In love with our region, we’re sharing with you our 20 most beautiful places to visit in the South of France. Obviously, you will fall in love with all theses places : from the turquoise waters of the French Riviera to the charming villages of Provence and other exceptional places.
From Marseille to Antibes, via Saint-Tropez and Luberon, there are so many natural treasures that it was difficult for us to choose… Still, here are our 20 favorite and unmissable spots that will be perfect for complete your holidays in the South of France !
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Ramatuelle
1. Cap Taillat, between smooth rocks and turquoise water
This is the ultimate paradise destination for your summer vacation !
◉ We love its wild vegetation and stunning panorama over the Mediterranean sea / The magnificent Bonporteau Bay, reminiscent of the Seychelles, with turquoise water and white-sand coves.
◉ Access on foot from the Escalet beach’s parking (easy 3.4-mile round-trip hike) / By canoe or paddleboard.
Relax at Cap Taillat aboard a catamaran, a full-day cruise you absolutely must book! > See details of this unique sea cruise
Marseille
2. sormiou COVE, a natural swimming pool !
For us, this is the most beautiful of the Marseille–Cassis coves’
◉ We love its crystal-clear sea with strong contrasts of light and deep blue / The surrounding nature, typical of the calanques / The charming seaside cabins and small fishing port / Its hidden treasures : rich marine life and a little-known cave, the Capélan cave.
◉ Access on foot from the parking near La Cayolle (approx. 1 hour 20 minutes round-trip) / By car (be sure to check access restrictions).
Opt for a boat tour to discover the famous Sormiou, Morgiou, Sugiton, En-Vau, or Port-Pin coves from a different perspective. Secret spots, sea caves, swimming stops. In short, an unforgettable day ! > A popular excursion to book here
Luberon
3. Oppede-le-vieux, the cutest village of luberon
For us, this is the most beautiful village in the Luberon thanks to its incredible charm.
◉ We love its authenticity and rustic character, with old stone houses and cobbled little streets / The surrounding landscape, a true natural setting / The Sainte-Cecile gardens at the foot of the village and the view on the famous Mont Ventoux.
◉ Access : park your vehicule in the paid parking lot at the bottom of the village.
◉ Must-do : walk up toward Notre-Dame Dalidon church to admire the 360° panorama.
Contemplate Oppede-le-Vieux from its most beautiful viewpoint : the “Aire de Battage“
Montpezat
4. The gorges de Baudinard and their enchanting waterfalls
Less famous than the Gorges du Verdon, yet just as amazing, with a narrow canyon and cliffs plunging into the water.
◉ We love feeling alone in the heart of this impressive scenery / The sublime waterfalls at the end of the route / Hidden treasures along the water such as the Eglise cave.
◉ Discover by canoe (rental at Aquattitude) (departure at Montpezat lake) / On foot from above via a hiking trail (departure at “parking des Charbonnières”).
Saint-Raphaël – Mandelieu-la-Napoule
5. The Estérel massif and its red-rock coves
This mountain is a must-see on the French Riviera and THE symbol of the Corniche d’Or, lined with sublime coves…
◉ We love its exotic shades of red reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in Arizona / The breathtaking elevated views over the Mediterranean / Its many calanques, perfect for a swim after hiking!
◉ Practical info : many trails are available, including the famous hike to Pic du Cap Roux. Incredible summit views, and to cool off, the superb Saint-Barthélémy COVE below !
If you are a fan of fun sports, you can also explore the Estérel Massif on an electric motocross !
Bormes-les-Mimosas
6. The paradisIAC estagnol BEACH
This fine sandy beach is a true natural beauty of the Côte d’Azur.
◉ We love its shallow turquoise water / Its Mediterranean setting of umbrella pines / Its soft white sand.
◉ Access by car, park at the paid lot of l’Estagnol beach / On foot via the coastal path (starting from l’Argentière beach, approx. 1 hour).
We recommend following the coastal trail to Grand Jardin beach, wilder but just as idyllic.
Drôme provençale
7. The lavender fields of the Plateau de sault
From late June to mid-August, this is the most beautiful place to admire lavender fields, the symbol of Provence.
◉ We love admire this “blue gold” as far as the eye can see / Walking from field to field at sunset / Following the lavender trail dotted with educational panels (cultivation and transformation) / Buy local products from producers.
◉ Must-do : admire the most beautiful lavender field in the Sault region here.
You can also discover famous lavender spots in the Luberon, including Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, during a guided tour > See details of this excursion
Toulon
8. Méjean cove and its little greek-style harbor
A small natural treasure at just few minutes from Toulon.
