Planning the ultimate romantic escape? These destinations in the South of France offer golden coastlines, lavender fields, and fairy-tale villages straight from a dream.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique South of France Honeymoon Destinations:
1. Nice
Colorful and exciting, Nice is one of the most popular destinations in France for those looking to escape the cities. The city has everything you need for a delightful vacation, including historical sites, cultural attractions, a gorgeous seafront, and delicious food.
Days in Nice are best spent exploring the Old Town with its charming historic buildings, shopping at the Cours Saleya, and strolling through some of the best art galleries on the coast. Adventurous travelers can kayak from the beach and climb the hills up to the Colline de Chateau for amazing views of Nice. For the foodies among us, you absolutely have to try a Nicoise salad here in its namesake town.
2. Cannes
Cannes is a sprawling, glamorous seaside town occupying an area that once was just a simple fishing village. It is a popular destination among Europe’s socialites and luxury travelers. One of the biggest events on the town’s social calendar is the Cannes Film Festival , during which you can see celebrities wandering the streets and get up-close and personal with actors, directors, and other celebrities on the steps of the Palais des Festival.
The town is also known for its nightlife, luxury dining, and casinos. However, the city isn’t just for high-rollers, and there are attractions and accommodations for every budget. Cannes Map
3. Lyon
Lyon is France’s third largest city and its second largest metropolitan area. It is a jewel in the crown of France’s historical cities and is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage city. The city is made up of several interesting and diverse neighborhoods, and wandering the streets on foot or by bike is a great way to discover hidden architectural treasures.
There are many churches, parks, and secret passageways to explore and most of them are completely free. The city has several interesting museums as well, some of the most popular of which are the Museum of Fine Arts, the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourviere, and the Miniature Museum and Theatre. Lyon Map
4. Marseille
Marseille is France’s second-most populated city. It is the largest port on the Mediterranean and is a major economic hub for the region. Visitors will find plenty of interesting sites and attractions suitable for any type of traveler. Sitting in the old harbor and watching fishermen selling their daily catch at auction is an interesting cultural experience. Taking a cruise out of Marseille and returning in the evening is a highlight of many visits. The oldest section of town is called Le Panier and contains the Vielle Charite, which is an old monument that houses exhibitions and museums. There are artisans working in their shops, charming restaurants with beautiful views, and more to explore in this delightful section of town, making it the perfect place to start a visit to Marseille. Map
Day Trip Destinations:
5. Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence , also known more simply as Aix, is a small provincial town that is best known as the home of French artist and post-impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. With the addition of a high-speed train station, the town has turned into a popular shopping town and features a variety of high-quality shops. The small city center is mostly walkable and there are plenty of narrow streets and interesting buildings to entertain you on strolls around the town. Attractions in Aix include several famous fountains, a city market with a weekend flower market, and the Granet Museum. Map,
6. Avignon, South of France
Avignon is one of the major cities in Southern France. It sits on the Rhone River and was made famous as the place where the popes sought a haven during the 14th century’s corruption of Rome. The fleeing popes constructed a palace known as the Palais de Papes, which is the largest Gothic building in the world. Other than visiting this famous palace, other attractions include Le Post Saint-Benezet, which is a ruined bridge, the Place de L’horloge, and the covered market in Place Pie. Cruising the Rhone or biking along its shores are also great ways to spend time in this area. Map
7. Bayonne
Bayonne is a French Basque town in Aquitaine, and is divided into two neighborhoods divided by the Nine River. Walking along the riverfront is a delightful way to spend time and appreciate the beautiful buildings, which are a mix of French and Basque styles. Shopping for Basque specialties, such as traditional clothing and hiking staffs, is also a popular pastime. Other things to see and do in Bayonne include the Sainte Marie Cathedral, the Basque Museum, the Chateau-Vieux, which is a 12th century castle, the Town Hall of Bayonne, the botanical garden, and the covered market known as “Les Halles.” Map
8. Beziers
Beziers is a town in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France and is best known as the location of the annual Feria de Beziers, which is a festival centered around bullfighting. It is one of the oldest cities in France and is quite walkable, although it is built on a slope and some sections can be quite steep. One of the most famous sights is the 13th century Saint Nazaire Cathedral, which was a staging point for the crusades. The views from the cathedral are stunning, especially at sundown. Other sights include the Beziers Old Town and the Canal du Midi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the largest city in France by area and is located on the Garonne River in Southern France. The city is famous for its world-renowned wines, which are considered by many to be the best in the world. The city has a strong cultural, music, and artistic scene and is quite laid back. The charming city center features traditional stone houses and terraces, which have led to it being nicknamed Little Paris. Attractions in Bordeaux include the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Musee D’ Aquitaine, strolling along the Garonne River and, of course, sampling wine. The city is a great place to base yourself when exploring the wine country and going on road trips through the countryside. Map
10. Cagnes Mer
Cagnes Mer is a picturesque town in the French Riviera known for its charming pebble beaches, forests, and more. One of the town’s most famous residents was the impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and his former home has been converted into a museum dedicated to his life. Other attractions include Chateau Grimaldi, the Casino Terrazur, the River Loup Park, and the Canyon Forest. Several beaches are also located nearby, including the Plage de Carras and the Plage du Ponteil. Cagnes Mer also has the French Riviera’s only horse hippodrome, called Hippodrome de la Cote d’Azur, which attracts visitors from near and far who come for the races.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What makes Southern France a great destination?
- Southern France is resplendent and filled with beautiful cities, romantic beachside towns, and stunning natural features.
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What are some must-visit seaside towns in Southern France?
- There are several beautiful towns along the seaside, such as Cagnes-sur-Mer, Cannes, Saint-Raphaël, and the popular resort town of Nice.
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