Things to do in the South of France
Discover The Best Beaches
With the allure of cobalt-blue seas, pretty coves and hundreds of kilometres of soft-sand beaches, it’s no wonder that the French Riviera appeals to those looking for a beach villa holiday in France. From glamorous see-and-be-seen beach clubs to lesser-known sandy spots, you’re bound to find a shoreline to suit your mood. What’s more, the south of France is renowned for its mild and reliable climate with very warm, dry and sunny long summers, so you can make the most of the coastlines when you eventually drag yourself away from your villa’s private pool!
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St Tropez, Cannes, and Nice are all synonymous with glamorous Cote d’Azur beach holidays. If you want to spend the day people-watching, head to the five-kilometre-long Plage de Pampelonne in St Tropez with several cabana-lined beach clubs, fine white sand and trendy bars and restaurants. The Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes is fringed with a gorgeous stretch of beaches oozing a lively ambience, while several popular public beaches frame the Baie des Anges alongside the crescent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. For something a little quieter, Plage de la Mala in Cap d'Ail near Monaco is a small sandy spot that never gets hugely crowded. At this hidden gem, guests can enjoy Provençal restaurants, gentle watersports and a safe swimming area which is ideal for families.
Follow in the Footsteps of The Artists
The South of France’s beauty has long been a draw for artists seeking to capture the region’s picturesque and diverse landscapes in their work. As a result, the area is filled with art museums displaying the works of Renoir, Matisse, Chagall, Picasso, and other painters who were captivated by the dreamy vistas. The town of Nice deserves a special mention, where celebrated Modernist painter Henri Matisse spent the last few years of his life. There are some amazing art collections for connoisseurs to enjoy here, including the Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum, Fine Arts Museum, and Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Surrounding Nice, the endlessly beautiful region of Provence sees visitors flock to see the classic postcard images for themselves, where lavender fields blossom and centuries-old hilltop villages glow orange in the sunlight. While staying in one of our villas in Provence, you’re well placed to explore the multiple studios and museums dedicated to many famous artists. In Aix en Provence, follow the footsteps of Paul Cézanne and retrace where he worked, lived and the places that inspired him. Then head to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence close by, where Van Gogh painted 150 masterpieces during his time in Saint-Paul de Mausole.
Savour Gastronomic Delights
In addition to the sublime seaside resorts and fascinating culture, the South of France flourishes with fancy restaurants and good-value bistros, serving mouth-watering cuisine. Make the most of the region’s culinary delights by renting one our villas in the French Riviera or Provence, so you have all the Provençal hotspots on your doorstep. Standout fine dining restaurants include the Michelin-starred Le Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, Club 55 on Pampelonne beach in St Tropez and the Colombe d’Or restaurant in St Paul de Vence, which continues to be the coolest place to hang out on the French Riviera. Another popular area in the South of France for foodies is Provence, where you can pick up some wonderful local delicacies at the colourful open-air markets. After gathering a basket-full of sun-ripened goodies, head back to your Provence villa for a leisurely picnic around your private pool. Southern France also produces some of the best wine in the world and the wineries can be visited for tours and tasting. Provence is home to the prestigious Chateau D’Esclans winery, producer of the renowned rosé blush, ‘Whispering Angel’.
Visit Unmissable Landmarks in Southern France
Some of the best attractions to visit in the South of France can be found in the glamorous towns that trace the Cote d'Azur. From Monaco’s opulent Casino de Monte-Carlo and Formula 1 Grand Prix track which weaves around the city, to Nice's 19th century seafront walk known as Promenade des Anglais, there are abundant places that will appeal to culture vultures, sports fanatics and history buffs alike. During a villa holiday in Monaco, stroll around the elevated old town and tour the Prince’s Palace where the royal family resides.
Continue the glamour in Cannes, home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès which allows you to follow in the footsteps of movie stars and film producers at the Cannes Film Festival. For a spot of shopping, peruse upscale boutiques and souvenir stores on the Boulevard de la Croisette. Between Nice and Monaco, a day trip to Cap-Ferrat promises to be unforgettable, boasting some of the area’s best scenery and most beautiful villas. We recommend a tour of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, with a facade of delicate pastel pink and immaculate gardens full of fountains and ponds, musical water features, and century-old olive trees.
