We all know that France is a beautiful country, but the southern part of it is exquisite. South of France, also known as the French Riviera, is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes. Glimmering coastline, extraordinary lavender fields, and verdant hills are the part of South of France’s brilliant charm. Moreover, the region is also rich in culture and history. Among all the beautiful cities and destinations it offers, there are several best places in South of France for you to visit.
Are you dreaming of a fabulous summer vacation in Europe? Check out these 14 best places in South of France and add them to your bucket list!
Best Places in South of France – Summary
- Antibes
- Nice
- Saint Tropez
- Arles
- Albi
- Bordeaux
- Montpellier
- Avignon
- Toulouse
- Lourmarin
- Porquerolles
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Lavender Fields of Provence
- Camargue
Antibes
Antique and laidback – those are the two words that describe Antibes. The coastal town dates back to the 5th century, which explains its abundance of historical sites and centuries-old spots. Visiting Antibes means stumbling upon thousand-years old Greek ports, timeless fishing villages, and ancient fortresses. On the other hand, Antibes is packed with luxurious yachts and buzzing nightclubs.
There are so many things to see and do in Antibes. You can stroll around the Old Town, which will take you traveling back in time. Stop by some of the Old Town’s icons such as the Picasso Museum and Marché Provençal. Then, you can stay in one of Antibes’ luscious villas and wake up to an exquisite view of the Mediterranean Sea. With all it has to offer, Antibes is one of the best places in South of France to visit.
Nice
Do you want to make your Wes Anderson-inspired vacation come true? Then, head to Nice and enjoy the vibes of this lovely town. Nice is a seaside city nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean. It offers a dreamy scene of colorful antique buildings, boulevards with cafes, and seaside promenades. Therefore, Nice is one of the best places in South of France to spend your summer.
Visiting Nice means strolling through a gaudy neighborhood and immersing yourself in its warm atmosphere. Walk around markets selling fresh products and flowers, have a coffee in a nice street cafe, and see impressive spots such as Collin du Chateau and Massena Museum. Then, end the day by enjoying the sunset at Promenade de Anglais.
Saint Tropez
This opulent seaside city is a jewel of the French Riviera. With the perfect blend between the old and the new, Saint Tropez attracts tourists from all over the world. Saint Tropez offers beautiful beach resorts, quaint fishing villages, and impressive ports. Moreover, it is also brimming with history and culture. For that reason, Saint Tropez is at the top of the list list of best places in South of France.
There are lots of things to do in Saint Tropez. You can enjoy a lavish vacation by hopping on a yacht and sailing around the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, you can stroll around the old town and visit the museums. Moreover, don’t miss trying out some Provence cuisines in one of the city’s chic restaurants. That is how you can get the best out of Saint Tropez.
Arles
This one is for the history buffs! Arles is a UNESCO-listed city in the South of France, as it is brimming with historical spots and heritage sites. The city is home to a myriad of Roman sites, including amphitheaters, theatres, baths, necropolis, and ruins. Moreover, Arles also keeps the legacy of the painter Vincent Van Gogh.
Some of the things you cannot miss in Arles include Theatre Antique, Les Arenes, and Foundation Vincent Van Gogh. Travel back in time to the Ancient Rome period as you are strolling through the impressive amphitheaters and majestic ruins. Then, follow the footsteps of Van Gogh in the Foundation Vincent Van Gogh, which displays some of his gorgeous masterpieces and tells the tale of his life. Therefore, Arles is one of the best places in Soith of France for a unique experience.
Albi
This enchanting commune in Southern France will take you traveling through time. The majestic cathedrals, towering castles, and impressive viaducts whisper a tale about Albi’s long history. The scene looks picturesque, but it looks more ethereal with the flowing Tarn River. Therefore, Albi is one of the best places in South of France for history and sightseeing.
Visiting Albi means exploring historical sites and enjoying a gorgeous landscape. You can visit the Cathedral of St. Cecilia, which is an enormous, Gothic-styled church built out of brick. Moreover, you can stop by the fortress-like cathedral Berbie Palace. It houses the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, which displays lots of artistic paintings and drawings from the medieval era.
Bordeaux
As you take your first step in Bordeaux, you will be captivated by how majestic the town looks. Bordeaux is lined with stunning Renaissance-styled buildings, opulent palaces, and alluring structures. It is not a surprise that UNESCO designated Bordeaux as a World Heritage Site for its impressive history.
