The petrol price is high and parking in certain large cities can be a challenge. The castle and its ramparts were restored to their current condition by a famous French architect named Eugne Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century. You can hire canoes at various points along the river and it is a great way to take in the dramatic cliffs of the Gorge. Terracotta Warriors of Xi'An. In Colombia, a double room in a mid-priced hotel will typically cost between $25 and $37 per night, and $9 on average for a hostel bed. The only issue with going in the off-season is that fewer day tours may be running and some cafes in more touristic cities may be closed, but if you hate the crowds and want to save, you can definitely go in the true off-season (January). The trains are very well run with fresh food and travel upwards of 200+ mph. Aix has a lovely old Cathedral and the impressive looking Hotel de Ville, which looks onto a picturesque square (place de l'Htel de Ville). Having traveled in Provence offseason and in peak season, there are numerous strategies to save money. Similarly, those under 18 typically get into museums for free. The fair commemorates a local legend linked to theCrucifixion of Christ. There is a special vibe in the summer months, and the sun always seems to shine. I am a history buff so seeing large numbers of aqueducts, stadia, baths, and theaters is an incredible experience. Submitted by Chrysoula from travelpassionate.com. Cassis is located less than an hour from both Marseille and Aix-en-Provence and makes a great day trip from either, but to enjoy the best of the beautiful harbour without the crowds, consider spending at least one night in Cassis as part of your trip to France! Below is a list of the most affordable places to live in France so that you can buy your dream property in your dream location. But the city of Nancy in Lorraine, offers the refinement of the city without the cost. Popular attractions include the Nimes Arena which looks similar to the Pula Arena in Croatia and the Colosseum in Rome. The enormous Nice carnival procession takes place over 15 days during the Mardi Gras. The main lavender growing regions are in the Luberon and Verdon areas of Provence just to the north of Aix-en-Provence and the best place to visit the lavender fields is near to the town of Valensole. It was originally settled by retired soldiers of the Roman legions and became an even more important settlement when Arles sided with Julius Caesar in the 1st Century B.C. Away from the glitz and the glamour of the French Riviera coastline, there is a beautiful inland area, where you can find beautifully restored hilltop villages like Fayence, Chateauneuf-Grasse and St-Paul-de-Vence. Its challenging, but most definitely worth it for the dramatic scenery. Avignon is one of the most beautiful cities in southern France.Today part of the Provence region, in southeastern France, the city sits on the Rhne River, and it was the capital of the papacy from 1309 to 1377.. Avignon is one of the best destinations in South of France to explore for history lovers. Youll find numerous budget flights into Nice and Marseilles from all over Europe with airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, and Transavia (owned by KLM). And as the stadium is just metresfrom the port region, its mouth-watering seafood restaurantsmake an ideal post game celebration. It can be visited on a joint ticket with the famous Pont dAvignon also known as the Pont St Bnzet for a very reasonable 14.50. The city holds 12 important events and conferences throughout the year including the International TV and media festival MIPTV, an international property show called MIDEM, various fashion and shopping events, as well as a number of major sport festivals and regattas. This area is ski resort heaven but in the summer it does mean not everything is open, so be aware! If youre lucky, you might even find a chateau! Take a picnic and enjoy the views, its a perfect place to enjoy by the river. Lets explore the best places to visit in the South of France: 1. There were plenty of free sweets, some boring exhibits of old sweet manufacture and more interesting interactive displays about how they make the sweets today. Today, many regular French citizens and individuals employed in tourism-related fields speak excellent English. Youll find a buzzing atmosphere around the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia, where you can help hoist the sails on a schooner or catch a paddle wheeler to a baseball game. If you are unable to drive, day tours can be a good way to visit more remote parts of Provence where you cannot easily visit without a car. Southern France is an incredible area with many fantastic places to visit. Make sure to wander the tangle of medieval narrow streets and squares, and visit theglise de la Madeleine, a church of such simple beauty it will take yourbreath away. Myrtle Beach is a Mecca for family-friendly fun, where youll find more than 60 miles of pristine coastline and an extensive array of kid-approved accommodations that suit a range of budgets. So is the beer, which is always good news. Carrefour Express is also a good place to stop by for a quick shopping for the basics and a cold drink! As long as you eat meat, you often cant go wrong. Both rent and transport costs have risen dramatically over the past 12 months, by 5.12 