If you are looking into taking a vacation in France, heading down south is a must. There are a lot of things to do and sights to see. The South of France is gifted with its long stretch of coastline that runs for miles and its fertile rural landscapes. Its beauty and bountifulness has given inspiration to many artists, composers and writers. Anyone who goes there will be enamored. New visitors will find themselves wanting to stay longer.

South of France is a term used to describe the stretch of France’s coastline running between Spain and Italy. It includes Provence and Lubéron in its rural inland areas. It is the most regularly visited place in Europe because of its warm climate, fertile landscape and scenic and well-developed coastline.

Before you head out to the South of France, here are a few things you might want to try to get the most out of your trip.

1. Find the right accommodations

As popular as South of France may be, it is actually surprising that there are no shortage of hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, inns and camp sites that you can choose from. Renting a villa would also be something you can consider if you are in a group. You can check your budget and go from there in booking the right accommodations for you. You can stay near the coast or a bit further inland. You can go to Nice, Toulouse, Marseille or Bordeaux.

I recommend staying at a boutique hotel though for an authentic taste of the area. It is like staying in a home away from home as it offers the basics of a hotel but gives you a more intimate feel. It is smaller than a regular hotel but it could still provide you with the respite you need. Boutique hotels are well-designed with its contemporary rooms and discreet and impeccable service. Good food is almost always guaranteed. Getting the right accommodations will give you a more memorable stay in the South of France.

2. Choose the activities that suit you

The South of France covers a large area that you will never run out of things to do. You can never explore the entirety of it in a single holiday. That is also one of the main reasons why people keep coming back to it to see all its sights and attractions. If you want a luxurious vacation, you can go to some of the most expensive resorts in the south coast like St. Tropez and Cannes. You will be able to see the yachts docked there and even spot a few celebrities or important personalities here and there.

Water sports are some of the most fun activities to do in the South of France. The long coastline gives you a lot of places to explore while sailing. You can also try white water sports like kayaking and canoeing. Rafting or hydrospeed is also recommended for people who like to do extreme sports.

Aerial sports are also famous activities to do while you are in the south coast. Get a different angle of the wonderful views of the South of France while riding a balloon. You can also go parascending, hand gliding and parachuting.

You can also appreciate the surrounding beauty of the south coast’s nature by doing some walking, cycling or mountain biking. Horse riding is also a great option to explore.

In the warmer climate, you can take a hike to the Pyrenees, a mountain in the South of France. Activities like rock climbing or potholing are great ways to enjoy. Once the winter season comes, you can also try winter sporting activities.

The South of France is rich in flora and fauna for those who are nature lovers. You can explore the flower market in Nice or the cave in Lascaux. Taking a stroll in the picturesque towns will also give you a taste of the local scenery. There is always something for everyone. You will definitely not run out of things to do.

 3. Choose the right transportation

If you know how to drive, you can rent a car. It will give you a lot of freedom in where to go while exploring the South of France. As most European countries, the French drive on the right hand side of the road. You will find that the roads are largely well-maintained so driving around will be comfortable. One thing to consider though is that many roads are toll-controlled. You will have to pay at marked toll stations to use the main road network. But if you or your companions don’t know how to drive, the best way to go around would be through the train system. It is also recommended if you are planning on staying mostly in one place while you visit other major cities and tourist areas. Walking to and from the station will also let you have a closer look at the local scenery.

The South of France will surely captivate your heart. I hope you will enjoy your stay there. And don’t forget to have fun and take a lot of pictures.