The south of France is a popular travel destination, and with good reason. The region is home to some of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe, from cities like Cannes, Antibes and St Tropez to charming beach towns like Ramatuelle and St Maxime.
You'll find everything you'd expect from a Mediterranean destination here: beautiful beaches and fantastic weather. The area is also perfect for culture lovers as there are plenty of museums and galleries to explore.
1. Nice 👌
Nice is one of the most popular cities in the country, with beautiful city architecture and charming neighborhoods. You can walk down Promenade des Anglais or grab a crepe from one of the many street vendors who line the streets selling their tasty treats..
If you want some authentic French food then head over to Les Halles de la Foire for some delicious seafood dishes. There are plenty of museums and galleries as well so if culture is more your thing then you’ll have no problem finding something to do while visiting Nice!.
2. Cannes 🛋
Cannes is a city on the French Riviera. It is a busy tourist destination and host of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
While Cannes is best known for its glamorous film festival, it also attracts sun-seekers from all over the world – and with good reason. The beaches are some of the best in Europe and there’s plenty to see and do here too.
The Old Town (Vieux Port) is a great place to start your visit. It’s filled with cafes and restaurants where you can watch the world go by while enjoying traditional French cuisine or international dishes from around the globe. You’ll also find plenty of shops selling everything from jewellery to clothes – plus there are plenty of souvenir stalls selling local produce such as lavender honey or olives picked straight from the trees in nearby villages.
3. Aix-en-Provence 🍚
For a romantic getaway, you can't go wrong with Aix-en-Provence. The city is beautiful and the weather is mild year round. Its architecture and history make it a great place for history buffs as well as those who just want to see some pretty buildings. You can even take cooking classes!
The main attraction in Aix en Provence is the Palais de l'Archevêché. This is a magnificent building in the center of town that was once home to the Archbishop of Aix en Provence. The building itself is beautiful, but what makes it so special are all the treasures inside including wonderful paintings and sculptures from around Europe.
4. Marseille 🏙️
is the second-largest city in France (after Paris) and the oldest city in France, founded by Greek colonists in 600 BCE.
A few attractions not to miss:
- Visit the Notre-Dame de la Garde Church, a Catholic basilica that is the city’s best-known icon.
- Walk around the Old Port, where you can get lost among the markets and bazaars
- Wine and dine at Chez Jeannot Bistro or Le Cep des Chênes for a French culinary treat.
5. Avignon 😱
Avignon is a city in the south of France. It is the capital of the Vaucluse department, and also a commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Avignon is a medieval city of great charm, with its famous bridge, Palais des Papes palace and two great Gothic cathedrals. The city is also known for its annual festival of theatre and music, the Festival d’Avignon. With its many restaurants, pubs and bars it is also a lively place to spend an evening or two.
6. Arles 🏚️
Arles is another city famous for its art scene – it is home to the world's largest Van Gogh collection and the world's largest collection of Roman artifacts. The town also has a beautiful botanical garden as well as an historic Roman arena.
Arles was once part of the Roman Empire, and a large chunk of its buildings date back to that time period. You can see it all in one place at the Arène Romaine (or Arena), which was built around 118 AD by Hadrian himself. If you visit this site today, you'll find yourself walking through an impressive amphitheater where people took in plays and other performances back when it was first constructed centuries ago!
7. The Languedoc-Roussillon region 🏝️
The Languedoc-Roussillon region is a part of France's deep south. It's a sprawling area of vineyards, olive groves and ancient towns that extends from the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. The region includes some of France's most historic and beautiful cities, including:
Carcassonne ⚔️
Founded by Romans in the third century C.E., this city has since been conquered by Visigoths, Franks, Moors and Catalans before becoming a French possession again under Louis IX in 1226 C.E.. This beautiful medieval fortress town was named UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its unique architecture and archaeology that dates back over 2,000 years!
You can walk along ramparts built by Vauban or visit museums displaying artifacts found on site at Carcassonne Castle--the largest fortified city outside China's Great Wall!
Perpignan 🏖️
This lively city makes an excellent base if you're planning excursions elsewhere in Catalonia or southern France; it's only an hour away from Barcelona airport! There are tons of things to do here: go wine tasting at Domaine de Camblanes winery near Toulouse (about three hours away), climb Mont Canigou mountain (the highest point within continental Europe), explore Pic du Canigou National Park with its many hiking trails…or just relax at one of many beaches nearby such as Port-Vendres or Collioure!
Sete 7️⃣
Sete is a small town on the Mediterranean coast. It's known for its beaches, hotels and restaurants, as well as its lively nightlife—there are plenty of bars open late into the night!
The perfect place for you to relax and soak up some sun.
Conclusion
If you're looking for an alternative to Paris, the South of France has plenty to offer, from wineries and beaches to historical icons and art galleries. Soak up some sun, bask in French history and culture, and of course, indulge in some wine along the way!
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