The South of France is a beautiful place to explore, especially in the months of June & July. The list of things to do and places to see is endless but to help give you some ideas, we have highlighted a few of our favorites below.
Feel free to reach out to Maxime and Jennifer if you have questions!
You can’t visit this French region without seeing (and smelling!) the lavender fields. There are many local fields nearby and plenty along the routes to nearby towns. This is the perfect time to visit the fields as the lavender is known for blooming from the end of June through the beginning of August.
Lavender Fields are easily found and accessible in these three towns: Valensole, Oppede and Gordes.
View all Hotels near Lavender Fields in: Oppède | Gordes | Valensole
The town of Lourmarin is beautiful and very photogenic, with cobblestone streets, shops, and plenty of cafes with outdoor seating. There are a a handful of trendy bars and restaurants, plus a great outdoor market in the city center.
Lourmarin Highlights:
· LE GALINIER DE LOURMARIN, A boutique hotel surrounded by gardens, less than a 5 minute walk to Lourmarin town center.
· Drinks at MAISON CAFÉ, a hidden gem tucked away with a rooftop bar, ivy covered walls, and live music.
· Wine tasting at CHATEAU CONSTANTIN, a local family-run vineyard set next to a charming French villa.
· The outdoor market on Friday mornings.
We highly recommend visiting the Gorges du Verdon while you are in the area. Gorges du Verdon is known for its breathtaking natural beauty as Europe’s deepest canyon with its stunning turquoise waters.
It makes for a perfect day trip adventure to hike, swim or even rent a boat or kayak to explore even deeper!
Another fun (and a lot less known) way to see Verdon Gorge is to take a road trip along its rim. You can either drive around the entire gorge or just take the shorter but very scenic Route des Crêtes, Verdon.
Nestled in the heart of Provence, France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque village that sits at the base of towering limestone cliffs, with a beautiful waterfall cascading down in the background. Not surprisingly, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie France is designated as one of France’s most beautiful villages. This quaint ancient village offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Tucked between two rock faces, owning an ancient legend that dates back to the crusades, famous for its traditional ceramic pottery, and with a 12th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame de Beauvoir perched on a cliff, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a gem to explore.
A great place to visit before or after visiting Gorges du Verdon.
Make a quick road trip pit stop to visit the Cascade de Sillans waterfall.
In Sillans-la-Cascade village, a short forest trail leads you to an observation deck where you can check out this gorgeous 44-meter (144 ft) waterfall.
With its bustling port area, fantastic seafood restaurants and lovely old architecture, Cassis is a quintessentially charming French seaside town. Right next to the port lies the sandy Plage de la Grande Mer beach perfect for a quick dip. There’s also a medieval chateau perched on a cliff overlooking the port of Cassis.
Cassis would be a great place to eat, shop, explore and stay the night. Looking for a place to stay in town?
MID-RANGE: Hotel Les Volets Rouges
This is an eco-friendly boutique hotel in a quiet location surrounded by a pine forest. Their rooms are bright and tastefully decorated, and almost all have a private terrace.
LUXURY: Hôtel Les Roches Blanches
If you’re looking for some luxury and world-class service, the 5-star Hôtel Les Roches Blanches is the best choice in Cassis. This stunning waterfront property features two infinity pools and views of the Mediterranean sea.
Extending along the coast between Cassis and Marseille, this national park is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking sights in Provence. Here, towering limestone cliffs rise vertically from the neon blue waters of the Mediterranean and form narrow sheltered inlets known as ‘Calanques’.
It is impossible to visit the Calanques and not go hiking. There are several hiking and walking trails to choose from, and the views from above the limestone cliffs are breathtaking. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes, and to bring plenty of water. After your hike, cool off and go for a swim in one of the bays!
If you’d like to visit the Calanques on a tour, here are some fun options:
- A stand-up paddle-boarding tour from Cassis
- A relaxing cruise aboard a sailing yacht with lunch departing from Marseille
- An electric mountain bike tour from Marseille
- A guided sea kayaking tour from Cassis
Bustling streets with provincial flair, elegant squares, gorgeous fountains, busy cafés, and hundreds of Provencal market stalls several days a week. If you have a sweet tooth, you cannot miss trying the local specialty, the Calisson. It is a traditional French candy made out of fruit (usually orange, melons and nuts), topped off with a thin layer of marzipan – and is our household favorite! Aix-en-Provence is a lively city in the South of France worth a visit.
What to Do in Roussillon
Ochre Trail: The ochre quarries and cliffs have made Roussillon one of the most famous sites in the Luberon region. You can stroll past the red and gold landscapes and take in the town’s beauty. The walk only takes about 30 or 60 minutes depending on the trail that you choose.
Walk the Town: There’s so much to see in Roussillon by foot. Because the village center is pretty small, wandering the streets won’t take you very long. A couple favorite things to see are the 19th-century clock and bell tower and the ancient sundials.
Art Galleries: Roussillon is full of art galleries! There are eight galleries around the town.
Visit Place de La Marie: Place de La Marie is also known as the Town Square. There’s plenty of shops and cafes around the area, and it’s a great place to spot for a bite to eat or souvenir shopping.