Only a five-hour train ride from Paris, a honeymoon in the South of France is unforgettable. It is rich in culture and history and has excellent wine, food, and landscapes. With so many famous cities in this region, choosing an area that matches your ideal itinerary is key.
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Is the South of France a Good Place for a Honeymoon?
Southern France is one of the most romantic places for newlyweds. It has everything you need to rid yourself of any post-wedding stress. If lounging on the golden sand beaches and swimming in the turquoise water isn’t enough, you can go hiking, take a guided tour, or visit museums. Alternatively, you can go on a romantic road trip along the Cote d’Azur and make stopovers in different cities to taste French cuisine.
What Activities Can You Do on a Honeymoon in the South of France?
- Water sports. Enjoy sea fishing, kayaking, diving, water skiing, and swimming.
- Sightseeing. Visit historical sites such as Puente Julián, Maison Carrée, Teatro Galo-Romano, and the Pont du Gard.
- Hiking. Verdon Natural Regional Park is one of the best areas for reconnecting with nature. It has gorges, plateaus, and lavender fields.
- Romantic walks. Wander through the historic cities, along the boardwalks, or in the sand with your new spouse.
- Road trips. If you can’t decide on one location, why not visit multiple? The South of France is well-connected, making a multi-city honeymoon easy.
What Is the Best Month to Visit the South of France?
The best months to visit Southern France are May and September. These months have relatively warm weather, perfect for most outdoor activities.
Summer (June to August) is the hottest and ideal for water activities, but it’s usually crowded and more expensive since it’s the peak tourist season.
Is the South of France Expensive?
On average, a ten-day vacation will cost $3,000 to 6,000 per couple without flights. Hotels range from $80 to $300, while meals range from $40 to $ 300 per couple. The average varies depending on the duration of your stay, the cities you visit, chosen accommodations, excursions, and what time of year you visit.
How To Plan a Budget Honeymoon in the South of France
- Plan early: Planning should start about a year in advance so you can compare prices on activities, accommodation, and flights.
- Look for honeymoon packages: Packages may seem expensive, but they help stick to a budget and avoid miscellaneous expenses.
- Use public transport: It’s cheaper than hiring a car or taxi.
- Book accommodations with a kitchen. A kitchen will allow you to cook some meals at home and bring back your leftovers.
- Search for budget-friendly accommodations. Choose hotels away from city centers and touristy places.
5 Best Cities to Stay In the South of France
Nice
As one of the largest cities on the French Riviera, Nice is a perfect entry point. You can easily connect to other cities or cross over to Italy (only a 6-hour drive) for a day or two. Nice has everything nice, from pebbly white beaches along the Mediterranean Sea to a vibrant city with lavish hotels, parks with lush flowers & palm trees, and ornate buildings.
Activities include walking or biking along the Promenade des Anglais or hiking Castle Hill for stunning viewpoints of the city. Alternatively, you can explore Nice Old Town and shop as you enjoy the sights at Cours Saleya or take a day trip to Eze (medieval hilltop village) or Monte Carlos.
Where to stay: Promenade des Anglais, Le port, Jean Médecin
Marseille
Marseille is one of the best places to explore French architectural buildings, art, and culture. It’s home to the largest port in France and stunning landmarks such as the Notre Dame de la Garde and MuCEM.
Activities include sightseeing and visiting landmarks for a deeper look into French history and culture. If you aren’t a history lover, these buildings’ stunning beauty is still worth your time. Alternatively, you can head to the port and watch ships go by or take a romantic boat ride.
Where to stay: Old Port, Le Panier
St Tropez
Saint Tropez is one of the fanciest beach destinations for a romantic getaway. Although it’s a small town, it’s the best place for luxury. It has something for everyone, including luxury hotels, beach resorts, art galleries, museums, and chic bars.
Excursions include walking the picture-perfect Pampelonne Beach and enjoying the thriving nightlife. You can also explore the numerous museums, such as Maritime History and the Annonciade Musee.
Where to stay: Pampelonne beach, Port Grimaud, City center
Cannes
Cannes is the city of the stars owing to the International Film Festival every May. It hosts some of the most beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants where you can relish the most famous French delicacies.
Excursions include romantic strolls on the stunning beaches, posing on the red carpet at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, or climbing the 109 steps to the medieval tower where you’ll find Musee de la Castre. You can also take day trips by train to Monaco, Antibes, or the lovely Grasse.
Where to stay: City center, Port area
Provence
This picture-perfect region of France is the best place for small-town tranquility, beautiful landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. The province is home to several picturesque towns lined with blossoming lavender fields.
