South of France is not a new name to holidaymakers. This beautiful holiday destination has long been a favourite with vacationers, thanks to its tropical climate, blue sandy beaches lining the blue crystal waters and the unmatched scenic beauty. The area is well served with excellent transport network, with railway lines and roads linking it with the rest of the country. If you are a tourist looking forward to spending his or her holiday in this enchanting location, then here are some of the places to sample.

Nice
When the idea of holidaying in south of France comes to mind, then the city of Nice should strike your mind. Thanks to its broad avenues, golden beaches and wide sweeping bays, this holiday paradise attracts up to three million visitors every year. It is only rivaled by Paris when it comes to breathtaking tourist sites. The city boasts of so many things to do and see. Top on the list include the famous Matisse museum, Promenade des Anglais and the Russian cathedral, just to mention a few.

Arles
Arles is another enticing city worth visiting when holidaying in this part of the country. Famed for its Roman heritage which includes amphitheatres, century old masons, modern museums and its wide rolling river, the city has it all for a perfect and unforgettable holiday experience. It is also home to some of the famous painting masterpieces that date hundreds of years. It also at Arles that the famous Camargue region can be explored in its entirety.

St. Tropez
Relaxed, sunny, beautiful and glitzy – these are what describe this south France holiday resort. The city has long been associated with celebrities, something that makes it referred to as the summer home of the famous, rich and beautiful. The city’s beaches are considered as some of the best in the world, and its harbour comes only second to Monaco in terms of impressive array of yachts on show.

Gorges Du Verdon
This is France’s equivalent of the world famous Grand Canyon. With a dramatic and breathtaking 700m drop to the river bed, this is a perfect place to take a day trip. Set in a scenic and beautiful countryside, Gorges Du Verdon is a famous spot that has remained a must visit with most holiday makers in south France.

Avignon
Avignon is not only the Pope’s palace, but also boasts of being the biggest Gothic palace in the whole of Europe. It once became the center and symbol of the Christian power in the 14th century, thanks to its several ceremonial rooms, private papal apartments and rooms. A visit to Avignon will take you to the center where culture meets history. Set on the river Rhone banks, it captured the attention of the world when the vatican was moved from Rome to its peaceful pastures.

Aigues Mortes
Spending leisure time in Aigues is truly relaxing and joyful. This walled town is located in a romantic setting among the plain and dunes of Camargue. A trip to the town’s streets is a must during a visit to south of France. Even though it is a popular summer holiday resort, you can still find plenty of enticing activities to engage in. Spending a pleasant day wandering around the pavement restaurants and shops is a perfect way to spend a lazy afternoon.

If you’re planning for a holiday in South of France, there are many interesting attractions which you might choose to visit. Furthermore, the destinations in this southern emisphere are trully breathtaking, most of them holding various natural landscapes and sunny beaches. Here are the top holiday destinations in South of France:

Saint-Tropez
St Tropez has been the favorite destination of Hollywood stars for years, and it’s pretty obvious why. The beaches found in this city are one of the world’s best, and all the resort services are top-class. What’s more, the array of yachts on display adds an extra touch of luxury. There are also several clubs where you can spend your free time. Glitzy, relaxed, chic, beautiful… there aren’t enough adjectives to describe this resort.

Nice
This city features broad avenues, a golden beach and a wide sweeping bay, so it’s easy to why this is a favorite destination of most tourists. Some places to visit while in Nice include the famous Matisse museum, Promenade des Anglais (English Promenade), Vieux Nice (Old Nice) and the Russian Cathedral. There are many colourful markets, cozy streets, baroque churches, bars and nightclubs to visit, so you’ll never get bored in here.

Arles
Arles is another beautiful destination to visit. This is the place where Van Gogh has painted some of the most stunning artworks, whose market value keeps increasing over time. The Roman heritage can also be found here, including its Forum, Theatre, and Amphitheathre. Other wonderful attractions of Arles include its mazy streets, the
wide river, modern museums, and also the impressive mansions built in the 17th Century.

Gorges du Verdon
The place here might be seen as a second Grand Canyon, since it features a dramatic 700 metres drop untill the river floor. The city is set among the beautiful countryside Provence, allowing for a pleasant view of the natural landscape. You also have the occasion to practice many sports in here, such as sailing, kayaking, paragliding, mountain biking and so on, so it’s a great place to escape from your daily routine.

