If you enjoy theater, performance art, dance or simply entertainment, and if you can plan well in advance for accommodations then definitely get to Avignon for the festivals held in July. The action takes place all over town: inside, outside, on the ground and, yes, in the air (fire-spinners anyone?).

2. Pont St. Bénezet

“Sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse, on y danse, sur le pont d’Avignon, on y danse tous en rond.” Sound familiar? This nursery rhyme dates back to the 15th century and “le pont” or “bridge” it’s referring to is St. Bénezet Bridge.

Built over the Rhône River… well sort of. Originally, the bridge was built with 22 arches at 3,000 feet long. Then the mighty Rhône brought it down, the bridge was re-built, then half of it fell down, and that’s what you see today. So it’s built half-way over the Rhône.

When you buy a ticket (€4) grab the audio guide. It’s free and worth it.

3. Walking the streets

Stroll the back-roads and find your favorite square. Avignon is easy to navigate. There are old city walls surrounding it so you can’t get lost. Stop by the Tourist Information Office, located off the main street from the train station, 41 Jean Jaurès, grab a walking tour map and explore.

4. Palais des Papes

After the French Pope, Clement V, was elected in 1309 the church moved to Avignon and the Vatican bought the city. The tour, €9.50, comes with an audio guide where you can learn more about the Palace.

You can walk and listen at your own pace through the palace. The vast empty rooms contrast the frescos and color of the Popes’ quarters.

5. Parc des Rochers des Domes

Known to be the first site of Avignon, this park has fantastic views, a tiny café and public bathrooms. Always a plus!

Photo of “Festival Off” posters, Avignon, France by M@nuDia

We might know about the Provencal magnets for tourists but do we know enough about one of its most beautiful and alluring cities?

1. Cours Mirabeau

Before you start thinking this is all going to be museums, galleries and churches, let’s sort out one of the most accessible but brilliant places in Aix. It’s quite simply a long boulevard, bordered with wonderfully kept symmetrical plane-trees, with a road running through the middle and with dozens of cool cafes, restaurants, shops and bars flanking it. It’s the place to see and be seen in the city and from as far back as the mid 17th Century has been a principle thoroughfare. Walk the whole length and you’ll have gone from the old into the new – or the other way around.

2. Atelier Cezanne

There are a few famous names in the world of art associated with this region and Cezanne is one who has been very well respected in this city. This museum is like a spooky window into the past. It’s like an artist’s shipwreck. The former studio of the great man is just to the north-west of the city centre. The whole building has been kept exactly as it was when Cezanne worked there. You can see his canvasses, easels and paints and imagine the man himself standing there with you. Worth a visit, even if you’re not a huge follower of Cezanne’s work.

3. The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour

Perhaps more of a conventional idea but not something that lacks uniqueness and charm. Located in the medieval part of Aix this is a building that dates back as far as the 5th Century and presents a wide blend of different architectural styles, from Gothic doors to a Renaissance dome.

4. Festival d’Aix-en-Provence

For a city bursting with culture, fans of opera won’t be disappointed with Aix-en-Provence. During June and July the city burst into song as it pays host to one of the most important in Europe. Venues all over town, such as Théâtre de l’Archévêché, Théâtre du Jeu de Paume and the Grand Théâtre de Provence, provide wonderful shows in these months but the real treat is in the outside concerts at Théâtre du Grand Saint-Jean, just out of town. It’s a must again, even if you’re not particularly into opera.

5. Le Mistral

Not the famous wind but rather a nightclub. There isn’t a huge amount of cool hangouts after dark in this city, which serves many people well but might not appeal if you’re looking to have a few drinks and have a dance. This place on 3 rue Frédéric Mistral is great to head for if you like your expensive cocktails and pumping dance music played until the early hours. France is the place for new dance music these days and Le Mistral is out to prove it’s not just Paris that can have all the fun.

