Discover Southern France’s Best Spots

The coast is amazing for all visitors, moreover, there are loads of great places to visit in the South of France.
You’ll find stunning beaches and tasty Mediterranean food. Additionally, there are lots of cute French villages. This region is truly beautiful to explore.
So, you’ve decided to visit Southern France this summer. However, where exactly should you go? You can’t just visit “The South of France” – it’s too big. Instead, you need to pick specific places.
To help you plan, here are some top spots to visit. These places offer the best experiences in the region. Consequently, you’ll have an amazing trip to France!

Pézenas

A Hidden Gem in Southern France

Pézenas, a town of 8,000 people, boasts over 100 protected historic buildings. As the former seat of Languedoc Governors, it offers a genuine, less touristy experience.

Visit the open-air Illustre Theatre for a show. Enjoy the garden area and local wines beforehand. Additionally, explore the Musée International du Jouet, a magical toy museum.

Wander the historic centre’s winding streets, particularly around Rue Merciere. Pézenas charms with its baroque architecture and authentic atmosphere. Unlike popular southern French destinations, this town preserves its unique character.

Experience Pézenas’ rich history and culture first-hand. The town’s baroque legacy and protected buildings create a captivating backdrop. Immerse yourself in this lesser-known but equally enchanting southern French destination.

Biarritz

Southern France’s Coastal Luxury

Biarritz transformed from a typical French coastal village into a premier vacation spot. The Hôtel du Palais embodies this change. Built in the mid-1800s as Empress Eugénie’s summer retreat, it now welcomes guests as a grand hotel.

The Casino Barrière, additionally, offers a golden beach for relaxation. These features, consequently, make Biarritz a top choice in southern France, particularly on the western coast.

Visit to experience luxury and history first-hand. Enjoy the town’s evolution from modest beginnings to a world-class resort. Unwind on pristine sands or explore opulent landmarks. Biarritz caters to those seeking both relaxation and cultural richness.

Avignon

Uncover Avignon’s Grandeur

Avignon has a rich past and beautiful buildings. Long ago, it was the centre of the Christian world. This makes it a great place to visit in southern France, especially if you like religious history.

The Palace of the Popes is a must-see sight. It held six important church meetings in the 1300s. Inside, you can still see old paintings on the walls. Avignon is perfect if you want to see amazing things instead of going to the beach.

Moreover, don’t miss the Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge. Part of it still stands over the Rhône river. Both the palace and the bridge are special places recognized worldwide.

Take your time to explore the city’s art. Try a boat ride on the river. If possible, visit in July for the Theatre Festival. The whole city becomes a stage during this time.

Carcassonne

Discover Ancient French Wonders

Carcassonne’s centre, above the Aude river, is amazing to see. It is considered one of the best places to visit in the South of France. The city is walkable yet large enough to warrant a multi-day stay.

Old walls have protected this part of the city since the 300s. Workers made them stronger in the 1200s. These walls helped defend against enemies from the south.

By the 1600s, people no longer needed the walls. They started to fall apart. However, an architect with a big plan fixed them up in the 1800s.

See More of Carcassonne Castle

To explore all of Carcassonne Castle, get special tickets. These let you into the main areas. You’ll also see the Salle Pierre Embry, a room from the 1400s.

Booking these tickets helps you make the most of your visit. You’ll get to see parts of the castle others might miss.

Top Tip:

Visit the Basilica of Saints Celsus and Nazarius while in Carcassonne. Look for the stained glass windows inside. These windows are from the 1600s and are very special. The colourful glass creates a stunning sight. It’s worth taking time to see this beautiful art.

Aix-En-Provence

Unwind in Southern France’s Elegant Aix

Aix is different from Carcassonne and Avignon. People come here for its relaxed feel, not just for big sights. The beautiful Cours Mirabeau street is a main draw.

This makes Aix one of the best places to visit in southern France. It’s perfect if you want a calm trip.

Also, don’t miss the famous lavender fields nearby. These pretty purple fields have made the area well-known.

Enjoy French Wines in Aix

Do you like French wines? Try a wine tour from Aix-en-Provence. It takes you to the beautiful Cezanne Countryside. On this fun trip, you’ll get to taste different wines. It’s a great way to enjoy the area’s flavours.

