10 Reasons Why You Must Visit Southern France

10 REASONS WHY YOU MUST VISIT SOUTHERN FRANCE

from tripusafrance.com

Scenic Diversity

Southern France’s landscape is undeniably wonderful. What gives Le Sud its peaceful picture — as Van Gogh painted it — is the combination of the variety of landscapes. From the Mediterranean sea to the Pyrenees mountains, passing by the endless land of vines, lavender or sunflowers, Southern France has it all. You will find steep cliffs that hide sublime villages bathed in sunshine. Trust me, you won’t want to leave!

Hospitality and Culture

The region’s sunny climate brings about a warm and outgoing atmosphere, where locals welcome visitors with open arms. Experience traditional pastimes like Petanque (a form of lawn bowling), and enjoy a sip of Pastis (an anise-flavoured spirit and apéritif traditionally from France) while soaking in the local ambiance.

Historical Treasures

The historical heritage of Southern France is worth the trip. With ancient villages, medieval fortresses and Roman monuments, the South of France is the place to go to enjoy European History. Here is a list of some places that you cannot miss:

Carcassonne for its magnificent castle and its church
St Guilhem-le-desert for the medieval atmosphere that still reigns in the village
Les Baux-de-Provence a picturesque village hidden in Provence
Nimes for its amazing Roman sites including a temple and an arena

Exquisite Wine

Southern France is the land of the sun, where the wine is a star. Bordeaux, of course, is the place to go for a wine tour. However, the Languedoc-Roussillon region also has some gems that you must try. The wines of Coteaux du Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Minervois, Saint-Chinian, Fitou will delight your meal or brighten up your appetizers. And during the summer, we highly recommend you to taste a fresh glass of Rosé, which the best ones are made in the South. To accompany your dessert, try a sweet wine such as Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Rivesaltes, or any other Muscats.

Gastronomic Delights

Products of the sea are a must by the coastline. Cuttlefish stew with its flavorful aioli, or the well-known Tielle Sétoise, a pie filled with octopus and tomato sauce, should please you. When in Nimes, you must try the creamy brandade of cod. For the meat lovers, the duck is always on the menu: confit de canard (duck breast) or the unmissable foie gras. In the region of Carcassonne you will enjoy the famous cassoulet, a casserole in which the main ingredients are white beans, sausage, pork, and again… duck! In the Camargue region, the bull stew, similar to a beef Bourguignon, is the meal to order, so tasty! Southern France also has some of the best cheeses, including Roquefort (famous blue cheese) or the pelardon (goat cheese).

Mediterranean Bliss

The endless beaches that border the coast of Southern France are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The sea is also great for watersports, a little kayak ride or some kitesurfing for the most adventurous. We love looking at the multi-colored wings rising into the blue sky. One can also find a relaxing beach bed, planted on the sand of La Grande Motte just in time for summer. There are also several restaurants with a beautiful view on the beach with nice music and great food. Don’t forget to wake up early one morning and go to the bay to buy some fresh seafood. What’s better than some fresh grilled fish before heading to the beach? Insider tip: buy some fleur de sel, the cream of the crop, hand-harvested sea salt from the top layer of the salt production.

Charming Villages

Many of the villages in Southern France are ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. They are full of character, and we could even say a soul exists, as they continue to keep their old traditions. There is the small fishing port of Palavas-les-Flots, the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes sitting in the middle of the plains of the Camargue, Saint Guilhem le Desert the enchanting village dressed by stones, and many, many more. The old houses, the winding cobbled streets and the nature surrounding these places will make you travel back in time.

Perfect Climate

With 300 days of sunshine per year, Montpellier, the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon is a great place to stay. When you wake up in Montpellier, you have an 80% chance that the sun will be shining. This means more outdoor activities, walks, and fun. The warmth of the sun and a little breeze from the sea nearby will be your allies this summer. Insider tip: Every Friday evening, during the season, on Montpellier’s main square, La Comedie, you can enjoy a wine festival. This is a perfect way to start the weekend with a wine tasting during a warm evening.

Canal du Midi

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi, which connects 325 miles of networked navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, built between 1667 and 1694. This canal offers the opportunity for a wonderful walk or bike ride by the water and its amazing landscapes. We also recommend renting a boat and exploring the Canal and its locks.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

Embrace the Southern lifestyle with late-night outings, cultural events, and dynamic cityscapes in Montpellier, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Nice, where tradition meets modernity amidst a backdrop of sun and wine. And don’t forget to catch a Rugby match for a true taste of local passion.