📍 France

SOUTHEAST FRANCE: GORGES, HILLTOP VILLAGES AND ANCIENT CHARM

Hilltop villages perched above the void, dizzying gorges, lanes fragrant with thyme, ochre earth plunging toward turquoise waters. The Southeast in all its splendor.

≈ 14
Days
1224
Km
12
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through southern France's raw soul. Explore Saint-Cirq-Lapopie clinging to its cliff above the Lot, cross Millau viaduct commanding the gorges, wander Albi's brick lanes, taste Roquefort's identity and let yourself be carried to Arles where Mediterranean light reveals ancient stones and Roman heritage.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Auvillar

hilltop tower commands valley

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9 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Discovery of the classified village of Auvillar and its circular 18th-century market hall.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the Garonne and observation of the panorama over the valley.
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Next stop
Distance: 131 km
Travel time: 2h37
2
Day

Saint Cirq Lapopie

limestone cliff village impossible

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, classified among the most beautiful villages in France.
🎯

Activities

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Observation of the panorama over the Lot valley at sunset.
3
Day

Albi

red brick cathedral dominates

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10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the historic center of Albi and the Sainte-Cécile cathedral.
2
Visit to the Toulouse-Lautrec museum in the former episcopal palace.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the banks of the Tarn and view of the old bridge.
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Next stop
Distance: 88 km
Travel time: 1h46
4
Day

Roquefort Sur Soulzon

cheese caverns limestone depths

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent to Cordes-sur-Ciel, medieval city with cobblestone streets and artisan workshops.
2
Discovery of the Roquefort aging caves in Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of local cheeses in the village of Roquefort.
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Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 25min
5
Day

Millau

viaduct spans vast canyon

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Panoramic view of the Millau Viaduct from the Peyre belvedere.
2
Discovery of the troglodyte village of Peyre and its church on the banks of the Tarn.
🎯

Activities

→
Walking under the Millau Viaduct and break at the bistrot des Amis.
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Next stop
Distance: 54 km
Travel time: 1h04
6
Day

Navacelles

cirque valley green sanctuary

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5 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the medieval village of La Couvertoirade and its mill.
2
Hike to the Cirque de Navacelles and panorama from the Blandas belvedere.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the Vis waterfall.
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Next stop
Distance: 138 km
Travel time: 2h46
7
Day

Saint Guilhem Le Desert

gorge village mountain embrace

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the medieval village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
2
Visit to Gellone Abbey and walk in the gorges of the Hérault.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming in the waters of the Hérault at Pont du Diable.
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Next stop
Distance: 222 km
Travel time: 4h27
8
Day

Nimes

roman amphitheater ancient splendor

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4 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the arenas of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée.
2
Discovery of Pont du Gard and swimming in the river.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in the old town of Aigues-Mortes and on its ramparts.
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Next stop
Distance: 86 km
Travel time: 1h43
9
Day

Arles

provencal light van gogh

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5 photos
Day 9
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Discover

1
Discovery of the arenas of Arles and the ancient theater.
2
Flamingo watching at Parc ornithologique du Pont de Gau.
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the ponds of the Camargue and sunset over the salt flats.
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Next stop
Distance: 36 km
Travel time: 43min
10
Day

Avignon

papal palace walled city

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon.
2
Walk to Rocher des Doms with view over the Rhône.
3
Visit to Colorado Provençal and its ochre formations.
4
Discovery of the perched village of Gordes and panorama over the Luberon.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

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Picnic on the banks of the Rhône facing the city of Avignon.
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Discovery of the market of l'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue and its canals.
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Next stop
Distance: 183 km
Travel time: 3h40
11
Day

Aiguines

lake village turquoise mirror

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5 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the waterfall of Sillans and the village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie.
2
Ascent to the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir for the view over the lake.
🎯

Activities

→
Swimming at the edge of Lake Sainte-Croix and relaxation in Bauduen.
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Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 3h24
12
Day

Hyeres

island gateway mediterranean breeze

Hyeres - Photo 1Hyeres - Photo 2Hyeres - Photo 3Hyeres - Photo 4Hyeres - Photo 5Hyeres - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Walk on the port of Hyères and discovery of the beaches of the Giens peninsula.
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation on the beaches and swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Next stop
Distance: 96 km
Travel time: 1h55

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 11 and 17 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.