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.
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 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 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.
The most popular seaside resorts are Saint Tropez, Cannes, Sainte-Maxime, and Marseille. The region of Provence is famously beautiful and the coastline is filled with pretty beaches. Head to the Côte d’Azur for an elite beach holiday, or Occitania for vineyards and nice countrysides. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is in the Alps and great for hiking and wellness getaways.
Hostellerie La Farandole in Sanary-sur-Mer is right on the beach and Hotel Les Roches Rouges in Agay is good for families.
Saint Tropez is France’s most expensive summer destination, and Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux are some of France’s most expensive cities. Eating and drinking out can be quite expensive in the beach towns, though the quality promises to be high. A half-liter of beer in a bar or restaurant will cost around 6 €.
The South of France is perfect for a honeymoon because of the different feelings the region offers. Begin in the beautiful inland at a spa or vineyard hotel in Provence or Bordeaux, like Village Castigno - Wine Hotel & Resort, and then head to a romantic beach hotel on the coast.
The best time to visit, when considering price, weather, and number of other visitors, is March to May and September through November. High season is between June and August.
