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Rolling vineyards, seaside villages, lavender fields, and medieval hill towns? Southern France has entered the chat. 🇫🇷

 

Is there anywhere that makes your heart flutter quite like the South of France? There’s something about this part of the world that feels made for slow mornings, long lunches, and golden-hour everything. Whether you're dreaming of a countryside escape or a breezy coastal adventure, Southern France delivers—with style (and a side of rosé).

 

Beyond Paris, here’s what you’ll find in the sun-soaked South:

 

📍 Pastel-painted towns perched on hillsides

📍 Cobblestone markets bursting with olives, cheese, and flowers

📍 Villages with more independent bookshops per capita than anywhere else

📍 Olives, abbeys, and vineyards all in harmony

📍 Mediterranean beaches with loads of style

 

If you’re curious about this region, this week’s Travel Tuesday walks you through a high-level of what to know, where to go, where we’d stay—and why having someone to connect the dots can make all the difference in Southern France.

 

Southern France moves to its own rhythm—set by Mediterranean breezes, blooming lavender, and long, sun-drenched days. While there's never a bad time to go, the best time depends on what you’re hoping to experience. Planning around the seasons can shape your entire trip. Here’s what to keep in mind:

 

🌸 Spring (April to early June): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Perfect for exploring markets, wineries, and quiet village lanes before the summer rush.

 

☀️ Summer (mid-June to August): Peak season, especially along the coast. Expect hot days, lively festivals, bustling beaches, and high demand for hotels. Lavender fields in Provence hit their peak late June through mid-July. Ideal for those who love sunshine and energy and don't mind the crowds.

 

🍇 Fall (September to October): A golden season in wine country. Harvest is underway, the crowds thin out, and the light gets extra dreamy. It’s a slower, more relaxed vibe—great for scenic drives, long lunches, and vineyard visits.

 

🍷 Winter (November to March): Quieter, cooler, and cozy. Not ideal for the coast or lavender fields, but some villages and cities (like Aix or Avignon) and rural destinations offer charm, cafes, fire places, festive markets, and fewer tourists. Good for off-the-beaten-path travelers or those who've been here before.

 

A 7–10 day trip gives you time to explore a couple regions—think countryside + coast or wine country + medieval towns—without feeling rushed. Want to dig deeper into Provençal life, add another destination, or linger longer by the sea? Add a few extra days, and I’ll help you pace it perfectly.

 

 

Southern France's “best-kept secret” status was lost long ago. Its boutique hotels, vineyard stays, and private experiences book quickly—especially for summer and lavender season. I recommend planning 4–8 months in advance to secure the most charming accommodations and curated experiences.

The Luberon + Wine Country
Rolling vineyards, golden-stone villages, and some of the world’s best rosé. Stay on a vineyard estate, wander through local markets, and sip your way through sun-drenched afternoons. Perfect for wine lovers, romantics, mother-daughter trips, and anyone craving countryside charm. Stay: Domaine de Fontenille — A refined estate surrounded by vines, with a contemporary art foundation, elegant rooms, and a focus on farm-to-table living.

 

The French Riviera
Seaside glam with a side of sun. For beach lovers, honeymooners, and travelers drawn to warm sea breezes. Visit art-filled villages, shop open-air markets, day trip to hillside towns like Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, or simply linger over long lunches by the water. Stay: Hotel Lou Pinet (Saint-Tropez) — A low-key hideaway with 1960s charm, lush gardens, and one of the prettiest pools in town.

 

Carcassonne + Occitanie
Atmospheric and grounded, with layers of history and wide-open landscapes. Think medieval castles, canal-side strolls, and easy access to both the Pyrenees and the Canal du Midi. A thoughtful pick for curious travelers who value beauty and places less traveled. Stay: Château L'Hospitalet Wine Resort — A working vineyard near the Mediterranean with a focus on biodynamic wines, contemporary art, and elevated simplicity in a naturally stunning setting.

 

From vineyard stays to seaside escapes, Southern France offers so many stunning options—and we’re here to make the planning seamless and the experience unforgettable.

 

It’s a region with endless charm… and a few logistical curveballs. Trains, car rentals, boutique hotel availability, and regional nuances can make DIY planning a little tricky. I’ll help you map out the right route, pace, and places for your travel style—without the guesswork.

 

The magic is in the details. Think: private vineyard tastings, market tours with a local chef, a sunset sail along the coast, or take a 1930s boat to explore the coastline. These aren’t your average off-the-shelf itineraries—I’ll help you sprinkle in the extras that make it feel like home, but of your dreams.

 

Charming doesn’t always mean convenient. Many of the best properties are small, family-run, and book up early. I’ll help you access the those scenic stays, and curated experiences that are harder to find (and even harder to coordinate) on your own.

Southern France is a place that invites you to slow down, savor, and stay a little longer. If you're dreaming of golden hour in the hills or a breezy seaside escape, I’d love to help you plan it.