Bonjour, First name / friend!

 

Vineyards, villages, lavender fields, and medieval hill towns?  Southern France has entered the chat. 

 

I spent two weeks this spring touring the region. Checking out fab boutique hotels, restaurants, yacht charters, villas and meeting guides…. all the way from Marseille to Monaco.  

 

One week was a Rhone River cruise which I absolutely adored.  

Sam is so sick of hearing about it.  

 If you have been reading this newsletter for a while you know that after my disastrous senior high school cruise to the Bahamas  I was a Very Snooty Anti Cruiser.   Now that I have actually cruised on several high quality lines I am totally obsessed, and will not shut up about it.  ( Just ask Sam) 

 

But, as usual, I digress. 

Back to the South Of France. 

 

There’s just something about this part of the world.  Slow mornings, long vineyard lunches with friends, and golden-hour everything.  Whether you're thinking a country escape or the coastal scene, Southern France serves it up with style and plenty of rosé.

 

Here’s what you’ll find:

 

Pastel-painted towns perched on hillsides 

Cobblestone streets and markets bursting with pastries, cheese, and flowers
Mediterranean beaches that offer some of the best people watching anywhere

 

Check it out!  You will be so glad you did. 

 

Southern France has its own rhythm, shaped by Mediterranean breezes, blooming lavender, and long, sunny days. Planning around the seasons makes all the difference. 

 

 Spring (late March to early June): One of the best times to visit—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, crowds, 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.

 

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

 

 Winter (November to Early March): Quieter, cooler, and cozy. Not ideal for the coast or lavender fields, but some villages and cities (like Aix or Avignon) offer charm, festive markets, and fewer tourists. Good for off-the-beaten-path travelers or those returning for a second or third visit.

 

 

A 7–10 day trip gives you time to explore multiple regions—think countryside + coast or wine country + medieval towns—without feeling rushed. Want to dig deeper into Provençal life?  Let's rent a villa as a base and you can really soak it all in.  

 

 

Southern France is no longer a secret.  Its boutique hotels, villa stays, and private experiences book quickly—especially for summer and lavender season. I recommend planning 6–8 months in advance to secure charming accommodations.  

 

From vineyard stays to seaside escapes, Southern France offers so many options.

 

✅ 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. Let's plan the right route, pace, and places for your travel style.

 

✅ The magic is in the details. Think: private vineyard lunches, market tours with a local chef, horse back riding, or a day sail along the coast from Nice to Monaco.  (I now know where Bono lives).   My afternoon spent truffle hunting was more fun than I could have imagined.  A painting class. These aren’t your average off-the-shelf itineraries.

 

✅ Charming doesn’t always mean convenient. Many of the best properties are small and book up early. 

Southern France is a place that invites you to slow down and stay a while.

 

P.S. There’s more to the South than just Provence—let’s build the perfect blend of regions that match your travel style.