◉ We love the rich seabed perfect for snorkeling / Its wild and exotic vibe / The beautifully decorated fishermen’s cabins / The size of the cove, ideal to find a secluded spot.
◉ Access on foot via the coastal customs path / By car via “Chemin de la Batterie Basse” (arrive early in summer) / By bus : n°6 from Toulon, stop “Magaud,” then walk down “Chemin de la Mer”.
Next to Méjean cove lies another beautiful beach : Magaud cove, smaller and wilder.
VERDON
9. The submerged forests of Sainte-Croix lake
This majestic lake hides not only magic emerald coves but also fascinating sights : submerged forests !
◉ We love the originality and the mangrove-like beauty of this setting / Paddling like adventurers through thick trees / Observing life in this exceptional ecosystem.
◉ Our favorites are near Amour beach, Costebelle island (departure from Salles-sur-Verdon), and along the coast facing the village of Bauduen.
Also worth discovering : opposite La Cadeno base, you’ll find an incredible carpet of bushes brushing the water’s surface !
VILLARS
10. the wild ochres of la Bruyère
Wilder than the famous Colorado Provençal in Rustrel, the ochres of La Bruyère are a privileged and magical place in the south of France.
◉ We love admiring the gradients of colors ranging from yellow-ochre to purple-red / Discovering the mysterious remains of this abandoned mining site / Walking in the heart of nature in this precious protected natural area.
◉ Access on foot from the village of Villars. See all the information about the La Bruyère’s ochre hike.
Also discover the ochres of Roussillon as well as magnificent villages of the Luberon such as Gordes or Ménerbes ! > Book our favorite excursion
Hyères
11. The preserved Porquerolles island
Victim of its success, it has managed over time to combine tourism and preservation. For us, it is the most beautiful island in the Var.
◉ We love its authentic setting made up of Mediterranean vegetation and umbrella pines / Its long beaches of fine sand with crystal-clear water, notably Notre-Dame beach / The variety of its landscapes, from vineyards to wild cliffs on the Cap des Médès side / Its hiking trails that allow us to discover the hidden treasures of the island / Its lovely Provençal village where life is sweet.
◉ Access : take the shuttle from la Tour Fondue à Giens.
Opt for an unforgettable sea cruise including a visit to Port-Cros island, the second pearl of the national park > See the details of this excursion
Alpilles
12. Baux-de-Provence, the most typical of Provençal villages
It is the most picturesque village in the south of France thanks to its architecture and its cultural and historical heritage.
◉ We love its layout on a rocky spur / Its stone village houses with medieval charm / The ruins of the Baux-de-Provence castle and its history-filled past / Its artisan shops with Provençal specialties.
◉ Access : park along the D27A road and walk up to the village.
Enjoy an immersive experience at Carrières de Lumières, an original place near the village, that showcases sound&light shows > Book your ticket to see this show
Drôme Provençale
13. The sublime and wild Buis-les-Baronnies gorges
A little less known than the Toulourenc Gorges, they are just as spectacular ! That is why we chose them to be part of our top 20 most beautiful places in the south of France.
◉ We love the small pebble beaches, ideal for cooling off / The magnificent and impressive Gorges d’Ubrieux seen from the Passage d’Hannibal / The possibility of finding more secluded spots by exploring the Ouvèze / Watching climbers scale the vertiginous cliffs.
◉ Practical info : park along the D546 road + at the Passage d’Hannibal.
Continue along the road and park just before the “Col de l’Homme Mort”. A small path will lead you to a less crowded part of the river !
Alpes-Maritimes
14. The exotic garden of Èze and its spectacular view
We can only recommend this original and must-see visit to one of the most beautiful seaside perched gardens.
◉ We love the garden’s layout and its diversity of plants / Its 360° viewpoint once at the top / Its sumptuous panorama over the Mediterranean coast / Walking on the cobbled streets and vaulted passages of the old village.
◉ Practical info : nearby parking lots / Entrance ticket price : 10 euros.
Visit the workshop of the famous perfumery Fragonard and create your own perfume ! > Book your olfactory experience
La Ciotat
15. Anse du Sec and its breathtaking setting
It is a magnificent cove overlooked by the colossal and impressive “Bec de l’Aigle”.
◉ We love the atypical panorama that we never tire of admiring, with a view over the Bay of La Ciotat and the Verte island / Its fascinating deep blue water tinged with turquoise / The beauty of the Mugel park, a remarkable garden that leads down to the cove / The possibility, in calm weather, of admiring the seabed.
◉ Access : park at the paid Mugel parking lot.
