7 INCREDIBLE PLACES TO VISIT IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE
Trips in France/ Image: Livio Fretz
The South of France always has and always will be a popular jet set location. Tourists love visiting this modest but glamorous region during their trips to France, making it an in-demand destination.
The South of France has an air of refined opulence. It offers a playground of accessible locations dotted along the coastline within a few minutes' journey of each other. This area holds so much to do and see that it's impossible to be bored visiting such a legendary and epic coastline. It has glitz and glamour, as well as private beautiful escapes.
The South of France is simply one of the best places on earth. We've narrowed down 7 of the best places in southern France to include on your next travel itinerary. Come along with us!
Sign Up To Our Newsletter And Receive News On Our Latest Adventures, VIP Offers And Travel Tips
Trips in France / Image: Aurelien Dockwiller
1.Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat / Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
The beautiful town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most beautiful South of France cities on the coastline. It's a stone's throw away from Monaco and gives you the quietness and sereneness of an elegant sailing village that is exceptionally chic.
Cap Ferrat has been one of our favourite locations in the South of France for years (that's why we included it in our French Escape Adventure). From the rocky beaches to the beautiful pathways that line the cliffs, there are plenty of excellent views of the enchanting sea dotted with sailboats and yachts. Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferratt has always been a beloved location for the French and is a staple location of the Cote d'Azur.
Along its small winding streets, there lies one of the most magnificent villas in the South of France - Villa de Rothschild (also called Villa Ile-de-France). The villa, constructed between 1905 and 1912, was the winter residence of Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild. This Venetian-style villa was designed by celebrated French architect Aaron Messiah. This area of the French Riviera is a must-see on any trip to France.
What is Cap Ferrat famous for? Cap Ferrat is renowned for all of the above and more! Join us on our French Escape in the South of France to find out more
Trips in France / Image: Verdon Gorge
2. Verdon Gorge
Provence is not all olive groves, vineyards, and lavender fields. In fact, Provence has a unique sight that will take your breath away. Gorges du Verdon, translated as 'gorges of green' in English, is a must-see location on any 'trips to France' itinerary. The site got its name from the beautiful green water that flows through the gorge.
The history of Verdon Gorge is incredible. This particular region was underwater 250 million years ago. Corals, shells, and the sea bed built up and were eventually compressed into the limestone rock. The seafloor rose as the plated rocks moved, and the limestone peaks formed. The Ice Age further wore away at the limestones and created the dramatic cliffs that you see today.
Verdon Gorge is hugely popular with tourist trips in France, and we can understand why. The beautiful Gorge attracts visitors for many reasons. Some make it a road trip stop for the day (like we do on our French Escape Adventure), while others come to hike the exhilarating trails around the Gorge. Other tourists come to birdwatch, canoe, or kayak down turquoise waters.
Whatever you do here, make sure Verdon Gorge is booked on any of your trips to France. It's a must-see on any South of France excursion.
Where is Verdon Gorge located? Verdon Gorge is located in Provence! We'll visit the stunning gorge on our French Escape Adventure in the South of France!
Trips in France / Image: Colorado Provencial
3. Colorado Provencial
Colorado Provencal is an old open-air ochre quarry that operated between 1871 and 1993. It's often compared to the Grand Canyon and Colorado in the United States due to the red rock formations.
Nestled between the Luberon Mountains, Colorado Provencal is only accessible by foot- no bikes or pack animals are allowed. Nevertheless, it's one attraction in the South of France you won't want to miss!
Mineral deposits from millions of years ago created the mesmerizing greens, yellows, oranges, and ochre colors of the unique rock formations around the site. Colorado Provencal is a natural wonder which is a must-see if you're visiting the South of France.
Colorado Provencal is a surprise and one place that should be on any 'trips to France' list. This breathtaking site lies right in the heart of Provence between the villages of Rustrel and Gignac. The historic crimson and ochre cliffs will truly take your breath away. The Colorado Provencal is a stunning attraction and experience you can't miss!
On our French Escape Adventure - we hike this wonderful region and see all the best sights the Colorado Provencal offers.
How many days do you need in France? We have the perfect amount of days on our French adventure! Check out our French Escape Adventure in the south of France.