percent and 3.63 percent respectively, but it still earned a place on the list of cheapest student cities . Aside from these hours you are free to observe the beauty of the church and the surrounding buildings without encroaching on others special time and place. Avignon is one of the best places to visit in the south of France. Now, St Tropez is expensive, so if you are travelling on a budget, you might want to plan ahead. Avignon. Located near the village of Gordes, the Snanque Abbey is an unmissable place to visit in southern France for those exploring the Luberon Valley! From the off the beaten path city of Limoges, to the bright lights of foodie Bordeaux, this guide is all about French gastronomy, history, and the best this area of l . It can be an expensive taxi ride from San Jose but it's well worth it. There are plenty of restaurants offering their plat du jour (plate of the day) which will fill you up for most of the day. The city is buzzing with creativity and there are many art galleries there. It cost me a small fortune. Whether thats following in the footsteps of famed artist Cezanne, admiring the works on display in Muse Granet or the Htel de Caumont, or simply marvelling at the range of intricate fountains youll find peppered throughout the city. Most streets are pedestrian anyway. Although popular in the height of Summer, you can easily spend a very pleasant day wandering around the shops and eating at the pavement restaurants in the centre. I have traveled in late February and early May. Taking this scenic route also allows you to stop and admire the pink flamingos that live in the ponds near the coast. Lunch-time is a great time to find good deals at French shops. This remote department of France is the least visited region in South America. Although Monoprix is slightly more expensive than Carrefour and other French supermarkets, I find the quality worth the cost. 5. Dont feel like hiking to the calanques or booking a tour? The French Riviera is a legendary holiday destination for the rich and the famous, and no place is more glamorous than the Principality of Monaco. Its naturally an excellent place to practice the French art offlneuras you saunter through the old town too. The easiest way of getting to St.Jean is by train from Bayonne. (The house wine is always typically decent.). Go South France provides holiday villas and vacation apartment rentals across the South of France. For a budget option to learn about history without paying hundreds, you can book a short two-hour walking tour of a city for a good price. Here they built a small church and lived out their lives quietly. Submitted by David and Faye from delveintoeurope.com. Plage de la Gravette is your choice if you enjoy swimming or just having a picnic, while Plage de Ponteil is the best spot for renting a kayak and enjoying the water! Calm waters at Jacksonville Beach are also great for little ones or those who want to try surfing. It was memorable not just for its joyful simplicity, but also because of the magnificent turquoise water and landscape surrounding us. It's also one of the largest in France with 135 chalets offering a range of gourmet products, arts and crafts and creative gift suggestions. After the Romans left, Provence was occupied by European tribes, Moors, Spanish, and finally the current French government. Provence is famous for its lavender fields and if you are visiting this region between mid-June to mid-July (this will vary from year to year), you are bound to spot some on your travels. Dessert in many French restaurants involves a cheese cart, so if youre looking for something sweeter, head out early to stop by the patisserie or a cafe with sweets for macarons bought by the piece that you can enjoy with a view. You can easily book most of your trip online at this point and there should be no price difference whether you book your trains, hotels, or tours in French or English online. Eze is the perfect day trip from Nice and takes around 25 minutes by car or just under one hour by train. Whether you visit in early spring to enjoy the colourful carnival, seek out the beach in summer, take a trip to the museums in autumn or escape to the south coast for winter, youre sure to enjoy your experience of this wonderful French city. The other reason for coming to Uzes, France (especially if you have kids - or a sweet tooth) is to visit the Haribo sweet museum. Therefore, I recommend renting a car to get there as it can be tricky to get there by public transport. Bogota Streets, Columbia. From the glitzy towns of Cannes, St Tropez, Nice and the mini-country of Monaco making up the area known as the French Riviera, to the historical and cultural gems of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon, the South of France is a truly beautiful corner of the world. 