There are many reasons why France is constantly jostling for the title of the number one holiday destination in the world. Most visitors are drawn to the elegant architecture and iconic landmarks of Paris, others want to see the châteaux of the Loire Valley or the beautiful towns of Alsace, and some just come for the food. In my opinion, the real gems are found in southern France.
The countryside’s natural beauty, the Mediterranean coastline and its sandy beaches, and the luxurious hotels and delicious food of the south of France only begin to describe its allure. There are charming old cities, medieval villages, striking mountains, dreamy beaches, and storied histories in this part of the country.
I’ve lived on the French Riviera for quite some years now, and I love luring friends who think they should spend their whole trip in Paris to our picturesque shores. Therefore, I am pleased to share my take on what to do in the south of France and how to have an amazing trip in the most beautiful regions of the country.
While “southern France” could encompass regions as far as the French-Spanish border, southwest France has a distinct identity. So, we’ll stick to the French Riviera and Provence below, saving the Pyrenees and most of Occitanie for another day. Read on to see why you need more time in these places than anywhere else in France!
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – The Mediterranean Coastline
- Best park – Verdon Natural Regional Park, home to the Gorges du Verdon
- Best free activity – The Promenade des Anglais & its Beach
- Best activity for kids – Monaco Museum of Oceanography
- Best activity for adults – Drinks & Dining in St. Tropez
- Best food – Le Plongeoir in Nice
- Best nightlife – Waka Bar in Nice
- Best all-around accommodation – Le Méridien Nice
Best & Fun Things to do in the South of France
As you’ll see, most of the things I list below are towns and villages (and, in Monaco’s case, a country) – each one is a destination itself with many things to do there. I do my best to share the best things to do in each, as well as how much time to spend there. Most can be visited in a day, and don’t be surprised if you want to hit them all!
1. Nice
We’ll start with the biggest city on the Côte d’Azur and where you’ll probably be arriving: Nice, home to a major international airport and railway station with connections across…
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