The remains of an 11th-century fortress are visible, but its the impressive Renaissance castle that dominates. The pride and joy of Aix-an-Provence is the famous 19th-century post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. Summer brings concerts and outdoor theatre. Think glitz, glamour, mega yachts and, of course, the annual Festival de Cannes (Film Festival), and it gives you a pretty good idea of what this seaside town is all about. Ste. Two of the best wineries in the Saint Tropez peninsula are Domaine Bertaud Belieu andDomaine la Tourraque. At the top of the list of the most beautiful villages of Provence, Gordes captivates visitors with its typical architecture, in stone, but also and above all for its superb view over Luberon. We knew Gorges du Verdon would be the perfect place for hiking and canoeing, so we decided to go camping in the South of France one summer to enjoy the lakes and trails of the area. I can recommend staying in the Sofitel in Marseille, as its the nearest big city in the area. But what is unusual is the complete absence of commerce: no music, no beach bars, no car noise. One of the best things to do in Arles is to take the Van Gogh self-guided walking tour, which is incredible and takes you to the places behind the paintings. Once the seat of aristocracy in Provence, Aix-en-Provence enjoys charming streets lined with opulent Provencal palaces and manicured trees, making it one of the most beautiful places in the South of France. Les Rousses, Jura. Agay, a half-moon bay near St Raphal (a mere 15-minute drive) is a spectacular destination on the French Riviera coastline. Although the industry disappeared in the 19th century, it has been revitalised, with more than a dozen studios today, and the Muse de la Faence next to the town hall has more than 400 pieces. Back in the main town of Eze, you will find the tourist office, a few restaurants, and the Fragonard perfume shop. My dad and I are huge fans of France and often go camping across the country. Next door is aCave de Fayence. And if you finish with the trail in Roussillon and still want more ochre, head over to Rustrel, with more amazing formations. It offers the most incredible coastline views of the Gulf de St. Tropez in one direction and mountain views in another. This calm curve of a bay doesnt have the golden sand of nearby Argels-sur-Mer, or the crowds that come to sit on it. Gassin became a fortified village at the end of the 15th century. Saint Tropez accommodation prices can be high. Thank you for writing this post! Summer gets stacked and temperatures rocket, so go off-peak to have more space and breezy sea air. Browse the stalls, pick up some fresh produce, then head to the bakery for a baguette, and youll have yourself a deliciously simple picnic! I am sure you will find somewhere idyllic to retire to in the South. ZE An eagle's nest overlooking the Mediterranean, Eze is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages on the Cte d'Azur! 11. The crystal blue waters and jaw-dropping cliffs create a unique environment that left me and will leave you speechless. Stay A guesthouse on a former silkworm farm, La Magnanerie de Seillans has rooms, suites and apartments, all with kitchens, from 140 B&B. Glitzy deluxe hotels and clubs aside, the beach is public property. Auvillar was once an inland port, and the chapel dedicated to Saint Catherine, the patron saint of mariners, can be visited further up the riverbank (check out the frescoes). I loved the artisan shops and charming cafes scattered around Eze. A bonus: families love it here too, with its soft granules ripe for sandcastles and sultry simmering waves - aquatic pursuits are the order of the day. The clogmakers workshop is worth a visit too. We spent afternoons canoeing along the water and trying our hand at paddleboarding on Lac de Sainte-Croix. Unfortunately, the Yellow House, where he painted with Paul Gauguin, was destroyed during World War II, but a plaque exists to commemorate the location. If you are travellers who like to be on the go, then you could drive to Cassis from St Tropez in 2 hours and explore the area for 2 nights then on to Marseille (a 30-minute drive) to finish your trip. Like an eagle's nest (or rather a Phoenix, the emblem of the village), sitting on a rocky outcrop, Eze will impress you as soon as you arrive. 