14) Rocamadour. You can also get behind the wheel yourself at the circuit, which is home to the Winfield Racing School, one of the oldest in France. Although Cannes does not have it's own airport (Nice Cote d'Azur airport is only 30 kms away), it is definitely a destination I would head to in South France. If you have not traveled extensively in France, I would recommend a 3-4 week road trip (or a couple of 2 week trips) to explore the options," advised one expat in France . The water is calm and clear, so kids can easily jump from the boat and swim in the lake. Among the cheapest regions in France, Auvergne is another rural gem that is slowly gaining widespread popularity for being an offbeat French travel destination. Saint-Remy-de-Provence is a pretty little town in the South of France. The southern French city of Nice is considered one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe. Other beachclubs and restaurants worth visiting are Belle Rives Hotel and Le Provencal. If you are not Catholic and do not want to attend a service, as a sign of respect I would advise not going on Sunday or Wednesday morning when mass is held. Its a great place to stop for a bite after all the shopping. Seillans also boasts a castle, chapel and several gorgeous tall houses. Required fields are marked *. For more tips for navigating the South of France, please check out our complete one week (or two weeks) itinerary for the South of France with more great budget tips and why you should visit Arles! The restaurants are not crazily expensive, but the private beach bars on the St Tropez beaches can be a bit steep. Pilgrimage is not the only reason to visit St.Jean; the town with its narrow cobbled streets, a beautiful castle, and idyllic scenery is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway. It was founded by the King of Navarre in 1177 after the original town at Saint-Jean-le-Vieux was destroyed by the troops of Richard the Lionheart. Both methods will take you along the stunning coastline of the French Riviera before your arrival in Eze. Submitted by Angela from whereangiewanders.com. Make sure to take a look inside the incredible 12th century castle, Chateau Comtal, tickets cost 9.50 per person. Commonly referred to as the The Grand Canyon of Europe, this 25km gorge cuts through the heart of Provence in the south of France, all the way to the mighty Alps. Saint Tropez is located on a small bay, close to the major resort town of Sainte-Maxime. It also takes about one to two hours to get to Cannes by train, and the tickets cost around 16. Located in the town of Le Castellet, approximately 50km to the east of Marseille, Circuit Paul Ricard is one of the most well-known motor racing circuits in France. See tourist office website for details. Nice is a beautiful city with a lot to offer in terms of culture and history. Jacksonville is a budget-friendly destination with stunning beaches and family-friendly attractions. Tucked into a quiet corner of Frances southern coast, the charming port town of Cassis is easily among the best places to go in southern France. St Paul de Vence is the ideal place to include on aFrance road trip, stopping at other French Riviera beach and hill towns along the way. For fans of the great outdoors, there are also plenty of climbing and hiking opportunities in the national park. Unspoiled scenery is abundant, where kite surfing and fishing off the pier are popular activities. During the late 1980's and 1990's, Nimes underwent another renaissance under two charismatic Mayors, who embarked upon a period of reconstruction - delivering the Carree d'Art (designed by Sir Norman Foster) and Philippe Starck's Arbibus open space. The port of Marseille is the second-largest city in France and thelargest city in Provence. Stunning panoramic views can be seen of the town and surrounding countryside. Built in 1970 with funds from pastis magnate Paul Ricard, the circuit hosted the French Formula 1 Grand Prix thirteen times between 1971 and 1990. The Blanc-Martel trail is by far the most popular hike, which takes you deep into the Verdon Gorge and along the blue waters of the river. Submitted by Andrew from GPDestinations.com. On arrival, Mary Martha went north to Tarason, Lazarus and Mary Magdalene went east towards Marseille and the other two remained in the Camargue. Over the years the Nice Jazz festival has been attracted all the great Jazz musicians of the age including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davies, Charlie Mingus, Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald. 1 - Montpellier For those who love to live in a lively city, Montpellier is a popular and surprisingly affordable city located in the South of France. There are lots of small restaurants and pavement cafes, as well as interesting little shops. You'll be spoilt for choice when shortlisting places to visit in South Korea, which offers such an unbelievable range of unexplored natural sites and urban delights. Spending time in Aigues-Mortes is an absolute joy. In terms of affordability, Brittany is one of the best value areas of France. Avignon is a wonderful mix of history and culture, set on the banks of the River Rhone. