Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) serves Mediterranean glitter and Roman-gothic gravitas in one sweep: sunlit markets and sea breezes in Nice, medieval ramparts and wine legends in Avignon. The region has lured painters (Matisse, Chagall, Van Gogh) and gourmands (socca, tapenade, rosé) for a century. You’ll taste, sip, and stroll through living postcards.

Expect excellent trains, vibrant street life, and honest, produce-driven cuisine. Your 8 days split smartly between the French Riviera and inland Provence to maximize variety without overpacking your schedule. With a budget at 37/100, we’ll steer you toward value—set-menu lunches, market picnics, and transport passes.

Local etiquette is relaxed but proud of tradition. Reserve for dinners when you can (even bistros), say bonjour on entering shops, and travel light on days you’ll explore hill towns. Most museums are closed one day midweek (often Tuesday), so glance at hours before you go.

Nice

Nice blends Italianate facades, Belle Époque glamour, and pebbly beaches with a distinctive Niçoise table—anchovies, olive oil, herbs, and vegetables shining in simple, savory recipes. The Old Town (Vieux Nice) is a maze of ochre alleys; climb Castle Hill for cinematic views over the Baie des Anges.

• Top sights: Promenade des Anglais, Castle Hill, Cours Saleya Market, Musée Matisse (Cimiez), Marc Chagall National Museum, Musée Masséna.
• Food to try: socca (chickpea pancake), pan bagnat, pissaladière, salade niçoise. Pair with Bellet AOC white or rosé—a rare urban appellation grown in Nice’s hills.
• Fun facts: Garibaldi was born here; Nice only became French in 1860. The light drew modern painters—your museum tickets often grant small discounts across the city system.

Where to stay (budget-friendly picks via our partners): Search private apartments and apart-hotels near Old Town or the Port for savings and kitchens. Browse Nice stays on VRBO or see Nice hotels on Hotels.com.

How to get to Nice: Fly into NCE. Compare fares on Omio (flights to/from Europe). From the airport, tram L2 to the center (~€1.70) is the best value. If you’re already in France, trains to Nice are easy: check times and fares on Omio (trains in Europe).

Day 1 — Arrival in Nice

Afternoon: Arrive and ride tram L2 into town. Drop your bags and stretch your legs along the Promenade des Anglais—watch the water shift from turquoise to ink as planes arc overhead.

Evening: Dive into Old Town. For a budget-friendly Niçoise primer, share socca and rosé at Chez Pipo (wood-fired, blistered edges), then a hearty plate at La Rossettisserie (slow-roasted meats, potatoes) or reserve Le Bistrot d’Antoine for seasonal bistro classics. Gelato at Fenocchio (try thyme or olive) caps it off.

Day 2 — Markets, Matisse, and Chagall

Morning: Breakfast at Maison Auer (candied fruit, beautiful old-world shop) or grab coffee and a flaky pastry at Marinette Kitchen. Wander the Cours Saleya Market (flowers and produce; closed Mon for antiques) and pick picnic fixings.

Afternoon: Bus to Cimiez for the Musée Matisse (color, cut-outs, Nice-period works) and the Roman arena and olive groves nearby. Walk to the Marc Chagall National Museum—biblical canvases glowing with blues and reds.

Evening: Simple seafood at Peixes (Portuguese-leaning ceviche, daily catch) or trattoria warmth at Acchiardo (family-run; book ahead). Nightcap at La Part des Anges (caviste-wine bar; ask for Bellet and small Provence producers).

Day 3 — Riviera Villages on a Budget (Èze + Villefranche)

Morning: Bus 82/112 to Èze Village. Climb to the Exotic Garden for panoramic coast views; wander stone lanes perfumed by jasmine. Free perfumery tour at Fragonard in Èze-sur-Mer if you descend.

Afternoon: Train to Villefranche-sur-Mer (short hop). Swim in the sheltered bay; picnic on your Cours Saleya goodies. Stroll the harbor and the rue Obscure, a covered medieval lane.

Evening: Back in Nice, casual dinner near the Port—try Chez Fabien (daily chalkboard, fair prices) or a socca/pissaladière top-up from market stands if you kept it light at lunch.

Day 4 — Cook Like a Local + Castle Hill Sunsets

Morning: Join a market-to-table cooking class (look for English-friendly options like “Les Petits Farcis”: market shop, hands-on prep, then lunch; book ahead). If classes are full, assemble a DIY tasting tour—olive tapenade, local cheeses, and pan bagnat from a trusted boulanger.

Afternoon: Siesta on the beach (pack water shoes for pebbles) or visit Musée Masséna for Riviera history. Climb to Castle Hill for gardens, a waterfall, and perfect photo angles.

Evening: Try a fixed-price menu to stretch the budget—many bistros offer a two- or three-course formule. Finish with a promenade stroll while street musicians soundtrack the twilight.

Avignon

Encircled by 14th-century walls, Avignon was the seat of popes in the 1300s. Today, it’s a festival city (July’s theater explosion), a gateway to Rhône crus like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and a compact base for Roman Arles or storybook Luberon villages.

• Top sights: Palais des Papes (fortress-palace), Pont Saint-Bénézet (“Sur le pont d’Avignon”), Collection Lambert (contemporary art), Petit Palais (Italian primitives), Les Halles covered market.
• What to taste: goat cheeses, olive oils from the Alpilles, Rhône reds and fragrant rosés. Watch for truffle menus in winter and spring.
• Insider tip: Saturdays often feature chef demos at Les Halles—great for techniques and tasting on a budget.

