South of France Holidays: Why visit the South of France?
Few parts of Europe are quite as seductive as the South of France.
From sunning yourself on the fantastic beaches, taking a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean, exploring colourful markets or cruising cliff top roads, the region oozes allure.
Here's our guide as to why the South of France is a great place to spend your holidays...
Dotted among the rolling vineyards and villages are many Roman sites, including a theatre in Orange, many bridges, and an amphitheatre in Arles.
It's little wonder famous artists such as Claude Monet, Henri Matisse and Paul Signac adored the area, with its fabulous architecture, coastal views and brilliant light.
Big budget thrills
If you're feeling flush, South of France holidays present plenty of ways to unburden yourself from all that cash.
A stay at the Chateau de Berne, for instance, offers a five star luxury set amongst the vineyards of Provence, at 270 euros per night.
The Château St. Pierre de Serjac, meanwhile, is located amidst 200 acres of rolling Languedoc countryside - from 200 euros per night.
And then there's the fabulous restaurants. The South of France is home to several of the country's many Michelin-starred eateries.
Budget adventures
But holidays in the South of France can be done on a shoestring, too.
It's best to avoid July and August, since prices soar, but the shoulder months of May to June and September to October are less costly.
Renting a self-catering gîte is one of the best ways to save. These range from simple apartments to charming villas.
If you're cooking for yourself you can take advantage of affordable local produce sold at the nearby markets. Do choose accommodation close to a market, though.
If you're backpacking, know that most hostels are in Marseille and Nice, costing around 35 euros for a bunk bed.
If you want more privacy, you can find apartments and bed-and-breakfasts starting at around 60 euros per night - even in expensive cities like Cannes.
How long should I stay in the South of France?
Two weeks would give you enough time to see the main attractions in the region.
If you have less time, choose either Cote d'Azur or Provence, otherwise you'll be spending your time too thin.
Renting a car in the South of France
For the full South of France experience, renting a car is arguably a must. It gives you the freedom to stop when and where you want, and if you choose a convertible, you can travel with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.
However, rental fees, parking charges, tolls and fuel costs can quickly mount up.
If you do choose to explore the South of France by rental car, pick the smallest possible vehicle because many of southern France's roads are very narrow.
Also make sure hotel and guest houses have available parking spaces.
Go by train
France's excellent rail system extends into the South of France, with a line that runs along the coast offering superb views of the Mediterranean.
It's also very affordable, with some of the most popular destinations from Nice costing a few euros one-way.
It’s by far the cheapest way to get around while enjoying holidays in the South of France.
When is the best time to visit the South of France?
July and August is the peak season in Nice, as in the rest of Europe. These months can get busy and hotel prices rise.
You'll still enjoy good weather from May to June and from September to October - plus you'll avoid the worst of the crowds.
If you’re looking for the best place to go in October, you’ll find the region is cooler, quieter and cheaper than the peak season.
Get to know the region: Map of the south of France
Before you start planning your trip, get acquainted with the region’s geography by checking out a map. Google Maps.
Best places to visit in the South of France?
Nice
Stroll the seven-mile promenade de Anglais, enjoy endless summer festivals, visit one of the many excellent jazz clubs, and marvel at 'La Belle Epoque' architecture.
Nice is the perfect base from which to explore the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Eze
Enjoy fabulous views over Monaco from this stunning French hilltop village.
It's the cheaper way to enjoy Monaco - albeit from a distance.
Cannes
Famed for its glitzy annual film festival, Cannes is a mecca for the well-heeled.
Visiting during the festival, which takes place every May, is not recommended since hotel prices go sky high - and besides, attending the awards is by invitation only!
However, outside this period, there's boutique stores to browse, and sunbathing to be done on the Promenade de la Croisette. Note that the seafront eateries are rather more costly than their counterparts a few blocks inland.
There are also regular fireworks displays on summer nights.