Trips in France / Image: Luberon Lavender Fields
4. Provence Lavender Fields
The South of France isn't all glitz and glamour. Away from the glittering coastline lies the vast region of Provence. During the summer months, Provence's lavender fields come alive with the scent of lavender and a sea of vibrant lilac.
These humble flowers attract the world's attention every year and entice thousands of tourists as a result. It's a perfect stop to include in any trip to France! Visitors can explore, photograph the spectacular views, or just drive past and enjoy the aroma of the lavender scent that lingers through the air.
You might ask, 'Where exactly are the lavender fields in France?' The best locations in the South of France for lavender fields are Valensole, Sault, Notre-Dame, Drome, and Luberon. Be sure to add these locations to your next South of France adventure.
We get more than our fair share of lavender fields on our French Escape excursion. On BornWild's trip to the South of France, we visit Aix-en-Provence, where dozens of lavender fields unfold down the hills of the Valensole Plateau. We drive this classic French road trip along the Route de Manosque, which is lined with lavender fields. This trip allows plenty of time to pull over and explore these wonderfully scented fields of beauty.
Trips in France / Image: Moustiers Sainte Marie
5. Moustiers Sainte Marie
Listed as one of the most stunning villages in Southern France since 1981, Moustiers Sainte Marie is a quaint village of only 700 residents. This idyllic village is one location you don't want to miss on any trip to France. Because Moustiers Saint Marie is one of the most picturesque villages in the area, it's popular among tourists for its culture and photo-ops.
Moustiers Sainte Marie was founded by a group of monks in the 5th Century who built a church high on the hilltop. The town grew in size to its small but prominent existence today. Moustiers relies purely on tourism and, partnered with its neighbouring destination Verdon Gorge, attracts a wealth of sport and nature lovers.
The village's small size makes hotel and restaurant reservations go fast! You can imagine spaces book up quickly with only 130 hotel rooms in the entire town. During peak season, restaurant reservations are hard to come by, so book early. As for shopping, you can find a seemingly endless array of artist and craft stalls. Moustiers is one of our favourite places in the South of France. We visit Moustiers on our French Escape Adventure and experience the village in all its glory.
Trips in France / Image: Yachts on the French Riviera
6. Yachting the Cote D’Azur
The South of France is known around the world for its beautiful beaches, but have you ever considered spending a day on a yacht? Yachting in the South of France is a must for your French travel itinerary! When you reach the glistening waters of the Cote d'Azur, you'll be impressed with the stylish villages dotting the coastline.
The marinas in the area are filled with stylish sailboats and yachts. We don't blame you if you feel like hopping on one and sailing away! Yachting on the shores of Monaco sounds like an unreachable luxury, but it's not just for the rich and famous. If you feel like splurging, you can charter a luxury yacht at a reasonable price, all things considered. You can rent a mid-range boat by the day, depending on the meter length of the vessel.
Your skipper can take you up and down the French Riviera, back and round, wherever you wish! Enjoying a yacht's phenomenal views and the luxurious setting is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. BornWild sets sail on a private luxury yacht as part of our day excursion in Monaco on our French Escape Adventure.
Trips in France / Image: Red Charlie
7. Menton
Menton is one of the most breathtaking villages along the southern coast of France. Some might say Menton is the South of France's best-kept secret! Many people include a stop here on their trips to France.
Menton is typically overshadowed by its bigger relatives in the French Riviera, like Monaco and Cannes. Still, it is held dear in the heart of the French people. Menton offers a warm climate all year, beautiful gardens, excellent French and Italian food, and sandy beaches. Happily wander the beautifully cobbled historic district for an hour or two. Every direction you turn, there's another quaint church or cozy house with vibrant flowers to uncover.
What's great about Menton is that it's not overloaded with tourists. Most people head to Nice, Monaco, or St. Tropez. Menton is a hidden gem because it's one of the few places still left on the French Riviera that is typically French and proudly so.
Menton is known for their Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, held in mid-February of every year. This annual festival, started in 1928, commemorates Menton as the "Citrus Capital of Europe" with fun parade floats and other carnival festivities. The parade floats themselves are entirely decorated with citrus! This festival is a blast for people of all ages.
Want to visit all the locations above?
Join us on The French Escape Adventure, South of France
Trips in France / Image: Valentin Kremer
Trips in France / Main Image: Valentin B. Kremer