Southern France: 10 Reasons Why You Must Go

# 1- The Picturesque Landscape

Southern France’s landscape is undeniably wonderful. What gives “Le Sud” its peaceful picture –as Van Gogh painted it– is the combination of the variety of landscapes. From the Mediterranean sea to the Pyrenees mountains, passing by the endless land of vines, lavender or sunflowers, Southern France has it all. You will find steep cliffs that hide sublime villages bathed in sunshine. Trust me, you won’t want to leave!

# 2- A Welcoming Culture & Rooted Traditions

Southern France has a naturally warm and social atmosphere, shaped by its sun-drenched climate and deep-rooted traditions. Life often unfolds outdoors—on café terraces, in village squares, and at lively weekly markets. Locals may not chat with every stranger, but the overall vibe is relaxed, cheerful, and spirited. You’ll see Pétanque games under the plane trees, hear the hum of conversations over shared meals, and feel the rhythm of a place where people take their time and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

Tradition runs deep here, not in a performative way, but as part of daily life. From Sunday family lunches to seasonal festivals and vibrant farmers’ markets, Southern France stays true to its heritage. Even the regional accent, with its unmistakable southern melody, adds to the charm of the experience.

#3- Well Preserved Sites

The historical heritage of Southern France is worth the trip. With ancient villages, medieval fortresses, Roman monuments, Prehistoric cites the South of France is the place to go to enjoy European History.

Here is a list of some places that you cannot miss: Carcassonne for its magnificent castle and its church, St Guilhem-le-desert for the medieval atmosphere that still reigns in the village, Les Baux-de-Provence a picturesque village hidden in Provence, Arles and Nimes for their amazing Roman sites including 2000 years old amphitheaters or Avignon once home of the Popes! The Dordogne region in Southwest France is also not to miss with so many castles and prehistoric sites.

It would be difficult to list all the historical places to visit in South of France but here is a pretty full list in addition to the places listed above: Bordeaux, Pont du Gard, Montpellier, Nice, Narbonne, Uzes, Aigues-Mortes, Cathars Castles, Couvertoirade, Orange, Senanque Abbey…

# 4- The Wine

Southern France is the land of the sun, where the wine is a star. Bordeaux, of course, is the place to go for a wine tour however the Languedoc-Roussillon region has also some gems that you must try. The wines of Coteaux du Languedoc, Côtes du Roussillon, Minervois, Saint-Chinian, Fitou will delight your meal or brighten up your appetizers.

And during the summer we highly recommend you to taste a fresh glass of Rosé, which the best ones are made in the Camargue and Provence. To accompany your dessert, try a sweet wine such as Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Rivesaltes, or any other Muscats.

#5- The Food

Products of the sea are a must by the coastline. Cuttlefish stew with its flavorful “aioli” or the well known “Tielle Sétoise”, a pie filled with octopus and tomato sauce, should please you. When in Nimes, you must try the creamy “brandade” of cod. For the meat lovers, the duck is always on the menu: “Confit de canard”, “Magret de canard” (duck breast) or the unmissable Foie Gras. In the region of Carcassonne you will enjoy the famous “Cassoulet”, a casserole which the main ingredients are white beans, sausage, pork, and again.. duck! In the Camargue region, the bull stew, similar to a beef Bourguignon, is the meal to order, so tasty!

Southern France also has some of the best cheeses, including Roquefort (famous blue cheese) or the Pelardon (goat cheese). And I am not even talking about the desserts but I will stop here for today… But you should join one of our small group tours to taste the Southern French food! > See our South of France itinerary

#6 The Mediterranean Sea

The endless beaches that border the coast of Southern France are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The sea is also great for watersports, a little kayak ride or some kitesurfing for the most adventurous. We love looking at the multicolored wings rising into the blue sky. One can also find a relaxing beach bed, planted on the sand of Le Grau-du-Roi or explore the French Riviera with the busy beaches of Nice and Cannes.

There are also several restaurants with a beautiful view on the beach with nice music and great food. Don’t forget to wake up early one morning and go to the bay to buy some fresh seafood. What’s better than some fresh grilled fish before heading to the beach? Insider tip: buy some “Fleur de sel“, the cream of the crop, hand-harvested sea salt from the top layer of the salt production of Camargue.

# 7- Small Villages Full of Charm

Many villages in Southern France are officially ranked among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France—and once you visit, you’ll understand why. These places are full of character, and some might even say they have a soul. From Provence to the foothills of the Pyrenees, many villages continue to preserve their traditions, architecture, and way of life.

There’s the small fishing port of Grau-du-Roi, the walled medieval town of Aigues-Mortes rising from the salt flats of the Camargue, and the enchanting stone-built Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert nestled in a canyon. In the heart of Provence, the ochre-colored village of Roussillon glows under the sun, while further east, the French Riviera reveals its own collection of charming hilltop villages—like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence—perched above the glittering coastline.

With their winding cobbled streets, weathered shutters, old stone houses, and the natural beauty that surrounds them, these villages make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.

# 8 The Perfect Climate

With around 300 days of sunshine each year, the South of France is blessed with one of the sunniest climates in Europe. Whether you’re strolling through hilltop villages, exploring vineyards, or relaxing by the Mediterranean, chances are you’ll be doing it under blue skies. The combination of warm sunshine and gentle coastal breezes creates the ideal setting for outdoor adventures and long, leisurely evenings. From May through September, many towns and villages come alive with night markets, open-air concerts, and wine tastings, making it easy to soak up the region’s pleasant weather.
Read more about the best time to visit the South of France here.

#9 The Canal du Midi

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Canal du Midi, which connects 325 miles of networked navigable waterways linking the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, built between 1667 and 1694. This canal offers the opportunity for a wonderful walk or bike ride by the water and its amazing landscapes. We also recommend renting a boat and exploring the Canal and its locks.

#10- A Heaven for Artists

The South of France has long been a muse for some of the world’s most famous artists. Van Gogh found inspiration in the sunlit streets of Arles, while Cezanne’s brushstrokes captured the serene landscapes of Aix-en-Provence. Picasso’s creative genius flourished on the French Riviera, and Ernest Hemingway even honeymooned on its sparkling coast, absorbing its beauty. The region’s artistic legacy continues to captivate visitors today, with highlights such as the immersive Carrières de Lumières show in Les Baux-de-Provence, which brings the works of artists like Monet or Van Gogh to life in a stunning multimedia experience. In Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, you can visit the St Paul de Mausole, where Van Gogh spent time recovering and creating some of his most iconic pieces, while Cezanne’s studio in Aix is a living tribute to his genius.

For a completely different artistic experience, the prehistoric painted caves of the Dordogne take you back to the earliest known forms of human expression. These astonishing works—handprints, animals, and symbols painted over 17,000 years ago—are not only technically impressive but also deeply moving, offering a powerful connection to our shared human past.

Whether you’re an art lover or just curious about the region’s rich history, picturesque landscape, delicious food and wine, the South of France is an unmissable destination!