Road Trip in the South of France

So if you are spending part of, or all of your Year Abroad in France, then you will probably dream of visiting the renowned Côte d'Azur and the region of Provence at some point during your time there. You've seen the photos, watched the films, and trust me, the picturesque fields and crystal blue sea are even more beautiful in reality. I was lucky enough to live in Aix-en-Provence for six months completeing an internship, so I managed to visit most of the major must-sees over my stay. Honestly, I have never known so much beauty on offer in one place. Within a 2 hour radius, there are so many places to visit and see, I am only going to write about the more well known sites but there are also plenty of smaller villages that are just waiting to be discovered.

I would recommend taking a week to do this road trip, as then you can truly venture and discover the quiant corners that these towns have to offer.

There are lots of tours and trips that you can do, but hiring a car and making your own schedule is best, not forgetting being able to take in the scenic, winding routes along the Riviera.

So pack your bags, get your maps and camera ready, and enjoy...

I will order the road trip east to west, but if it is easiest for you to reverse the order, obviously do so.

Day One

Aix-en- Provence

Well, I only heard about Aix-en-Provence when I was applying for my internship there. Never did I know that I would be lucky enough to spend half a year living in the most beautiful city. It is often over-looked as your typical holiday destination during the summer, but what makes it special is that it can be visited all year around. When you arrive, you will first see the grand 'Rotonde Fountain' that is definitely worth photographing. I lived five minutes from there and I would often pass by it when the light was reflecting off it, highlighting its every detail. Just behind, is the principal access to the old town. I can't quite explain the feeling you get as you wander through the old, cobbled roads, mesmerized by the fascinating architecture of the building facades and the numerous old fountains.

You will eventually reach the Hotel du Ville which boasts a bustling square, full of life. Another must-see is the markets that take place almost every day of the week in different locations of the old town. So no matter what day you are there, there is always something to see. The Cours Mirabeau, canopied by plane trees, dotted with more fountains and full of traditional cafés is another hub in Aix-en-Provence.

I recommend spending a long morning in Aix, enjoying a croissant and coffee, watching passers-by, making the most of doing some shopping by sauntering round its boutiques, and enjoying lunch in one of its many eateries, picking your own personal favourite destination.

Cassis

Only a mere 40 minutes south of Aix-en-Provence, Cassis is the best kept secret when it comes to seaside resorts on the French Riviera. It has two gorgeous beaches, not too big, and is shaded by a large cliff that boasts a stunning converted castle-hotel. The fishing port is its main hub that is bordered by a number of cafes and eateries, namely fish restaurants. The colours of the buildings and the boats anchored in the little port ressemble that of an Italian village. A five-ten minute walk east will lead you to the smaller beach, a mini cove, perfect for an afternoon sunbathe. Another major reason to visit Cassis is the famous Calanques. They are located east of the town centre, and are pretty special to say the least. They are a sort of sheltered inlet where you can visit and jump into the water from its numerous platforms. You can also go kayaking around them or simply walk between the three, although this will take you a while, the views are worth it. I would recommend spending an afternoon in Cassis and treat yourself to dinner in one of its delicious fish restaurants. You can stop over here, there is a camp site just outside of the centre and also lots of smaller individual hotels.

The morning after, a trip to the Calanques is a necessity. Either an early morning walk around the three of them or spend a few hours kayaking in and out of the numerous coves.

Day Two and Three

Port Grimaud and St Tropez

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Port Grimaud is unique compared to other beach resorts on the Riviera. It is called the 'Venice' of France. The town was created by architect Francois Spoerry in the 1960s, by modifying the marshes of the river Giscle on the bay of Saint Tropez. Although a similar layout to Venice, the architecture of the town ressembles the French 'Fishermans' houses of Saint Tropez. There are many events taking place throughout the year so if you're able to, try and correspond your visit to one of them, whether that is one of the many blues bands events, fairy tale readings or the light festival that takes place in early December. Walk around its quays, bridges and canals, appreciating one of the smaller resorts on the French Riviera.

Afterwards, drive around the bay to the neighbouring St Tropez. Spend the evening dining in one of its exquisite eateries and spend the day after tanning yourself on the beach. If you're there in the height of summer, you might even see some famous people casually getting off their yachts.

