South of France Luxury Holidays 2025
With a fascinating culture and history, beaches on the Mediterranean, glamourous resorts and fine cuisine, a holiday in the South of France offers something for everyone. Thanks to the lovely tranquil scenery of Provence, the sophistication of the Riviera and the miles of soft sand on the Languedoc coast, the South of France is the perfect destination for a dream holiday
The top 5 things to see/do in the South of France
1. Avignon
This UNESCO World Heritage city, once the centre of Christendom in the west, is steeped in history. Avignon boasts some amazing architecture such as the Palace of the Popes and the world-famous ruins of the Pont D’Avignon. Try a cruise or kayak trip on the river and if you visit in July, the Theatre Festival is not to be missed.
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2. Marseille
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The cosmopolitan city of Marseilles is the country’s second-largest and offers an edgy contrast to the laid-back charm of much of Provence. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is home to an exquisite art collection. Stroll around the vast Vieux-Port and watch fishermen unloading their catch before enjoying some bouillabaisse made from locally caught fish, or sample the North African cuisine for which the city has become famous. ?
3. Aix-en-Provence
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The relaxed ambience of Aix-en-Provence draws visitors to this college town: perhaps the best time to visit is in June and July when the lavender fields are in bloom and their fragrance pervades the whole town. Stroll along the Cours Mirabeau with its cafes, restaurants and quaint street market. The town is the birthplace of Paul Cezanne and art lovers will be fascinated by a visit to the Atelier Cezanne which gives an insight into the painter’s life and working methods.
4. Nice
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The seaside esplanades and 19th-century architecture of Nice form one of the iconic images of the South of France. A favourite destination for UK visitors for centuries, Nice is the fifth-largest city in France and offers restaurants serving delicious cuisine, the streets and squares of the mediaeval Old Town and gorgeous sandy beaches - the perfect place for a relaxing and indulgent break.
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5. Carcassone
With its impressive fortified walls, the citadel of Carcassone was once a buttress against the Kingdom of Aragon. Today, the fortifications and towers with their “witch’s hats” are no longer needed but continue to attract visitors from around the world. The magnificent stained glass rose windows of 11th century Basilique St-Nazaire are not to be missed and after you’ve immersed yourself in the architecture, enjoy a vineyard tour and wine tasting experience.
Our best hotels in the South of France
1. ?Royal Antibes 4*?
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Located in Antibes, midway between the ultra-chic resorts of Nice and Cannes, the Royal Antibes 4* offers the perfect base for exploring the Cote D’Azur. Soak up the sun on the hotel’s private beach or relax in the pas with its steam room, gym and jacuzzi. The hotel restaurant offers a delicious menu based on French, Mediterranean and international cuisines. ??
?2. Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes 5*
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??With opulent decor and superb facilities, including a heated outdoor pool gym, private beach with water sports in season and several restaurants and bars, Hotel Barriere Le Majestic provides a glamorous base for a holiday on the French Riviera. The hotel is just a minute’s walk from the Promenade de la Croisette and the stylish rooms enjoy views over the sparkling Mediterranean.
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3. Hotel Les Bords de Mer
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This chic boutique hotel in Marseilles enjoys a fabulous location right on the beachfront?. The comfortable rooms are decorated in a clean, contemporary style and all have lovely sea views You can enjoy fresh seafood in the hotel’s restaurant or take a short stroll to a selection of nearby eateries.
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When is the best time to go on holiday to the South of France?
Thanks to the mild climate, South of France holidays are enjoyable at any time of the year. Perhaps the best time to visit the South of France is in spring ( March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are pleasant and there’s plenty of sunshine. During summer, the South of France gets quite hot - perfect if you enjoy water sports and sunbathing but resorts get crowded and prices also increase when Parisians and international vacationers escape the city during July and August.?
Going on holidays to the South of France
It’s very easy to get to the South of France from the UK, with many airlines offering flights to Nice, Toulouse, Carcassone and Marseilles. Flight time around 1h 30m. Road links are also excellent. Eurostar now has a link from St Pancras direct to Marseilles, so you can be dipping your toes in the Med in under 7 hours after leaving London.
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Enjoy your holidays in the South of France
The South of France is a holiday destination that offers something for everyone, whether a family beach holiday, a romantic short break for a couple or a chance to catch up with a group of friends. With such a varied region to explore, it would be easy to spend a whole summer here but even a stay of one or two nights gives you the chance to recharge your batteries in indulgent surroundings.
The opinion of?the?Voyage?Prive?travel expert on the South of France
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The South of France is one of our favourite holiday destinations. The region is rich in history and culture, and with sun, sea, gastronomy, wine and fun, it has all the ingredients for a memorable break. Whether you opt for the glamour of the chic Riviera resorts, the wild, natural beauty of the Camargue, or dream of exploring an ancient city such as Carcassone or Avignon, it’s the perfect place for your next escape.
Soak up the sun's of the South of France
The South of France has attractions and treasures during the all year round. During summer and the school holiday period you will find more attractions, a dynamic nightlife, hotels with open pools and cafes with terrace. This is the French way of life. Enjoy our holiday destinations in the South of France.
Most people, upon hearing the words 'the South of France', will immediately think of the seaside, the kilometers of coastline, incredible coastal cities that this region is famous for. Le Midi (as it's known colloquially) will conjure up images of sun-drenched harbours bobbing gently with boats and yachts, as well as miles upon miles of beautiful golden sandy beaches, where locals and tourists alike can take a relaxing stroll. South of France destination offers idyllic surroundings for family holidays, couples or a single tourist. The region is suitable for sun holidays, beach holidays and winter sun holidays. The region offers one of the most beautiful resorts in France, chateaux, valleys. You can even ski in the French alpes and discover the contrast between regions.
