Who doesn’t want to live like a king or queen in France? Nothing could be easier – like taking a dream vacation in the most beautiful hotels of Le Midi in the south of France! The wonderful Mediterranean climate, culinary delights and the cultural diversity that has flourished through centuries of history and traditions promise a feast for the senses and pure French joie de vivre. The landscape offers spectacular contrasts from the snow-capped mountains of the French Alps, the lavender fields of Provence and the heavenly beaches of the Côte d’Azur, to the glamorous charm of well-known cities such as Nice, Cannes and St Tropez. These treasures make the south of France a place of unique beauty that you must experience for yourself.

Hotels in Southern France: The most important info at a glance

Provence: Camargue horses & Fragrant lavender fields

© La Maison d’Ulysse Famous painters like Cézanne, Picasso, Chagall and Vincent Van Gogh have long since been fascinated by the overwhelming beauty Provence offers, especially the lavender flowers that offer a true explosion of aromas and colors. In addition to endless lavender fields, Provence also boasts beautiful coastlines and beaches, such as the "Plage de l’Espiguette, " Europe’s longest beach. The Camargue, located in the Rhône Delta, is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe with its majestic native white horses, flamingos and horned cattle. Provence is also very popular as a hiking destination. Thrill seekers who aspire to conquer the summit of Mount Ventoux, like the athletes who partake in the Tour de France, will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views of France. The limestone Montagne Sainte-Victoire is also worth a visit, especially if you’re interested in hiking tours. Last but not least, Provence is the epitome of southern French lifestyle both in terms of culture and gastronomy. If you love good food and excellent wine, you will be spoiled for choice with the wide selection of Provençal specialties, particularly regional dishes with offerings of fresh fish, oysters and seafood. The charming little hotels in the mountain villages and historic cities such as Avignon are particularly recommended while on holiday in Provence. In addition to the history and architecture, culture lovers will enjoy discovering the music and folklore of the region through traditional theater.

The Côte d’Azur: Dream beaches, luxury & Nightlife

© Hotel Demeure The sun-drenched, azure blue coastline of Côte d’Azur lives up to its name. Incomparable turquoise blue waters, miles of white sand beaches and 300 days of sunshine a year make this stretch of Mediterranean coast a paradise for vacations by the sea. The French Riviera, with its picturesque small bays and remote islands, stretches to the Italian border in the east and to Cassis in the west. The luxurious hotels of the Côte d’Azur entice visitors with their sophisticated ambience, French joie de vivre and first-class gastronomy; more than 30 Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury boutiques and marinas line the promenades. The dazzling metropolises of Cannes, Nice, Saint Tropez and Monaco embody elegance and luxury, and are especially well-known among revelers for their sultry nights and chic clubs. No wonder the Côte d’Azur attracts numerous celebrities from all over the world, whether for sun tanning or celebrating. Every year, the international jet set meets at over 400 cultural events, including the world famous Cannes Film Festival.

Occitania: Wild nature & Mystical past

Occitania boasts countless treasures and unique diversity for nature lovers and culture lovers alike. From the highest mountain peaks of the Pyrenees, through the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon, to the Mediterranean coast with a total of 220 kilometers of sandy beaches, Occitania offers every kind of landscape imaginable. The majestic mountain ranges of the Midi-Pyrenees form the border with Spain. Its deep gorges and peaks reaching up to 3,000 meters are a breathtaking backdrop for hiking and climbing. A total of 850 kilometers of hiking trails, such as the legendary GR 10 Pyrenean Way stretching from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and several walking routes lead through the region. The Pyrenees National Park is the most popular park in France. Its picturesque mountain landscape is crisscrossed by idyllic valleys, lakes and rivers and offers numerous attractions such as limestone plateaus, thermal springs, and stalactite caves. At the same time, Occitania is a reflection of France’s rich cultural history. Medieval villages, enchanted castles, and cathedrals provide an exciting journey into France’s eventful past. Historic cities like Toulouse, with their historic hotels, romantic streets, and ancient walls, provide a unique setting for a holiday in southern France. Architecture and more than 2,000 years of history, from ancient times to the renaissance, unite in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The centuries-old, tradition-rich markets, festivals, culinary delights, and wine growing promise an authentic insight into the typical French way of life of Midi.

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Active holidays in the French Alps

© Hotel Domaine de ManvilleThe opportunities for active holidaymakers in the mountainous Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes are endless. To the north is the Jura, to the west the Massif Central, and to the east the French Alps, which border Switzerland and Italy. The colossal Mont Blanc is the second highest mountain in Europe with an altitude of 4,810 meters, and is an obvious adventurous holiday destination for extreme sportspeople. Popular winter sports resorts such as Morzine or Val d’Isère offer perfect conditions for skiing or snowboarding. During the summer months, numerous activities such as mountaineering, hiking, mountain biking and water sports make the hotels in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes an attractive destination for an active vacation in nature. The largest lakes in the region, Lac Bourget, Lac d’Annecy and Lake Geneva are popular for sailing and surfing, while the Ardèche and Loire gorges are ideal for kayaking. Those seeking peace and quiet will find rest and relaxation in the well-known spa towns of Évian-les-Bains or Thonon-les-Bains. Do not miss the beautiful capital of Lyon, whose historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Image directory: Hotel Domaine in Southern France, Hotel Maison dulysse in Southern France, Hotel Demeure in Southern France