Beach and wine? This is the ultimate travel guide to the South of France, my friend! Okay, first things first: if you’ve ever considered relaxing with a cold glass of rosé on a sun-drenched beach that seems like it could be plucked right out of a postcard—then you really need to take a look at the South of France.
I returned recently after this incredible two-week road trip to my dream travel destination, and honestly, it was one of the most relaxing (and delicious) vacations that I’ve ever gone on! With all the buzzing markets, the fragrance of lavender all around, the beauty of the beaches, and, of course, all the wine tasting, I felt like I’d discovered a piece of paradise.
If you are considering spending your beach-and-wine vacation in the South of France, welcome to the ultimate guide you didn’t realize you needed. I promise you, from the hip beachside towns to vineyards you’ll want to visit, this is how you’re doing it right.
The South of France is the ultimate combination of beach and wine
You know how everybody claims the South of France is all that ’bout that rosé (I’m completely calling out Provence here)? Well, the best part is that those incredible vineyards are but a windy little road away from some of the most gorgeous beaches in Europe!
You can completely begin your day with wine tasting at a vineyard in the sunshine, then just relax on the beach later, sleeping with a drink in your hand. It’s so the vibe!
And good grief, don’t even get me started on the food! Bouillabaisse in Marseille and fresh oysters at the beachfront in Sete? You’ll adore it!
When to Visit the South of France
Summer (June through August) is peak season, with guaranteed sunshine and long, warm evenings perfect for beachfront dinners and wine under the stars. But if you want fewer crowds and better prices, I highly recommend late May or early September.
I visited in mid-June, and I seriously felt like I’d won the lottery—stunning sunny weather, barely any tourists in sight, and so much space to relax on the beaches!
Six Amazing Beach Locations You Must Visit
1. Nice is the Riviera’s everlasting treasure
Nice totally has the feel of the French Riviera’s heart. It’s elegant, lively, and incredibly easy to walk around. I slept in the old town and visited the flower markets in the midst of exploring those small streets that smelled of fresh bread and sea salt.
Beach tip: Plage Beau Rivage for that luxe-yet-relaxed feel. It’s also a great base to day trip to Eze or Villefranche-sur-Mer.
2. Cannes – Very posh, but still really relaxed
Cannes has the red carpet atmosphere and high-class yacht life, but really, it’s so much more than the glitz. I loved strolling along La Croisette at sunset, taking in the throng while snacking on ice cream.
Hidden gem: Head to Îles de Lérins—two islands just a short ferry ride away. Crystal-clear water, pine forests, and zero crowds.
3. Saint-Tropez – Extremely chic and well worth it!
Saint-Tropez has everything, and it totally lives up to the hype—especially with the addition of some beach, wine, and relaxing mornings. I splurged on the stay at this adorable boutique hotel nestled in the hills, and it genuinely felt like I was in the movies.
Must-do: You’ve gotta go to Club 55 at Pampelonne Beach to enjoy a lengthy lunch involving rosé, followed by a swim at the sea.
4. Cassis – For that cliffside beauty and relaxed local atmosphere
Cassis is so relaxed and so pretty. The harbor itself is adorable, and those cliffs (Les Calanques) are incredible. I took the boat ride to Calanque d’En-Vau and swam in the incredibly blue water.
Wine + beach bonus: Cassis also has its own AOC (wine appellation). Try the local white wines—they’re crisp and go perfectly with fresh seafood.
5. Antibes – Super artistic, romantic, and completely underrated
Antibes has such an artsy feel to it, likely because Picasso lived and worked there at one time. It has a good beach (Plage de la Gravette), relaxed old town, and one of the best markets I’ve ever visited.
Must-do: The Picasso Museum is located in an actual castle overlooking the sea. How cool is that?
6. Collioure – A Hidden Jewel Nestled Between Spain
It’s one of those places that completely seems to be under the radar, you know what I mean? It has these totally colorful houses, this awesome castle along the coast, and vineyards resting atop hills overlooking the town.
Go for: The beach + wine + Catalan-inspired food (hello, anchovies and grilled fish). It’s got Spanish and French flavors in one dreamy package.
