Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world, and be inspired. If youre looking for a unique place to stay, check out the top Airbnb rentals in the area. Original music by Dan Powell , Sophia Lanman , Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop . Despite being a modern urban city, Montpellier has retained its historic character in the Old Town known as L'cusson. The Picasso Museum is definitely worth a visit in Old Town, and Cap dAntibes is a peninsula thats perfect for having a picnic. Empress Eugnie (wife of Napoleon III) adored this seaside location in the Basque region because of its natural beauty. From Roman ruins to dramatic landscapes and quaint city squares, you'll find a little of everything here. Other highlights include the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula and the sea-facing Villa Krylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a replica of an ancient Greek nobleman's mansion of the 2nd century BC. Small farms, fields of lavender, and colorful open-air markets add to the rustic appeal. They feature antique-y decor, a coastal-grandma-color-palette, and traditional Provenal red floor tile. Today, this market takes place every day (except Mondays) from 7:30am until 12:30pm; vendors sell fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, specialty food products, and Provenal fabrics. Located near the village of Gordes, the Snanque Abbey is an unmissable place to visit in southern France for those exploring the Luberon Valley! Its become the epicenter of summer in France travel. Two more of France's Most Beautiful Villages are Sguret (10 kilometers from Vaison-la-Romaine), built on a hillside overlooking the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range, and the enchanting hilltop town of Venasque, which affords views of Mont Ventoux. Brimming with charming medieval hamlets, picturesque ancient towns perched on hillsides and fishing villages awash with pastel-colored buildings, the south of France is magical. Luxurious accommodations are found at the Chteau de la Chvre d'Or hotel, a Relais & Chteaux property with a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you're travelling with children and want an accessible French experience with plenty of distractions, head south. and Ive traveled it, If youre heading to France or Europe for a short period of time, you may be looking for, Wondering where the best small towns in Provence, France are? A wonderful monument with an impressive history. Within the Parc Naturel Rgional de Camargue, Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer delights tourists with its sandy beaches and great selection of cafs, restaurants, and shops. This area of France in fact requires little to no introduction but let's go through what you'll get to see in these 10 days in South of France. South of France is waiting for your visit! 1. A traditional Provenal market has been held at the Cours Lafayette since the 18th century. The Randonnees Theatrales Marcel Pagnol Cie Dans la Cour des Grands, Fort Saint-Jean, and Mucem are also popular attractions in the city to add to your itinerary. 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Though the hotel is a great jumping off point for exploring the French Riviera, theres plenty to keep you close, like the buzzy rooftop restaurant from chef Eyal Shani (of the Miznon restaurants) and the Villa Belle Plage spa, where guests can pamper themselves with HydraFacials, Watsu water massages, sports concierge services, and more. Guests are treated to sumptuous accommodations in exquisitely decorated rooms and fine dining in lavish Second Empire salons. This is a travel blog, not a geography course :), Your email address will not be published. Also in the Haut-Vaucluse area, Pernes-les-Fontaines was founded during the Gallo-Roman era. UNESCO has designated the entire city of Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site because of its cultural value and architectural treasures from the Age of Enlightenment. The Best Prepaid Cell Phone Plans & Data for Tourists in France, 8 Charming Small Towns in France Ill Never Forget, 12 Incredible French Castles & Chateaux You Must Visit, How to Spend One Week in France (7 Itinerary Ideas). Carcassonne is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its cultural value and tops the list of attractions in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. By the early 20th century, artists followed suit to capture the sublime scenery on canvas. Famous for its prestigious perfume factories, Grasse has a wonderful old town, with tree-shaded courtyards, pleasant outdoor cafs, and quaint cobblestone streets. You can also take a hike along the coast, pop into hot beach clubs, and find some prime people-watching spots here. Renowned for its ancient Roman monuments and traditional festivals, Arles is a characteristic town in the heart of Provence. Pure spring waters flow into a Grotto where Saint Bernadette received visions of the Virgin Mary. The old Roman theater of Vaison-la-Romaine is used as an open-air venue for Vaison Danses, an international dance festival that takes place every year in July. Perched on top of a hill overlooking the Luberon Valley, Bonnieux is all charming cobblestone streets and adorable housesplus the gorgeous Vieille Eglise (Old Church) located at the highest point in town. Located in the southwest corner of France, just northeast of its Spanish counterpart, French Basque Country is lush, green and mountainous. 1. Nature lovers should be sure to see the Gorges du Verdon in the region's northeastern corner. Alsodont miss the corgi that hangs out at the cafe just outside the town walls! We are all happy to be here. Occitanie, France. stretch of curving beach, tasty Nicoise salad, and an excellent location to use as a base for many of the incredible day trips in southern France. The Plage de la Courtade is a popular beach here, and Fort Saint Agathe is a local historic site. 10 Cassis This little fishing village would undoubtedly enhance any vacation in Southern France. The South of France Is My Favorite Vacation Destination Here Are Its 20 Best Places to Visit. Map of the Best Places to Visit in the South of France, 3 Days in Miami: A Magnificent Long Weekend in Miami Itinerary, 15 Best France Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Driving Tips! Tourists will appreciate the peaceful setting, as well as the Romanesque church and the ceramics (for sale at the monastery's boutique) that are handcrafted by the resident nuns. Map of the best places in south of France The 2021 Cannes film festival will be held from 11-22 May 2021. The South of France provides everything an