The South of France is full of hill towns, sea towns, college towns, towns known for food, festivals, soap, and wine. There are cities in the south, both large and small, and tiny villages that haven’t changed in centuries. The towns of the south have been home to painters, photographers, musicians, writers, and actresses who turned into princesses. Architecture flows from Roman ruins and stone huts to modern and contemporary structures. Cities, towns, and villages run along the coast, from Menton to Perpignan
The South of France is at one and the same time full of diversity, yet lives its day to day life in a very distinct culture. When you are in the South of France, you know it because it’s not like anywhere else.
When I think of the South of France, my mind immediately drifts to Arles. It is my favorite city in the south. I think that it is because Arles has a personality that is similar to mine, or at least one that I can relate to. Grounded, laid back, warm, painterly, and a happy – happy in a grounded, laid back sort of way. One could even call it lazy. The center of Arles is a tourist attraction in and of itself, but if you can look through, or beyond, the tourists, which is not difficult to do, you’ll find a real living town.
Which is your favorite town in the South of France, and why is it your favorite? Tell us all about your favorite place.
Similar posts that you might like:
- >> Survey 1: Favorite Souvenirs From The South of France That You Did Not Buy? Tell us about your favorite souvenir, that one you didn’t buy, from The South of France …
Tags: favorites, surveys, towns, villages
4 Comments
Roussillon. So crowded during the middle of the day…though in the morning hours and after the tour buses depart, the village turns absolutely magical. The colors are spectacular during these times. Fantastic townsfolk as well. I could say the same thing about Gordes…another fine ville.
We lived in Montpellier for 5 years & loved the coast for it’s sandy beaches & clear warm sea. But we found that exploring 20-30 kms inland gave you the real Langedoc. The trek to the top of Pic St Loup was worth every step.
It is not so much a town as a village: Mirmande in the Drôme “département”. Elected several times most charming village in France and it really deserves it!
Arnaud
When I visit the south, I tend to visit places that I can take public transportation to. That’s how I went to Ventabren, Tarascon, and Beaucaire. I walked into the bus terminal and asked, where can I go right now on the bus?! I really wanted to go to Saint-Remy but the bus wasn’t running that day – so I went to Tarascon instead!
To visit many of the smaller villages, one needs to go by car.
I would love to visit Gordes and Perpignan.