Nice to St. Tropez: Memorable Driving Holidays in France

Driving in the South of France is something you just have to do at least once when you visit the country. Taking the road from St. Tropez to Nice is the perfect way to really get a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle and laid-back attitude of this region. Whether it's your first time in France or your twentieth time, there's no time like the present to take some fantastic driving holidays in France.

To help you on your way, we've put together an unforgettable driving route from St. Tropez to Nice and have included all of the most beautiful stops along the way. From the luxurious yachting hotspot of Antibes to the quaint town of Sainte-Maxime, in just a few hours you can really get a taste for the French Riviera with this road trip:

St. Tropez

Start your adventure in the South of France, driving in St. Tropez. Known for accommodating some of the world's wealthiest and most-famous holidaymakers, St. Tropez is a paradise for the rich and for anyone who is looking for a beautiful and serene vacation spot. The iconic destination has been featured in some of the world's most classic films, including And God Created Woman, and has also been touched and captured by many 20th-century artists such as Fauve, Bonnard, Dufy and Matisse. Most tourists, however, come to St. Tropez to enjoy the pretty beaches, the best restaurants, and the finest wines. Everything here is made to order, and you won't be disappointed.

Sainte-Maxime

The journey from St. Tropez to the quaint picture-perfect town of Sainte-Maxime will take less than 30 minutes. If you can, head straight to the Old town (which is car free) to experience the historic side of this now modernized city. Sainte-Maxime also has a number of sandy beaches, including La Nartelle to the north. Enjoy the town's laid-back atmosphere and lifestyle, taken from its quiet fishing village past. Make sure you sample some fresh seafood while you are here and walk along the popular harbor.

Theoule-Sur-Mer

Take a break from the luxury locations and head to the beautifully natural Theoule-Sur-Mer. Just an hour from Sainte-Maxime, the old town has a great number of beaches, a dramatic and distinctive rocky coastline, as well as an interesting harbor. There may not be as much culture in Theoule-Sur-Mer as some of the other larger towns on the coastline, but it is a great place to unwind and really get a taste for French cuisine. If you prefer to do some exercise with a view, however, then there are a number of forests and hills that are easy to explore by bike located a short way out of the town.

Cannes

When you think of Cannes you can only think of one thing - the most famous film festival in the world. But Cannes is actually so much more than that. The former-fishing village has both a traditional side as well as the world-famous movie star glamour you might expect, it's up to you which one you want to enjoy. To pay homage to the acclaimed film festival head to the Palais des Festivals, the main entrance to the annual event. Alternatively, you can enjoy the older and more relaxed 'French' way of life by taking a boat to the quiet sandy beaches of Iles de Lerins.

Antibes

A journey through the South of France would not be complete without a trip to the undeniable yachting capital of the world, Antibes. Known for housing some of the richest and most famous movie stars (due to its proximity to the nearby Cannes and stunning harbor), the historic town is buzzing with yachts, culture and movie stars. In its former life the village was extremely famous for its painters, so famous, in fact, that you can take in the locations where the world's most famous painters stood, such as Picasso, Boudin, Monet, and Harpignies, on a popular walking tour.

Parc de Vaugrenier

Before you make your final stop, take some time to appreciate the oceanfront Parc de Vaugrenier. Located just a few meters from the beach, it's possible to enjoy a morning of fun outdoor activities, or even a walk in the park before finishing your day off at the beach. It's a great place to experience the best of both worlds on the French Riviera.

Nice

Nice is one of the largest cities in the South of France, but somehow manages to keep a small town feel. Take the iconic Promenade de Anglais along the pretty Ligurian Sea or enjoy the city's interesting historic architecture, such as the Parc de la Colline du Chateai, the original site of the city, to really get an idea of the cities history. Learn more about Nice's most famous former-resident, the artist Henri Matisse at the Musee Matisse where most of his works are on display. It is also possible to find a number of private beaches here, just don't tell anyone else you meet about them!

Unforgettable Driving Holidays in France with Auto Europe

When you're ready to embark on a road trip from St. Tropez to Nice, give Auto Europe a call, available 24/7, at 1-888-223-5555 to get all your travel needs in order. From regular and luxury car rentals in France, to international airfare and hotel accommodations, Auto Europe does it all.