Clients of mine recently returned from this curated slow-paced trip around Provence and they were so delighted with their trip, I wanted to share their itinerary as future inspiration for other young couples wanting to experience a slower exploration of this pretty region in France.

Nice: coastal glamour and slow discovery

Begin in Nice, where the Mediterranean sets the scene. A chic stay at La Villa Nice Promenade, in a prestige balcony room with breakfast included, places you moments from the famous seafront yet slightly removed from the bustle. Mornings start slowly: flaky pastries, strong coffee and the soft sea breeze drifting in as you plan the day together.

With electric bikes waiting one afternoon, more in-depth exploration of the wonders of Nice becomes effortless. Glide along the Promenade des Anglais, pause at viewpoints over the Baie des Anges, and stop for ice cream in the old town.  - I can highly recommend you order a scoop of lemon ice cream served inside a real lemon: zesty, icy and impossibly refreshing, it is one of those small, perfect memories that lingers long after the holiday ends.

Nice is a place to wander more than to tick off sights: think markets, cobbled streets, beach clubs and terrace bars where you can share a carafe of chilled rosé as the sky turns apricot. Every detail, from your central location to prebooked activities, is arranged so you can simply enjoy being there together.

From Nice, travel by train into the heart of Provence. The coastal glamour gives way to rolling countryside, vineyards and stone farmhouses as your train glides towards Aix‑en‑Provence. There is no need to navigate or queue, just time to watch the scenery roll by. On arrival, a hire car is ready at the station so you can explore at your own rhythm, and you'll definitely want to. Windows down, warm air on your skin, the road unwinding in front of you: this is the Provence of daydreams and having your own wheels gets you to all the small, off the beaten track villages and towns in simple comfort.

Aix‑en‑Provence: rural romance and hilltop villages

Just outside Aix, Domaine de Saint Clair offers a luxurious countryside retreat for change of pace. A spacious suite with park views and breakfast included feels like your own private sanctuary: birdsong in the morning, the scent of wisteria enveloping your room, dappled light through the trees, and long, lazy days to talk, read, or simply sit with a glass of wine.

From here, a half‑day tour of the Luberon’s hilltop villages reveals the timeless charm of rural Provence. Honey‑coloured houses cling to the hillsides, shutters painted in sun‑faded blues and greens. Cobbled lanes lead to tiny squares lined with cafés and galleries. You wander at your own pace, pausing for a coffee here, a photograph there, soaking in vistas of vineyards and lavender fields that stretch towards the horizon.It is the kind of afternoon that feels suspended in time: no rush, no pressure, just you, your partner and some of the most beautiful villages in France. With the logistics handled by your guide, all you have to do is enjoy the views and the company.

Cannes and the Riviera: wine, perfume and coastal enchantment

The journey continues by train to Cannes, where a stay at Hotel Le Mondial brings you back to the sea. A deluxe balcony room with breakfast sets the scene for Riviera chic: strolls along the Croisette, people‑watching from café terraces, and evenings dressed up for dinner under twinkling lights.

From Cannes, the countryside opens up in a different way. A full‑day premium excursion takes you into the landscapes that make Provence so legendary: curving rows of vines, soft rolling hills and villages framed by olive trees and cypress. You taste elegant local wines, learn the stories behind each bottle, and perhaps find a favourite vintage to bring home, a liquid reminder of sunlit days and shared laughter.

A little further along the coast, the town of Grasse offers another kind of indulgence: perfume. Here, amid historic perfume houses and jasmine‑scented air, you can pick your own signature fragrance. Guided by expert perfumers, you blend notes that feel like you: perhaps citrus and neroli, or soft florals and warm woods. You leave not just with a bottle, but with a personal scent forever tied to this journey and to the memories you created together.

A perfectly paced romantic escape

What makes this style of trip so special is its rhythm. Three nights in Nice to ease into the Riviera and savour seaside living. Three nights near Aix‑en‑Provence for deep relaxation, countryside drives and hilltop villages. Two nights in Cannes for a final flourish of glamour, wine tasting and coastal charm.

The pace is gentle and considered:

• Slow breakfasts instead of early alarms.
• Scenic rail journeys instead of rushed connections.
• Handpicked tours that add depth and ease without overloading your days.
• Long, lazy evenings where you can linger over tasting menus, share desserts and explore new flavours together.

Every element can be tailored: choose more time by the coast or in the countryside, add a spa day or a private wine tasting, linger in Grasse for a full afternoon of perfume‑making or spend extra time exploring hidden beaches. The beauty of a seamlessly arranged luxury tour is that it feels effortless for you, yet every detail has been carefully thought through. This is Provence at its most romantic: a place where lemon ice cream tastes brighter, sunsets seem softer, and ordinary moments become cherished memories. If you are dreaming of a getaway that blends exploration with deep rest, awe‑inspiring landscapes with exquisite wines, and stylish hotels with truly slow mornings, a journey like this is the perfect place to begin.