Last update: Mar 21, 2023 @ 7:10 pm

7 Unexpected Must-Do’s in the South of France

The South of France is a popular travel destination for visitors looking to soak up the warm area’s breathtaking sights and pleasant weather! With relaxing beaches, lush resorts, and picture perfect villages, the South of France has something for everyone to enjoy. With so many popular destinations, it’s hard to decide what’s worth doing and what’s worth skipping! Here are seven things you must do in the South of France that you won’t read in any of the travel guides!

1. Walk on the wall of Carcassonne

Carcassonne has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The wall of Carcassonne divided the border between France and Aragon until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. Today, visiting Carcassonne is like stepping back in time. Visitors and locals alike walk on the wall of Carcassonne to take in the sights of the medieval city and the large fortress. The entire walk can take several hours if you do all of it but it is worth every minute.

2. Taste Delicious Fresh Oysters

You can’t visit the South of France without tasting the world-renowned seafood. Fresh oysters from the fishing farms are a local favorite along the Mediterranean coast. There are a lot of popular places claiming to have the best oysters, but by far the most distinct is Le Mas Bleu in Port Leucate. Le Mas Bleu is a family owned fishery serving the best raw seafood around!

3. Rent a lounge chair by the Mediterranean Sea at La Grande Motte

If your idea of the perfect vacation involves relaxing on the beach, you need to spend a sunny day on one of the beach rentals at La Grande Motte. La Grande Motte is the hottest beach resort destination, home to white sand beaches and plentiful sunshine. (No pebbles like in Nice) Enjoy a cocktail and catch up on a good book at La Grande Motte, one of the top things you must do in South of France!

4. Explore Montpellier’s Downtown

Founded in the 10th century, Montpellier is one of France’s most historic cities. This medieval city is bursting with culture and art, and it balances both the old and the new beautifully. The best way to explore Montpellier is by walking through its pedestrian-only downtown center. Lose yourself amidst the tiny, ancient streets and lively cafes!

5. Taste the best of Southern France at a wine fest

If you want to experience the South of France as the locals do, you’ll need to visit one of the many wine festivals! These festivals are popular in the summertime and often take place weekly. One of the most well-known wine festivals is the Estivales de Saporta in Montpellier. This festival showcases all of the flavors of the regional wine, and it’s a great place to meet locals and travelers alike!

6. Wander around St-Guilhem-le-Desert

Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, St-Guilhem-le-Desert gets its name from a 9th-century Frankish priest. This small village is a maze of cobblestone streets, towers, and charming squares, and it is noted on the list of Plus Beaux Villages (most beautiful villages) of France. St-Guilhem-le-Desert is home to a one of the oldest abbey’s founded in 804 by Guilhem of Orange, and it is well worth touring the ancient property. Don’t pass up the chance to wander this tiny treasure in the South of France!

7. Watch a water jousting competition

Water jousting is a tradition dating back to ancient Greece. The tradition is still alive and well today in France, and it’s one of the best ways to experience local French culture. The sport involves two adversaries attempting to defeat each other using a lance and a shield from the stern of a boat. Water jousting competitions are popular events held throughout the year! It’s an experience you won’t want to miss on your visit to the region!

Please share with us your experience in the comment below and let us know what you think is a must to in the South of France. We would love to here about it!

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