BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Best Things To Do In The South Of France
Who needs Paris when you have the South of France? Southern France is known for its friendliness and its beauty. Many French people don’t leave the country to go on holiday - they take a trip to the French Riviera or Provence. Both encapsulating the South of France, are incredibly beautiful and worthy of numerous summer visits - we honestly can't blame them.
Famously, the best things to do in the South of France consist of visiting its gorgeous beaches and boating and sailing along the French Riviera but there are so many more fun things to do in Southern France. Quaint villages, Lavender fields, pretty winding roads, delicious french restaurants, patisseries, incredible hiking spots and an array of activities to suit every personality perfect for any trips to France.
Within this helpful article, we look at our favorite things to do in the South of France. We highlight our chosen regions and give you a glimpse into what exciting places there are to explore, perfect if you are a lover of travel and dying to visit France’ incredible south. All you need to do is to include these locations with your favorite eateries and cafes and you are all set for a perfect French Escape! Here are our recommended things to do in the South of France…..
THE FRENCH ESCAPE ADVENTURE
Uncover Beautiful Provence To The Stunning French Riviera On Our Magnificent Road-Trip Through Southern France
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @gbaudusseau
BEST THINGS TO DO IN PROVENCE
Provence is an incredibly vast region of France but one of the most beautiful that captures and attracts thousands of tourists every year, for good reason. Provence boasts the most vibrant lavender fields which is one of the reasons why this destination is particularly famous. However, Provence has so many wonderful places to discover and visit that we would run out of space if we told you each and every one.
We have chosen our best things to do in Provence to give you a head start on your journey to this incredible French region:
Parc du Verdon - Parc du Verdon has to be one of the most sought after Regional Parks to see in Provence. With its vibrant turquoise waters of the Verdon River and high topped white limestone cliffs, Verdon makes for an authentically breath-taking experience to hike, kayak, boat, walk or just enjoy its amazing scenery and splendor.
Colorado Provencal - Colorado Provencal Is France’ answer to The Grand Canyon. Situated between the mountains of Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse, lay these famous ochre formations which offer spectacular canyons, valleys and sites to explore which also make for the most amazing views too.
L’isle sur la Sorgue - Named the ‘Little Venice of France’ is a small but modest village situated in Provence, west of Avignon. This adorable location in France allows you to enjoy its flurrying but picturesque river canals that connect you perfectly to the village's quaint antique markets, boutique shops and restaurants - just like you would in Venice.
Moustiers Sainte Marie - Moustiers Sainte Marie is voted one of the most beautiful villages within the whole of France and for good reason. Have your camera at the ready as this petit village is extremely scenic and charming. From its small but select restaurants to its historic character - Moustiers Sainte Marie is only a stone's throw away from Parc du Verdon. Great to combine the two on any trips to France.
If you are thinking of visiting any of our suggested things to do in the South of France - take a look at our French Escape Adventure - we visit some of the destinations above on our capturing adventure.
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @jaakkok
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ST JEAN CAP FERRAT
Cap Ferrat is one of the most beautiful destinations along the French Riviera and if you take a trip there, you’ll be surprised to see that it's actually a very small but gorgeous fishing town that is now a sanctuary for the rich and famous. Two of the most enjoyable things to do in Cap Ferrat are to stroll along the many beautiful beach coves and take a dip into the crystal clear seas. Their beaches are lined with delightful walking trails where you can view the ocean from all angles and see it glimmer in the sun. Hike up a sweat, dive into the inviting ocean and enjoy the french riviera’s cool waters. One of the most fun things to do in the South of France.
One of the other best things to do in Cap Ferrat is to visit the Villa de Rothschild. Its pink exterior makes for an exciting historical home to explore. Its gardens outside are beautifully manicured and picturesque perfect for an afternoon or morning gander. Delve into this wonderfully historical Villa and learn all about how this historical home was built by Baroness Beatrice de Rothchild in 1905.
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @arakotozafy
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONACO
Some of the best things to do in Monaco include formula 1 and its legendary casino’s. However, we have hand picked two of our most favorite things to do in Monaco if you want to sample the quieter, more refined life.
