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Ahh the wonderful south of France.
Blue and red umbrellas, sailboats, a light breeze and a cloudless blue sky – the Côte d’Azur, or Azure Coast as it literally translates, lives up to its name.
It’s a good idea to plan your trip to the South of France in early September to avoid the craziness of the Cannes film festival in May, and the sweltering heat and crowded coastal roads that plague vacationers in July and August.
As peak season winds down, bookings thin out and you can really appreciate the allure of these elegant resorts.
Provence has a strong Mediterranean influence, so be sure to dine heartily in the early evening, as most restaurants are closed from three to seven.
Local Nicois cuisine has an Italian flavor and features such delicacies as aioli, a yellow garlic sauce served over everything from raw vegetables to fish, and ratatouille, a combination of fresh tomatoes, eggplant and squash stewed with green peppers, garlic and various herbs. Also don’t miss the bouillabaisse, a magnificent fish stew.
In Cannes, take time to window-shop world-class and indulge in your favorite pastime at this gleaming bastion of wealth, people-watch along Blvd. de la Croisette, arguably the world’s classiest promenade.
If that’s not enough excitement for you, drive along the rugged and winding coastal roads that Grace Kelly raced through in Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief to reach the tiny nation of Monaco. Here, visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino (think James Bond). This gambling complex is not Las Vegas. Surrounded by Ferraris and Rolls Royces, it features a Private Lounge that only those properly dressed can enter (no shorts; jacket and tie required for men). Also, if shopping in Cannes didn’t wear you out, expensive Monaco couture will make you fall (at least that’s the effect it had on my husband) :O
For those who aren’t captivated by world-class beaches, monster yachts and movie stars, you can visit the enchanting Haute Provence region, an area featured in the literary classic The Three Musketeers. Imagine moonlight, lavender fields, ancient abbeys and intimate villages, red wine and fresh baguettes.
One thing worth doing while driving in the south of France is stopping to try some fresh French bread accompanied by chevre or goat cheese (one of the hundreds of delicious fresh cheeses found in France).
The Verdon Gorge, in the heart of Provence, is known as the Grand Canyon of Europe. It’s 3000 feet. The chalky white limestone walls offer some of the best opportunities for rock climbing and other adventure sports anywhere in the world. As kayaks rock and weave through torrents far below, tourists crawl on all fours to the edge of the canyon to enjoy the breathtaking view and watch climbers ascend the sheer cliffs. Like Yosemite Valley, Verdon Gorge offers experienced climbers a great wall experience, but without having to carry a lot of gear, as you can climb in shorts and rock shoes with minimal gear.
Captivating Haute Provence, with its mix of white limestone hills, harsh stony pastures and charming villages turned out to be the highlight, but sadly it also marked the end of our journey.
The next day, as the plane banked away from the coastline with its piercing light, deep blue waters, and diamond like white caps, we realized that we had only experienced a small taste of the rich landscapes and peoples you will find in the South of France.