Last updated on May 6th, 2023
Looking for South of France holiday destinations? Here are the best places to visit South of France.
Gorgeous weather, fine wines, ancient history, beaches galore, and delicious food. It’s no wonder why you’re considering a South of France vacation. But maybe you’re not sure where to go.
As someone who loves a good holiday trip, I’m giving you the best South of France holiday destinations.
You’ll learn about all the best places to visit South of France, including the best beaches, best spots for families, and more!
After reading this post, you’ll know which South of France vacation is perfect for you.
This post is all about South of France holiday destinations.
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South of France Holiday Destinations
Nice
Nice has some of the best beaches in South of France. It’s also known for its international film festival, seafront restaurants, and numerous shopping opportunities.
As one of the biggest cities in the French Riveria, Nice has the most urban-like feel out of many places in the South of France. So, if you want a modern French experience, then Nice is the perfect place for you.
Some of the best things to do in Nice include:
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- Exploring the Old Town
- Visiting Castle Hill Park
- Having a beach day at the most gorgeous beaches
- Dining at the best local restaurants
- Sightseeing at popular spots like the Nice Cathedral and the Monastère Notre-Dame-de-Cimiez
Bonus tip: Nice is surrounded by smaller, medieval towns that make for an excellent day trip. Research beforehand and see which cities you’d like to visit.
Cannes
You’ve most likely heard of Cannes in relation to movie stars and film festivals. But I assure you, it’s way more than that. Cannes has miles of gorgeous beaches, stunning architecture, gourmet food, and more.
However, with the glitz and glamour of Cannes, it’s an excellent spot for those wanting a luxury vacation. You can find several luxury hotels and spas to enjoy while visiting.
If you’re visiting, you MUST find a beach to soak up the sun, dine at a Michelin restaurant, and gaze at breathtaking art in the city’s finest art galleries.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is the next city on the best South of France holiday destinations list.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also known for the best beaches south of France and as a hot spot for artists. Picasso, Dufy, and Matisse are just a few of the famous artists who spent time creating their work in the city.
Besides art, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is also famous for its medieval stone walls located all over the city. Some of these walls date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Talk about ancient.
So whether you’re a huge art fan or want to explore the medieval town, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is an excellent choice for your holiday vacation.
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Monaco
Monaco is another excellent destination for South of France holiday ideas. While Monaco is officially independent, it still lies on the French Riveria. So, of course, it had to be included on the list.
Full of gorgeous beaches, stunning views, shopping opportunities, and the best European brunch. Monaco is an ideal spot for a luxury vacation. However, you can definitely visit on a budget as the country has several free things to do.
Here are some of the best things to do in Monaco:
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- Tour the Palais du Prince
- Visit the Musée Oceanographique
- See the Monaco Cathedral
- Watch a show at the Opera de Monte Carlo
- Watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix
Marseille
Interestingly enough, Marseille is France’s oldest city and second largest city, right behind Paris. So, naturally, you can expect plenty of museums and art galleries.
Besides its impressive history, Marseille is also known for its delicious cuisine. Bouillabaisse is the city’s most famous dish and is a must-try!
Visitors enjoy the beautiful beaches, walking through the Vieux Port, exploring the old town, and more. Also, if weather permits, you MUST take a boat ride to Les Calanques, a stunning area between Marseille and Cassis.
With all the history, cultural influences, and delicious food, Marseille is an excellent choice for a South of France vacation.
Saint Rémy De Provence
Saint Rémy De Provence is another of the best places to visit south of France. This small village is considered a peaceful town, full of beauty and rich history.
Like several other cities in this post, St. Rémy is big on art. After cutting off his ear, Vincent Van Gogh came to the town as an asylum patient. However, despite that, some of his best works, like The Starry Night, were created in St. Rémy.
Other best things to do in St. Rémy:
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- Shop around in the best outdoor markets
- .Visit the ancient Roman ruins
- Explore the Estrine Museum, a modern art museum dedicated to Van Gogh
I highly recommend the streets of St. Rémy if you want a relaxing vacation.
Saint Tropez
Next of the best South of France holiday destinations is Saint Tropez. This peninsula is one of the dreamiest locations on the French Riviera. Glitz & glam, yachts & beach clubs. Saint Tropez is fantastic for a luxury holiday vacation.
Saint Tropez is also the perfect destination if you enjoy nice, long beach days, shopping til you drop, and wandering around old cobblestone streets. You can also find the finest cuisine, from Mediterranean to Asian, from 5-star dishes to street food. They have it all.
Plus, since Saint Tropez is well known for its yachts, you can’t visit without taking a boat tour! It’s the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon with family or friends.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a southern French city that is quickly becoming a tourist hotspot for its charm and history. And as you may have guessed from the name, Bordeaux is famous for its world-class wines.
So, you know what that means?! Going on a wine tour or a wine event.
Besides sipping on wine, Bordeaux is an excellent spot for foodies to splurge on tasty treats. And as the ocean is so close, you can expect fresh seafood throughout the city. Can you say yum yum yum?
Visitors also enjoy cycling through the green spaces, studying the architectural masterpieces in the streets, exploring the diverse neighborhoods, and soaking up the sun on the beach.
So, as you can see, Bordeaux has it all; and you can’t go wrong with making it your holiday destination.
Toulouse
Toulouse is the last of the south of France holiday ideas, debatably the best. This town, located in the Southwestern region of France, always has something going on. Music festivals, cultural events, and more.
Toulouse also has one of the best rugby teams in the game. So, if you’re into sports, you can catch a rugby game at the famous Stade Toulousain.
Best things to do in Toulouse:
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- Visiting the Basilica Saint Sernin
- Touring the Musée Georges Labit
- Go for a walk on La Daurade
- See the Couvent des Jacobins
- Explore Le Capitole
So, if you want to dance around on the colorful streets, dine on the best French cuisine, and enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene, Toulouse is the place to be!
Regardless of where you spend your South of France vacation, you’re in for a real treat. Let me know in the comments below which city you like best!
Wishing you happy & safe travels.
This post is all about South of France holiday destinations.
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