Sandy shores
The south of France is perhaps best known for its stunning beaches, with miles of sandy shores stretching along the coast. There's an endless supply of activities, from sailing and surfing, to simply sun-bathing and swimming. There are plenty of easily-accessible gently sloping beaches, offering safe fun for families and young children. The clear water of the south of France also lends itself to snorkelling and scuba diving, with an array of underwater wildlife to explore, and there are hidden beaches tucked away in nooks along the coastline, waiting to be discovered.
Culture to be explored
Aside from revelling on the beaches, the south of France offers a wealth of culture and history to discover. A plethora of famous artists originate from the south of France, and the region retains a rich culture, including castles dating back to medieval times, vines stretching over sun-kissed hills, and dynamic cities such as Montpellier.
Arles is a beautiful historic town filled with Roman heritage. Visit the forum and amphitheatre, not to mention tiny winding streets, just asking to be explored and photographed. Arles is also where Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin were based, and painted some of their best known masterpieces.
Avignon is another gorgeous town peppered with history. The town holds a cathedral, the Palais des Papes (the Pope's palace), and the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge (just think Sur le pont, d'Avignon).
Energetic pursuits
For explorers, there's beautiful hiking and biking aplenty in the South of France, from the rugged rocky outcrops of the Languedoc region to the pretty rural villages in Provence. For something a little more challenging, why not take to the Alpine heights of the Alps or the feet of the Pyrenees.
Choose from coastal walks, with paths along the seafront, hinterland trails, wandering from village to village through lavender fields, and mountain hikes, with gorgeously cool lakes as the reward for a difficult walk.
The mountain rivers also offer ample opportunity for white water sports such as canoeing and kayaking, or simply put out a line with a guide and enjoy a spot of fishing. For something a little livelier, a lot of the towns offer festivals, with live music, delicious food and stalls to browse.