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. With many ancient places like the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'An, the Forbidden City of Beijing, and the infamous Great Wall, China is one of these countries you could explore for years on end because there's so much to see. If you are planning your summer holidays in France for 2021 and you are looking for information on where to go in the South of France, then just follow our handy guide of the very best places to visit. Inside the village, there is a 12th-century castle, church, town square, small restaurants, and roads that lead to valleys and forests. However, Montpellier really offers a unique place in the south that is worthy of a trek to if youre spending more than just a few days in France. Getting to St Tropez isnt easy (unless you have a yacht), and from Cannes or Nice youll have to expect to travel by at least one train and a boat. The trip from Paris to Avignon is 2 1/2 hours while the trip to Nice is 5 hours. Spending a day wandering along the narrow streets, exploring the Citadelle, visiting the oldGothic church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont,enjoying delicious lunch with a glass of local wine is a great way to spend a day. The town has a long history that dates back to the 12th century. Only a few scenes were actually shot inGrasse and any store owner will be quick to point out if a scene was shot near their shop. Grasseis located close to Nice, so its an ideal destination fora day trip out of Nice. Construction is just about complete on the Luma Arles tower, designed by the famous architect, Frank Gehry. The beaches in Cannes and Saint Tropez are perfect for a relaxing day by the water. Asheville boasts eclectic shops, cultural museums and historical attractions that appeal to visitors of all ages, while its sheer abundance of outdoor activities and beer breweries are just the icing on top of the cake. Arles is a lovely city for many reasons. The Bay itself can be explored by one of the many boat tours toneighbouring Porquerolles Island. 1 Cities in the South of France 1.1 Nice 1.2 St Tropez 1.3 Monaco 1.4 Marseille 1.5 Toulouse 1.6 Toulon 1.7 Cannes 1.8 Montpellier 1.9 Aix-en-Provence 1.10 Arles 2 Towns in the South of France 2.1 Nimes 2.2 Avignon 2.3 Menton 2.4 Lourdes 2.5 Palavas-les-Flottes 2.6 Grasse 2.7 Antibes 2.8 Juan les Pins 2.9 Beziers 2.10 Sommieres 2.11 Cassis This waterfront city is home to Nauticus, a maritime museum that features the World War II Battleship Wisconsin, while the Chrysler Museum of Art showcases glass art, paintings and sculptures. While in Marseille try to taste the local cuisine with mains like the bouillabaisse and seafood dishes, perhaps with a glass of pastis as an aperitif. Youll be lured in by the artsy vibes of Columbia, South Carolina, while its collection of bakeries boutique shops, restaurants and coffee shops are a delight for all types of visitors. Known for its ochre-coloured buildings, welcoming parks, and lively markets, visitors can meander between the stalls taking in the sights and smells of fresh produce, Nice is a destination that suits all types of travellers. Submitted by Nick and Ashley from illnesstoultra.com. The elusive, exotic land of South Korea beckons every traveler and backpacker to experience its many wonders. Hiring a car for at least part of your stay is desirable, as there is so much to discover within a short drive of the city also from the seaside at Cassis, to the villages of the Luberon. 8. Once you have descended this magical village then have a look around the rest of Eze. Smaller crowds and milder climate are among them. Mount Furon, accessed by cable car to the north, offers fabulous panoramicviews of the Bay of Toulon. When in the South of France, another interesting place to visit is the perfume capital Grasse. Juan Les Pins is easily accessible via Nice International Airport and a short 40 minute taxi or train ride. Hyatt RegencyNicePalais de la Mditerrane. Not the cheapest city in France, but if you have a desire to visit the fabled French Riviera it is much cheaper than neighboring cities and resort towns such as Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Saint Tropez (all reachable for day trips by rail). Submitted by Lauren from theplanetedit.com. The list has some of the amazing places in France which I want to explore. However, its not only about perfumes inGrasse. Most visitors flock to France's beaches in the summer, so landlocked Nancy doesn't get as much tourist traffic. Fort Walton Beach on Floridas Emerald Coast is famous for its 24-miles of fuss-free shoreline where youll find plenty of budget-friendly fun. About a 2 hours drive from Aix-en-Provence, it is an easy day trip by car. Luckily, the town is easy to get to. So this blog post covers all of the best places to visit in the South of France. Fun for the family and perfect for a couples getaway, these cities offer laid-back vibes, easy access to cultural attractions and scenic landscapes like leafy parks and picturesque beaches. Chic travellers flock here from around the globe to soak up the sun, dine on fine French cuisine and explore the opulent architecture and the pristine promenade. If youre already in France with a car, Carcassonne makes the perfect addition to any south ofFrance road trip itinerary. Rougon is easily accessed from the nearby towns of Moustiers Ste-Marie to the west, or Castellane to the east, a couple of hours drive away from tourist hotspots Nice and Cannes. The town is surrounded by fortifications and perched on a hilltop, it truly is an impressive sight. Be armed with a little French, at least numbers, and be prepared to bargain. If you have any other questions, please do feel free to drop me a line and I will get back to you. Read more: Best Things to do in Toulouse France 2. The city is a bit of a mixed bag. They had a local gypsy servant Sara, who has since been adopted as the patron saint of all gypsies. Auvergne. Generally, the region is warmer than most parts of France. Stroll through the areas array of eclectic shops or play a round of golf, as this charming area offers plenty of budget-friendly treasures at