Updated September 7, 2023
The South of France is known for its shimmering waters (which attract the most shimmering people). If you're looking for an epic party, this is the spot for you. But it’s more than that too. It is also secluded, pebbly beaches. It is also lavender fields and chateaus where the breeze can fix any type of sorrow. It is hillside medieval villages. It is also bridges and perfume and cheese and so much history and culture. So if you’re at a loss of where to stay while tackling this immensely enchanting region of France, here are 11 ideas to get you started.
The city of Toulon is both historically and currently a port city with a large French naval base. But it is also a fabulous city to visit and a total hidden gem along the bustling French Mediterranean coastline. While Toulon is not a huge beach destination itself, there are a few good spots nearby and there is certainly plenty of waterfront in town. So if you’re looking for something that is a bit more rough and ready, a bit more filled with locals than tourists, and slightly less glitzy than nearby towns and cities, Toulon may be perfect for you. Also, if you’re into rugby, Toulon has one of the best teams in Europe!
Check out the centrally located L'Eautel Toulon Centre Port.
The glitz and glamor of St. Tropez has been attracting the upper echelons of society for more than a century now and it remains one of the nicest places to stay in France. There is no denying that this city is extremely upscale and won’t be easy for anyone on a tight budget, but if you’re looking to party in beach clubs with the rich, famous, and beautiful, or see which is the biggest yacht you can spot docked in the harbor, this is where you want to be. While St. Tropez undoubtedly rakes in the cool points, it should also be noted that it is a jaw-droppingly gorgeous spot on the map which was, unsurprisingly, discovered by a painter and is still one of the best places to visit in France.
Check out the slightly more affordable Hôtel Les Lauriers.
Millau has some rather interesting facts about it, the first being that it was originally put on the map due to its production of gloves. And the second is that it has stayed on the map due to its production of Roquefort cheese. If you’re not sold on the idea of hanging out where some of the most expensive gloves in the world are made or stuffing yourself full of Roquefort, how about visiting the tallest bridge in the world? Or heading into the lush green otherworldly nature of the Tarn Gorges? If any of that sounds interesting to you, don’t sleep on Millau.
Check out the basic but sustainably run Hôtel du Commerce.
As the largest city in the French Riviera, Nice is lively, exciting, and not to be missed, making it also one of the best cities in France. As with so much of the south of France, Nice is about as picturesque as they come and it’s definitely one of the best places to stay across the whole of the country. Think of that orange, pink glow of a perfect sunset, and then imagine it filling every cobblestoned street, every vine-covered courtyard, every evening glass of wine, and now you’ve got Nice. In case that’s not enough, there are also huge expanses of coastline, easy access to the rest of the region, and phenomenal eating and drinking options. Of course, all of this comes at a price, and in peak season (July & August especially) prices across the city can absolutely skyrocket.
Check out the beautifully appointed Résidence Lamartine - Nice.
You probably know about Cannes because of its famous annual film festival, and while that is one reason to visit the city, it is only one of many. With beautiful weather and low rainfall year round, you can explore the history and culture of Cannes comfortably no matter when you visit. As well as hundreds of years of history, celebrity sightings, sparkling waters, and long stretches of beaches, Cannes is also famous for its intense nightlife. So if you want to go party in the south of France, in one of the best places to stay in France, make sure to head to Cannes.
Check out the sunny B&B Villa du Roc Fleuri.
Not far from Cannes is Grasse. But instead of that sparkling sea, here you’ll find a stunning hillside town. Narrow alleyways, dusty brown buildings shading small squares full of cafes, a thought that you could, perhaps, be on the set of Game of Thrones – this is Grasse. And it is totally worth visiting as it’s still just a stone’s throw from the coast but is in itself a hidden gem of the south of France. Plus, this small unassuming town is the perfume capital of the world. So stock up on scents while you’re there!
There aren’t loads of hotels in Grasse, so instead check out this beautifully appointed Airbnb.
Have you ever wondered where Van Gogh’s landscapes could be found in the real world? Luberon Valley is that place. Rolling green hills, lavender fields stretching out before you, brilliant sunsets after splendid, warm, radiant golden hours, all of these things define the beauty of the Luberon Valley which stretches east of Cavaillon. Staying here you will probably want to have a car as it will make exploring the area a lot more straightforward. But if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this is one of the best places to stay in France for that!
Check out the beautiful rooms at the B&B Hestia.
One of the spots in the Luberon Valley that shouldn’t be skipped is Gordes. This sunburnt village clings to the hillside and enjoys the warm, arid air coming in from the sea. This can be quite a fun spot to stay during off-season when there will barely be another tourist around. As well as peace, quiet, and some pretty epic, sweeping views, stay in Gordes to give yourself time to visit its historic castle, wander around the fresh market, and immerse yourself in the local art scene.
Just a touch outside of the village, check out the stunning Le Jas de Gordes.
Just on the edge of Nice, but actually its own town, is Villefranche-sur-Mer. If you want to wander pastel-coated alleyways and wake up to the most perfect ocean views bringing in the most perfect ocean breeze, this just may be the most perfect spot for you. And if you’re thinking this sounds like a scene out of a movie, it is. Villefranche-sur-Mer has been the backdrop to many films including To Catch a Thief. If you stay out here you can have easy access to Nice but still be here when the day trippers who are doing the reverse clear out back to the big city.
Check out the elegant and slightly vintage Hotel Provencal.
If you’re looking to wander southern France but want to get away from the ever-popular Med Coast, check out Toulouse. It’s a wonderful, slightly underrated, undiscovered city. If you choose to stay in Toulouse you’ll be encompassed by French life but on a slightly smaller city scale. Elegant buildings alongside perfect, quaint alleyways, scrumptious lunch menus of the day, a bottle of wine as you dangle your feet over the canal, Toulouse has a lot on offer and the best way not to miss any of it is to actually stay a few nights.
Check out the boutique Hôtel Soclo.
Just north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is slightly off the coast and has its own vibrance apart from the vibes of the beach. It has a large university population that keeps the shimmer of its immense history of arts and culture alive. Wandering the streets you’ll encounter loads of stunning, imposing architecture and be tempted constantly by the plethora of cafes and restaurants offering up delicious dining experiences. While Aix-en-Provence is easy enough as a day trip from other nearby cities, it’s definitely worth staying in for a few nights as well.
Check out the stunning yet still comfortable Maison Du Collectionneur.
As you can see, this region of France has it all. No doubt you’re overwhelmed with choices, so hopefully with these 11 ideas of places to stay you’ve been able to plan the bones of your trip before filling in all the details.
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