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Ooh la la! Posted On 26 April 2019

South of France

With the annual Cannes Film Festival just around the corner, we’ve explored the beauty of a holiday in the glorious South of France.

The South of France is an easy choice when it comes to deciding your next holiday destination. With a selection of different resorts and cities, the only hard decision you’ll have to make, is where in the South of France you want to go.  Home to a region of rich culture, sun, sea, fine wine and food, the South of France can host your perfect getaway!

Cannes

Famed for its annual film festival and glamourous celebrity lifestyle, Cannes is the superstar of the French Riviera. Its dazzling promenade, golden sandy beaches and year-round Mediterranean climate create the perfect backdrop for a wonderful holiday. The famous Film Festival might take place each May, but Cannes is bustling all year long. The city, placed on France’s sparkling Riviera, has many fascinating cultural attractions as well as some great places where you can relax, indulge and watch how the other half live. The Old Port of Cannes is an interesting mix of traditional charm and immense wealth. It’s a great place to watch huge yachts arrive into town while having a drink in one of the bars that line the water’s edge. Like many of the towns in this region, Cannes is steeped in culture and history where you can enjoy museums, castles and churches.

Nice

The grand city of Nice is pretty much where everyone thinks of when they think of the South of France. It is a grand city of long esplanades and spacious squares, it’s also the fifth largest in France so you won’t be struggling to find things to do here. Nice is home to a perfect beach life, the stunning medieval old town and some delicious French food! If you are looking for a relaxed holiday in the South of France, Nice is where you need to head to!

Thanks to its array of transport links across the country and nearby towns, Nice is a great place to be if you want to explore the wider area, or even enjoy a day trip to Monaco.

Avignon

Places like Avignon in the South of France are evidence that there’s much more than just beaches and film festivals in the South of France. Avignon is packed with history and fascinating architecture, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. Pont d’Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage site, whilst the Palais des Papes, art museums and gorgeous town squares are also popular places to visit in this city. The River Rhone is one of the focal points of Avignon, and it has played a big part in the city’s history. There are companies who offer lunchtime and dinnertime cruises across The Rhone, letting you enjoy some fantastic views of the famous landmarks of Avignon. Avignon was also home to Van Gogh, so art lovers can enjoy learning about the history of the famous artist.

Marseille

Thanks to the new Eurostar South of France service, which launched a few years ago, you can get from London to Marseille in just a few hours. Marseille is a city that is changing fast but has still retained that bit of edge that makes it stand out from the rest of the towns along the French Riviera. It’s also a great base for exploring the azure blue calanques, so why not hop on the train and make a holiday out of this great city. Marseille is the undiscovered jewel in the crown of France’s Mediterranean coastline. The rocky hills of Provence look down onto the ancient port and the thousands of boats docked in its clear blue waters. France’s second city has all you could ask for; beautiful beaches, ancient buildings, thriving artists and a diverse and dynamic nightlife.

Things to do in the South of France

If you’re planning on heading to the South of France on your next holiday, you can be safe in the knowledge you won’t be spoilt for choice on how to spend your days! For food and wine lovers, a trip to a local vineyard is a must.

Many vineyards offer tours of their vines followed by wine-tasting and a delicious lunch with French cuisine. A day trip to Monaco should also be on your list of things to do, whether you are travelling by boat, car or train, you can enjoy the stunning port with its array of high-end yachts. There are also lots of gold courses and tiny shops where you can stock up on gourmet cheese; however, the South of France can also accommodate kids too.

Thanks to its beautiful Mediterranean climate and fantastic French countryside, the whole family can enjoy serious adventures. There are plenty of cycle hire firms around the area, as well as Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum where you can even get up close and personal with baby sharks.

Placed near Montagnac is The Meze Dinosaur Museum which features scale replicas of the Jurassic creatures. To top it all off however, amongst the underground hiking, baby shark stroking, hot-air balloon rides, wine tasting and delicious food, there is nothing better than a day at the beach. The South of France offers a fantastic range of beaches to enjoy with pristine white beaches and beautifully blue water, all under a clear day and a bit of sunshine.

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