (Thu) exploring nature at Parc National des Calanques. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, make a trip to Randonnees theatrales Marcel Pagnol Cie Dans la cour des Grands, and take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port.

To see other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Marseille tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Avignon to Marseille in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In July in Marseille, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 23°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can fly to Porto.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): head outdoors with D81, then take in the dramatic natural features at Calanques de Piana, and then get interesting insight from Tours. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Sun): don't miss a visit to Gorges de Spelunca, trek along Sentier des Muletiers, then identify plant and animal life at Nature Reserve of Scandola, and finally make a trip to Les Calanche Cliffs.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Porto trip itinerary builder website.

Fly from Marseille to Porto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi; or do a combination of train, ferry, and bus. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in July, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly 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.

Go for a jaunt from Nice to Cannes to see Lérins Islands about 52 minutes away. Spend the 13th (Thu) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Marineland. And it doesn't end there: take a stroll through Old Town, get great views at Colline du Chateau overlook, browse the eclectic array of goods at Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, and make a trip to Place Massena.

To see more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Nice online visit planner.

Fly from Porto to Nice in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of car, train, and ferry. Traveling from Porto in July, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Nice, with lows around 25°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can catch the flight back home.