15K likes, 74 comments - Milana Ch | in Monaco & Paris (@norrskenet) on Instagram: "Monte-Carlo truly is the very center of the most beautiful villages of the south . Some of the shop signs are the work of Jean-Jacques Hansi Waltz (18731951), an Alsatian illustrator and caricaturist, and theres a museum of his art. The South of France is now accessible for all budgets to enjoy. The village of Gordes may well be the most photographed village in Provence! Nice is the hub of the Cote dAzur or Blue Coast and is the best place to stay on the French Riviera. Jump on the train from Nice and you can be in Villefranche in just 15 minutes. An inexpensive place to stay in Nice is Hotel Victor Hugo which I would recommend. The sound of bells from the belfry adds to the sense that little has changed over the centuries. ze is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages in the Cte d'Azur. The 16th-century Ntre-Dame-des-Neiges church has a striking gilded altar. Taking its name from the Gascon word roumiou, or pilgrimage, the village was founded at the end of the 11th century by Albert, a monk returning from a pilgrimage to Rome. During the Renaissance, the village became famous for its weaving industry, providing canvas sails for the East India Company and the French navy (visit the Muse dArt et dHistoire). Other things to do in Saint Tropez include exploring the nooks and crannies of the old town, walking up to the Citadelle de Saint Tropez for great views over the area, checking out the 16th-century Chapel Saint-Anne where Mick Jagger wed Bianca and hiking around Cap Camaret to see Frances second-highest lighthouse and the varied wildlife living in the area. The 16th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle has stained-glass windows by 20th-century painter Alfred Manessier. The lively and flamboyant cities of the South of France entice visitors with heritage, gastronomy and culture. Every time I am in Fayence, I walk up the steps past the creamy-coloured houses to the Clock Tower. From a fairytale fortress in the Loire to a clifftop stronghold in Provence, these charming, historic villages make perfect bases for exploring rural France. One of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in the South of France is Ste, which is a seaside fishing town about 30 kilometers from Montpellier. Houses have traditional pantiled roofs and Romanesque windows. Its one for Dora (the Explorer) and to experience the sheer beauty of the Calanques rather than idling by the sea - its your future screensaver. Named the City of a Thousand Fountains, the quaint town boasts intricately carved stone fountains on every corner. South of France is beautiful and I hope that your trip happens this year. Top 6 Best Villages in the South of France 1. Moustiers is a lively place, with regular markets and lots of places to eat. Some are very famous, while others are just as lovely in their obscurity. The flower-filled village has old stone buildings and steep cobbled paths leading to the central Place de LHorloge. Its history can be seen in its architecture: the 17th-century citadel; the 13th-century ramparts; rue dEspagne, lined with artisans and traders houses; and the gothic Ntre-Dame du Bout du Pont. Lautrec is the centre of pink garlic farming, and there are regular garlic markets.Eat Book ahead for a table at Auberge Le Garde Pile a traditional restaurant in a beamed, 300-year-old building try the pink garlic soup.Stay Just outside the village, Cadalen is a beautiful 14th-century house with four guest rooms (doubles from 115) filled with antique furniture. This gorgeous South of France campsite was in a great location, meaning we could get around the area easily and visit all the main attractions. The French island of Corsica is frequently voted a top beach destination. Plunging into the Mediterranean, the village of Eze offers a breathtaking panorama. There are some concessions to man: a diving board and steps allow visitors to plunge into the sea at its deepest point, and showers are provided for those exiting the bay. The picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is a charming place to visit in the South of France. You can still walk along the trail, kicking up a bright yellow powder as you go, marvelling at the ochre cliffs and formations that look more lunar than Provenal. Our last stop was outside the village walls to visit the Chapelle du Rosaire, designed and constructed by Matisse as a gift for the nun Monique Bourgeois, who had nursed him through his cancer. And Pampelonne Beach is the beach that gets the press. Today, the Palais des Papes Avignon is the leading site to visit and why I wanted to visit this city. Although it is not part of France,the principality ofMonaco is one of the smallest countries in the world and fits like a glove into the coastline adjoining France. Helen Armitage 18 February 2023 View From medieval walled towns and religious heritage sites to picturesque seaside communities and majestic mountain towns, France is home to a mlange of villages each with their own distinct character. But for those who make the trip, or have a boat to drop them directly on the sand, there are two Provenal restaurants with sunbeds, amazing views of the Caps and a little watersports hire centre. You can pop into the town hall to catch a glimpse of a kitchen from the middle-ages beneath the glass floor. I went there for the first time around 15 years ago, and I was so impressed by the landscapes that I knew I would have to visit again. 