adventurous wanderer might want, from the countryside to the shore. Comprised of the land in the southeast corner of France, this region has it all sparkling shorelines, hilltop towns, and lavender countryside fields. One of the prestigious places in the Leading Hotels of the World portfolio, Lily of the Valley is a chic wellness sanctuary perched on a hilltop in the midst of nature reserves yet only 20 minutes from the sparkle of Saint-Tropez. Antibes is a charming coastal French town that Picasso lived in for six months in the 1940s. It has been referred to as Little Venice because of the lovely canals along the streets of this coastal town. Just an hour ferry ride away, this idyllic island features magnificent natural scenery, sandy beaches, and secluded coves. Medieval hilltop villages are scattered throughout the Haut-Vaucluse area of Provence. By exploring the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets of Carcassonne, visitors can imagine what life was like in a typical town of the Middle Ages. These ancient walls conceal an atmospheric warren of narrow streets, steeped in the ambience of the Middle Ages. South Korea's metropolitan districts are a delight to explore, but so are the city outskirts. You won't be disappointed. Want to go on a girls trip or. Among Bordeaux's top tourist attractions are the UNESCO-listed 12th-century Cathdrale Saint-Andr and the 18th-century Grand Thtre, which hosts ballet, opera, and music performances. The Citadel, known as the Cite de Carcassonne, is the main attraction. Grasse,is a very nice town near to the sea. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. Plan your visit for a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday for the biggest concentration of markets! A bustling harbor explains the city's raison d'etre, as well as its rich multicultural heritage. These structures date back to the fourth century and have been wonderfully restored since then. The south of France has long been an ideal holiday destination, thanks to its picturesque countryside and the golden sands of its beaches. The south of France is also home to some of the best beaches in France, so be sure to visit at least one! Local residents have perfected the art de vivre, with leisurely meals and strolls along graceful tree-lined streets. The historic episcopal city of Albi is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its exceptional architecture and cultural value. Travelers can create their own driving itinerary to discover the quaint country villages of Provence, especially in the remote Luberon region, which is designated as a UNESCO-listed Natural Regional Park. This list of the best cities in Southern France includes some of the most beautiful cities in France as well as some lovely, underrated cities. Here, you can taste themacarons of Saint-Jean-de-Luz; feast on a Txuleta steak washed down with barrel-poured cider at a traditional cider house; or take a lesson in shredding on one of the many mythical surf beaches. Nmes is at the top of our list right now but we're worried there won't be enough to do to fill a whole week! You dont feel overwhelmed, the streets are smaller,, A visit to France isnt complete without a tour of an extravagant French castle, known as a chateau., France the land of fine food and finer wines! There are stylish accommodations here to make your home base and check out the iconic lavender fields of the region. With its scenic beachside location, balmy weather, and pleasant Mediterranean landscape, Nice is the quintessential French Riviera resort town. One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Gourdon (kilometers from Nice) boasts many artisan craft boutiques and an impressive chteau with gardens designed by Andr Le Ntre. In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Fronting onto the Mediterranean and backed by the Pyrenees and the Alps, the south of France is a microcosm of the wider nation, with gorgeous beaches, photogenic medieval villages and hip cities. While some of the rooms (86 rooms and 56 suites) retain historic details ceiling woodwork, Napoleon-era gold leaf, wall hangingsothers offer a modern, nautical look, with deep-sea blues and porthole-shaped windows. Located between Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat, the Calanques (or coves) that are the highlight of the park are full of sparkling Mediterranean waters and framed by bright, white cliffsand the combination is absolutely stunning. Talk aboutle sud conjures up images of lavender fields in Provence and the glitzy beaches of Saint Tropezand no doubt, those are destinations for good reason. After museum-hopping, book a table at the restaurant-bar atHtel La Ponche, serving Mediterranean dishes and views. This listed Historic Monument is currently home to a community of nuns, but also welcomes the public for visits. Both villas are open to the public for visits. Perched on a promontory above the sea, Monaco boasts an impressive ancient castle (the Palais du Prince) and splendid coastal views. The regal air of the past is evident in opulent oceanfront mansions and streets named after royalty. However, there is more to the south of France than A list beach destinations - there are lavender fields, ancient Roman and UNESCO world heritage sites, TONS of museums, provincial markets, wine, and fine dining, and many hidden gems. French driving expert Andrew Sanger shows us how to make the journey worthwhile. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Czanne was born in Aix-en-Provence and spent his childhood here. The coastal city of Nice on the famous Cte d'Azur is one of the most beautiful and laid-back places to visit in the south of France. With its sultry climate and sidewalk cafs found at every turn, Toulouse immerses visitors in a relaxing ambience typical of southern France. and Cannes. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in France, 29 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Paris, 18 Top-Rated Places to Visit in Europe in Summer, France in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 10 Best Places to Visit in France in Winter, 14 Top-Rated Beaches in the South of France, 17 Top-Rated Beach Destinations in France, From Rome to Sorrento: 6 Best Ways to Get There, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, the town of Nice deserves special mention, Top tourist attractions in Aix-en-Provence, Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Biarritz, attractions in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, full-day Provence countryside small-group day, Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Montpellier. 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