tips for travel

The South of France has the enviable combination of miles of coastline and fertile rural landscapes and has been the inspiration for artists
composers and writers as well as the new visitor.

Where is it?

The term “South of France” is usually used to describe the southern stretch of the country’s coastline that runs between Spain and Italy
and the rural inland areas that include Provence and the Lub้ron. With its warm climate
fertile landscape and developed coastline
it is one of the most regularly-visited parts of Europe.

Where can I stay?

Unsurprisingly
for somewhere as popular as the South of France
there is no shortage of hotels
guesthouses
bed and breakfasts and camp sites. For a true taste of the area though
stay in one of our recommended boutique hotels. Small and intimate
they are a home from home and turn a basic holiday into a luxury retreat. All of these hotels offer well-designed and contemporary rooms and the service is discreet and impeccable. Good food usually goes hand-in-hand with the cool rooms and public areas - by choosing one of these hotels you’ll be treating yourself to a memorable stay in the South of France.

What can I see?

The South of France is too big an area to be fully explored in a single holiday
which is why many people return year after year. Some of France’s most expensive resorts lie on the south coast
including St. Tropez and Cannes
and where better to watch the yachts and fashions of the rich and famous? The area is famous for its coastline
sailing and water sports and for the cities that lie near it: Nice
Marseilles and Montpelier for example. Inland
Provence is well-known for its rolling landscapes
stretches of vineyards and swathes of wild flowers. With no shortage of historic buildings
local markets and museums to explore
the South of France has something for everyone.

How do I get around?

If you’re planning on exploring the South of France
you should hire a car. The French
like most European countries
drive on the right hand side of the road and the roads are largely well-maintained
although many are toll-controlled and you will have to pay at marked toll stations to use the main road network. If you are planning on staying mostly in one place and just visiting major cities or tourist areas
then opt for the train system
operated by SNCF.