The South of France beckons with its sun-drenched landscapes, azure coastlines, and charming cities steeped in history and culture. From the glamorous Côte d’Azur to the rustic beauty of Provence, this region offers a tapestry of experiences that captivate travellers from around the globe. Whether you’re drawn to bustling Mediterranean ports, tranquil lavender fields, or world-renowned art and cuisine, the South of France promises an unforgettable journey through some of Europe’s most enchanting destinations.
Côte d’azur: exploring nice, cannes, and Saint-Tropez
The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is synonymous with elegance, luxury, and natural beauty. This stretch of coastline has long been a playground for the rich and famous, but it offers something for every type of traveller. From the vibrant streets of Nice to the glamorous beaches of Saint-Tropez, the Côte d’Azur is a microcosm of Mediterranean allure.
Nice’s promenade des anglais and old town (vieux nice)
Nice, the capital of the French Riviera, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with coastal charm. The iconic Promenade des Anglais, a 7-kilometre stretch along the Bay of Angels, serves as the city’s elegant seafront boulevard. Here, you can join locals and visitors alike for a leisurely stroll, admiring the azure waters and the graceful curve of the coastline.
Venture into Vieux Nice, the old town, and you’ll find yourself transported through time. Narrow winding streets are lined with ochre-tinted buildings, their shutters painted in cheerful hues. The Cours Saleya market is a feast for the senses, offering fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and local specialities. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample socca , a crispy chickpea pancake that’s a Nice staple.
Cannes film festival and la croisette boulevard
Cannes, perhaps best known for its prestigious film festival, exudes glamour year-round. La Croisette, the city’s famous palm-lined promenade, is flanked by luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and sandy beaches. While the Cannes Film Festival in May attracts the glitterati, the city’s charm persists throughout the year.
For a taste of old-world Cannes, climb the winding streets of Le Suquet, the historic quarter. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the bay and the Lérins Islands. The Marché Forville, Cannes’ covered market, is a culinary paradise where you can sample regional delicacies and witness the vibrant local food culture.
Saint-tropez’s pampelonne beach and place des lices market
Saint-Tropez, once a quiet fishing village, now epitomises Riviera chic. Pampelonne Beach, with its 5 kilometres of golden sand, is the place to see and be seen. Celebrity-spotting aside, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing, water sports, or simply soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
In the heart of Saint-Tropez, the Place des Lices hosts a bustling market twice a week. Here, amidst the plane trees, you can browse stalls selling everything from fresh produce to antiques. For a quintessential Saint-Tropez experience, join locals for a game of pétanque in the square.
Provençal charm: Aix-en-Provence and avignon
Venturing inland from the coast, you’ll discover the heart of Provence, a region that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Here, medieval towns, rolling lavender fields, and a rich culinary tradition create a tapestry of sensory delights.
Aix-en-provence’s cours mirabeau and cézanne trail
Aix-en-Provence, often called the ‘city of a thousand fountains’, is a testament to elegant French urban design. The Cours Mirabeau, a wide thoroughfare lined with plane trees and cafés, serves as the city’s main artery. It’s the perfect place to indulge in the Provençal pastime of people-watching over a café au lait.
Art enthusiasts will relish following in the footsteps of Paul Cézanne, Aix’s most famous son. The Cézanne Trail leads you to the artist’s studio, preserved as it was at the time of his death, and to viewpoints that inspired his landscape paintings. The nearby Mont Sainte-Victoire, a recurring subject in Cézanne’s work, offers hiking trails with breathtaking vistas.
Avignon’s palais des papes and pont Saint-Bénézet
Avignon, encircled by 14th-century ramparts, is a city steeped in papal history. The imposing Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the city’s role as the seat of Western Christianity in the 14th century. This Gothic masterpiece is a must-visit, offering insights into medieval life and power.
The Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known as the Pont d’Avignon, is immortalised in the famous French nursery rhyme. While only four of its original 22 arches remain, it’s an enduring symbol of Avignon. For a comprehensive view of the city and its famous bridge, take a stroll in the Rocher des Doms garden above the Palais des Papes.
Lavender fields of valensole plateau
No visit to Provence is complete without experiencing the mesmerising sight of its lavender fields. The Valensole Plateau, located between Aix-en-Provence and the Verdon Gorge, offers some of the most spectacular lavender vistas in the region. From mid-June to mid-July, the fields are a sea of purple, their fragrance carried on the warm Provençal breeze.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these lavender fields are central to the local economy, producing essential oils and a variety of lavender-based products. Many farms offer tours and workshops, providing insight into lavender cultivation and distillation processes.
Marseille: cultural capital and calanques national park
Marseille, France’s oldest city and second-largest metropolis, offers a vibrant mix of history, multiculturalism, and natural beauty. This port city, with its distinct character and rich maritime heritage, provides a different perspective on southern French life.
Le panier district and Vieux-Port (old port)
Le Panier, Marseille’s oldest neighbourhood, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, colourful facades, and artisanal shops. This historic quarter, once home to fishermen and immigrants, now buzzes with creative energy. Street art adorns walls, and tiny squares host café terraces perfect for a leisurely pastis, the local anise-flavoured aperitif.
The Vieux-Port, Marseille’s bustling old harbour, has been the heart of the city for 2,600 years. Early risers can witness the daily fish market, where local fishermen sell their fresh catch. The port is lined with restaurants serving bouillabaisse , Marseille’s famous fish stew, and boats offering tours to the nearby Frioul archipelago and Château d’If, of The Count of Monte Cristo fame.
