The South of France has some of the prettiest towns that line the Rivera. From East to west, the Mediterranean coast is peppered with tiny hamlets and small villages that just call to be explored. There’s always something that draws me to the south of France, whether it’s the beautiful towns, historic charm or unfathomable amounts of brie, camembert and gallons of wine 😉 – my travel lust only ever seems to grow for this region! I’ve started trying to plan some of our coming trips back here and I wanted to share some real gems that you definitely need to check out when you plan a trip to the South of France.
1.) Narbonne
The south of France has a surprising amount of Roman relics, with Narbonne being of no exception. This traditional port town is a great place for culture and relaxing – with the Mediterranean Sea being only 15 miles away. I found out about Narbonne due to its twinning with one of my favourite Italian towns of Aosta (which I coincidentally just featured for our Italian road trip).
2.) Le Baracés
Le Baracés is one of the smallest communes in my list of places to visit this year. With a deep rooted French heritage and close proximity to Perpignan, Le Baracés and its close neighbour, Leucate are easy stops to include on a trip exploring the south coast.
3.) Grasse
Who doesn’t want to smell nice with a little spritz and splash of a signature scent? If your travelling around the east coast of France, don’t forget to visit Grasse, which is noted as the world’s capital of perfume. Don’t forget to visit one of the prestigious perfumeries while you’re in the town.
4.) Rocamadour
However much I look or visit, I’ll never get bored of this stunning town. Nestled within a gorge, Rocamadour is a stunning place to consider staying while visiting the south west of France. The quaint charm of this rustic French town has already captured my heart. 🙂
5.) Gordes
Gordes has become increasingly popular in recent years and it’s easy to see why! This gorgeous town literally blew my mind when I saw it – how had I never heard of it before? Why didn’t I include this on our last trip to the south of France? So many questions… so little answers. 🙂 If you do intend on spending a few hours or days in the city, make sure to include a Tuesday morning in the town itself, when locals open up their booths, windows and stalls to showcase a range of home-made wares, cheeses and wines.
6.) Saint-Tropez
Yes, we’ve all heard about that spray tan that gives you a golden glow but have you actually considered visiting Saint-Tropez itself? Once the choice of the elite traveller, Saint-Tropez is thankfully much more accessible today. Don’t forget to enjoy some of the fresh seafood that is caught daily from around the harbour.
7.) Bandol
Almost 500 years old, this tiny French town has become renowned for its fertile soils. That doesn’t sound interesting until you remember that those fertile soils make exception wines! Yay! Don’t forget to take a trip to one of the local wineries and have a tipple or two! *hic* 🙂
8.) Martigues
Close to Marseille, Martigues is a much smaller, less crowded town to explore the region and its historic charm. Based in the very centre of the French Riviera, Martigues is bathed in glorious sunshine in summer and warmer (and dryer) than average winters compared to the rest of France. *take-me-there-now* 🙂
9.) Saumur
Okay this is technically not within the south of France but Samur deserves an honour mention! This picturesque town is known for its school of cavalry and delicious Escargots. Don’t forget to rent a small boat on a clear sunny day! It’s absolutely magical.
10.) Cerbère
Most people disregard this town as merely as stopping off point between for trains between France and Spain but it’s so much more than that. If you’re taking the train, try and plan to stay in Cerbère for an afternoon to enjoy some of the local (and often unknown about) restaurants that line the mediterranean.
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