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The South of France is known for fancy places like Saint-Tropez and Monte Carlo. But there’s more to this region than just glitz and glam. You can find charming towns and villages away from the crowds. Let’s explore 12 of the most beautiful places to visit in the South of France.
Gordes is one of the most beautiful towns in Provence. Its honey-colored buildings sit at the bottom of the Vaucluse Mountains. Spend a day here, or use it as a home base to see the Luberon area.
Gordes has great restaurants, shops, and local artists. These things make it a popular place. Staying here gives you time to see the smaller villages nearby. You can also enjoy the feel of a real, old town without the many day visitors.
Roussillon is in the Luberon, at the base of the Monts de Vaucluse. The area around it is beautiful. Roussillon is known as one of the most impressive villages in France. Provence has many nice villages, but Roussillon stands out.
The town’s unique color makes it special. Traditional ochre is used all over the village. This gives the buildings heat and sun protection. The result is a very colorful place. While Roussillon doesn’t have big historical sites, it’s a must-see for its colorful buildings.
Ménerbes sits on a rocky cliff where two rivers meet. This makes it look like a peninsula. Houses sit on the edge of the cliff. From above, it looks like the village is floating. It’s no surprise that Ménerbes is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Walk around the town and see signs of its past. You can see a tall, old stone tower called the Candela. It used to be part of the castle. There are also some old walls to see.
Carcassonne is another hilltop city in the south of France. It’s a popular place because of its many medieval buildings. There are many places to see in this city.
Visit the Cité de Carcassonne. It sits high on a hill and has 52 towers. You can take tours inside to see the amazing design. This is a great place for families to visit.
If you like being outside, Carcassonne has a long canal that runs through it. It’s a great place for boating. The stone bridge and tunnels carved by rivers are also worth seeing.
Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most beautiful medieval walled cities you can visit. It’s a great day trip from Nice. You’ll love the views of the French Riviera and the mountains of Provence.
The village itself is the main attraction, not specific tourist spots. You’ll pass shops, restaurants, and art studios. The fountain in the old town is often photographed. At the highest point, there was once a castle. Now, it’s just a small building. Les Baux-de-Provence has drawn artists since the 1920s.
Èze is a beautiful hilltop village between Monaco and Nice. It’s known for its views, design, and location. It sits about 1,400 feet above the French Riviera.
Walking through Èze feels like going back to the Middle Ages. Be ready to walk up and down hills. You’ll need good shoes. You can take bus 82 or 112 to get there.
Nice is what many people think of when they think of the South of France. It has big, open squares. It’s one of the best places to visit, especially if you’re flying in and out of its airport. The airport makes it easy to get to other places in the area.
You won’t be bored here. You can enjoy the beach, the old town, and great French food. Visit the gardens, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, and relax at Magnan Beach. You can also take day trips from Nice to other places on the French Riviera.
Menton is on the east side of Nice. It’s known as the pearl of France. The town sits on the edge of the French Riviera, near Italy. It’s sunny and has a mild climate. Menton is like a garden town with many Mediterranean plants.
Walk along the colorful streets with pink, yellow, and cream buildings. You’ll end up in the old town. Don’t miss a walk along the French Riviera. Menton is quieter than Nice, a relaxing seaside village.
Saint-Montan is a medieval village in the Ardèche region. It has cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, and a castle ruin above the river. Get ready for great views. Saint-Montan sits high on a rocky hill. It gives you views of the countryside, away from the busy cities.
You’ll need to climb a bit, but the views are worth it. Wear comfortable shoes, as the old paths are not smooth. The village is a starting point for outdoor fun, like the Ardèche River, the gorges, and lavender fields.
Marseille is on the Mediterranean coast. It dates back to 600 BC. It’s the oldest city in France. Its history has made it what it is today. You can find signs of its past as an ancient Greek city.
Marseille has a mixed reputation, but it’s an interesting city to visit. Visit the Palais Longchamp, the gardens, and the Old Port. If you want a day trip, see the rocky coast of the Calanques.
Semur-en-Brionnais is another medieval walled town on a small hill, overlooking the river valley. It is about 30 kilometers north of Lyon and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
This well-preserved fortified village will amaze you. The 15th-century church looks like a fortress. The village is small, so you can see it in about 3 hours. It’s a great day trip from Lyon.
Arles is on the Rhône River in Provence. Vincent van Gogh lived here for a short time. During those 18 months, he painted famous pictures of the area.
Arles is known as the heart of Provence. It has beautiful 18th and 19th-century houses and old Roman buildings. It can get busy in the summer. The cafes and restaurants are full of people. It only takes about 20 minutes to walk across Arles.
The South of France has many beautiful towns and villages to explore. From colorful buildings to hilltop views, each place has something special. So, plan your trip and discover the charm of the South of France.
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The 21 Best Food In France That You Must Try
Our Ultimate France Travel Guide
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Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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