Where to stay: Base yourself intra muros (inside the walls) to walk everywhere. Browse Avignon stays on VRBO or see Avignon hotels on Hotels.com.

Nice → Avignon (morning travel, Day 5): TER/TGV trains take ~3h15–3h45, typically €35–€60 booked in advance. Check options and seat sales on Omio (trains in Europe). Budget alternative: bus ~4.5–5h from €15–€25 via Omio (buses in Europe). From Avignon TGV station, a quick shuttle train gets you to Avignon Centre in minutes.

Day 5 — Avignon’s Popes and Bridges

Morning: Train to Avignon. Drop luggage and grab a quick café crème at Place de l’Horloge.

Afternoon: Tour the Palais des Papes—chambers, frescoes, and terrace views. Walk to the Pont d’Avignon and its little chapel for Rhône panoramas.

Evening: Dinner at La Fourchette (beloved bistro; book), or the wallet-friendly tartines and salads at Ginette et Marcel (retro vibe). Nightcap at Le Carré du Palais, a wine-tasting bar and school right off the square—ask staff to pour you through the Rhône from north to south.

Day 6 — Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Day

Morning: Head to Châteauneuf-du-Pape (20–30 minutes by car/taxi; buses exist but schedules vary—ask your host or the TI). Book 2 tastings in advance; many domaines welcome visitors late morning and mid-afternoon.

Afternoon: Picnic among the vineyards (bakery + cheese from Les Halles) or a simple plat du jour in the village. Compare classic Grenache-led reds with mineral whites; ask about galets roulés (rolled stones) that heat vines at night.

Evening: Back in Avignon, share small plates at L’Agape or a seasonal menu at Avenio (if reservations allow). Stroll the illuminated ramparts.

Day 7 — Roman Arles and Van Gogh (Easy Train Day Trip)

Morning: TER train to Arles (~20–40 minutes). Visit the Roman amphitheater and theater; then the Fondation Van Gogh for changing exhibitions inspired by his Arles period.

Afternoon: Budget lunch: pick up a fougasse and Provençal salads from a local boulanger and picnic along the Rhône. Explore the Alyscamps (ancient necropolis) or the cloister of St. Trophime.

Evening: Return to Avignon. Casual dinner at Le 46 (wine bar with hearty plates) or a pizza and salad combo along rue des Teinturiers (waterwheels and student-friendly prices).

Day 8 — Market Morning and Departure

Morning: Les Halles snack-crawl: olives, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a last espresso. If there’s a chef demo, linger for tips and tastes.

Afternoon: Depart Avignon by train to your onward city or airport. Check connections on Omio (trains) and Omio (flights). If you’re heading north, Avignon TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon is often ~2h40–3h.

Eat & drink cheat sheet (save this):

• Nice breakfast/coffee: Maison Auer (historic sweets), Marinette Kitchen (brunch), Paper Plane (vegetarian-friendly).
• Nice lunch: Chez Pipo (socca; share plates), market pan bagnat at Cours Saleya, Peixes (light seafood).
• Nice dinner: Bistrot d’Antoine (seasonal), Acchiardo (Niçoise trattoria), La Rossettisserie (roasts).
• Avignon breakfast/coffee: cafés on Place de l’Horloge or inside Les Halles stalls (fresh pastries, espresso).
• Avignon lunch: market picnic; Le Carré du Palais tasting boards; simple plats du jour around rue des Teinturiers.
• Avignon dinner: La Fourchette (classic), L’Agape (shares), Avenio (seasonal), Ginette et Marcel (tartines).

Money-saving tips (budget 37/100): Aim for the lunch formule (often €18–€26) and lighter dinners. Buy 10-trip bundles on Nice trams/buses. Carry a refillable bottle; fountains abound. Many museums offer combo or city cards—ask at the first museum you visit.

Optional Add-On If You Route Via Paris (Viator Picks)

Some travelers connect through Paris. If you do, these vetted activities pair well with food and art interests—bookable in advance and easy to slot into a layover or extra day.

• Paris: Orsay Museum Daily Entry Ticket

  

  Impressionism heaven in a Beaux-Arts station—time-slot control helps you plan tight transfers.
• Award-Winning Paris French Bakery Experience — Le Marais

  

  Step behind the counter to see how croissants and baguettes become legends.
• Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Gourmet Lunch & Sightseeing Cruise

  

  Float past icons while you dine—easy, scenic, and efficient if you’re short on time.

Getting around summary: Walk or tram in Nice; TER/TGV between cities; Avignon is walkable inside the walls. For all intra-France rail and buses, check Omio (trains) and Omio (buses). For flights to or from Europe, compare on Omio (flights).

Why this route works: Two hubs, minimal unpacking, maximum contrast—sea-salt mornings in Nice, wine-scented afternoons in Avignon. It’s paced for savoring: museums before lunch, markets and tastings after, golden-hour wandering at dusk.

Final notes: Reserve dinners when possible, especially weekends. For wine domains, email or call ahead; many offer English tours. Pack a light scarf or sweater—mistral winds around Avignon can surprise even in sunshine.

Trip summary: In eight days you’ll taste the Riviera and Provence at human speed—markets, museums, beaches, vineyards, and café tables that invite lingering. With value-first tips and scenic train hops, this itinerary gives you deep flavor without overspending.