Stretching roughly from Saint-Tropez (overlapping with the Provence region) to Menton, less than 30 kilometers from the border with Italy, the Côte d'Azur has been a fashionable seaside resort destination since the early 19th century. The skies are often a mesmerizing cerulean hue as well, thanks to the sunny weather most of the year in this area of southern France. Côte d'Azur Villefranche-sur-Mer (Day Trip from Nice) on the Côte d'AzurĪlso known as the French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur is a glamorous stretch of Mediterranean coastline named for its deep azure-blue waters. In the heart of Provence, traditional ambience is found on the tree-shaded streets and outdoor cafés of Aix-en-Provence, at the festivals of Arles, and by the old seaport of Marseilles.Īlso not-to-be missed are the Palais de Papes in Avignon the legendary beach resort of Saint-Tropez and the Roman theater in Orange, one of the amazing sites of the Haut-Vaucluse.ģ. Two favorite destinations are Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a picture-perfect walled medieval town (near many Côte d'Azur tourist spots, such as Eze) and Gordes, which is among the top places to see in the Luberon. Visitors are enchanted by the villages perchés, which crown Provence's hilltops. In this dreamy landscape, Impressionist painters found inspiration to create vibrant works of art. Fragrant rosemary, sage, and thyme and other wild herbs grow here in abundance and enliven the local cuisine. The rolling hills are covered with a patchwork of small farms, olive groves, sunflowers, and lavender fields. This rural area feels untouched by the modern world and has a rugged, earthy appeal. In contrast to the grey skies of Paris and northern France, the charming region of Provence basks in bright Mediterranean sunshine most of the year. The Charming Countryside of Provence Lavender fields in the Alpes de Haute Provence Gascony Region & Toulouse in the South of FranceĢ. Gourmet Restaurants & Cultural Attractions in Lyon Lourdes: France's Biggest Catholic Pilgrimage Site Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees Mountains The Burgundy Region: Quintessential France Rocamadour: A Medieval Pilgrimage Destination Prehistoric Caves in the Dordogne & the Pyrenees Joan of Arc Monuments in Chinon, Rouen & Orléans Chartres Cathedral: A Gem of Medieval Architecture ![]() Strasbourg's UNESCO-Listed Historic Center Discover this fascinating and diverse country with our list of the best places to visit in France. More off-the-beaten-path experiences are found in the countryside, such as at farmhouses in Burgundy, fishing villages in Brittany, and thermal spas in the Pyrenees Mountains.įrom cultured cities to pristine nature sites, France offers endless tourist attractions. Other classic travel itineraries include stops at fashionable seaside resorts, fairy-tale castles, and glorious Gothic cathedrals. Paris and Versailles are must-see destinations for a first trip to France. Each corner of France has its own unique character: the rugged and outdoorsy French Alps sun-drenched and slow-paced Provence the glamorous and gorgeous Côte d'Azur and idyllic Alsace, a pastoral region where storybook hamlets are tucked away in the vine-covered rolling hills. The French affectionately call their homeland "l'Hexagone" because of its distinct six-sided shape. Author Lisa Alexander studied and lived in Paris, and has traveled extensively around the country.
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