A Summer in the South of France: Slow Days, Sun-Drenched Evenings, and the Art of Living Well

If France is a grand stage, then summer in the South is the season’s headlining act. Here, time slows to a rhythm dictated by long lunches, vineyard breezes, and the clink of glasses filled with crisp Provençal rosé. The region is both effortlessly glamorous and unapologetically laid-back—a place where Chanel-clad jet-setters and local fishermen exist in the same postcard-perfect frame.

But to truly experience the South of France, you have to travel like a local—lingering over a morning café crème in a sleepy village square, wandering through olive groves at golden hour, and knowing exactly which beach club serves the best bouillabaisse.

Provence: Market Mornings and Hilltop Hideaways

Start your day like a Provençal—at the local marché, basket in hand, sampling plump figs, fresh chèvre, and still-warm baguettes. In L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a riverside town known for its antique shops and Sunday market, the streets come alive with stalls selling lavender honey, vintage linens, and wheels of truffle-laced Brie. If you prefer your mornings quiet, head to a hidden vineyard estate in Luberon, where the only sound is the wind rustling through the vines.

From there, take the scenic drive through Gordes, Ménerbes, and Roussillon, a trio of storybook villages perched on ochre cliffs and surrounded by lavender fields. The best way to explore? A vintage Citroën convertible, winding through the countryside with no real agenda—just sun, scenery, and a long lunch at a Michelin-starred auberge.

The French Riviera: Where the Mediterranean Sparkles (and So Do the Cocktails)

As the lavender fields fade in your rearview mirror, the Riviera’s turquoise waters come into focus. The Côte d’Azur has long been a playground for artists, aristocrats, and Hollywood icons, but beyond the glitz of Cannes and Monte Carlo, there’s a quieter, more soulful side to the coast.

Skip the packed beaches of Nice and Saint-Tropez and set sail for the Îles d’Hyères or Cap d’Antibes, where hidden coves and private beaches feel like a well-kept secret. Charter a classic Riva yacht for the day, anchoring in the secluded bay of Île Sainte-Marguerite, where the water is impossibly clear and the seafood platters come piled high with oysters and langoustines.

Evenings on the Riviera are best spent watching the sunset from a candlelit terrace—whether at a cliffside estate in Èze or a legendary grand hotel in Cap-Ferrat. And when the stars come out, so does the Riviera’s magic: champagne-fueled conversations, jazz drifting from an open-air piano bar, and the soft hum of waves against the shore.

Living the Good Life, the Easy Way

If the South of France has one rule, it’s this: slow down and savor the moment. Sip, stroll, swim, and repeat. Whether you’re drifting through a medieval village, dining under a canopy of plane trees, or feeling the Mediterranean breeze on your skin as you glide through the water, luxury here isn’t just about where you stay—it’s about how effortlessly you move through it all.

And the best part? You don’t have to check your watch.

Ready to Experience the South of France Without the Hassle?

When the details are handled—your itinerary mapped, your transfers waiting, and your table set before you even arrive—the only thing left to do is enjoy the moment.

At Diamond Compass Travel, we craft journeys that unfold effortlessly, designed around your rhythm and refined to your tastes. Whether it’s a vineyard escape, a private sailing, or a slow, immersive grand tour, we take care of every detail so you don’t have to.

Let’s design your South of France escape. Contact us to start planning.