Bordeaux is a haven for photographers, as every inch of it looks wonderful. Visiting Bordeaux means strolling through a complex of Renaissance buildings, enjoying a romantic atmosphere at the Pont de Pierre bridge, and visiting heritage sites. Some of the spots you must check out in Bordeaux are Cathedral Saint-Andre, Quais du Bordeaux, and Place de la Bourse. Additionally, don’t forget to sip on an authentic Bordeaux wine. Of course, who could miss a fantastic Bordeaux wine?
Montpellier
Offering the mix between old and new, Montpellier is always interesting to visit. This Southern France city is known as a university and urban city. The scene of bustling businesses and students is something you can see every day in the city. However, Montpellier is also home to several impressive historical sites and a centuries-old quarter. With all it has to offer, Montpellier is one of the best places in South of France to add to your bucket list.
Walk through L’Ecusson, the ancient quarter of Montpellier, and admire the Renaissance-styled buildings that line the street. You can see medieval streets, elegant churches, beautiful city squares, and alluring mansions around the area. Thus, you can have a cup of coffee in Place de la Comedie, which features boulevard cafes and a stunning opera house. Additionally, you can also visit Musee Fabre and see gorgeous paintings by medieval artists.
Avignon
As the getaway of Provence, Avignon wins a lot of hearts. The city displays a unique scene where modern everyday life lives with centuries-old buildings and heritage sites. You can easily find Gothic-style structures, ancient streets, and old churches in Avignon. Moreover, it has an exciting atmosphere that lures visitors to stay longer.
The historical buildings, Rhone River, and antique avenues of the Avignon are simply irresistible. When visiting Avignon, make sure to stop by the Palace of Popes, Pont d’Avignon Bridge, and Calvert Museum. Other than that, you can sample some pear brandy in some of Avignon’s well-known distilleries. Therefore, the city has secured its position as one of the best places in South of France.
Toulouse
There is a clear reason why Toulouse fits the nickname “pink city” well. This Southern France city looks lovely with its gaudy buildings and intricate structures. Moreover, the buildings in Toulouse were made out of terracotta bricks, which make them look pinkish. During the sunset, the city looks twice as beautiful as the pink-tinted buildings reflect the sun rays.
Immersing yourself in Toulouse’s laidback atmosphere is the best thing you can do in the city. You can visit several historical sites, like the Old Town, the Museum de Toulouse, and the Basilica of Saint-Sernin. Additionally, you can have some local dishes of Toulouse, like Cassoulet and sausages. With all it has to offer, Toulouse is one of the best places in South of France.
Lourmarin
Visiting Lourmarin makes you feel like you are entering a fairytale. The picturesque village is home to vast vineyards, verdant hills, and a laidback neighborhood. Moreover, the village has a tranquil atmosphere that is great for a relaxing getaway.
Find yourself strolling through the sand-colored neighborhood or sipping a coffee in one of Lourmarin’s open-air cafes. Alternatively, you can visit Chateau de Lourmarin, a stunning Renaissance mansion. You can marvel at the well-manicured garden and opulent chambers inside the mansion. Therefore, Lourmarin is one of the best places in South of France, especially if you are looking for an off-the-radar spot.
Porquerolles
Dreamy and quaint – those are the two words that describe Porquerolles. Located on the southern coast of France, this small island is home to a laidback village and picturesque landscapes. It has a serene atmosphere as only 200 people live on the island. Besides that, the island also stays off-the-radar so you won’t stumble upon a flocking crowd.
Make your dream summer getaway come true in Porquerolles. The glimmering waters, marvelous beaches, and idyllic forests of Porquerolles will blow your mind. Moreover, you can also stroll around the village of Porquerolles and enjoy its humble atmosphere. Other than that, you can spend a day under the sun on a yacht or walk through some lovely groves.
Chateauneuf du-Pape
Are you a fan of wine? If the answer is yes, you should head to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This small town in the Rhone region is all about wine. Visiting Chateauneuf du-Pape means finding an endless area of swirling vineyards, traditional cellars, and authentic wine producers. Moreover, as we all know, the best thing to do in the town is to go for some wine-tasting sessions. Enjoy the full-bodied wine while munching on French dishes. Therefore, Chateauneuf du-Pape is one of the best places in South of France.
Lavender Fields of Provence
Nothing looks as magical as Provence’s lavender fields. See a sea of purple-lavender blossoms as summer comes to this region in the South of France. The landscape looks surreal as thousands of lavender flowers bloom and created a picture-perfect scene. Moreover, those lavender fields are available in many villages in Provence, such as Les Baux-de-Provence and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Furthermore, the lavender fields of Provence becomes one of the best places in South of France for its beauty and uniqueness.
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