Where to go in the South of France
Along this southern coast you'll find the cities of Marseille, Montpellier and Nice – with their amazing and awe-inspiring combinations of Baroque-style architecture and modern convenience and facilities.
Marseille, the most cosmopolitan city of France, was once the most important French trading city in ancient times, and it continues this proud tradition to the present day – being, as it is, the largest French seaport on the Mediterranean coast. From there you can easily book cruises and discover the Mediterranean landscape with Corsica, Spain, Morocco and Italy. You can as well use the train (TGV) to go to Paris in 3 hours and visit the Eiffel tower or continue your family friendly holidays to Disneyland.
Montpellier, which is the fastest-growing French city over the last two decades, is situated roughly 150km to the west of Marseille and is home to the peaceful Jardin des Plantes (the most ancient botanical gardens in France) - as well as the truly breathtaking Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.
The city of Nice is located to the east of France's south coast (near the Italian border). Is where you will find the beautiful squares of the Place Masséna, Place Garibaldi (named after the famous Italian general), and the Cours Saleya. All of which are extremely picturesque, and all of which are perfect for a relaxed stroll in order to take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Discover our exclusive offers on holidays to Nice.
Goergeous towns and cities in the South of France
Of course, the South of France is not just about its cities. Further north and inland, you'll find a number of beautiful, quaint and architecturally significant towns and villages in the countryside – and any one of these destinations is perfect to lose yourself in for a day or two.
One such town is Avignon, which is home to the Pont d'Avignon – an incredible bridge over the river Rhône which dates back to the 12th century. In Avignon you can visit the impressive medieval “Palais des Papes” (Popes’s palace), the world biggest gothic palace in the world, UNESCO world heritage site. There are many other notable towns and communes in France's southernmost region, including Castres, which is home to the Musée Goya (named in honour of the Spanish painter Francisco Goya), and Nîmes, where you can view the Maison Carée, one of the finest ancient Roman temples to be found in Europe.
Take in the fresh air and stunning scenery of France's national parks
Once you have sampled the culture of the South of France's main towns and cities, you may like to take some time to visit some of the beautiful natural parks in the region. Le Midi is where you will find the Parc National des Pyrénéés (Pyrenees) - a truly stunning valley and mountain range on the border between France and its near neighbour Spain. A national park since 1967, here you can enjoy a number of activities as you breathe in the fresh mountain air – such as mountaineering, skiing and hiking. Or if you prefer, you can simply take a stroll through the park and enjoy spotting some of the local flora and fauna; the Pyrénéés range is home to a wide variety of local plant life, as well as around 70 species of interesting mammals. There is also the opportunity to pay a visit to the peaceful Lacs de Carnau, a series of tranquil lakes in the Pyrénéés mountains at an elevation of more than 7,000 ft.
Once you have had your fill of this natural landscape, you can stop off in any one of the towns and villages littered throughout the region. Or if you're feeling more adventurous, you could even pay a visit to the nearby city of Toulouse, where you'll find the stunning Toulouse Cathedral as well as the Toulouse Space Center – the biggest space centre in Europe!
The Pyrénéés is not the only national park in the South of France: the region boasts several sensational natural and wildlife parks, such as the Parc Régional du Haut Languedoc, the Parc National des Cévennes and the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, to name but a few. The parks of the South of France combine stunning hill and mountain ranges, beautiful cycle tracks and ample space for activities such as hiking... or even just for having a wander and enjoying the view.
Indulge in the spectacular glamour of Monaco and Cannes!
Once you have had your fill of the natural world, why not indulge yourself in the glamour and excitement of Monaco and Cannes? The world-famous French Riviera boasts some of the most luxurious surroundings in the whole of Europe. So why not pay them a visit while you are in the area? Monaco – which is famously the home of the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix – is an independent city-state in the South of France, and boasts an awe-inspiring combination of stunning architecture (from France's Belle Époque) and modern casinos. The opulent Monte Carlo Casino was built in 1863 and features a comprehensive experience for those who enjoy gaming – including poker, roulette and slot machines. The casino features heavily in popular culture (James Bond movies, for example), and boasts ornate gardens, balconies and brasserie.
The south has the wonderful regions of France for wedding. Romantic venues, natural landscape and finest cuisine. Resorts in France including kids clubs can manage for your magical days.
The city of Cannes is famously the host of the annual International Film Festival. Is known worldwide as a plaything of the rich and famous. The city boasts several museums, such as the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence, as well as a number of grand villas which date back to the 19th century, and which reflect the city's status as a home of the wealthy and prosperous. There is also the renowned Promenade de la Croisette stretching roughly 2km along the shore of the Mediterranean. The promenade is host to a plethora of luxury hotels, shops and restaurants, and is the perfect place to round off a trip to the South of France. From there you can go to the world famous St Tropez and enjoy some luxury holidays in France. Travelling in the South of France means also try the delightful French food, fine wine from the region or Bordeaux, champagne and other gastronomic dishes.
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So whether you are looking for city breaks, a relaxing stay in natural surroundings or an all inclusive holidays, a short stay or a longer visit, our exclusive hand-picked offers are guaranteed to be just what you're looking for. Find your perfect accommodation with our hotel spa, hotel resort, beach hotel or luxury hotel. Be sure to sign up on our website today for the very best all-inclusive hotel packages in the South of France, as well as the very best deals and discounts – thanks to our exclusive flash sales and holiday deals. Don't hesitate to contact us or call us for any question.