South of France…a place that many holidaymakers want to join for their summer holidays! Whether for beaches and sun, ports and luxury yachts, nightclubs, world-famous cities or beautiful villages in the hinterland, the South of France is a destination complete that every traveler must visit at least once in life.
What to see on the South coast of France? There are really many places that are worth seeing and the advantage is that there is something for everyone.
What to do in the South of France?
The towns and villages to visit on the Côte d’Azur in South of France:
1. Saint-Tropez
The city where the stars spend their holidays, Saint-Tropez, is famous for its cafes, luxury hotels, and its port. It is the ideal place to stroll on the quays and admire beautiful yachts. There are also some big brand stores. For those who appreciate the calm, go to Saint-Tropez off tourist season, the charm of these villages will work for sure! While you’re there, take the opportunity to experience scuba diving!
Photo: Jeff
2. Cannes
During the famous Cannes festival or throughout the year, you can discover Cannes, promenade de La Croisette and the famous palaces of this city of the Côte d’Azur. The old town of Cannes and the rue Suquet are worth discovering, as are the islands of Lerins, famous for the monastery (Saint Honorat Island) and the beauty of the wild landscapes and the Fort (Sainte Marguerite Island). You can also discover from June to September the famous Corniche d’Or as part of a small cruise: Cruise around the Corniche d’Or from Cannes.
Photo: Raphael Belly
3. Nice
Nice is a city renowned for its palaces located by the sea, its famous Promenade des Anglais where it is good to stroll throughout the day, especially its downtown and its houses with ocher facades. Castle Hill is the place to go for a great panorama of the city. The pebble beach of Nice is stormed by tourists (and Nice) throughout the summer!
Photo: Pensioner Percy
4. Antibes
To discover a city full of charm, just go for a walk on the side of the old fortified part of Antibes. We can walk along the ramparts and discover its small craft shops, the Place du Safranier and its Picasso Museum. The Cap d’Antibes runs along a wild coast of great beauty.
Photo: Stephen Brown
5. Monaco
Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world! In Monaco, you can enjoy a superb panorama by going to the top of the hill, admire the villas and spend part of your holiday budget at the casino. The Oceanographic Museum attracts many tourists each year. Immerse yourself in the world of Monaco’s nightlife with the tour: “Monaco and Monte Carlo by night”.
Photo: Petr Melnikov
6. St. Paul of Vence
This small medieval village overshadows major tourist cities. In Saint-Paul de Vence, we appreciate the charm of Provence, the ramparts and the cobbled streets of the city center. From the heights, the view of the Mediterranean is superb. Finally, art galleries should delight fans!
The cities of Fréjus and Menton are also worth visiting. And villages, Entrevaux, Saint-Paul-en-Fôret, Fayence and Seillans, Chateaudouble, Tourrettes are the localities to discover first.
Photo: Travel Around Spain
Landscapes to discover at the Côte d’Azur:
7. The Estérel Massif
This is a little piece of paradise that will please fans of beautiful panoramas. The Esterel massif is composed of red rocks, which creates a real contrast with the azure blue sky and the sea with clear waters. Cap Roux and the Corniche d’Or are must-see points during the discovery of the Estérel.
Photo: ST-GB & AL Photography
8. The Gorges du Verdon
Notice to thrill seekers: you can go canoeing or hydrospeed in the Gorges du Verdon. Climbing and hiking are also essential activities in this area. The depth of the gorges from the winding roads is quite impressive and the place is truly magical. And for those who prefer to sunbathe and rest, go to Lake St. Croix.
Photo: Kévin Schwartz
9. The islands of Hyères
Porquerolles, Port-Cros and Le Levant: these are the places to go if you want to amaze you in front of the resplendent landscapes. Between beaches of fine sand, small creeks with translucent waters and pine forests, these islands could boast to possess the most beautiful beaches of France. On foot, by bike or equipped with a mask and a snorkel, the islands of Hyères abound with pretty places to discover.
Photo: Tiberio Frascari
Finally, other landscapes are worth seeing such as the Massif des Maures, Cap d’Ail, Cap Taillat and Cap Ferrat.
Certainly, the French Riviera is full of treasures and pretty things to discover!
What visits would you recommend to make during a stay in the South of France? Leave a comment below!
