My First Time in the South of France!

Somehow, I’ve completely forgotten to document my last few weekend trips – and we’ve officially entered white-sky-season in Paris, so it’s the perfect time to reminisce on my first South of France getaway this past August.

Small south of France village early in the morning during summer; August 2022

I left on a Friday night, as the sun stays up so late in the summer in France – it’s easy to leave at 5pm and still get to where you’re going before the sunsets. It’s about a 3 hour hop from Paris to Avignon – the city where my dad’s cousin’s summer home is.

Poolside in the South of France!

I remember on the train ride down, feeling semblances of Italy – and simultaneously getting that “new travel feeling” of going somewhere I had never been before, which I hadn’t felt since Japan.

Sunset on the train from Paris to Avignon; August 2022

I was pleasantly surprised how mountainous the South of France was, once we started heading past Lyon…

Mountains in the South of France; August 2022

Here’s a full itinerary of what I did in the Avignon area!

Things to Do As a Day Trip Near Avignon

Day 1

The first night I arrived, I just enjoyed the air conditioning – something I don’t have in my Paris apartment! The next morning, we got up early to get fresh baguettes and have our breakfast with coffee, jam, and cheeses.

Jam, cheese, and coffee – classic French breakfast!

Fresh baguettes… heaven!

Half Day Trip to Pernes-les-Fontaines

Then, we head off to a wonderful market – filled with everything you could imagine: lavender, fresh strawberries (the best I’ve ever tasted in my entire life!), truffle, special spreads, spices, garlic, sunglasses (which was perfect, because my other pair from HEMA broke – those things aren’t built to last…), clothes.. anything you could imagine.

Outdoor market on Quai de Verdan near Pernes-les-Fontaines; August 2022

I thought this was the most beautiful garlic I’ve ever seen in my entire life…

Lavender everywhere, as I was close to the Provence region!

It was so tempting to buy one of these plates, but I had just bought one in Seville.

Fruit stand at a market in Pernes-les-Fontaines; August 2022

After that, we took a lunch break in Pernes-les-Fontaines, and found lovely little place with outdoor seating perfect for enjoying summer.

Wandering around Pernes-les-Fontaines; August 2022

Beautiful veggie salad at restaurant off of Rue de la Margelle in Pernes-les-Fontaines; August 2022

After this, we did some wondering – this was all in the same vicinity of the outdoor market.

Wondering around Pernes-les-Fontaines; August 2022

We hiked up some stairs for an awesome view, very reminiscent of San Marino in Italy!

The skinny trees in the south of France reminded me of Italy, which makes sense – as if you follow the coast of France to the east, you’re there!

Not a bad view, behind me!

Relaxing in the South of France

Then, we headed back home to enjoy some pool and relaxation time. We made chocolate covered strawberries, I went for a swim (which I don’t think I had done since the Outer Banks four summers ago), and wrote in my journal with the soft South of France breeze whispering through my thin curls with hot pink flowers fluttering to my left.

Decadence defined: chocolate covered strawberries poolside in the South of France; August 2022

Swimming in the South of France; August 2022

Poolside journaling… not bad.

Pink flowers in the South of France; August 2022

City Center of Avignon

After a shower and a change of clothes, we drove to the city center of Avignon – and wandered around before sitting for dinner with a view of the Wall of Avignon.

Big outdoor restaurant in Avignon; August 2022

We went home, after a full & beautiful day in the South of France – I was feeling pretty complete after that weekend.

Using my French Lavender & Honey mini travel lotion in the South of France was a good moment…

I headed back home to Paris the next morning, edited my South of France vlog after a relaxing weekend getaway.

Check out my South of France adventure in action below!

Looking for more things to do in France & Europe? Click here – I’ve been all over the continent!

Never want to miss out on my next adventure in France? Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to never miss my next destination!

Additional articles you might find helpful include:

• A Day Trip to Cannes: Is It Worth Visiting?

• One Night in Nice + Monte Carlo: Is the French Riviera Overrated?

• Top 10 Most Underrated Places to Visit in France

• 5 Best Villages to Visit as a Day Trip from Nice

About the Author

Hi, I'm Stephanie Safdie, a travel writer and content creator based in Paris. Since living here, I've spent years exploring the city and regularly update my Paris travel guides with firsthand experience while also exploring destinations across Europe and beyond as a solo female traveler. I've been solo traveling for the past decade, having visited more than 70 cities and nearly 30 countries before turning 30.

Before moving abroad, I grew up moving all around the United States, having lived in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Tampa – which sparked my desire to discover and experience new places and cultures from a young age.

As a true writer at heart passionate about being open-minded, adventurous, and diaristic – it's my goal to share honest, practical travel advice, local insights, detailed itineraries, and real-life experiences that go beyond typical tourist recommendations. With over 200 guides published on Destination Dreamer Diaries, I’m here help you plan the most memorable trip of a lifetime with confidence.

When I'm not traveling or working professionally in content creation, you'll find me doing just about anything creative: writing, practicing my photography skills (the large majority of photos featured on this blog were taken during my own travels), playing my music at open mic nights, editing videos for my YouTube channel, cooking, or creating travel content.

Last updated: July 20 2025