Southern France Avignon to Monaco
Southern France known as a playground for the rich and famous is so much more. Starting in Avignon is a risk because there is so much to see. and you may not want to leave. In the 12th Century Avignon was the home of the Catholic popes and you must visit the Place du Palias, Place de la Pignotte and the famous Pont d'Avignon.
Form Avignon it is a short drive down to Arles with a mix of Roman history and the natural beauty of the Camargue. The Arles amphitheatre, featured in the movie "Ronin" still hosts plays, concerts and bullfights. Arles is said to have inspired Vincent Van Gogh. Make sure you allow some time to wander though the Camargue with its beautiful flora and fauna.
Next on the journey is Aix-en-Provence a city of art and activity. The central town area is easy to explore by foot, but be warned there is plenty to distract and attract you as you roam these streets. Aix also features a number of beautiful fountains. If you love the outdoors then a visit to the Montagne Saint-Victorie is worth you time and effort.
From Aix we head down to Saint Tropez, Cannes and Antibes to enjoy some beautiful beaches, some great food and some Riviera life.
Now we head up into the foothills of the Alps to Saint Paul de Vence, a perfect destination for a day trip away from the coastline of the French Rivera. Art galleries, petanque games, beautiful vistas and great food.
Finally we head down into Nice, and be prepared to spend a lot of time exploring old Nice, the Promanade des Angalis, the coastline from Villefranche, Saint Jean Cap Ferrrat, Eze and of course Monaco. The best way to explore the coast line is by bus and train, but the drive up to Eze is worth the effort.
The Journey
Once you have explored Avignon, take the N1007 and D570N to Arles, it is a short drive.
On leaving Arles head east along the N113 and then join the A54 to Salon de Provence where you join the A7 until you near Coudoux where you turn onto the A8. The A8 will take you to the outskirts of Aix-de-Provence. Take exit 30A onto Chemin de la Beauville and turn left onto D8N, the Avenue Pierre Brossolette which will take you into the centre of town.
Leaving Aix is best done by joining the A51 and turning onto the A8. Follow the A8 for about 83 km to Le Cannetdes Maures. Take exit 80 and join the A57 and then take Exit 13 from the A57 and take the 4th exit on the Rond Point de la Paix and join D558. Follow D558 for 39 Kms. Join the D14 at Grimaud, and then onto the D61 until you reach the D98 and then turn left. This will take you into Saint Tropez.
On leaving Saint Tropez, take the D559 towards Saint Maxime, and then left onto the D25. Follow the D25 until you reach the A8 and turn towards the east and Cannes.
At La Nartassiere exit onto D6285 and head into Cannes, this will take you to Boulevard Camot which take you into the Cannes area.
Leave Canne by heading east along the beachfront on Boulevard de la Croisette, turning left on to Boulevard Alexandre III, which will join the D6007 towards Antibe, turn left onto Avenue du Chataignier to and then take the exit on D6107 to Antibes city centre.
On leaving Anitibes join the D6007 and follow it until you can exit onto the A2 at Le Logis du Loup. Join the D2D at the roundabout and follow the D2 all the way to D7D and turn left and then into Saint Paul de Vence.
Leaving Saint Paul de Vence head south on Chemin des Blaquieres /M336 and follow the M336 until it joins the A8. Take Exit 50 from the A8 Nice-Promenade des Anglais and follow the Promenade des Anglais into Nice.