unique things to do in south of france

You can take a guided tour and discover some off the beaten path locations or just trust your gut (no pun intended) and let the gorgeous smell of freshly baked croissant guide you around the city. Other than the religious sites you can also find several different museums in the city including Muse Du Petit Palais. These are smaller food venues, with a casual relaxed atmosphere, but headed up by famous French chefs. You'll discover blacktip sharks, jellyfish, manta rays and sea turtles. The city is easily reachable by train or low-cost flights. The choir is one of the highest Gothic choirs in France at 40 meters. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. And while my husband probably disagrees, I say that holidays are made for (at least a little bit) of shopping. This is a university city that was the birthplace of the painter, Paul Czanne. You can also enjoy a bicycle ride on Col De Vence which would aid you in experiencing nature to its full extent.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-banner-1-0'); Quite honestly, the most picturesque place in the South of France. Is it possible to bike one way and take the boat back? You will find several exotic restaurants in the city that serve both local and international cuisines. If you are visiting Albi, you should definitely visit Sainte Ccile cathedral. If you have a few days up to your sleeve, stay at one of the on-site campsites or nearby hotels and youll be first to the top in the morning! Here's the deal. There are cafes, vista points, lovely little rooftops and all sort of Provence French souvenirs. As you wander and gaze at the beauty of mother nature, youll also enjoy the entertaining story of how the caves were discovered 130 years ago. Seriously, there are young children giving this a go, so dont feel you cant if travelling as a family. Antibes is a town in Southern France between Cannes and Niceand has become a prime holiday destination. You can find both natural and manmade beauty in Antibes. It's a famous and beloved stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Grimaldi Chateau is one of the most visited attractions in the south of France. Gruissan Plage. It was opened in 2011, which makes it a relatively new museum as compared to other museums in France. Of course, Provence is associated with endless lavender fields, so naturally, you'll find plenty of hand made soaps and oils with lavender and French herbs. Saint-Tropez is a popular place for yachting, taking leisurely strolls down cobblestone streets, and browsing open-air markets. The Loup river is a popular option for families wanting to swim, not to mention a bit of waterfall jumping, not to mention the gorgeous mountain pools and lakes in Cote dAzur. Pezenas is a small town in the South of France. Don't fight it, just immerse yourself in the local foods and forget about calories. Many of the bones and skulls have been arranged into patterns and structures which make really interesting viewing. The Gouffre de Padirac is a vast chasm and fascinating cave system located in the far north of the Lot department in Occitanie, and a must-see if you are visiting this part of France. Dont worry, you wont leave without the chance to try as much wine as you desire while you are here! There are a lot of different tourist destinations in Biarritz that would make you want to stay there. Youll also have the chance to witness the incredible landscapes of this region. All around you, are stunning stalagmites and stalactites formed over millennia and now beautifully lit to display their unique formations. This is an audio-visual experience where you get to walk into famous paintings. Unique things to do in South West France Best activities and places to visit in the South West of France [show/hide] Climbing the dune du Pilat Hiking the Cirque de Gavarnie Surfing in Biarritz Wine-tasting in St Emilion Discovering the Gorges de Kakuetta Roaming the beautiful villages of the Basque country Exploring the Gouffre de Padirac The access to the Cirque de Gavarnie is must preferred from Spring to Autumn. This historic monument is located on a large hill that sits between the city's port and the old town. Its also nice to check out the Cathar Castles, Lac de la Cavayere, and Chateau Comtal while youre in the area. Palais des Papes which translates to the Palace of the Popes is one of the most visited attractions in Avignon. Take a vintage VW camper around Cornwall. You are planning a trip to the South of France and wish to read more about it? These measurements are in constant motion with the tides and winds reshaping the sand with their powerful forces, but it remains an incredible sight. You would find many art galleries and museums throughout the city. This medieval bridge was built between 1177 and 1185 from wood. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Like most of the other towns and cities in South of France, Villefranche is also home to several religious sites. Whoever visits Aix-en-Provence should surely visit the vast lavender fields. 3: Revel in Good Weather Even in Winter. The city has many beautiful hotels that were built centuries ago and still rock old European architecture. Particularly popular during the summer months, a hot air balloon ride is a great option for people of all ages to see the South of France in a very different way. We haven't before either. luxurycolumnist.com - Luxury Columnist. It can get quite busy but because of the high walls and relatively large area, you don't even feel there are others around you. La Cit is the medieval citadel with watchtowers, and you can take a tour to see the exhibits. Like most of the other cities in the South of France, Albi also has a rich heritage. