Famous for sunshine, fine food, and all-round joie de vivre, the south of France can offer visitors a glimpse of paradise. There are so many cities, towns, and villages that are worth visiting, and it would be next to impossible to include all of them on a typical holiday itinerary.
We’ve whittled them down to a few favourite places to help you pick the place for the perfect vacation.
Antibes
One of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favourite towns in the south of France, Antibes sits partly on a peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean. It is located between Cannes and Nice, so you could squeeze visits to both cities into your holiday.
The old town is enclosed by huge stone walls built in the 1500s, which are definitely worth seeing close-up. Another worthy place to visit is the Picasso Museum, as well as the gorgeous Cap d’Antibes peninsula.
Marseille
If you do not mind a few days in a big, bustling city, Marseille is the place to be. It was a Greek colony in ancient times, and it is still famous for being a melting pot of cultures. The city also is renowned for its seafood.
Marseille has all sorts of delights to keep you busy when you are not eating or shopping. It can get your heart racing as much as playing online pokies NZ can. Immerse yourself in its history in the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille and Fort Saint-Jean, or, take a stroll along the Boulevard Longchamp. Get into nature at the Calanques National Park, or, be inspired by the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Nice
One of the most famous towns on the French Riviera, Nice is offers golden beaches, the sparkling blue sea, and countless opportunities to feel like a glamorous movie star or socialite. Its quieter side streets are lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, but there are plenty of beach bars if you are in the mood for something with a bit of a bite to it.
The Old Town invites exploration, as does the Musee National Marc Chagall. If you have time, you also can visit Castle Hill. A visit to the city is incomplete without a walk on the Promenade des Anglais.
Porquerolles Island
For a completely different vibe in the south of France, spend some time on Porquerolles Island. You can access the island via a ferry from Hyeres.
Once on the island, you can rent a bicycle and visit various sites of interest. If that sounds like a bit too much effort, you can ensconce yourself in one of the many cafes or restaurants. You also could lounge on the beach.
Saint-Tropez
If you are looking for the perfect place to feel like a jetsetter in southern France, that place is none other than Saint-Tropez. Its cobblestone streets, bustling markets, glorious beaches, and harbour full of yachts make it picture-perfect for a relaxing holiday.
Saint-Tropez has a thriving cultural scene, and there is plenty to satisfy art lovers. There also is a vibrant nightlife, if you are feeling footloose and fancy free.