You can already picture Provence in your mind: the soft light on the vineyards, the scent of pine trees, a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Good news—you can fly there nonstop. In the summer of 2026, seven direct flights will connect Nice to New York, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington. Marseille will follow with a daily flight from New York starting June 4, 2027.
For Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, or the Luberon, the best route goes through Paris. With French bee’s commercial flights, you can fly from New York, Miami, Los Angeles, or San Francisco to Orly. The Train + Air ticket then takes you by TGV to the heart of Provence.
Direct flights between the United States and Provence: Nice as the gateway
Let’s start with the question you’re all asking. Can you reach Provence nonstop from the United States? Yes, thanks to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
The selection has never been greater. For summer 2026, Nice boasts a record 15 intercontinental routes, including seven to the United States. You can fly from New York, Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington. The East Coast is therefore very well served.
These flights are primarily seasonal, running from late spring through fall. In winter, the schedule is significantly reduced. For the first time, however, a direct flight to New York will continue to operate during the winter of 2026–2027, with two round trips per week. Fans of the Côte d’Azur during the off-season will appreciate this.
Nice is the ideal starting point for Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or Monaco. It’s also convenient for the eastern part of the Var department and the hilltop villages of the hinterland. Avignon, on the other hand, is nearly a three-hour drive to the west. For the Luberon or the Alpilles, a different arrival point may be more convenient.
Marseille, for its part, is awaiting its first regular transatlantic flight. The direct New York–Marseille route is set to begin on June 4, 2027. It will provide quick access to Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, and the Camargue.
Until then, Paris remains the most convenient gateway to western Provence. One detail matters a great deal: the capital has two major airports. Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle handles most of the flights. Orly, closer to the southern part of Paris, offers much easier access to the TGV to Provence.
Flying to Orly: the smartest option
It is precisely at Orly that French bee has established its hub. All of its flights departing from mainland France leave from Paris-Orly, Terminal 4. For you, this means arriving at a more manageable-sized airport.
The airline connects Orly to four U.S. cities: New York (Newark), Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami. This means you can fly from both the East Coast and the West Coast. Florida isn’t left out either. Few carriers offer such a focused network to France.
Flight frequencies are consistent year-round. For summer 2026, the airline offered up to 7 flights per week to Newark and up to 6 to San Francisco. For winter 2026–2027, it’s still offering up to seven weekly flights between Orly and Newark. This means you’ll find a departure almost every day.
In terms of comfort, you’ll travel on modern aircraft. The long-haul fleet consists of Airbus A350s. The flight time is approximately 8 hours and 10 minutes from Orly to Newark, and 11 hours and 40 minutes to Los Angeles. Two cabin classes are available: Eco Blue and Premium Blue.
The concept is all about freedom of choice. Baggage, skip-the-line access, lounge access, or in-flight meals: you customize your flight à la carte, based on your budget. You only pay for what really matters to you. The airline also enjoys an excellent reputation. In 2025, it was ranked among the top 10 low-cost long-haul airlines worldwide by Skytrax.
The train + air ticket: from Orly to the heart of Provence
The airline’s real strength for travel to Provence lies on the ground. In partnership with the SNCF, it offers a combined Train + Air solution. You book your flight and your TGV in a single transaction.
Booking is simple. When booking online, you choose a TGV station as your departure or arrival point. Stations served include Aix-en-Provence TGV, Avignon TGV, and Marseille Saint-Charles. Be sure to check the current list when making your reservation.
One rule deserves your attention: A train ticket purchased separately from the flight ticket is not eligible for the Train + Air service. So be sure to book everything together from the start. This ensures that your entire journey is covered.
The transfer between the airport and the train station is included. Upon arrival, proceed to Gate 47d to take the free Train + Air shuttle to the Massy TGV station. The trip takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Simply show your SNCF e-ticket to the driver.
As for luggage, plan ahead a bit. You’ll collect your bags upon arrival and then carry them yourself to the train station. On the return trip, a dedicated Train + Air counter awaits you at Orly 4 for check-in. So traveling light is still a wise choice.
Other ways to reach Provence from Orly
Train + Air isn’t your only option once you’re at Orly. Depending on your itinerary, other solutions may suit you better. It all depends on your destination and how much you enjoy flying.
You can start by taking a domestic flight. Daily flights connect Orly to Nice, Marseille, and Toulon. As of March 29, 2026, Orly offers 8 daily flights to Nice and 2 to Marseille. Please note: these flights are not linked to your transatlantic ticket, so you’ll need to allow plenty of time between the two.
Would you rather head to Paris first? The metro now provides easy access to Gare de Lyon, where TGVs depart for the south. Line 14 connects Gare de Lyon to Thiais-Orly station in about 17 minutes, with no transfers. The metro also serves the airport directly, making for a smooth journey.
This option is a good choice if you’d like to spend a few days in Paris. You can enjoy the capital before heading off to sunnier climes. The TGV then takes you to Avignon or Marseille in about three hours. You’ll arrive well-rested, right in the heart of these cities.
Finally, renting a car gives you complete freedom once you’re in Provence. Pick it up at your arrival station rather than in Paris. That way, you’ll avoid nearly 700 kilometers of highway driving after an overnight flight. The TGV stations in Avignon, Aix, and Marseille all have rental car agencies.
Our tips for traveling better and more affordably
Now it’s time to optimize your budget without sacrificing comfort. A few simple habits can make a big difference. Here are the ones we recommend.
First, keep an eye on promotional fares. Flights from Orly to Newark start at €254 per person one-way, and flights from Orly to Los Angeles start at €370. These prices are for flights from Paris. They vary significantly depending on the dates and season.
Next, sign up for the airline’s special offers. It doesn’t have a frequent flyer program, but its Good Deals card lets you receive exclusive deals. Promotions often sell out quickly. Getting notified early makes all the difference.
Also, be flexible with your travel dates. July and August remain the most expensive months for travel to France. May, June, and September often offer better fares. This is also when Provence is at its most pleasant, between the lavender in bloom and the grape harvest.
Finally, choose your airport based on your itinerary. For the French Riviera and eastern Var, the direct flight to Nice remains unbeatable in the summer. For the Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhône, or the Alpilles, the Orly + TGV option is often the most efficient. And if you’re planning a long stay, the Premium Blue cabin will ensure you arrive refreshed and ready to go from day one.