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. The south of France has a Mediterranean climate, with sweltering summers and pleasant winters, although a bit rainy. I do take your feedback on board, and I will craft an article that is suitable for you. Here, the waves are generally small at low tide and get bigger as the water comes in. Well, you can also experience that in Albi. Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners, because she's obsessed with everything Japan. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The Camargue National Park or the French Delta is an oasis for nature lovers. The British royal family gets all the attention nowadays, but not too long ago, the French had the most fabulous royals with the most luxurious palaces and castles. You can choose between the well-known town of Biarritz on . We were taken by coaches to many places where we just walked around. Visit Cassis & The Calanques We wanted to spend a day on the water this trip but with such a short amount of time, and lots of moving parts, it didn't seem possible. 7. The Cathdrale Orthodoxe Russe Saint-Nicolas was built in 1912 by Tsar Nicholas. Each one of them have their own unique appeal, however some of them had my attention riveted. There are many different forts, castles, galleries, and museums that you can visit while you stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer. If you love wildlife and want to enjoy gorgeous Mediterranean flora, then this place is for you. Marseillejust another city to some, but to me, it's so much more than that. Alternatively, you can stay close by in La Pierre Saint-Martin, the perfect place in the Pyrenees to base yourself and hike around. Once upon a time, we dreamt of moving to Lyon. One of the things you must do when visiting Miami is a City Bus Tour. It has a mixture of both natural and human-made beauty. The parking lot is large but gets filled quickly in summer. But did you know that this incredibly talented artist found a lot of his inspiration in Japanese art? It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South of France. It has some of the most amazing restaurants in the country. Plus, you should check out the huge greenhouse, which resembles the rainforest. Avignon is packed with history and fascinating architecture, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. The most unique spot in Citadel Park is the beautiful waterfall rock formation in the very northeast of the park. There are ample iconic paintings from the Renaissance era on top of art from around the world! When we talk about the beaches in France, we cannot ignore the beautiful beaches of Cannes. But if I only knew back then about the festival Rencontres d'Arles. I have recently been bike riding and that ride sounds amazing too. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. With only 50,000 people living here, there are plenty of nice little cafes where you can stop off for a coffee and a cake. Go To An Abandoned Amusement Park. French food is one of the best in the world and whether you are after small snacks from the local boulangerie or a Michelin Star restaurant, South of France has it all. Don't Miss the Muse Marc Chagall 8. Now I crave them all the time. Made For Travellers is about a lifestyle of freedom, fulfillment, and happiness. Here is our guide to the 10 best things to do in Languedoc, South of France, with kids. There are also small wineries creating bio wines which taste sweet and delicate, just as the beautiful Mediterranean air by the Camargue. The Toulouse-Lautrec Museum is a museum that features the largest collection of work from Henri de Toulouse Lautrec. Tucked between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, in the most southwestern part of France, these villages are nationally-known as some of the most beautiful of the country. The South of France is actually more known for its red wines, with areas above Burgundy being more well known for white wines. This is why Nice isnt as popular for beach holidays, but it also means you wont be sharing the beach with quite so many people, which can be nice. The South-West of France looks so inviting and these are some really amazing things to do. Surfing is a sport that has been growing in popularity. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. One of the best things to do in the South of France is to explore the local craft and artisan shops to discover hand made souvenirs. Arles has a gorgeous Roman Amphitheatre which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and it attracts countless visitors from all over the world. Can you imagine anything more romantic than a luxury French river cruise on the Rhne? Hey, they say red wine has antioxidants, so who said sipping the ripe taste of liquid grape is not healthy? It is ideal to visit the city in summer (July) when the city celebrates a theatre festival by the name of Avignon Festival. The Popes Palace, the gardens at Rocher des Doms, and the Avignon Les Halles street market are all popular things to do when you visit Avignon as well. Click on the photo to save this blog post for later. You can roam around the tight alleys of the city which are remnants of old European architecture. On clear days this creates that unique light that attracted the impressionists, and van Gogh made 150 paintings in and around this town. 1. From climbing the Dune du Pilat to visiting Cathar castles and Wine Tasting in St Emilion, the South West of France is rich in fun and unique experiences. One of the most unique places to visit in Carcassonne is the museum of inquisition. If you haven't read the book, go and download the movie which is incredible! The Duluc Private Agency. Choosing your insurance policy is essential, we saw that during the COVID-19 pandemic. On clear days, you can see as far as Mont Blanc. Trip USA France recommend these 15 popular things to do in Southern