Mucem (museum of european and mediterranean civilisations)
The MuCEM, a striking contemporary structure of glass and latticework concrete, stands at the entrance of the Vieux-Port. This museum explores the rich tapestry of Mediterranean cultures through its extensive collections and temporary exhibitions. The building itself is a work of art, with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the sea and the city.
Connected to the MuCEM by a footbridge is Fort Saint-Jean, a 17th-century fortress that now houses part of the museum’s collections. Its gardens provide a peaceful retreat and offer different perspectives on Marseille’s coastline.
Calanques national park: sugiton and morgiou
The Calanques National Park, a stretch of dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves between Marseille and Cassis, is a natural wonder not to be missed. The calanques of Sugiton and Morgiou are among the most accessible and spectacular.
Sugiton offers a challenging but rewarding hike, culminating in a small beach nestled between towering cliffs. Morgiou, once a tiny fishing village, retains its charm with colourful boats bobbing in its crystal-clear waters. Whether you choose to hike, kayak, or take a boat tour, the Calanques provide an unforgettable encounter with the raw beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
Hidden gems: arles, nîmes, and montpellier
While the Côte d’Azur and Provence attract the lion’s share of visitors, the South of France harbours lesser-known cities that are equally captivating. Arles, Nîmes, and Montpellier each offer a unique blend of history, culture, and contemporary life, providing a more authentic glimpse into southern French living.
Arles’ roman amphitheatre and van gogh heritage
Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in France. The Roman Amphitheatre, built in the 1st century AD, continues to host events, from concerts to the traditional courses camarguaises (a bloodless form of bullfighting). The nearby Roman Theatre and the Cryptoporticus offer further insights into the city’s ancient past.
Arles is also inextricably linked to Vincent van Gogh, who produced over 300 paintings and drawings during his time here. While none of his original works remain in the city, you can follow in his footsteps to sites that inspired some of his most famous paintings, such as the “Café Terrace at Night” and “Starry Night Over the Rhône”.
Nîmes’ pont du gard and maison carrée
Nîmes, often called the “Rome of France”, is home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments outside of Italy. The Maison Carrée, a remarkably intact Roman temple, stands as a testament to the city’s imperial past. Its perfectly proportioned façade has inspired architects for centuries, including Thomas Jefferson in his design for the Virginia State Capitol.
Just outside Nîmes lies the Pont du Gard, an awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct bridge that spans the Gardon River. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of ancient engineering, standing 48 metres high and stretching across three tiers. Visitors can walk across the bridge, picnic by the river, or learn about Roman hydraulics at the on-site museum.
Montpellier’s place de la comédie and jardin des plantes
Montpellier, the capital of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, is a vibrant university city that seamlessly blends medieval charm with contemporary dynamism. The heart of the city is the Place de la Comédie, a vast pedestrian square flanked by elegant 19th-century buildings. At its centre stands the Three Graces fountain, a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike.
The city’s old town, known as l’Écusson, is a maze of narrow streets and hidden courtyards. Here you’ll find the Jardin des Plantes, France’s oldest botanical garden, established in 1593. This tranquil oasis offers a refreshing escape from the urban bustle, with its collection of exotic plants, historic greenhouses, and shaded walkways.
Culinary journey through southern french cuisine
The South of France is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. Each region boasts its own culinary specialities, shaped by local produce, historical influences, and the Mediterranean climate. From hearty stews to delicate wines, a gastronomic tour of the South is an essential part of any visit.
Bouillabaisse in marseille’s Vieux-Port restaurants
Bouillabaisse, Marseille’s iconic fish stew, is more than just a dish – it’s a culinary ritual. Traditionally made with at least three types of fish, plus various shellfish, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, bouillabaisse is served in two courses. The broth comes first, accompanied by rouille (a garlicky saffron mayonnaise) and croutons, followed by the fish itself.
For an authentic bouillabaisse experience, head to one of the traditional restaurants around the Vieux-Port. Places like Chez Fonfon or Le Miramar have been perfecting their recipes for generations. Remember, a proper bouillabaisse should be ordered in advance, as it takes time to prepare.
Truffles and wine tasting in luberon valley
The Luberon Valley in Provence is renowned for its truffles and wines. During the winter truffle season, from November to March, you can join truffle hunts with trained dogs, learning about the cultivation and harvesting of these prized fungi. Many restaurants in the region offer special truffle menus during this time.
The Luberon is also home to excellent vineyards producing Côtes du Luberon wines. The region’s diverse terroir results in a variety of styles, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. Many wineries offer tastings and tours, providing an opportunity to sample local vintages and learn about winemaking techniques.
Provençal markets: antibes and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Provençal markets are a feast for the senses and a window into local life. The Marché Provençal in Antibes, held every morning except Monday, is housed in a covered 19th-century building. Here you’ll find an array of local produce, cheeses, olives, and flowers, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known as the “Venice of Provence” for its canals, hosts a famous Sunday market. This expansive market combines fresh produce with a vast array of antiques and bric-a-brac. It’s an ideal place to hunt for unique treasures while soaking in the lively atmosphere of a traditional Provençal market day.
From coastal cities to inland villages, from Roman ruins to lavender fields, the South of France offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Each city and region has its own distinct character, shaped by centuries of history and the vibrant Mediterranean culture. Whether you’re drawn by the art, the cuisine, the landscapes, or simply the joie de vivre , the South of France promises a journey filled with discovery and delight.