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South
of France
Provence.
Aix- en Provence a sophisticated town of beautiful squares
and bubbling fountains brilliantly illustrated by Cezanne.
Near by is the famous Gorges du Verdon the largest canyon
in Europe some 400 metres deep, the whole area is scented
with lavender growing in the surrounding fields.
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Avignon
with the famous Palais des Papes boasting no fewer than
ten towers was once a papal retreat in it's medieval past.
Arles has several ancient roman sites including a theatre,
amphitheatre and a necropolis. The town was made famous
for it's support of Julius Caesar in 49 BC and latter
by Van Gough's paintings in 1888.
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The
Rhone Delta, called the Camargue is south of Arles and
renown for it's breathtaking beauty and wild life. The
national park is a destination not to miss, the famous
wild horses, bulls and flamingos are a sight well worth
seeing .
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| Marseille.
Construction of this port was begun by the Greek's and is
still one of the most important in France for import and
export of goods but as a ferry terminal maintaining the
traditional links with Corsica and North Africa. It is a
bustling town of old world charm and modern shops, boutiques
and restaurants. Hyeres can trace tourism back to the 18th
century as a popular health spa patronised by royalty such
as Queen Victoria and notable others such as Robert Louis
Stevenson of Alice in Wonderland fame day there is a good
selection of water sports. |
And for the history lover it retains a feel of by gone
days with the medieval streets of Vieille Ville and a
daily market . Other towns of interest are Avignon a mix
of Mediterranean, Provencal, Celtic and Latin cultures,
the ten towered Palais des Papes .
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Gordes
16th century chateau, medieval architecture, near by is
the 16th century Villae des Bories built of stone without
the use of tools. Nimes Roman amphitheatre, the modern
glass and steel Caree d'Art , historic squares and the
Jardin de la Fontaine.
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Orange
vineyards olive groves and a Roman theatre hosting prestigious
music festivals. Salon De Provence famous inhabitant Nostradamus,
history covering nearly two millennia, Empari Castle setting
for summer music festivals. Toulon. Musee de la Marine, shops
and cafes.
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The
Cote d'Azur. 
Cannes
a mecca for the rich and famous and home to one of the
film industries most illustrious events the Cannes Film
Festival held annually. Cannes with it's mild winter temperatures
has for many years attracted a select clique of tourists,
to it's beautiful hotels, stylish boutiques and exclusive
casinos over looking the marina filled with fabulous yachts
gives this magical resort a buzz that is electric. But
one pleasure that does not respect fame or money, is to
stroll along the Grand Boulevard de la Croisette at sunset
and take in the sheer beauty of the setting sun.
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Close
by is Grasse which has been famous for over 400 hundred
years as one of the worlds most important producers of
perfume. The surrounding fields scent the air with the
aroma of jasmine, lavender and roses, a lovely scented
garden has been made as the focal point of the Musee International
de la Parfumerie.
Only a short drive away is Nice set in the beautiful Baie
des Anges with the palm shaded Promenades des Anglais.
The old town bleached by the Mediterranean sun is home
to splendid restaurants and elegant boutiques, and the
Cours Salaya's market and pavement cafes dotted with pretty
pastel coloured buildings is a hive of activity and joie
de vivre.
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Frejus
& St Raphael. Although neighbours these two towns have
quite different characteristics, St Raphael is in the
Art Nourveau style where as Frejus is of Roman origins,
both towns are on the coast charming and make ideal family
holiday centres. Juan - Les - Pins is a popular all year
seaside resort, nestling in rolling hills covered in scented
pine trees, which give the town it's name. The area has
a selection of beaches and pretty harbours some with ferries
linking the Ile de Lerins. A perfect area to explore by
car.
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Le
Lavandou is a flamboyant resort with golden sandy beaches and
a variety of sports activities. There are neat harbours with
quay side restaurants and cafes . The beautiful backdrop of
this resort are the breathtaking foothills of the Massif de
Maures reaching down to the coast. St Tropez. This world famous
resort is perched at the tip of a peninsular, with magnificent
sandy beaches and clear blue sea. It's a very stylish resort
favoured by the jet set and humble artist. The lively harbour
is the perfect place to while away time just watching the world
go by and a visit to the local marker is great fun. St Tropez
could be said to be the essence of the Cote - D'Azur.
| Monaco
& Menton. The Moyenne Cornich road to Monaco takes
you through some of the most magnificent scenery anywhere
on the Mediterranean coast. A tiny principality with it's
famous royal family, is host to car rallies - festivals
and regular concerts. While Menton said to be the warmest
town in France is heady with the scent of lemons gown widely
in the area. A slower and more traditional way of life makes
this pretty town a refreshing change from it's glittery
neighbours |
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Languedoc.
Barcares situated on the 65 mile stretch of coast between
the sea and Salses Lake on the Golf du Lion, encompasses
a wide range of resorts with good beaches and a variety
of watersports, ideal for family holidays and touring
. St Cyprien & Canet Plage. The main attraction of theses
resorts are the marinas offering sheltered berths for
all kinds of small craft. The lagoons are a haven for
wildlife and a popular tranquil spot. Other activities
particularly in St Cyprien's are sailing and wind surfing.
Beziers. Standing on the Canal du Midi built by the salt
baron Paul Riquet in the 17t century, the main focus of
the town is the hilltop Cathedral of St Nazaire a massive
example of 14th century architecture of lavish frescoes
and stained glass windows.
Perpignan.
Built beside the river Tet, has a very Spanish feel with
colour washed houses more typical of the Catalan region
of Spain a regular feature of the summer festival is the
Spanish Sardana dance. Perpignan's medieval district is
steeped in history and fascinating to explore, the narrow
streets opening onto small squares and the Cathedral de
St Jean with it's cloistered cemetery and chapel are well
worth the walk. Close by there are a variety of sandy
beaches with a palm fringed promenade the ideal place
to take a relaxing stroll. Cap D'Agde is an excellent
choice for all the family with a wealth of entertainment
from like the Aquarium - Aqualand - Discovery park - and
a Luna Park fairground plus superb beaches and a host
of watersports. The port is a bustling place with yachts
and cruisers of every size and elegant shops rub shoulders
with the lively market .
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Famed
for it's bullfights and heady - full blooded wines and
is the main centre for the regions wine trade. For the
modern comforts of a holiday sample the excellent cuisine
in one of the restaurants along the Allees Paul Riquet.
Carcassonne.
Completely restored in every detail the fortified medieval
town of Carcassonne is a maze of twisting streets, towers
and turrets the majestic gateway leads to an abundance
of souvenir shops and ancient artefacts to explore.
The ancient Citadel of the town stands proudly; on the
banks of the river Aude. The Basilique St Nazaire is
the site of a carved stone commemorating the great siege
of 1209 and the Chateau Comtal encircled by a moat complete
what is a fascinating living heritage and history enthusiasts
dream. Other towns worth visiting are Montpellier university
town with fine museums, the 400 year old botanical gardens
of Jardin des Plataes, lively festivals and concerts.
Narbonne, museums showing the town in the Middle Ages
, the canal de la Robine, the Archbishops palace and
the cathedral of St Just and St Pasteur
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