France Visit the Castle of Carcassonne After you travel through the nearby wine country, you will arrive at the Castle of Carcassonne. A lot of people who plan trips to France tend to keep Paris and other Northern parts of the country on their list but what they dont realize is that the South of France holds a similar amount of beauty as well. The South West of France is rich in natural wonders and one of the most beautiful natural sites is situated in the heart of the French Basque Country. From the flower markets to the gorgeous hotels along the coast, Nice never ceases to amaze and delight. Then you can walk up Mont St. Clair, which is a somewhat strenuous climb that leads you to a spectacular view of the vineyards, waterways, and windmills. Peer into the Prince's Palace of Monaco. Look out for Aqualand. Ksamil is the most popular beach destination in all of Albania. Then wander through the makeshift village a small cluster of souvenir shops and restaurants at the base of the dune to where the temporary stairs will aid your ascent to the top. Foie Gras or Pat These are becoming the hot topic in France, as many people are opting for these when heading out for dinner, with great food on offer and no obnoxious waiters giving you a hard time about appearance and a waiting list to reserve a table. I would definitely need to rent a car and spend a lot of time in southern France because I would love to see many of the out of the way places. Entry to the hike is free, although you do pay for parking in the high season. 6: Attend a Festival (Besides Cannes) 7: Eat Well. The main attraction is the Papal Palace which towers over the town and there's also plenty of arts, shopping, and culture. A port, a city, a story, Marseille is a city which should be added to your list of top places to visit in France. What are the things you'll want to do in the South of France? Lavender fields are one of the most popular attractions in Aix-en-Provence. Visit One of the Beaches in Nice 4. Escalet Beach is a very popular beach to visit, as well as Plage de Pampelonne and Plage de la Ponche. Famous among surfers because of the great waves from the Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy virtual surfing at City Ocean or just hop in the Atlantic Ocean to really experience surfing in the South of France. The Pont du Gard is located north-west of the city of Nimes in South France and it is one of the most visited historical monuments in France. 2 km walk underground. You can see them change from wall to wall, listen to music and just hear and feel the music. Everyone knows Van Gogh. Head to a flower based theme park One of the most enjoyable unusual things to do in France involves sailing to the South Americas, shivering along ice walls and wrestling with dinosaurs and a giant Venus flytrap. Some of the best quality oysters come from the region, known to be grown in an eco-friendly manner. The Velorail goes across such an amazing route, offering views of stunning scenery including gorges and over viaducts. Take a guided tour around Arles and learn more about Van Gogh. If you want to enjoy nature in Carcassonne, you can take a stroll or ride a bike along the Canal du Midi. Chteauneuf-du-Pape is a small village with a twist: not only it looks incredibly cute, but it also has a huge variety of wine cellars. Lyon is a pretty city, by all accounts, so if street photography is your thing, you'll find an array of photogenic places. Pack your comfortable jeans for when you visit France as the food there is way too delicious to be ignored. Leave a comment below. Have you ever heard about Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo? La Plage Publique de Beau Rivage is one of the best beaches in the city. Some will taste sweet, full-bodied or even slightly spicy. Why go: With over 90 species of animals there's plenty to see. This place is great to visit for both adults and kids. Get Seeing the inside of a canal house is the best way to spend a few days in Amsterdam . The installations are both informative and interactive, which . It is a fortified city which lets you experience the true essence of what people felt when they lived in fortified cities in the medieval era. The best way to visit and roam around the streets of these small towns is to rent a car and go on a road trip or take a couple of day trips from Biarritz or Bayonne. It is located close to Nice on the Cote d'Azur coast. Home - About - Private Policy We use rentalcars.com to book a car This site is perfect tofind the cheapest rentalcar across the world. The canal du Midi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an activity that is becoming popular thanks to the great services and infrastructure aimed at international tourism. With a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of Tabasco sauce, my mouth is watering just by writing this. My wife and I have been .to France over 20 times over the years. We straight away highlighted the hugely popular Avignon, which is known for its glorious sights, but Aix is seen as a great spot for people trying to find somewhere a bit more quiet. They are so much fun! COPYRIGHT TALES FROM THE LENS From the charming towns of Ainhoa, Sare, Espelette and La Bastide Clairence to the inevitable pilgrim stop Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the French Basque Country is in fact, exceptionally filled with pretty countryside small towns that you cannot miss if you are visiting the region. 1. Albi is one of the most exotic cities in the South of France. Activity: Hit the zoo with Parc Zoologique. Pont du Gard is open year-round (with reduced opening hours in the winter months). Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Speaking of unique things to do in Amsterdam, one of the most interesting destinations for locals and tourists is The Ice Bar. All these sites are open for the public, but you have to be very careful not to damage the buildings. The famous writer F. Scott Fitzgerald loved this place, and you can even stay where he once lived at the Hotel Belles Rives. Villefranche beach is also another great beach on the French Riviera. Lying in the south west corner of France, . Made For Travellers is best known for its in-depth articles about Rooftop Tent Traveling, Caravan Lifestyle, and cultural destinations worldwide.We also share our personal stories of escaping "the corporate rat race" and following the path to freedom, love, happiness, and a fulfilled life. Hey, look, we are not trying to tell you to eat more who are we kidding? Sunshine, azure seas and cocktails on the beach, yeah that sums up the French Riviera. Known for its millionaire yacht visitors, Saint Tropez is loved for its beach, the harbour, open air markets and cobblestone pavements. Nice is a popular entry point to the French Riviera, with plenty of things to do around the main square in town. Places like Avignon in the South of France are evidence that theres much more than just beaches and film festivals here. You well and truly feel like you have stepped back in time when here. Its hard to describe the sense of awe and wonder you feel when gazing into the chasm for the first time, effectively an enormous hole in the ground which leads through a series of tunnels into a huge underground cave system complete with waterfalls and its own river! Visit the Palais des Papes and learn how from 1309 to 1377, Avignon was the seat of the Catholic popes. The coldest month is January, with an average minimum of 3.8; the hottest month is August, with an average maximum of 27.6. Youll find a few of the best beaches in the South of France. We spent one full week exploring South of France and we absolutely fell in love with its quaint towns, gorgeous nature and epic cuisine. You'll see a small, peaceful pond that has a large rock formation on one side and a waterfall flowing over it. They have an amazing Active & Discovery Program tailored for people your age. And read our blog about the 15 reasons why you need to travel to Nice once in your life!Photo credit: Alaina McDavid. The town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can explore the areas medieval history on the towns free walking tour. Antibes is another beautiful town in the French Rivera. I think, for aspiring artists, this is a fantastic opportunity to tell the world their own visual story. Established in 1974, this is one of the coolest places to see and explore. Bus Tours can take you to see sights in a variety of places in or near South Beach such as downtown Miami and the Everglades. Rugged terrain, vista points and amazing history, await for you there. Which exhibits several different items that were used to torture people in the medieval era. Right on the Atlantic ocean, Biarritz which was once a hub for pirates and corsairs has now become a popular summer destination where tourists and locals enjoy surfing. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - PHOTOS AND TEXTS CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION Top attractions and things you cannot miss during your next visit to Southern France. Pavillion Vendome is another site art lovers should definitely visit. Be also mindful as locals and tourists often go for a swim at this beach due to its very central location in town. Biarritz is easily reachable from Spain but also Paris, Bordeaux or Toulouse via a dense and reliable road network. Soon as you hear the name you think of the international film festival, which is obviously a great time to visit and to spot some big names, but Cannes is great all year round. The weather in October Nimes Famous for its Roman monuments, the city of Nimes is still a vibrant place today. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. And if you love fashion, know that France has some of the best-tailored clothes in the world. How long is it? We especially loved the entrance to the old town through a large wall. Top things to do in town include a visit to the Hotel de Caumont Art Centre, while you can also take a walk around Vieil Aix, visit the Site Memorial du Camp des Milles, and check out the Atelier Cezanne historic site and museum. Its like a giant assault course but with unbelievable views. It has many different relics and items that are important to the entire Christian world. This shows the rich European culture of the town. It goes from the Atlantic ocean to Toulouse by the Canal de Garonne and from Toulouse to the Mediterranean sea by the Canal du Midi. We have reviews of the best places to see in France. South Beach Bus Tour. Walk around Avignon and see all those cute, narrow streets, lined with adorable shops. You can find many different cafes and restaurants in the city that serves both local and continental food.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Carcassonne is a very unique city in its own right. From the chocolate factories located all 0ver the South of France to the chocolatier stores seen in towns, Id strongly recommend giving chocolate tasting a try. You can enjoy a lot of different things while you visit Aix-en-Provence in the South of France. Think of it as a charming maze of streets lined with all sort of souvenir shops. The Gouffre de Padirac is now a major tourist destination and booking online for an early time slot means youll miss the worst of the local crowds. The tiny city-state of Monaco, sometimes referred to by the name of its most famous district Monte Carlo, is an iconic destination and amazing experience in the south of France. Nicknamed Little Venice due to its large number of canals, this romantic city is certainly off the beaten path and is great if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists. During