Two of the most popular regions in Europe to visit are Provence in France and Tuscany, the largest region in Italy. The distance between them is not far; you can easily drive it in a day, and there are many very cool places to stop along the way if you get tired or just want to see something you hadn’t planned to see.
Both regions are quite similar. They are both known for their achievements in art and both have a kitchen with a large following. Neither is known for megacities, and the main attractions tend to be rural, meaning you may want a car to make this a great road trip, although you can easily travel between the two regions on a train. .
Avignon
If we started our itinerary near the western limit of Provence, say in Avignon, a charming city along the Rhone known for its Palace of the Popes, and eventually we traveled to Florence, the heart of Renaissance Tuscany, we would drive a little more 7 hours . The train would take more than 13 hours. A car is the best. You can check the options: Avignon, France to Florence, Italy. Other options include buses and the flight / train combo.
Arles, St. Remy and Camargue
But you don’t want to see only Avignon and Florence. Just south of Avignon are the art cities of Arles and St. Remy. If you want, why not spend a couple of days in Arles and a day in St. Remy? Nature lovers will want to go to the Camargue for a day or two. Other great places include the Luberon, just west of Avignon and made famous by Peter Mayle.
The longest option
After a week or so (or longer if possible) it’s time to head to Tuscany. The route takes you along the Mediterranean coast, so you have many options to interrupt the journey by spending the night in interesting cities along the way. For example, along the Côte d’Azur you will find cities like Roquebrune-Cap-Martin with a castle to explore, or Menton, a place of artists and citrus, with the sun practically assured most of the year. Both are easy to park and have many tourist services.
Then you cross the Italian border, head towards the coast along the Autostrada dei Fiori, the flower highway (see the greenhouses or visit the Hanbury Gardens on the other side of the border), passing Genoa on your way to Pisa (where you can stop and take a little self-guided walking tour or just park near the train station and take it to the leaning tower). Pisa is where the A11 Autostrada takes you inland towards Florence, though if you’re ready for another stop, Lucca with its surrounding Baroque walls won’t get you far off the beaten track.
On your way to Florence, you will pass through Pistoia, a city that gave the gun its name and is a kind of miniature Florence with an interesting church square and a thriving market that has been running since medieval times (where it is still you can see intact medieval market stalls).
Arriving in Florence
Then you have arrived. The Renaissance art city of Florence has been delightful visitors for a long time. If your time is almost running out after exploring Provence and the coast, you’ll want to at least get to the highlights. But leave time to visit Florence’s historic squares, some of the best museums, and when you’re feeling good and hungry, take some advice from a local and visit some of the best bars and restaurants in Piero’s Florence.
Where to stay in Florence? If you’re staying a while, you’ll want to find a place to stay in the historic center. However, be careful driving downtown, the Zona Traffico Limitato or ZTL prohibits cars in the center that do not have authorization. However, you can get a permit that allows you to temporarily enter the center to drop off your luggage.
Enjoy planning your road trip to two of the best regions in Europe to visit.
