Travel guide Southern France
Le Midi - Region of the Midday Sun
Wherever you rent your holiday home or affordable holiday apartment in southern France, the climate is perfect for switching off from everyday life in Germany and enjoying the southern French way of life. Le Midi de la France or simply le Midi, as the French call the region, translates as "midday" and refers to the position of the sun in the south. The southwest, the region of the Bay of Biscay around the city of Bordeaux, is somewhat cooler than the Mediterranean coast. On the
Côte d’Azur with the capital Marseille and the jet-set city of Nice, it is Mediterranean warm with mild (but windy) winter months and hot summers. On 300 sunny days, temperatures climb to around 30 °C in summer and 15 to 20 °C in winter. The Atlantic coast is about 5 °C cooler. The bathing temperatures are 23 °C during the season and 18 °C in the Atlantic – perfect for a
beach holiday in southern France. If you want to spend your
holiday with your dog in southern France, spring and autumn are the best travel times. The excellent temperatures are pleasantly warm to take extensive day trips with your four-legged family members. The Pyrenees between France and Spain, with their peaks over 3,000 meters high, offer excellent hiking opportunities. In the small state of Andorra, surrounded by mountains, there is a high-altitude climate.
Eating and drinking like a god in France
The typical kitchens of the south are as diverse as the landscapes. The Mediterranean and the Atlantic shape the people and their cuisine. On the French Atlantic coast in Brittany and Normandy, fish and seafood dominate. Further inland, it becomes meatier and heartier. Try bean stew from the Périgord, duck dishes, or entrecôte with porcini mushrooms from the Bordelais. A fine selection of delicious cheese varieties, some of which melt so tenderly that they can be eaten with a spoon, is a must-have for the end of a good meal. Provence scores with a fresh herb cuisine. The fields of blooming lavender are famous. Basil, sage, rosemary, mint, bay leaves, and wild fennel go into the pot. We are already in the olive region in Provence. Cold-pressed olive oil is a must. Try lamb specialties with fresh vegetables. Fewer and fewer fish are landed from the overfished Mediterranean. Just enough for a classic bouillabaisse, a traditional fish soup from Marseille. In return, the region scores with outstanding meat dishes such as bœuf gardian (bull stew from the Camargue) or pieds-paquets (stuffed lamb tripe in wine sauce). Vegetarians can enjoy a soupe au pistou, a vegetable soup made from white beans. All these delicacies are accompanied by wine in southern France, whether on the fascinating coast or in Provence. Bordeaux is the classic from the west, probably the most famous red wine in France if not the most famous wine in the world. The west scores with fresh and fruity red wines from Provence and Languedoc and stronger ones from the Côtes du Rhône. Digest by hiking through idyllic nature, for example in Burgundy, or taking a walk in the area. Explore the region and visit the attractions of the country.
Between two seas - From west to east through the Midi
Your affordable and cozy holiday apartment or holiday home with a pool on the beach rented privately in southern France is located in a breathtakingly beautiful and diverse cultural landscape - whether in Brittany and Normandy in the west or
Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence in the east. Start your tour of southern France at Pilat on the Atlantic coast with Europe's largest sand dune. It stretches over three kilometers and is over 100 meters high. Further inland, the famous vineyards of Bordeaux unfold. A fine sandy beach stretches along the Atlantic coast to the Spanish border. On the way to the west, you will arrive in the ville rose - the "pink city" of Toulouse. The name comes from the many red-brick sights. The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Etienne dates back to the 13th century, the Capitole, Toulouse City Hall, to the 16th century. The Canal du Midi between Toulouse and Séte connects the city with the sea. The canal is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
On the Mediterranean coast, continue to Carcassonne, Montpellier, Nîmes, and Avignon, the former papal city. The old town of Carcassonne, the Cité of Carcassonne with its medieval fortress, is one of the most visited places in all of France. The size and condition of the double wall ring, towers, and houses is unique in Europe. The entire old town is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. Nîmes fascinates with its many buildings from the Roman period. The 1st-century Pont du Gard aqueduct is 250 meters long and 50 meters high. The amphitheater of Nîmes also dates from this period and once held 25,000 spectators. Popes and antipopes resided in Avignon from 1309 to 1417 in the papal palace. The old town within the city walls is one of the highlights in southern France. In addition to the papal palace, the famous bridge of Avignon, the Pont Saint-Bénézet from the 12th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. France is also known for its many magnificent cathedrals.
Follow the excellent coast further to Marseille in the Golfe du Lion. Numerous museums and a vibrant gastronomy scene attract visitors to one of the largest port cities on the Mediterranean. As previously mentioned, bouillabaisse originates from Marseille. In the far east of southern France are the cities of
Cannes and Nice. Cannes is a meeting place for the rich and beautiful and has been hosting the prestigious International Film Festival since 1946. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade to see and be seen. Édith Piaf lived in Cannes and the son of Thomas Mann, Klaus Mann, is buried in the Cannes cemetery. Continue to the jet-set stronghold of
Nice, the second-largest city in the region after Marseille. The impressive old town fascinates with numerous baroque buildings. Stroll around the old harbor and enjoy life in one of the most bustling cities of the coast. In the water bob fishing boats, sailboats, and superyachts of the super-rich. The art museums of the city are among the best in France. Just a few kilometers away is the Principality of Monaco. In contrast to the mega yachts here, the boats in Nice are just small toys. One of the great attractions of Monaco is the Oceanographic Museum founded by Alber I. The International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo attracts thousands of visitors to Monaco every year. It is considered the most important circus meeting in the world. In the district of Monte Carlo is also the world's most famous casino. Book accommodation or one of the luxury villas in one of the resorts or in Saint-Tropez or a house with a pool or an apartment in France now and enjoy the country's beaches and sea. Here there are thousands of possibilities to get to know nature or magnificent sights and make your journey unforgettable. Families with children can take great hikes here. Experienced hikers are well catered for in the Vosges. If you want to plan a long-term day trip, you can drive to scenic inland Paris to see the huge Eiffel Tower or cross to Corsica.