So, you’ve found yourself with a dozen spare days in the South of France and you’re trying to decide what to do. Well, with sprawling cities, picturesque villages, wine tasting, and the stunning Mediterranean coast, there’s no shortage of amazing experiences to enjoy on your 12 days in southern France.
With such a short time to enjoy this wonderful region of France, itineraries are going to be your best friend. Here are some unmissable places to visit during your holiday.
1. Cote d’Azur
Encompassing the French departments of Nice, Cannes, St Tropez, Grasse, Frejus, Menton, Antibes and Villefranche-sur-Mer, this affluent paradise is a place you simply must visit in the South of France at some point in your life.
Whether you are looking for breathtaking golden beaches which stretch for miles, or shopping and café culture in the big cities, the Cote d’Azur has you covered. For all you fans of music and the arts, there are the hedonistic pleasures of the Nice Jazz Festival and the 15-day Nice Mardi Gras Carnival for you to take in.
The best time to visit the Cote d’Azur will depend on what you want to see, so check out local listings for the festivals to make sure you get to experience everything you want.
2. Provence
Famous for its acres of picturesque purple lavender fields, the Pont du Gard Aqueduct, and historic towns such as Aix en Provence, Provence is legendary amongst those who love nothing more than peace and tranquillity.
After grabbing some snaps of the glorious purple flower fields, you can visit one of the area’s many lavender producers and learn how these amazing and versatile plants are processed into cosmetics, essential oils, food ingredients, and dozens of other products.
There’s a reason why artists such as Picasso spent so much time in Provence – he famously lived in Avignon during one of the most productive periods of his artistic career. So, grab some of that inspiration for yourself during your visit to southern France and make sure you spend some time taking in the legendary tranquillity of Provence.
3. Vaucluse
Your main reason for coming to Vaucluse has to be to visit the serene and wonderful commune of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse. Set against a backdrop of the valley spring (from which it gets its name) and the Vaucluse Mountains, this idyllic village has a population of fewer than 700 people.
The valley spring is the fifth largest in the world and erupts from the foot of a steep limestone cliff. In March, the emerald-green water surges for around five weeks before subsiding – the reason for which is still unknown.
People flock from miles around to walk the calm streets and waterways and admire historic sites such as the ruins of the XIV Bishops of Cavaillon castle, the Museum And Library François Pétrarque, and the Ecomusée du Gouffre.
Final Thoughts
That should give you plenty of ideas to fill your 12 days in the South of France to the brim with activity. Whether you like the big city hustle and bustle, a little culture and history, or the calm provincial life, this incredible part of the world has something for you.If you’re looking to make the South of France your permanent home, or are in the market for a holiday hideaway in the region, get in touch with South of France Surveyor Charles Mackintosh to start your journey today.