Visiting the South of France for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

As the biggest city along France's sun-soaked Mediterranean Coast, Nice is the picturesque gateway to the Côte d'Azur and a popular starting point for French Riviera tours. Start with a walking tour of the Old Town, where you can browse the famous Flower Market, enjoy a pastis (anise-flavored aperitif) at a terrace café on Place Garibaldi, then walk (or ride the elevator) up to Castle Hill for a spectacular ocean view. More views await along the seafront Promenade des Anglais, which runs the entire length of the Bay of Angels and is dotted with sandy beaches.

With its turreted watchtowers and crenelated ramparts rising up from the hilltop south of town, the medieval citadel of Carcassonne is as impressive from afar as it is up close. Admire the views looking over the Pont Vieux (Old Bridge) and the Aude River, then ride the tourist train up to explore the Cité de Carcassonne on a walking tour and peek inside the Château Comtal.

Insider tip: A walk up La petite côte de la Cité, a side street in the Barbacane district, affords an unobstructed view of the citadel away from the crowds.

Between Marseille and Cassis at the westernmost edge of the French Riviera, Calanques National Park is a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Set sail around the calanques, a series of narrow coastal inlets framed by soaring sea cliffs and rocky shores, and admire the views on a boat cruise. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, paddle through the fjord-like landscapes on a kayak tour, go hiking or mountain biking along the coast, or take off on a thrilling helicopter flight and enjoy a dazzling aerial view.

Host of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, glamorous Cannes is a headline act among French Riviera attractions. Get close to the action with a visit to the Palais des Festivals, where the film fest is held (go ahead and pose for a photo on the red carpet while you're there), followed by a walk down the Allée des Étoiles, Cannes' version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Then head down to the coastal Boulevard de la Croisette, where the golden beaches and luxurious hotels are frequented by movie stars and millionaires. A yacht cruise is the obvious way to get around.

While many South of France sightseeing tips will encourage you to avoid the summer crowds, there is one good reason to come in peak season—to see Provence's lavender fields in full bloom. The magnificent purple prairies are one of the most sought-after South of France landmarks for beginners to check off, but they only bloom from June through early August. The Valensole Plateau and the Luberon have the most impressive lavender views, and tours often include a stop in Cezanne's hometown of Aix-en-Provence or the Provencal villages of Gordes and Roussillon along the way.

Between Marseille and Montpellier, where the Rhône River meets the Mediterranean, the UNESCO–listed Camargue Natural Regional Park is a vast and wild expanse of wetlands, marshes, and salt lagoons. If wildlife watching and back-to-nature experiences are your thing, this is one of the best places to visit in the South of France. Admire the bubblegum pink Salin d'Aigues-Mortes salt lake and tour the salt farms, visit the fortified medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, then go horseback riding, biking, or kayaking to see the region's famous white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos.

At the heart of Provence, the riverside city of Avignon has two major claims to fame—the annual Avignon Festival, one of France's most renowned arts festivals, and the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Palace of the Popes. A walking tour of the latter is essential for first-time visitors, where you can see the former home of the Popes before the Papacy moved to Rome's Vatican City. Architectural landmarks are dotted around Avignon's Old Town, but it's also worth heading out of the city to see the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct, another UNESCO site, and go wine tasting in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

With its soaring cliffs and glittering turquoise waters, the vast Verdon Gorge is top of the list of things to do in the South of France for outdoor adventurers. Renowned as Europe's largest canyon, the natural wonder is a playground for hikers, rock climbers, and white-water rafters, with plenty of opportunities to swim and picnic along the waterfront. Many tours combine a short hike or visit to the viewpoints with the nearby lavender fields of Provence.

Most South of France travel advice concentrates on the French Riviera and for good reason—the azure ocean, sandy beaches, and glitzy seaside resorts are undeniably alluring. Driving the coastal Corniche from Nice through to Monaco affords some spectacular views, but you can't come to the French Riviera without getting on the water. Whether you want to charter a luxury yacht or enjoy sightseeing by speedboat, there's a boat cruise to suit.

Another one of our South of France travel tips for newcomers is not to forget the other coastline. While the Mediterranean Coast is an understandable magnet for sunseekers and sightseers, the Atlantic Coast offers a whole different experience. Head to the seaside resorts of Biarritz or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you can hike along rugged coastal trails, check out some of France's best surf beaches, and discover the unique Basque culture and cuisine. If you get bored of the beach, the Spanish Basque Country and the Pyrenees Mountains are within day-trip distance.