Saint Paul De-Vence
This picturesque village is crammed onto a hilltop, with winding cobbled alleys and a plethora of art and gift shops. It's also home to a restaurant called La Colombe D'or, which is where Pablo Picasso and other greats traded their artworks for meals.
The town can get rather crowded in peak season.
Arles
Few places on France's south coast have as many Roman ruins as Arles.
Highlights include the 2,000 year-old Pont du Gard aqueduct-bridge, an amphitheatre and a theatre.
Other draws include open-air flea markets where you can buy food produced in the surrounding villages. Stalls also sell unique clothing, antiques and art.
Lavender fields
If you're visiting in July, don’t miss the glorious lavender season, in which the rolling fields are aglow with these vivid, fragrant lilac flowers.
Aix-en-Provence
Known as both the "City of Counts" - because the Counts of Provence once lived here - and the "City of a Thousand Fountains" - thanks to the hundred of fountains spread across the city - Aix-en-Provence (pronounced ex-on-pro-vonse) is another must-visit location in the South of France.
Visit Cezanne's studio, stroll the tree-lined Cours Mirabeau and admire the Place des Quatre Dauphins with its Fountain des Quatre Dauphins, created in 1667.
The Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur is also worth visiting, with its blend of Roman, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, and the Burning Bush triptych painted by Nicolas Froment (15th century).
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, Cap Ferrat
Built in 1912 and surrounded by nine stunning landscaped gardens, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is an opulent villa with spectacular interiors.
Here you can sit on the lawn to enjoy a picnic and be transported back in time (for the princely sum of 50 euros).
Marseille
Known as the gateway to the Riviera - and the starting point for many South of France holidays - the nation’s second-biggest city has much to enjoy, including the picturesque Vieux Port, the stunning Notre Dame de la Garde, and the breathtaking Parc National des Calanques.
The Cathédrale de la Major's iconic domed towers are also a must-visit. It affords spellbinding views over the sea and the cathedral itself is free to enter.
Marseille's Old Town is another highlight, since it's as pretty as any in France.
Located on a hillside near Vieux Port, it’s a colourful multicultural neighbourhood - ideal for an evening stroll.
You'll need to have your wits about you in Marseille, where crime is higher than most other parts of the south. That said, the tourist areas are safer than the poorer neighbourhoods, mostly located in the north.
Take extra care of your belongings on the subway, and if you rent a car ensure it is locked and no valuables are on display.
Gorge du Verdon
With its cascading cliffs and gas-blue water, Gorge du Verdon is well worth a visit.
Swimming, paddle boats and sunbathing are the main activities.
The Gorge du Verdon is located 2.5 hours' drive west from Nice.
St Tropez
The budget-conscious may decide to avoid glamorous St Tropez, since prices are set to match the wallets of the rich and famous who reside here.
Beach visits, coastal walks and boat trips are the main pastimes, but these can be enjoyed in other coastal towns for less.
Antibes
The second largest town on the French Riviera and home to the Med's largest port, Antibes is just 25 minutes by train from Nice.
It offers all the beaches, culture and food of places like St Tropez, but for less.
An afternoon or day is enough to see the main sights, which include a large fortress and the marina, with capacity for 2,000 yachts up to 100m long.
Eating out in the South of France
Dining is one of the great pleasures of a visit to the south of France.
Try ratatouille (summertime vegetable stew - ideal for vegetarians); beignets of spanner crab; duck confit; beef daube; pear and hazelnut clafoutis; and Almond Pithiviers with Armagnac prunes.
And as you might expect, the region boasts many excellent wines.
If you prefer white, opt for a Picpoul-de-Pinet. Red wine lovers might choose a Château Bouscassé (Madiran) - a juicy, affordable imbibe.
Water, water everywhere
Water fountains are found across the towns and villages of the south of France.
These offer free, safe water to put into your water bottles - saving both money and waste plastic.
Top money-saving tip: ask for tap water at restaurants since it is free. Just say, "eau du robinet, si vous plait."
Get a Quote