Southern Frances is a very popular tourist destination. With its gorgeous weather, beautiful landscapes, or renowned wines, this is a paradise many holidaymakers will hate to leave. If you have an urge to visit the south of France, you should satisfy it. Here are just a few of the top places to visit on your stay.
The Dordogne
This is France’s third-longest river, and the most beautiful to discover. There are many beaches along the river, and the clear water is inviting in the heat of summer. The shallow waters also make it popular for freshwater fishing.
Boating down the river is the most peaceful way to enjoy the beauty of the area, and there are many locations along the river where canoe and kayak hire companies operate. The surrounding region is named after the river, and has the aesthetics of a fantasy world. Châteaus with tall spires are peppered between the woodland in the hills, some like Belcastel peering directly over the water. The area has some of Frances oldest and prettiest settlements, such as the medieval villages of Limeuil and Martel.
Lascaux
The region of Dordogne features many caves and grottos, and history going far back into Palaeolithic times. Lascaux may be the most famous example and should be considered unmissable for anyone visiting South France. The caves feature an intensely vivid pre-historic painting of hundreds of animal species.
Lascaux 4 is technically a recreation of the originally discovered cave, but visitors shouldn’t let this deter them. It is a magical experience.
Getting There, Getting Around
There are many airports across the south of France; Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse and Nice. From any of these airports, it’s affordable and easy to book an Advantage Rental Car. Whilst there are public transport options across France, when exploring these disparate rural settings, a car is a huge advantage.
The Pyrenees
This mountain range in the southernmost of France creates its natural border with Spain. If you’re skirting along the bottom of the country, or planning to cross the border, make sure you find time to stop for a picnic.
Many areas of the Pyrenees have designated nature reserves, ‘parc naturel’. So much has been done to limit human activity and allow nature to thrive. Walkers will find lakes with inland beaches and hot springs.
Carcassonne
If you’re enamored with Frances picture- perfect Chateaus, Carcassonne will really blow you away. The city is famous for its huge medieval citadel, La Cite, an enormous fortified town. It is an incredible sight to behold, especially from within.
It is more than just a museum piece though, and there are many activities and events held in and around the citadel, including Carcassonne Festival.
Cévennes National Park
The Cévennes has been inhabited since at least 400,000 BC. Remnants of the past mark the entire course of local history; megalithic stones from pre- history, bridges built by the Romans, villages from the middle ages. All of this set in the rugged mountains. It’s a great region to explore by foot, bicycle or horseback, but especially good for driving. The high number of tiny villages in the area means it is much more accessible for drivers than most other national parks.