Monaco is fast and furious but it is also peaceful and elegant that is worth exploring. We recommend taking a tour of the Princes Palace situated in the heart of Monaco. View the stately homes in all its entirety and catch a glimpse of the insides of this famous palace, as its only open part of the year. Enjoy the short but beautiful walk to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, both very close to each other and worth a visit.
Our second favorite thing to do in Monaco is hiring a private yacht to view the French Riviera coastline from the azure sea. The Monaco Marina is one of the most impressive marina’s in the world and their yachts and sailboats attract a flurry of tourists each year to gander at the marvel of the incredible boats on show. It is dazzling and a fascinating way to spend a sunny afternoon.
We visit the Prince's Palace on our exciting French Escape Adventure where we are delighted to be supporting the Prince of Monaco Foundation as well as enjoying a private talk with the organization in the grounds of the palace. One of our favorite things to do in the South of France!
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @rishi_1
Let Us Plan Your Next French Adventure
BornWild specializes in crafting customized French adventures to suit your preferences and budget. Whether you dream of exploring the stunning French Riviera or delving into Marseilles famous history we are here to make it happen. Reach out to us today to begin planning your next adventure HERE
BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANNES
The best things to do in Cannes have nothing to do with the red carpet or the film festival. If you happen to be drifting through the French Riviera and find yourself in Cannes, take a boat ride to the charming neighboring islands. Cannes has two very exciting islands to explore. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat Island. Both are ideal to surround yourself by the mediterranean sea. One island holds a lot of history worth exploring - Sainte-Marguerite. This island is a 20 minute boat ride from Cannes and is a real gem in the ocean. Enjoy this islands flora and fauna as well as the rich history that encompasses it.
If you do find yourself on this pleasurable island, visit the 17th Century Fort famous for its capturing of Louis XIV where he became a prisoner in 1643 and where they filmed ‘Man in the Iron Mask’. It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Cannes.
If history isn't your thing, a stroll through the pine forests and hiking trails will be just as enjoyable. Its many walkways will lead you to varied beaches and coves to explore.
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @rag0zin
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MENTON
Menton is a little village at the very east of the French Riviera extremely close to the Italian/French border - it's less famous than its neighboring towns and cities like Monaco and Cannes but it is just as charming. Menton is particularly famous for its lemon festival that happens every year in February and March. The lemon festival attracts a wealthy 240 thousand in visitors each year and is a tourist boom for this little village. The festival consists of a parade, citrus sculptures and music.
Menton is still a great place to visit if you aren't in town for the festival. Enjoy the colorful town with its beautifully lined streets and varied french cafes and restaurants. Menton is a lovely village to get away from the hustle and bustle of Monaco which is only a 20 minute car drive away. A favorite retreat of Prince Albert II and one of our favorite things to do in the South of France.
Other great things to see in Menton are the Jean Cocteau Museum if you have a passion for art, Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden if you love to enjoy beautiful gardens in a picture perfect setting or the Basilique Saint-Michel Church for history and religion.
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @alonso19
BEST THINGS TO DO IN ANTIBES
Antibes lies between Cannes and Nice and is in prime position to visit if you are touring the beautiful stretch of the French Riviera.
For many, Antibes is a true favorite on the Cote d’Azur. Antibes offers a haven for art and culture lovers drenched amongst the town’s beautiful and idyllic setting. This little town is friendly and welcoming and separated perfectly by its 16th century wall that encompasses it.
First and foremost, the best things to do in Antibes is to visit its charming old town, make sure to take a gander around their famous markets and of course, not to mention their beaches and marina are particularly stunning.
However, Antibes has something that its neighboring towns do not. It is renowned for its art. Dating back to 1888, this special little town inspired Monet’s painting of Cap d’Antibes - Pablo Picasso also took up residence here in later years. There is now the Musee Picasso (museum) that is open to visitors most of the year. Here you will find 245 of Picasso’s gorgeous paintings, sketchings and ceramics. An array of artists followed in their footsteps and Antibes is now firmly on the map for art and design.
Best Things To Do In The South Of France / Image: @anthony_sln
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Join Us On The French Escape Adventure. Uncover Beautiful Provence To The Stunning French Riviera On Our Magnificent Road-Trip Through Southern France