Day Four and Five

Les Gorges du Verdon

This national park is less than two hours north of St Tropez. It is a river canyon and often considered to be Europe's most beautiful, there is no doubt about it. The striking turquoise colour of the waters is associated with glacial sources and the minerals of rock flour suspended in the water. The river flows from Castellane to the village of Rougons, where it plunges into the narrow rock walls until it flows into Lac de Sainte Croix.

I recommend taking a pincic to the lake, sitting on its edge and simply marvel at the incredible vast view that engulfs your senses. We went out of season, and the contrast of the scenery to the silence of the area was remarkable. Paddle in the shallow shores of the lake, study the impressive limestone and rock formations, make the most of the purest of experiences.

Next, head to Quinson, around 20 minutes away. Just before you reach the town, you will cross a small bridge and you will find Location Nautic (red canoes and flags are at the entrance).

Here, you can rent a canoe kayak, a pedal boat or an electric boat and explore the Verdon canyon and all of its beauties. It is truly unique... I don't know anywhere else in Europe you can do something like this. If you go in the warmer months, you might want to take a dip and jump in!

After spending a few hours there, be adventourous and find a village in the area to go and enjoy dinner. A true opportunity to find a rural village, undiscovered by tourists, and practice your French.

The next morning, be sure to visit the village on the north side of Lac Saint Croix, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. The village was built on platforms hundreds of metres up the side of a limestone cliff. At dusk, when the sun on a clear day hits the south-facing cliff, a diffuse pink light glows accross the village. Above the town, hangs a gold painted star on a 225m-long chain, suspended between two cliffs. Apparently, it originates from the 10th century. Although the chain and star have been replaced several times since then. It is so quaint and absolutely stunning. The views of the valley below are so vast, enjoy a drink overlooking the greenness of it all. Get a crepe and sit back in one of its cobbled courtyards.

Day Six

Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer

Time to head back to the Riviera. Spend the morning visiting Villefranche-sur-Mer, the pin up village of the South of France. You can see why its worth visiting. Typically French, the façade of the mountain dotted with lavish villas, the harbour hosting endless incredible boats, small gardens decorated across the town. My favourite part was the route into the city... looking down on the town was identical to the postcards I had seen. Simply idyllic. Walk along the 1km long beach, sit with an ice-cream and take-in the surrounding beauty.

Next stop, Nice. Go to the old town. Wander around the markets. Enjoy a 'Socca'. Socca is a speciality made of chickpeas of the region and you're not likely to find them being made anywhere else. There are plenty of stands around the old town, you have to try it. Head to the Promenade des Anglais. You could even hire some roller-skates and have some fun trying to stay upright whilst taking on the famous strip. Go to the beach... honestly, out of all the beach resorts I visited on the Côte d'Azur, Nice had the clearest, bluest sea. It was just mesmerizing. You can spend hours just relishing in the warm sun and bathing in its relaxing waters. The benefit of Nice being a big city is that you can make the most of its myriad of restaurants and bars, whatever you choose, I'm sure it will be good.

Day Seven

Monaco

Take the scenic route to Monaco, around half an hour away. You will pass through some numerous coastal towns with more breathtaking views. There isn't a single moment of disspointment during this trip. I have to say, when I got to Monaco, I did feel like I was in another country oddly. It just felt different to the other locations I had visited. The port is extremely impressive, the boats are just out of this world. You can spend some time wandering along the promenade, in awe at the extravegeance of it all. Head up to Monte Carlo, the hotels and casino are something else. People watching, celeb spotting... the only priceless activity there! Expensive cars and designer boutiques crowd the neighbourhood. Next, visit the old town. Similar to other French old towns, but the difference being it is also the location of the Prince's Palace. Tourists flock the courtyard, taking photos, watching the guards change... just to the right of the palace is an amazing viewpoint that looks down on the port and Monte Carlo. Definitely the best place to take a panoramic photo. Back to the old town and you will find the Cathedral, the Saint-Martin Gardens and the Monaco Oceanographic museum. Worth a visit if you have some spare time, especially for the view from the top of the building. Vast blue seas and pretty much the whole of Monaco right infront of you.

So that is the end of the road trip. It is something that you have to aim to do during your Year Abroad. You will be telling stories about it for the rest of your life, when you and your friends went on a week-long adventure around one of the world's most heavenly locations. The memories will last forever. I hope my advice helps and if you want to ask me any questions about it, please don't hesitate to send me a message. Bon Voyage!

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