Popular Aix-en-Provence Hotels on Venere.com:

• Hotel Royal Mirabeau – 3-star Hotel – Double room from €75
• Hotel Novotel Pont de l’Arc – 3-star Hotel – Double room from €95
• Hotel Mas d’Entremont - 4-star Hotel – Double room from €155

Photo of Cezanne “C” stud in Aix-en-Provence, France, by Christophe Moutier

Probably only a handful. But then if you were in Provence then it’d be the absolute norm to spoon a few dried lavender flowers in your Coq au vin along with the other Herbes de Provence. And what’s more, it’s not the only thing the southern French people use the little purple flower for either.

From air freshener, to washing up liquid, to your grannies soap and everything in between, lavender seems to want be the choice smell these days. It such a familiar smell to us now it’s a wonder we can smell it at all. But in Provence, where the air is literally full of the stuff, it’s something of a way of life. There are many uses for the plant, from the culinary one above, to the drying and hanging of the flower for making a room smell nice, to extracting the oil for aromatherapy usages and even to boost the oestrogen level in people, which is why it’s often suggested young teenage boys watch how much lavender oil they’re exposed to.

As well as being in products all over the world, the lavender of Provence is a fully fledged farming industry and, quite similar to the tulip fields in Holland, there are regular guided tours and visitor centres dedicated to the plant all over the region.

July is a great month to travel to Provence and go for a week long lavender tours. Travel by car from the Cote D’Azur,  to the Vaucluse, to the Cote du Rhone. Not only can you drive out to the acres of flower fields, stopping off as you go to wander around, breath in the sweet smell and sometimes pick some of your own to take back as gifts, but you can stop along the way which will undoubtedly have some sort of thematic resonance with your new favourite flower.

Stunning Medieval villages are stopped at one route and you can include a local cooking course, where you can put to the test and the taste what that flower does to a dish. What’s very interesting is a visit to the distilleries, where the lavender flower is drained of its essential oils and made into a very popular aromatherapy oils. This has a particular medicinal quality and is great for skin disorders, headaches and massages.

Photo of lavender field by ‘toni.r

But what about seeing some of the most famous castles still standing in the country? Some of these are must-see destinations if you are planning an extended tour of the French countryside while visiting there. The many tales of storied battles and knights in shining armor hold a great deal of allure for both French citizens and the international traveler as well.

The history of some of these structures is not only exciting to learn but fascinating as well, and there are some that local area residents will tell you are haunted. Stages for the filming of renowned movies, such as Chocolat and Jeanne d’Arc have taken place in a couple of French castles, and there are over 1,000 of them still in existence today. So you will have a serious challenge which ones to visit and explore. This guide to 5 of the best French castles to visit should help you in your decision making.

1. Palace of the Popes – Avignon, Provence

One of the most heavily fortified castles ever constructed, this 14th century palace was built during a time in history that saw Popes who were exiled use these storied castles as a safe harbor. Balanced asymmetrically, yet ordered to exacting architectural standards, Avignon is a classic mixture of both French and Italian design and style. You will stand in awe as you gaze upon the ornate gargoyles that adorn the exterior of the castle walls.

2. The Castle of Foix – French Pyrenees

This overly fortified castle was constructed early on during the Middle Ages on the Pyrenees northern slope which offered its residents the comfort of protection and security from attackers and invaders of the region. During ensuing centuries after it was built in 987, towers were continually added in order to create a strong keep with all of the towers and walls were adorned and topped off with merlons, the solid portion of a parapet that sees a lot of battle action.

3. Mont-Saint-Michel – Normandy

Truly one of the most picturesque structures in all of France and quite possibly Europe in general, the fortress of Mont-Saint-Michel is like its own city. Daily incoming tides would create a water barrier between this castle and the mainland, and at one time, it housed a Benedictine abbey that was established in 966 by the Duke of Normandy.

4. The Medieval Castle of Tarascon – Provence

Constructed between the late 1300’s and the early 1400’s, the medieval castle of Tarascon is amazingly compact architecturally. It sits completely surrounded by the waters of the Rhone River, having been built on one of its banks. The foreboding yet unarticulated walls of this structure are a stark, striking contrast considering it is surrounded by a lush landscape and water.