every corner. Enjoyed my guide to the best places to visit in the South of France? The landscape surrounding Seillans is filled with olive groves and vineyards, which make for great day trips. Apart from the well-preserved Roman structures, Nimes is home to impressive art museums, majestic churches, and lovely town squares. Considering visiting the South of France on a budget? Posted in Tourism. You do still get the odd warm day, where temperatures can hit 20C/70F, but the average day time temperature is around 14-15C/60F. Rooms within guest houses are typically less expensive than hotels and youll typically save by staying in a residential neighborhood with greater access to supermarkets and cafes without paying tourist prices. Check it out now. Make the former farming estate of Domaine de Manville . From there, you can head to St Georges if you want to do some shopping or La Daurade for a picnic. Get there as early as you can in high season it can get very very crowded and youll find it impossible to take photos without people in. The Paris City pass is the cheapest of the full Paris visitor passes - up to 24% cheaper than other passes for adults, and up to 50% cheaper for children. And although outside of the town, its also worth going to Chateau Grimaldi. Whatever adjective you use to describe St Tropez, it still does not satisfactorily sum up this top South of France resort. You can also explore Saint Cyprien, one of Toulouses historic neighbourhoods. Cannes has a beautiful central boulevard (Le Croisette) which bends around the Bay, it is a great centre for shopping and it has a number of good beaches. The rest of the city is fascinating and full of contrasts. As far as jaw-dropping scenery goes, few sights in France can compare to that of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon the star of the sprawling Verdon Natural Regional Park. An expat in the South of France offered a great overview of how to find . The city centre is small and compact, making it very easy to discover on foot. One of my favourite days out with the kids is to swim under the arches of the Pont du Gard or take a canoe up the river. Just be aware that some lavender farms have started putting up fences because the lavender fields have become so popular in recent years. 4. Walking around the towns fortified walls is another huge highlight of visiting Carcassonne. The town surrounds the sacred Pushkar Lake, a Hindu pilgrimage site with more than 52 ghats to bathe and make religious offerings. I found an inexpensive flight to Nice but be aware that during peak season, it can be expensive. At 10, you can enjoy a self-guided tour with audio in this beautiful arena. The old University town of Aix is a wonderful place to spend time in. The reason being is that you can still access St Tropez, but in the height of summer this part of South of France can grind to a halt with traffic. I was fortunate as the following week, it plunged down to 0 degrees Celsius. 3. The towns medieval centre and the fortified gate are still intact and its what gives this town its distinct charm. Theyre well preserved and even, in the case of the amphitheatre and theatre, still in use to provide entertainment to the people of Arles today. The ticket to visit the museum costs 4. Le Grand Theatre, Cathedral Saint Andre, Basilique Saint- Michel, and many more are architectural attractions for sight-seeing in Bordeaux. The village is no longer inhabited full time, but there is still plenty to see as you wander the old streets inside and around the castle. Carcassonne has an airport so its easy to reach from most major cities in Europe. 8-Day Iceland Guided Tour w/ Thingvellir National Park, 7-Day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise w/ Credit, Postcard Inn on the Beach St. Pete | Up To 25% Off, 22' Dutchmen RV Coleman Lantern LT Series 17B, 6-Day Luxe Ireland Vacation w/ Private Transfers, 7-Day Venture to Northern Ireland Escorted Tour, 8-Day Customized Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way w/ Car, 36' Forest River RV Cherokee Grey Wolf 29TE, 9-Day Spain Guided Tour from Madrid to Barcelona, Air & 15-Day Magic of Bali & Ubud Small Group Tour, 7-Day United Kingdom Guided Tour w/ Stonehenge, Air & 16-Day Portugal Long Stay at Marina Club Hotel, Air & 8-Day Discover Sri Lanka Small Group Tour. There is a village nearby, and some hotels not far if you choose to stay a few days and enjoy the area for hiking, biking and other outdoor adventures. Tube down the river or explore scenic trails dotted around the city, then hike to Anna Ruby Falls. You also find a rich variety of places to visit, from chic resorts, sleepy old villages and astonishing historical monuments dating back to Roman times (and before). The great thing about staying at a guest house is that youll get to regularly interact with a friendly host who is typically happy to give recommendations. Set amongst beautiful Provence countryside, the Gorge du Verdon is a permanent fixture on any tour of the South of France. The Lonely Planet travel guide calls the Languedoc the "Cinderella of the South" and says that it was "once overshadowed by gorgeous Provence and the brash Cte d'Azur. Some of the highlights include driving around on the public streets that transform into a Formula 1 track once a year, placing a bet in the famous casino, or walking around the many superyachts in the harbour.