Places to Visit in the South of France
Located near the Spanish border, Collioure is an offbeat coastal village in the South of France. The medieval village is filled with quaint little restaurants and cobbled streets. It’s a great day trip from Paris. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, but it’s also a fantastic spot for hiking and biking.
For those who appreciate the beauty of nature, the quaint town of Lourmarin is a must. Located above the Dordogne River, the town offers stunning views of the area. It’s home to the renowned Chapelle Notre Dame, with its black Madonna monument. Another popular tourist spot in the south of France is the Gouffre de Padirac, which is France’s most famous underground tourist attraction.
One of the undiscovered areas of the South of France is the rural Gascony region. This region is home to many charming villages and hearty cuisine. The biggest city in Gascony is Toulouse, which has a small town feel and a convivial atmosphere. The city is also home to many wonderful museums.
The Calanques de Cassis National Park is another popular destination in the south of France. Here, you’ll find high peaks and quaint little coves, which you can explore on foot. While visiting this area, be sure to check out the Cap Canaille, a cliff-side beach with spectacular views. If you’re a seafood lover, make sure to sample the bouillabaisse, which is the regional speciality. Cassis also offers a charming local market where you can sample fresh fish.
Arles is another place to visit in the South of France. The city’s Roman heritage is evident in its ruins, including a two-tiered amphitheatre. Its proximity to the Cevennes National Park and the camargue wetlands is another appealing attraction. If you have a time, you may want to plan a day trip from Arles to visit nearby areas.
Lourdes is also a popular starting point for exploring the Pyrenees Mountains. The Cirque de Gavarnie is a UNESCO-listed site. It features steep granite walls and rushing waterfalls. You can take a private boat excursion or a cruise. Another option is to take an Electric Bike Tour from Marseille to the Calanques. The tour includes a lunch stop along the way. At the end of your tour, you can visit Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Another place to visit in the South of France is Montpellier. This enchanting town has plenty of private homes and pristine beaches. The city has numerous museums and galleries that will appeal to art lovers. The Musee Fabre in Montpellier features a permanent collection of old master paintings, as well as a collection of contemporary art and installation elements. In addition to the Musee de la Cazaubon, the city is also home to the second largest zoo in France. The city also exudes a youthful vitality, thanks to its large university student population.
The Le Var region is another beautiful part of Southern France. Surrounded by lush woodlands and rolling hills, this region is brimming with history, with charming ancient abbeys and historic villages. The town of La Chartreuse de La Verne is a listed historic monument and home to a Romanesque church. The village also boasts numerous fountains and a medieval quarter.