Let’s explore Nice, one of the best places to visit in the South of France. Embodying French Riviera charm and elegance.

Nice

The Gateway to Visiting the South

Many think of Nice first when picturing southern France. It has wide streets and big squares. Nice is great to visit if you’re flying in or out of its airport.

The airport makes Nice a good starting point for seeing southern France. It’s the country’s fifth biggest city, so there’s lots to do.

People enjoy Nice’s beaches, old town, and yummy food. While there, see the pretty Colline du Château gardens. Visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral too. To relax, go to Magnan Beach.

See More of the French Riviera

Want to explore beyond Nice? Try a day trip along the French Riviera. Book a tour that shows you many great places in southern France. The tour makes things easy. They plan all the times and travel for you. This way, you can relax and enjoy seeing new places without stress.

Want a city trip and a fancy holiday in southern France? Nice is the place to go.

This city offers both exciting urban sights and ways to treat yourself. It’s perfect for a fun and relaxing vacation.

Albi

French Art and Beauty

You might know Albi’s famous son, even if his name sounds new. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painted dancers at the Moulin Rouge. He made art posters linked to the Belle Époque time.

This makes Albi great for learning about art history in southern France. There’s a museum for Toulouse-Lautrec in Albi’s Episcopal Palace. It has over a thousand of his works.

Albi is a pretty town. Its Episcopal City is special worldwide. The area also has tasty wines to try.

Fun Fact: The wine areas around Albi are huge. They’re more than three times bigger than Bordeaux’s vineyards. There’s a lot of wine made here! Making it a great place for wine lovers to visit.

Lourmarin

Discover Picturesque Lourmarin

Lourmarin is a small village south of Luberon Massif. It shows the best of Provence. The village has all you need for a great trip.

You can wander through pretty orchards here. Tall mountains seem to watch over the village. Vineyards stretch as far as you can see.

Many people think Lourmarin is one of France’s prettiest villages. It really is that nice! The village is lively, with many cafes and restaurants. These fit into the small spaces on winding streets.

When you visit, see Château de Lourmarin. Walk the streets near the castle. Just enjoy this small, charming town.

Marseille

Discover Southern France’s Urban Delight

Marseille, southern France’s largest city, defies expectations. Unlike typical Provençal or Riviera towns, it offers a diverse, vibrant atmosphere. The city blends chaos, cosmopolitan flair, and edginess.

For urban adventures, even brief ones, Marseille delivers. Plan a visit to the Old Port, undeniably. Founded by Phocaeans 2,600 years ago, this historic site amazes visitors. Its ancient roots and lively present create an unforgettable experience.

Explore Marseille’s contrasts. Discover a city that challenges stereotypes and surprises at every turn. From cultural landmarks to bustling streets, Marseille’s unique character shines through. Make the most of your time in this captivating Mediterranean metropolis.

Simplify Your Marseille Sightseeing

Consider a hop-on-hop-off bus tour for easy Marseille exploration. This option allows access to top attractions without public transport hassles.

There are many more places to visit in the South of France, each with its own distinct character and appeal. From lavender fields to medieval villages, the region offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers.

Arles

A UNESCO Treasure in Southern France

Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases impressive Roman and Romanesque architecture. The city boasts a Roman theatre, amphitheatre, baths, necropolis, and aqueduct.

Picture-perfect moments await around every corner. Cobbled streets charm visitors, consequently explaining why Vincent van Gogh called Arles home for years. The city’s rich heritage stems from diverse settlers, including Ligurians, Celts, Phoenicians, and Romans.

Visit the Amphitheatre, allowing 90 minutes for exploration. Subsequently, discover the Museum of Ancient Arles to learn regional history. Espace van Gogh offers seasonal exhibits and insights into the artist’s work.

Additionally, Camargue Natural Regional Park provides a nearby escape. Arles captivates with its historical sites, artistic legacy, and surrounding natural beauty.

Travel Planning Guide for 10 Places to Visit in the South of France

Travel Insurance for Your France Trip

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in France stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in France

Indeed, renting a car in France is easy and is a great way to explore the South of France freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

When it comes to lodging, the best time to visit France can affect your accommodation options and prices. The best way to book your accommodation in France is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my favourite platform to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to France

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights.

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