Exploring Southern France by car is one of the best ways to discover the region’s diversity — vibrant cities, charming coastal towns, canals, Mediterranean sunsets, and relaxed family-friendly destinations.
Our winter road trip through Southern France took us through several beautiful places: Marseille, Martigues, Montpellier, and Sète. Each destination had its own unique charm, and together they created an unforgettable family adventure.
If you’re planning a road trip with kids in the South of France, this guide shares our itinerary, travel tips, and the highlights that made our journey so special.
Our Southern France Road Trip Overview
This itinerary works perfectly for a 3–5 day family road trip.
Stops included:
- Marseille – historic port city and gateway to Provence
- Martigues – “Venice of Provence” canals at golden hour
- Montpellier – lively student city and New Year’s celebration
- Sète – charming seaside canals and fishing port
Each destination is close enough to reach easily by car, making it an ideal relaxed road trip for families.
Stop 1: Marseille – Gateway to Southern France
Our road trip began in Marseille, one of the oldest cities in France and the cultural heart of the Mediterranean coast.
Marseille combines maritime heritage, stunning viewpoints, and lively city life.
Highlights of Our Visit
During our winter stay, we explored:
- The Old Port (Vieux-Port), the historic center of the city
- The breathtaking Notre-Dame de la Garde, which offers panoramic views over the city and the Mediterranean
- The lively waterfront filled with cafés, markets, and boats
The atmosphere in winter felt authentic and relaxed, with fewer crowds compared to summer.
👉 Read our full guide:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/marseille-travel-guide-winter-port-notre-dame/
Where We Stayed in Marseille
During our visit we stayed at Campanile Saint Antoine Marseille, which worked perfectly as a family base.
Why it worked well for our road trip:
- Easy parking
- Comfortable family rooms
- Convenient location for exploring Marseille and nearby towns
👉 Full review:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/campanile-st-antoine-marseille-family-stay/
Stop 2: Golden Hour in Martigues
One of the most magical moments of our road trip was our evening visit to Martigues, often called the Venice of Provence.
Just a short drive from Marseille, this charming town surprised us with:
- Beautiful canals
- Colorful houses
- Elegant yachts
- Peaceful sunset atmosphere
We parked near the canals and enjoyed a slow evening walk during golden hour while the kids watched the boats.
It was calm, photogenic, and perfect for families.
👉 Read the full story:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/golden-hour-martigues-evening-trip-from-marseille-with-kids/
Stop 3: Montpellier – New Year’s Eve Celebration
Our next destination was Montpellier, a vibrant student city full of energy, restaurants, and historic streets.
We arrived just in time to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and the atmosphere was fantastic.
What We Loved About Montpellier
- The lively historic center (Écusson)
- Beautiful pedestrian streets
- Shops and restaurants everywhere
- A charming Christmas market still open on December 31st
Because Montpellier is a university city, it has an incredible mix of culture, nightlife, and relaxed cafés.
👉 Full guide:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/montpellier-with-kids-new-years-eve-winter-city-break/
Where We Stayed in Montpellier
During our stay we chose Hotel Belaroïa Montpellier, located directly in the city center.
We stayed in a Junior Suite with 2 adults and 2 kids (12 and 9), which gave us enough space to relax after busy sightseeing days.
Why we loved it:
- Central location
- Walking distance to the old town
- Easy access to tram lines
- Spacious room for families
👉 Full hotel review:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/hotel-belaroia-montpellier-family-review-junior-suite/
Stop 4: Evening Trip to Sète
After exploring Montpellier during the day, we drove to Sète for a spontaneous evening trip.
Located only about 30 minutes from Montpellier, Sète is a charming fishing town known for its canals and maritime atmosphere.
Why Sète Is Worth Visiting
Sète felt completely different from Montpellier:
- Calm seaside atmosphere
- Scenic canals and bridges
- Fishing boats and yachts
- Beautiful sunset views
We walked along the waterfront while the sky turned golden and the reflections danced on the water.
It was one of the most peaceful moments of our entire road trip.
👉 Full story:
https://travelfamilyblog.com/evening-trip-sete-from-montpellier-with-kids/
Why Southern France Is Perfect for a Family Road Trip
Traveling by car allowed us to explore at our own pace and discover places that many tourists miss.
Benefits of a road trip here:
✔ Short driving distances
✔ Scenic coastal and countryside routes
✔ Easy access to charming towns
✔ Flexible travel with kids
The region offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Suggested 4-Day Southern France Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Marseille
Explore the Old Port and Notre-Dame de la Garde
Day 2
Visit Martigues at sunset
Drive to Montpellier
Day 3
Explore Montpellier Old Town
Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Day 4
Morning city walk
Evening trip to Sète
Tips for Planning Your Southern France Road Trip
Rent a Car
Public transport exists, but a car makes it easier to explore coastal towns and hidden gems.
Travel Off-Season
Winter gave us:
- fewer crowds
- easier parking
- more authentic experiences
Stay in Central Locations
Hotels near city centers make sightseeing with kids much easier.
Final Thoughts
Our Southern France road trip was one of those journeys where every stop felt different and exciting.
From the historic port of Marseille to the canals of Martigues, the festive streets of Montpellier, and the peaceful waterfront of Sète — each destination added a new layer to the experience.
If you’re planning a family-friendly road trip in the South of France, this itinerary offers the perfect mix of culture, scenery, and unforgettable Mediterranean moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Southern France Road Trip
Is Southern France good for a road trip with kids?
Yes, Southern France is ideal for a family road trip thanks to short driving distances, scenic coastal routes, and many family-friendly cities and towns.
How many days do you need for a Southern France road trip?
A 3–5 day itinerary is perfect to visit cities like Marseille, Montpellier, and nearby coastal towns such as Martigues and Sète.
Is winter a good time to visit Southern France?
Winter is a great time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and a relaxed atmosphere. Cities remain lively and the weather is mild compared to many parts of Europe.
Do you need a car in Southern France?
While trains connect major cities, renting a car allows you to explore smaller towns and coastal destinations more easily.
Which cities should I visit in Southern France?
Some excellent destinations include Marseille, Montpellier, Martigues, Sète, Nice, and Aix-en-Provence.
