If a vacation to the south of France is on your bucket list, make sure you make your trip the best it can be by reading this awesome guide to luxury travel. This historical location is beautiful and full of rich french culture.
Keep reading for our guide on what to see and do in the south of France to make sure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Lovely Lavender
One of the most iconic sights in Provence is their landscapes filled with lavender. To catch the lavender fields in full bloom and glory, head to Provence in mid-summer. The sight is just as beautiful as the smell.
The L’Abbey de Senanque is a popular monument in Provance, that is lined with these gorgeous flowers for a picture-perfect scene. Sault and Luberon are other cities in this region where the lavender is plentiful. If you love blooming flowers, make sure to check out their impressive sunflower fields as well.
Must-See Marseille
The largest city in Provence, Marseille has so much to offer. As the original port city since antiquity, the location is rich with history.
A highlight of the waterside city is the Notre Dame de la Garde, a 19th-century neo-Byzantine church that is worth the hike. Take a walk along Boulevard Longchamp, where the palace, Palais Longchamp is a gorgeous sight with a lush surrounding park. There are many art and history museums to learn more about this historic city.
Climbing the Calanques de Cassis
Take a day to immerse yourself in provincial nature with a hike through Calanques de Cassis. The unique seaside landscapes will take you through coves and inlets unlike anywhere else. Pack a picnic for a relaxing break from hiking this interesting terrain.
Fountains in Aix-en-Provence
The birthplace of famous painter Paul Cezanne, this city is filled with history, yet has a modern flair due to the university planted in the heart of the city. The city is known for its many beautiful fountains that fill it and is often nicknamed "the city of a hundred fountains" due to its many water features. This is a great way to spend a day in a quaint provincial town, with plenty of cafes to enjoy the local cuisine and culture.
Make sure you plan to be there on a Thursday, as it's the cities market day. Three different markets occur in town on this day, offering antiques, food, textiles and more. It's a great way to see a beautiful city and experience a traditional Provencial market.
Cobblestone Villiage of Saint-Paul de Vence
If quaint provincial towns are what you're looking for, Saint Paul de Vence is a must. Many would call the village the prettiest in Provence due to its amazing scenery. A medieval village along the French Riviera, this picture-perfect village is a great place to explore for a few days.
Tour one of their beautiful vineyards or do a wine tasting to learn more about the wine of the area. The city is filled with cobblestone streets, historic churches and a medieval castle, perfect for days of both leisure and activity.
Luxury in St. Tropez
This is a must for those who want their trip to the south of France to be full of luxury. This glamorous seaside resort city is lined with yachts and beach clubs for a waterside vacation.
Great for shoppers, the town is filled with amazing boutiques. Eat traditional french cuisine at many of the towns fancy cafes and restaurants. If your looking for luxury on your vacation, consider a Europe vacation planner who can do the hard work for you so that you can truly relax.
Cooking and More in Côte d'Azur
This is a must for foodies, known for its Michelin star restaurants, such as Bastide de Saint Antoine. Take a cooking class or visit one of their gorgeous vineyards for an immersive culinary experience.
The Gorges du Verdon is great for any nature lover, and is often referred to as "France's Grand Canyon". Take a boat to the nearby island of La Guerite for fresh local seafood.
Monuments in Avignon
Often frequented by history buffs and art historians, this city is home to the original Papal Palace. Filled with art museums, this city offers tons to see.
The 2,000-year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct is just a bit outside of town and offers a majestic view. This is a great place to experience a historical provincial site.
Arles for the Art History Lover
This ancient city is an art historian's dream and is known for its Roman ruins dating back to the Gallo-Roman period. Take walks along the beautiful Rhône River, and take in the scenes painted by Van Gogh and Gauguin.
Head to the Arles Amphitheater, which often hosts events and concerts. There are tons of amazing museums to explore, as the city is deeply rooted in its artistically rich history.
So Much to Do in the South of France
As you can see, there is so much to see and do for a trip of relaxation, exploration, and luxury in the south of France. While you can't do it all, try planning your trip so that you can pack in the highlights on your list, or better yet, get a travel agent who can plan the trip for you!
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