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Eastern France on a Road Trip. We love Paris but the south wins when it comes to weather. If you fancy a glass of local French wine after the garden visit, I recommend visiting the 5-star Chateau Eza; the balcony view from here is breathtaking. So whether you want to visit France for its history, beaches, art, food or landscape, this list of the best places to visit in the South of France will help you decide which destination is right for an epic French holiday. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the typical Provencal village gathers ice cream parlors, cafs that open onto squares and southern local boutiques. The most impressive of the Calanques is the Calanque dEn-Vau which I visited recently, which has one of the most unique beaches in southern France. This travel guide may contain affiliate links please read mydisclaimer and privacy policy for more information. The Gorges du Verdon is home to a famous hiking trail called the Blanc-Martel Trail, a 16km walk following the Verdon river through an impressive limestone canyon. Notre Dame is the best beach to lounge on: this shady, tree-fringed stretch of beach feels far removed from the mainland, and - a note to snorkellers - the aqua waters are teeming with technicolour fish. They stretch over 24km. From the idyllic hilltop hamlets of Provence to the half-timbered stunners of Normandy, these are the most beautiful villages in France: Eguisheim, Haut-Rhin Rolling vine-carpeted hills surround the picturesque village of Eguisheim on the Alsatian Wine Route. (modern). It also housed an entire town with over 200 houses inside. Each season the view is different. The countryside lends itself to hiking, mountain biking and caving. Very well done! Escape to the beautiful village of Gassin, 18 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Northern France. Medieval remnants remain scattered throughout the village. Not only is the town itself picturesque, but the surrounding countryside is also truly a breathtaking sight. The stretch of coastline between Saint-Raphal and Cannes is quite extraordinary with russet beaches backed by red rocks that look more like theyre from Mars than the Cte d'Azur. The Calanques National Park is perfect for adventures and outdoor activities: you can hike, enjoy the beach, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or do some kayaking. Another stop on the Camino de Santiago, Auvillar, on the banks of the Garonne, bears traces of its religious and trading history. The heritage museum, Espace Culture et Traditions, is also worth a visit. Its bright, vivid ochres can nearly blind you when the sun hits them; whether inside the village or far away, looking up, you will be stunned by its brilliance. It has that quintessential South of France charm to it - the hilltop position, the iconic chteau at the top, and the absolutely picturesque setting. We found one of the best art collections while enjoying lunch at the famous Provencal restaurant, La Colombe dOr. Inside, 12th-century murals have recently been restored. A charming village in Luberon, Saignon has all the dreamiest elements of Provence, from the small stone houses covered with ivy, to the fountains, to the viewpoints where you can admire the lavender fields. Events include summer concerts and a medieval fair.Eat Dine on local produce (and buy it) at lheure de lApro ( the seafood platter is a speciality.Stay Le Plican, an inn dating from the 16th century, has doubles from 80 B&B and a good restaurant. Grasse is also the perfect place for perfume shopping. ^ "Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan Box Office". Dont worry if hiking isnt for you or youre short on time; boat excursions leave from the port and are a fantastic way to get acquainted with the area by the sea. Trout and chicken (around 16) are staples, and the views are amazing.Stay La Tour Charlemagne has a pool and four rooms in a 17th-century tower from 100 B&B. Explore Brittany's towns and villages. But Plage du Camp Long has long been a favourited beach in the South of France. A beautiful