15 Picturesque Destinations in the South of France
The south of France has many picturesque destinations to visit, ranging from old abbeys and beautiful coastlines to cobbled walkways and squares. Read on to discover 15 of the most scenic sights in the region.
1. Sénanques Abbey
Sénanques Abbey is located just outside the picturesque village of Gordes. It is worth the trip to visit the monks who live here; they have taken a vow of silence and harvest the local lavender and olives.
2. Menton
Menton is a little town on the French Riviera, as close to Italy as it is possible to be without being in Italy itself.
3. Estaque
5. Cassis
6. L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
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L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is a large town that comes alive at the weekends, when locals and dealers head to the antiques market that dominates the streets.
7. Hyères
The coast at Hyères is much more rugged than at other places along the French Riviera, and is a firm favourite with campers and other holidaymakers.
8. The Calanques
9. Les Baux-de-Provence
The village of Les Baux-de-Provence is perched high up on the edge of the hills in the Luberon area of inland Provence. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in France.
10. Avignon
Most people head to Avignon for the famous Popes’ Palace, the largest medieval gothic palace in the world, but don’t forget to have a wander around the courtyards and cobbled streets of the Old Town, too.
11. Èze
12. Carcassonne
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Carcassonne is in the Languedoc area of France and is famous for its medieval citadel.
13. Old Town, St Tropez
At the old fishing village of La Ponche in St Tropez, tourists wander the cobbled streets while the super-yachts come in and out of the harbour.
14. Antibes
The Cape of Antibes is synonymous with glamour. Here, you will find large villas and famous hotels. It’s where F Scott Fitzgerald set Tender is the Night, and it’s also where Ian Fleming sent James Bond to recuperate between missions.
15. Martigues
Martigues has the nickname of ‘Provence’s Venice’ because of its canals and bridges surrounding old houses, piled one on top of another.
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