Activities include sightseeing at Luberon, famous for its natural beauty and monuments, castles, chapels, and shrines at Aix en Provence. Avignon, fondly known as the city of popes, is also perfect for architectural enthusiasts as it hosts Popes Palace, the world’s largest Gothic palace. Alternatively, you can visit scenic vineyards at Cassis for walks and wine tasting.
Where to stay: Luberon Valley, Saint Paul de Vence, Aix en Provence
What Is the Best Way to Travel to the South of France?
The best way to travel to Southern France is by flight. There is a range of flights from most American cities to major cities in the South of France, like Nice, Cannes, Marseille, and Toulon.
Traveling Within the South of France
Traveling within the South of France is easy and includes several options. The most popular are:
- Train: The cheapest and easiest way to move within major cities.
- Bus: Best for budget travel and connecting to smaller towns.
- Taxis: Best for comfort but are more expensive.
- Hired or rented car: Perfect for a romantic road trip around the French Riviera.
What Types of Accommodations Are Available in the South of France?
Southern France has a variety of accommodations to fit your budget and all your honeymoon fantasies, including:
- Luxury villas
- Beach resorts
- Boutique hotels
- Mid Range hotels
- Vacation rentals/Airbnb
For a more romantic and unique experience, you can try the following:
- A cottage, especially in Provence
- A cave in Cotignac
- Castle hotels
- Tree houses and cabins
5 Local Foods to Try in the South of France
- Quiche: A French pie available in several varieties, depending on the ingredients. The most popular is Loraine, made with eggs, cream, and lardons.
- Confit: A tasty French dish made with marinated and slow-cooked meat (chicken, duck, or goose) and seasoned with vegetables.
- French onion soup: A traditional French dish made of onions and beef stock, served with croutons.
- Cassoulet: A comfort dish with white beans stewed with meat such as pork, duck, sausages, or mutton.
- Boeuf bourguignon: A typical French dish made of beef lightly stewed in red wine, beef broth, and seasoned vegetables.
How to Plan a Honeymoon in the South of France
Plan It Yourself
Planning a honeymoon by yourself is time-consuming, but it’s rewarding. The best way is to list the specific places, sites, or cities you want to visit and use a map to plan. Start planning early (at least 8-12 months before) and be flexible with dates. This option is usually cheaper and is always tailor-made for your preferences.
Hire a Travel Agent
If you can afford it, a travel agent is your best option. You only need to provide them with a budget and your preferences as a couple. Apart from making things easy, they know the routes and can suggest the best places. All you need is to dress up and show up.
Are There Any Cultural Experiences to Include in a French Honeymoon?
Southern France is packed with many cultural experiences you can include in your honeymoon for the best French experience. Aside from history tours, some of the most popular include:
- Wine tasting tour: Aix en Provence and Cassis have the most extensive vineyards, perfect private wine tasting tours. Take a bottle or two home as souvenirs!
- Cooking class: How about a couples cooking class with highly skilled chefs? You’ll master several Mediterranean recipes to try at home.
- Language class: French is among the most romantic languages. You can join a local language class and learn basic French.
What to Pack For a Honeymoon in the South of France
The South of France is generally a casual place. Pack comfortable pieces depending on the weather and your preferences. The basics include the following:
- Light and warm clothes—mornings and evenings can be chilly.
- Beach essentials (sunscreen, swimsuits, hat, etc.)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Hiking gear
- Backpack
- Travel adapter
- Power bank
- Travel and identification documents
- Some cash in Euros
Is the South of France Safe to Visit?
Southern France is relatively safe for visitors, and you will unlikely experience violent crime. The most common incidents involve petty theft, such as pickpockets, bag snatching, and scamming. Such cases tend to be high in tourist destinations and bigger cities, so you should be vigilant. Here are some safety precautions for a safe stay:
- Be wary of pickpockets to avoid losing money or your documents. Carry your bag/purse at the front of your body.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Be alert when interacting with strangers to avoid scams.
- Never leave your luggage unattended.
- Avoid deserted areas, especially at night.
- Be each other’s keeper when partying in clubs. Always mind your drinks.
- Don’t disclose your accommodation details to strangers, no matter how friendly.
- Avoid people offering free stuff such as bracelets.
- Book excursions with certified persons/agencies.
Do You Need a Visa to Visit France?
You don’t need a visa to visit the South of France. A US passport serves as a tourist visa and is valid for 90 days.
Bonus Tips For a Honeymoon in the South of France
- The local language is French, but most people speak English.
- 1 USD translates to 0.93 euros at the time of writing.
- It’s not customary to tip since the waitstaff receives a living wage and benefits, but you can do it as appreciation for good service.
- Ensure you greet people with a “bonjour” or “bonsoir” and say “au revoir” when leaving as part of French etiquette.