Wine Spots You Need to Check Out (And Totally Fall for)
Provence, the paradise of rosé wines
The authentic French rosé, you know? The vineyards are typically surrounded by fields of lavender, olive groves, and adorable little hilltop villages.
Must-visit estate: Château de Berne (near Lorgues). Beautiful setting, and they offer wine tours, tastings, and even spa packages.
Fun suggestion: a rosé picnic! Some wineries will actually prepare one for you—like with a chilled bottle of wine, a baguette, cheese, and fruit.
Bandol – Laid-back Atmosphere and Rich Colors
Located right along the coast, Bandol produces powerful reds (mostly Mourvèdre grapes) and super unique rosés.
My pick: Domaine Tempier. Legendary wines, laid-back vibe, and a fantastic spot to learn about the art of aging rosé in oak.
Languedoc-Roussillon – The Hidden Treasure
It has this vast region that houses some of the finest wines of France. You’ll find small family vineyards, trendy experimental vintners, and beautiful sceneries.
Must-try: Picpoul de Pinet – it is really zesty and pairs well with oysters
Must-go: I dropped by Pézenas and visited Domaine Saint Hilaire. The owners were very friendly, and we drank some wine while enjoying the vineyard scenery during sunset. Absolutely an unforgettable experience!
Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence – For the Complete Provence Experience
Not too distant from Aix-en-Provence are these awesome vineyards you can visit, nestled between art galleries and markets.
Must-go: Château La Coste is a combination vineyard, art museum, and architecture playground. I easily spent hours there.
Collioure/Banyuls – Where the Sea Meets the Wine
This area has some of the rarest coastal vineyards of France. Banyuls reds and dessert wines are really earthy and full-bodied, and taste wonderfully with chocolate or dessert.
Pro tip: Visit a cliffside vineyard like Domaine de la Rectorie and taste wine while watching waves crash below.
Must-Try Dishes and Local Delights from the South of France!
- Bouillabaisse (Marseille): An incredible fish stew flavored with saffron, served up with rouille and toast. Seriously, don’t waste your time at the tourist joints—get to Chez Fonfon.
- Socca (Nice): A crispy chickpea pancake you’ll find at street markets. Best eaten hot and salty.
- Pissaladière: Think caramelized onion flatbread topped with anchovies and olives. A French Riviera staple.
- Oysters in Sete or Le Grau-du-Roi: These oysters are served fresh, accompanied with lemon, baguette, and butter. You’ll have to enjoy them with cold Picpoul or Muscadet!
- Tapenade: This olive paste is incredibly well-liked and completely addictive!
- Goat cheese and lavender honey: I had this incredible combination at this adorable little country bistro, and it completely blew my mind!
6 Things to Know Before You Visit the South of France
1. Get into the car and let’s take off!
Trains are great for crisscrossing cities, but nothing compares to the liberty of driving through vineyards, along the coast, and in hilltop villages at your leisure.
2. Pack beach items and wine
Be stylish but relaxed: pick up some linen shirts, adorable sundresses, comfortable sandals for those cobblestones, and always have a swimsuit handy.
3. Arrange Tasting Dates
Some wineries require bookings, especially in high season. Email ahead or check if they have online scheduling.
4. Don’t Skip the Markets
Local markets are the South of France’s heartbeat. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, regional cheeses, some good wine, funky crafts, and all the goodies for a DIY beach picnic.
5. Overnight at wine estates or guesthouses
Many wineries have adorable accommodations, and there’s nothing quite like waking up among the vines, having some breakfast, and doing a morning tasting.
6. Relax, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere
Don’t try to cram it all in. This region is all about savoring—wine, views, food, and activities. Relax, and you’ll have a much better time.
So, is it worth it?
Absolutely! Southern France is exactly what I imagined it to be—sun, ocean wind, good wine, adorable coastal villages, and that intangible something the French get completely, completely right. Whether you like the beaches, the vineyards, the restaurants, or all of the above (which, frankly, you really should), this destination has something really special to share.
Go for it! Book the vacation, pour yourself a glass of rosé, and relax while fantasizing about the Mediterranean.
Santé!