Set off on an adventure with a guided kayak tour of the most beautiful spots of La Ciotat, namely the Verte island, the Calanque du Mugel and Figuerolles > Book your kayak excursion
Montauroux
16. The Pont des Tuves and its dazzling river
This charming stone bridge overlooking the Siagne is undoubtedly one of the treasures of the French Riviera.
◉ We love admiring the beauty of this structure with the emerald-blue river flowing below / The magnificent mossy waterfall hidden behind / Cooling off on the small nearby pebble beach / Walking in the heart of the surrounding forest.
◉ Access on foot. Take the opportunity to do the superb hike starting from the village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagneau (moderate difficulty).
Saint-Raphaël
17. Vieilles ISLAND and its atypical rocks
Located opposite the cove of the same name, this unusual rocky outcrop is one of the most beautiful places in the south of France.
◉ We love its extraordinary natural configuration enhanced with underwater channels, arches and coves / The red of its rock contrasting with the intense blue of the Mediterranean sea / Its magnificent seabeds for diving as well as its many caves / Circling this small island to find the best swimming spot.
◉ Access by boat, paddleboard, canoe or by swimming.
Take the opportunity to discover the coastline and its paradise-like coves along the Estérel Massif > Book your boat excursion
BOLLène
18. The original de Barry troglodyte village
A true heritage treasure, perfect for experiencing a timeless enchanted break !
◉ We love the surprising houses carved into the rock / The pleasant walk in a charming setting, with breathtaking views over the valley / Admiring the restoration work of these mystery-filled remains / The elevated view from the castle ruins.
◉ Access : park along the “Montée de Barry”, then reach the site on foot. Visit the surroundings thanks to a hike !
After exploring the village, get your fill of thrills by discovering Provence in a hot air balloon! > An exceptional experience to book here.
Alpes-Maritimes
19. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the most elegant village of Provence
Both chic and authentic, this perched village is for many one of the most beautiful in Provence.
◉ We love the cobbled streets and the beautifully decorated stone houses with greenery / The artists’ galleries that make it a true open-air museum / Admiring the craftsmanship of artisans and finding quality local products / Taking part in a game of “pétanque” on the Jeu de Boules place at the entrance of the village / Contemplating the panorama over the valley from the ramparts.
◉ Practical info : park at the Saint-Paul parking lot.
Visit the other famous medieval villages near Saint-Paul-de-Vence with a guide. > See the details of this picturesque excursion
Camargue
20. The Pont de Gau BIRD PARK and the spectacle of pink flamingos
This ornithological park in Camargue is a unique place whose landscape and “inhabitants” will amaze you !
◉ We love observing the parade of pink flamingos during the mating season / Admiring the spectacular takeoffs of these bipeds at sunset / Observing the animals up close in freedom / Walking through the park along the different trails.
◉ Practical info : free parking along the D570 road.
Include this outing to the Pont de Gau park in a true immersion in the heart of Camargue. The program : visit of typical villages and salt marshes. > See the details of this excursion
– BONUS –
Selecting 20 most beautiful places to visit in south of France was not easy ! That’s why we could not close this ranking without revealing 2 other favorite spots…!
Alpes-Maritimes
21. Cap d’Antibes, wild and idyllic
Between limestone cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise sea, this spot is a must-see on the French Riviera.
◉ We love the developed coastal path and the staircases carved into the rock / Discovering the famous Baie des Milliardaires and its charming cove / Breathing in the fresh sea air and soaking up the sun on the wildest part of the cape / Stopping for a swim at the magnificent Garoupe beach.
◉ Practical info : park at the André Sella avenue parking lot / It takes about 1h30 to walk around Cap d’Antibes.
Discover this natural wonder from the water with a kayak outing > See the program of this dream excursion
Nans-les-Pins
22. The mystical sources of the Huveaune
One of the most beautiful places in the south of France whose magical spectacle occurs only after a rainy day !
◉ We love contemplating the clarity of the blue water / The beauty of the successive basins sculpted by the river’s current / Walking up the Huveaune via the wooded trails and discovering lovely waterfalls as well as the surprising Castelette cave.
◉ Practical info : park in Nans-les-Pins and carefully respect the markings as well as the prohibitions against going too close to the riverbanks.
More or less long, you will find many hikes to visit the Sources of the Huveaune !
– OUR OPINION –
We hope that this ranking has made you want to discover these treasures of nature. It is also a good complement for enhancing a 2-week vacation in Provence and on French Riviera. And if we had to choose only one spot to visit, it would be the Calanque de Sormiou (and it is not because we live in Marseille !). In the heart of the Calanques National Park and just near a big city, it is for us an exceptional jewel. And for you, what is the most beautiful place in the south of France ?
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