21 days in South of France Itinerary

Go for a jaunt from Carcassonne to Niaux to see Grotte de Niaux about 1h 35 min away. Next up on the itinerary: appreciate the extensive heritage of Cité de Carcassonne, snap pictures at Le Pont Vieux (The Old Bridge), pause for some serene contemplation at Eglise Saint-Vincent de Carcassonne, and stroll around Place Gambetta.

For maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Carcassonne online trip itinerary builder.

Sydney, Australia to Carcassonne is an approximately 27.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Central European Standard Time is minus 9 hours. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Sydney in September: highs in Carcassonne hover around 29°C, while lows dip to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) so you can drive to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.

On the 19th (Tue), contemplate the long history of Chateau de Castelnaud, take in nature's colorful creations at Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, and then explore the historical opulence of Chateau des Milandes.

To find maps, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Castelnaud-la-Chapelle trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Carcassonne to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Carcassonne in September since evenings lows in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle dip to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Bordeaux.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. Andre Cathedral, admire the landmark architecture of Tour Pey-Berland, then don't miss a visit to Place de la Bourse, then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and finally don't miss a visit to The Water Mirror. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Thu): let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour and then learn about winemaking at Chateau Cantenac.

To see reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Bordeaux trip planner.

You can drive from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Bordeaux in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In September in Bordeaux, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) early enough to fly to Avignon.

Explore Avignon's surroundings by going to Amphitheatre (les Arenes) (in Arles), Le Sentier des Ocres (in Roussillon) and Truffle Hunting at Les Pastras (in Cadenet). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Palais des Papes, explore the world behind art at Carrieres des Lumieres, snap pictures at Pont d'Avignon, and identify plant and animal life at Wine Safari.

To find maps, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Avignon trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Bordeaux to Avignon takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In September, daytime highs in Avignon are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 16°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Marseille.

On the 25th (Mon), take an in-depth tour of Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, take a leisurely stroll along Le Vieux Port, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and finally visit The Panier.

To see traveler tips, maps, photos, and tourist information, go to the Marseille holiday planning tool.

Getting from Avignon to Marseille by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train; or take a bus. September in Marseille sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C at night. You'll set off for Porto on the 26th (Tue).

On the 27th (Wed), take a memorable drive along Torra d'Omigna, then take a memorable drive along D81, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the dramatic natural features at Calanques de Piana, then enjoy the sand and surf at Plage de Ficajola, then look for all kinds of wild species at Nature Reserve of Scandola, and finally make a trip to Les Calanche Cliffs.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Porto route planning website.

Getting from Marseille to Porto by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and taxi; or do a combination of train, ferry, and bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 31°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) so you can fly to Nice.

Explore Nice's surroundings by going to Musee Picasso (in Antibes) and Cannes (Vieux Port, Lérins Islands, &more). The adventure continues: wander the streets of Old Town, take in nature's colorful creations at Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze, take some stellar pictures from Colline du Chateau overlook, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice.

For maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Nice trip planner.

Getting from Porto to Nice by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of car, train, and ferry. September in Nice sees daily highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 4th (Wed) to allow time for the flight back home.