your trip, you can decide to spend a day in Toulouse aka the pink city that is one of the coolest cities in the South of France with great gastronomy and charming little streets. Surfing. Maison Carre is another exceptional Nimes landmark, over 2,000 years old. Things to Do in France, Europe: See Tripadvisor's 31 071 752 traveller reviews and photos of France tourist attractions. It is a resort town with a large number of amazing beaches. If you are driving, arrive early to secure one of the coveted car parks. Located on the French Riviera, Cannes can offer you stunning sandy beaches, great restaurants and a feeling of glamour. Id also recommend trying the freshly made and brewed hot chocolate, which tastes more like melted chocolate than a drink. The city was also the hometown of the popular Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. We are going again this year to spend New Years Eve in Nice. Discovered only as recently as 1906, the deep gorge dotted with waterfalls was long hidden away in the steep Pyrenees until a curious speleologist found himself in a world of its own. Ive always been a big fan of kayaking, giving it a go a lot while at University in Brighton, but the views were always of the beach. There is something for everyone in Antibes. France features some spectacular coastlines. From all our trip around the South of France, this was perhaps the most notable quaint location. I put this down in 13th place as I didnt want to put it right near the top. Decamp afterwards to Caf Le Nemours, one of Paris' most mythical cafes with an elegant terrace beneath arches, for a coffee or organic Alain Millat peach juice and classic Parisian jambon et fromage baguette sandwich (or something fancier). Arles didn't have a city feel to us, it was more like a laid back summer destination where you'd want to go to just take it easy. If you are too late to join the crowd at the Cte des Basques, head towards the Grande Plage. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Sausage Stained Glass of Saint Eustache Church AKA. Dont forget to visit the market hall, which is a lovely indoor market where you can find a large variety of local products from the South of France.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madefortravellers_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Have you ever wondered about the difficult lives that miners live? They say the French Riviera is only for the rich, but we promise, if you are willing to be a bit crafty with your holiday, you can do it on a budget too. Founded by a Roman general in 123 B.C., Aix-en-Provence came of age during the Renaissance Era when artists, academics and aristocrats made the cultural capital their home. once you taste one of their wines, you'll want to buy right away, so make sure you leave enough room in your backpack for several bottles. It is a museum devoted to exhibiting the work of Pablo Picasso. Like Paris, Marseille has its own Notre Dame known as Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. There are many historical tourist destinations in the city, including buildings from the Roman era like theatres, baths, aqueducts and many more. The city has been labelled as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to a large number of Roman and Romanesque architecture in the city. The city is located in the French Riviera and is known for its exuberant beaches and rich art culture. Clamber down the other side for a refreshing swim, or, if youre feeling adventurous, book yourself in for a paragliding session for a birds eye view! It would be nice to read an article that would appeal to the elderly. Of course, if you decide not to visit a chateau, you can still enjoy local wine at restaurants and wine shops around town. Do arrive as early as possible, as the lines at the ticket office can get pretty long. We were very much impressed with our French river cruise and couldn't stop recommending it to family and friends since. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South of France. From soaps, through culinary delights to magnets made locally, you'll find too many things you'll want to pack up in your suitcase. Muse dArt Moderne et dArt Contemporain is a perfect place for art lovers. There is also a specific section for Yves Klein, who was an amazing artist and one of the leading members of the French Artistic Movement of Nouveau ralisme. The French Basque Country is fascinating. Avalon Waterways partnered up with You Could Travel in order to take professional photographs and create videos, as well as promote Avalon Waterways on our platforms. It was opened in 1990 and exhibits artwork from the 1960s and 1970s. Which one would you pick for your next trip? We can't get enough of it. One of the most unique activities and places to visit in the South West of France has to be the Cirque de Gavarnie. The Mucem is another amazing place to visit in Marseille. Unique Things To Do In Seoul. What about saving this post to your Pinterest board? Its also surrounded by beautiful lavender fields which make for a great photo. 8 Most Exclusive Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast, 11 Most Beautiful Villages in Tuscany, Italy, Top 14 Cabin Rentals in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, 14 Best Places for Fall Foliage in New Hampshire. Tree-lined streets, monuments and elegant architecture greet you wherever you wander in Aix-en-Provence. You should definitely take a stroll on La Croisette on your visit to Cannes. Pont dAvignon is now a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, located along the Rhone river. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 59 Rivoli: The Notorious Artist Squat. We couldn't pick just one location, so we embarked on a once in a lifetime river cruise adventure with Avalon Waterways.