When it comes to France, we recommend experiencing your whole love journey here. Dates to the Louvre, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, a proposal in front of the Eiffel Tower, a wedding at the Chateau du Rivau, and a honeymoon on the French Riviera. The country is basically a one-stop-shop for every step of your relationship.
Table of Contents
Speaking of honeymoons, we’ve rounded up the top 7 must-see destinations in the South of France, so prepare yourself for serious dose of wanderlust.
Cannes
Cannes – “a playground for the rich and famous“. Cannes is the go-to place for indulgence and luxury. Think glamorous boutiques, stunning blue shores, fine dining restaurants and a pampering galore. Walking along the Promenade de la Croisette is a must for the full Cannes experience! Have refreshments by the sandy beaches and stop by the Cannes Film Festival if you’re there in May! Don’t forget to browse Le Suquet for all of Cannes’ retro vibes. We’re talking the mountainside of Mont Chevalier, overlooking the entire bay. What used to be a fishing village is a picturesque setting of red roofs and a breathtaking Mediterranean.
Monte Carlo
Dreaming of beach bumming and juice sipping? This is the perfect place for you. When you’re not admiring the breathtaking scenery we recommend visiting the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. Founded by Prince Albert I, you can see the findings from his exhibitions here as well as a shark lagoon! With other attractions like the Exotic Gardens and Prince’s Palace, there’s no way you and your partner will be bored. When you’re ready to unwind, hit the spa treatments at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo followed by a delicious feasting on Monégasque fare.
Nice
Located on the east of the Cote d’Azur, between the stunning mountains of the Mercantour National Park, and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, Nice boasts Italian vibes with French charm. The city is hustling and buzzing with great little boutique restaurants and cafes. Coco Beach is a swimming paradise with snorkelling and cliff diving. Go from whale-watching rides and galleries dedicated to Picasso and visit Nice’s Cours Saleya market, finishing with a night at the Opera! Nice is oh-so-nice.
Saint-Tropez
Did you even visit the French Riviera if you didn’t stop at St-Tropez? The town is quaint yet dainty with the most amazing night-life and a delicious selection of fine dining restaurants. Expect to mingle with jet-setters and the super-trendy as you stroll along Pampelonne Beach, which has been dubbed “the best beach on the French Riviera”. Fast yachts, fantastic beach clubs and fabulous boutiques is just the start of this amazing place. Visit the oldest modern art museum in France at the Musée de l’Annonciade and taste the Tarte Tropézienne! The delicious treat was created by the same chef who catered Brigitte Bardot’s film crew in the 1950s – she named it, fell in love with it, and then so did everyone else. It’s a must for any visitor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfiwuUFHvz1/
Aix-En-Provence
When it comes to Aix-En-Provence, forget about the seaside and embrace the beautiful heritage that lives here. Cézanne painted the Sainte-Victoire mountain, just outside of Aix, more than 180 times! There are so many stunning walks around the mountains and through the countryside, so be sure to take in all the natural beauty. You can find fountains at every corner here and we suggest looking out for steam or icicles depending on the weather! Don’t forget to visit their iconic lavender fields and try Aix’s very own sweet delight called Calisson which was apparently made for Queen Jeanne to make her feel better about marrying King Rene! Shop, eat and take in the history by walking along the Cours Mirabeau, the main thoroughfare in the centre of the old town, to marvel at the architecture or wander the back streets of the Mazarin District.
Antibes
Home to some of the world’s most expensive super-yachts and a rich history, this Mediterranean seaside town is the epitome of vibrant and cultural beauty. Lead the way through cobblestone architecture and narrow streets and enjoy spellbinding views over the surrounding coast and to the mountains in the distance! We recommend visiting the Picasso Museum followed by a peak position anywhere in Cap d’Antibes to admire the sea, gardens and villas. Once a year, Antibes hosts a Jazz festival with Dave Brubeck, Stevie Wonder and Ravi Coltrane among its past patrons. You’ll be grooving for nine days straight!
Cassis
You’ve probably never heard of Cassis before because it is considered to be on the outskirts of the French Riviera, but it truly is a gem of the South of France! The small town is overlooked by Cap Canaille, which is the highest sea cliff in France standing at a whopping 394 metres. Quirky stores, beachside restaurants and fishing ports are just the beginning. Cassis is the literal gateway to Les Calanques, where you’ll find coastal inlets that boast white limestone that plunges into stunning turquoise water. This place is a haven for hikers, rock climbers, scuba divers and boating connoisseurs. With good food, friendly locals and heaps of activities across a gorgeous setting, Cassis is perfect.
The village motto is: “Whoever has seen Paris and not Cassis really hasn’t seen anything.”
Written by Shaymah Alkhair
Cover photo by Ennio Puglisi