trip to take from Cannes is to Sainte-Marguerite island. Perhaps because of this striking setting, Najac is listed as one of France's les plus beaux villages. In Vincent Van Goghs words: The whole future of art is to be found in the South of France. The bevvy of beaches in the region is a testament to this they are works of art in their own right. Swim, kayak, hike and then relax in the National Park. Pick up a car on arrival from Europcar. There is a magical mix of soft sandy sweeps, and dramatic hiking trails, both enveloped by the beautiful big blue. A historic village on the Ognon river, picturesque Pesmes is approached via an avenue of 100-year-old plane trees, its 17th-century castle reflected in the calm waters. The views from here over the surrounding countryside are stunning. It also has five guest rooms from 64 B&B.Stay La Maison DAux has just two guest rooms (from 95 B&B) in an 18th-century house with a pool. Otherwise the sea is shallow for several metres, meaning its great for non-swimmers, and pebbly underfoot, which makes it ideal for snorkelling. The South of France is the embodiment of style and sophistication, and might make you think of the jazz age, the jet set in the 50s, impressionist painters, ochre-hued Provenal villages or Roman ruins. Dont expect white sand the Pointe de lAiguille beach is pebbly and dotted with large boulders, and it takes a walk along a rocky path to get to it, but its a stunning natural cove. Cycling holidays in Provence are very popular if you want to explore by bike. Antibes soft, honey-hued swathes of beach and bright, crystalline seas are both part of its natural charms. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are covered in bougainvillea and you'll fall in love with the charm of this small village in no time. The big blue beckons on any trip here, with some of the most idyllic, exclusive and elusive spots aligned together. We spent the morning strolling through the narrow streets, ducking into the quaint boutiques, the main church, and numerous art galleries. Visit the Chapelle du Pnity, which houses Saint Ronans tomb. It has a scattering of lively harbour restaurants where we ate delicious freshly caught fish. Check out Hotel Verlaine for a stay close to the beach. See the resting place of the Royal Grimaldi family and Grace Kelly once a Hollywood star before becoming a well-loved princess before relaxing in Jardin Exotique a botanical garden with sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Najac is a beautiful quaint town in southwest France that's steep and hilly. In fact, in Roussillon, if you wanted to paint your walls green or blue, you wouldnt be allowed. They comprise 15 Calanques that could be described as steep limestone coastal cliffs coming inland. All in all, Gorges du Verdon is an ideal location for those who love being outdoors and want to experience the beautiful scenery of the south of France. Auvillar is also known for pottery, and a collection of earthenware can be seen at the Muse de la Faence off the square.Eat Cosy Le Petit Palais has outdoor tables and home-cooked food. Highlights include the church, with its pre-Roman vault, 14th-century nave and square Lombard tower, and the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir, a blend of gothic and Romanesque architecture, reached by 262 steps. It's one of the most stunning Provence destinations. The plethora of pristine shores makes it hard to choose be it Calvi, Porquerolles or Pampelonne, weve selected eighteen beach destinations youll long to be on. Eze is a fantastic day trip from Nice and can be reached by train in under one hour or by car in 25 minutes. Times of India. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the Palace of the Popes is famous for being the most extensive urban building built in Gothic style. This gorgeous isle is ideal for escaping the masses and switching off - the Bali Hai-style island is the best advert for beachy paradise. Nice is an excellent base from which you will be able to visit Eze and Villeneuve (day trip), Monaco (day trip) and Cannes (day trip) Grasse (day trip) I would suggest spending 4 to 5 days in Nice to also have time to explore the town and spend some time on the beach if you are travelling in summer. Roussillon had 16 ochre quarries and plants at one point, but most production ceased with the advent of artificial colours in the 20th century. If you want to see the second part of the most beautiful villages in the south of France, click on the link. Its natural asset is its breathtaking forest-clad beach under the shadows of the Esterel mountains. 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