Avignon
Set right in the middle of Provence, Avignon is the city which hosts the famous Papal Palace, the biggest Gothic-style palace in Europe. The palace has various capels, ceremonial rooms, and private papal apartments, and it used to be the home of Sovereign Pontiffs in the past. Avignon also has an impressive history and culture. Sert on the River Rhone, Avignon attracted worldwide attention in 1303, when the Vatican chose to leave the anarchic violence in Rome and resort to the peaceful scenery of Provence. They remained here for 70 years only, yet there are still traces of their legacy on the fascinating streets of Avignon.

Nimes
Featuring a lot of historical monuments, this city is inevitably bond to its Roman past. Some of the most popular attractions in Nemes include its Amphitheatre, the temple of Diana and the Maison Carrée. You’ll find a huge commercial district inside, made of several boutiques filled with clothes and souvenirs. There are also tow art galleries, and, if you’re lucky enough, you might attend the colourful February’s Carnival or the Feria de Pentecost (held in September, every year).

The beauty that encapsulates you in both Cannes and Nice, found in the south of France, is unequivocal and brilliant! The culture is unforgettable and both of these unforgettable places offer many festivals that truly touch on what makes the south of France thrive as one of the most exquisite and magnificent places in the world! From art to music, film to food; the festivals that take place in the south of France have something new and intriguing to offer any adventurous soul! It seems as though if the south of France was visited at any point of the year there would be some sort of festival going on and with the vast culture and active lifestyle of the natives to the south of France, it is no surprise!
Here are three of the festivals that should not be missed!
Mardis Gras Festival: Nice

In February, the Mardi Gras Festival, also known as Carnival De Nice, held in Nice is comes to life and is recognised world round for its major impact on the south of France and all of its visitors as it touches on all points of intrigue for the travelling guest. Never again will you see the absolute brilliance that can be seen through the Mardi Gras Festival. Indulge in authentic cuisine as you listen and dance along to the music throughout the streets of Nice. Vendors will be going about selling their brightly coloured and lively items that are yours to keep as record of your unforgettable experience. Dancing shoes are a MUST for this event! The music that is played throughout the streets wakes up your soul and brings out your youthful spirit! More information on the Mardis Gras Festival can be found on the official website at: nicecarnaval.com

Cannes Lions: Cannes

To be held in mid-June, 2012, is the infamous Cannes Lions Festival! This festival which is put together by almost 10,000 people from around the world who join together through creative communication industries to really blow each other away with new ideas and inventions that have all been developed and created to foster growing creativity! Educational, adventurous, and fun, the Cannes Lions is sure to be unforgettable! Information for one of the most thrilling and thought-provoking festivals found in the south of France, or even the world, can be found at: canneslions.com

Nice Jazz Festival : Nice

A Nice tradition since the 1940s, the Nice Jazz Festival occurs at the end of July. People from all over the world, especially music lovers, are drawn to this festival every year. World renowned jazz musicians perform their own music as well as tributes to the greats such as Miles Davis daily. There are plenty of free children’s events to enjoy at this festival too, which makes it a great option for a family vacation that no one will forget! More information on the Nice Jazz Festival can be found at: nicejazzfestival.fr

Whatever time you plan your trip to the south of France, you can be sure there will be some sort of festival or activity to keep you entertained during your stay. Flights to the south of France take less than two hours and with a number of budget airlines flying daily from the UK and other local airports, it’s a great destination for a last minute break.

Ah the French Riviera, it has to be one of the most exclusive, chicest places to holiday on the planet. From St Tropez to Nice and the most glamorous of them all, the principality of Monaco, the Cote d’Azur truly is a sight for soar eyes. But there are many more exclusive resorts across the globe all vying for slice of the luxury market. If you’re looking for something special from your next holiday, give one of these destinations a try.

Mexico

Mexico is a long, slinking country lapped on both sides by oceans. To the east you have the warmer and calmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico and to the west you have the powerful, cool waters of the Pacific. The coastlines are lined with palms and the sand on the beaches comes in various shades of off-white. The resorts take luxury and exclusivity to a new level with personal butler services, private beachside bungalows and palatial-sized sea-view suits. All this comes at a surprisingly affordable price. Just make sure you travel between June and October to avoid hurricane season. Winter sun holiday anyone?

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The South of France is home to a whole host of festivals. If there is ever an opportunity to hit the streets and celebrate, the France will do so. And they are usually include plenty of fine wines and delicious French cuisine. Costumes, dancing and fireworks can be found at most festivals and they have a range of themes. Whether it’s to celebrate a royal event, Christmas or a French bank holiday, you can be sure the French will be out in there hundreds and the Nice Jazz Festival is no exception. [Read more...]

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