5. The Château de Vincennes – Surroundings of Paris

Once a residence for several French kings (Charles IV, Louis X, Philippe III, Philippe IV, and Philippe V),  the Castle of Vincennes was constructed in the 1300’s from what was once the hunting lodge frequented by Louis VII and originally set up around 1150. The structure is amazingly spacious and consists of a strong keep adorned with corners made with rounded towers and then surrounded by the thickest of perimeters – truly a magnificent sight.

Photo of Mont Saint-Michel Castle, France, by Djof

Several cities and resorts in Provence, like Monaco, Cap Ferrat and St Tropez are choice destinations of the international jet set and are often written up in the tabloids and travel magazines but there are many other cities of Provence which have successfully retained their quaint old world charm that should be explored on any visit to the region.

1. Aix-en-Provence

Aix en Provence was the capital of Provence in the 15th century. The Romans founded Aix in 123BC and fashioned it after the city of Florence. Aix is an important center for art and culture and the city has hosted several creative souls like Guigou, Stendhal, Mistral, Zola, and Cézanne through the ages. Aix is known for its old ornate mansions, flower filled squares and flamboyant fountains all of which have been preserved and restored carefully. Every summer, the International Festival of Lyric Art fills Aix’s narrow shaded streets with the wondrous sounds.

2. Avignon

The fortified city of Avignon with its famed bridge which has been immortalized forever in the song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’ was once the favorite stomping ground of the Popes. The city even has a magnificent palace called the Palace of the Popes which overlooks its lively main square. Avignon today is well known for its Theater Festival that is held here during the month of July.

3. Arles

The city of Arles is located on the banks of the River Rhône and is a UNESCO designated World Heritage site that dates back to the 7th Century BC when it was a prominent Gallo-Roman town. In fact various Roman ruins like the Arena, the amphitheater, the Roman baths of Constantin and the Alyscamps burial grounds are scattered all over the city. The Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh spent nearly a year in Arles in the company of his fellow artist and friend Paul Gaugain in 1888. His stay in Arles was most productive as he was greatly inspired by the immense beauty of this medieval city to create nearly two hundred works.

4. Saint-Rémy de Provence

This beautiful Gallo-Roman village is located in heart of the Alpilles and is encircled by a 14th century protective wall. Saint Rémy is built on one of the oldest archeological sites in Europe and should be considered a ‘must-visit’ on any Provence itinerary. Vincent Van Gogh, spent time in a sanitarium located here in 1889. He was so inspired by the village’s scenic beauty that he produced one of his most famous works called the ‘Starry Night’ during his confinement. Apart from its historical significance, Saint Rémy is also well known for its many charming restaurants and shops and it is also the home of world-famous artisan chocolatier, Joel Durand who uses several native ingredients like lavender, Provence almonds and olives to create his mouth-watering treats.

5. Menton

The port city of Menton is located on the southern eastern tip of France. Its location on the Mediterranean has blessed Menton with a year round agreeable climate which is conducive to growing flowers and citrus fruits. Orange trees, lemon trees, palm trees and mimosa are found in abundance in Menton which is known for its luxuriant gardens. Menton pays homage to its delicious citrus fruits with its colorful, parade-filled Lemon Festival which is held all over the city for three weeks every February.

Photo of fountain in Aix-en-Provence, France by mac ki

An obvious one to start with but well worth a mention never the less. This book could be thanked but also accused of changing the face of the beautiful southern French region of Provence. Mayle left his job in advertising and took himself off to live in a little cottage with his wife Jenny near the Lubéron Mountains where he immersed himself in the calm and delicious Provencal life. But unlike many travel books, this captured so many different people’s hearts because it’s not really about what a place is like but more what it feels like. The markets, the tourists, the locals, the insects and the Mistral all make you want to get on the first flight out there.

2. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

Quite unlike the calm and tranquil feel of Mayle’s book, here Mosse presents the French city of Carcassonne and the areas of south western France as being exciting and mysterious sites full of hidden archaeological treasures. It merges present day France with 13th Century France. It’s full of Counts being ruthless, torture, quests for Holy Grails of certain kinds and it feels very much in the same ballpark as The Da Vinci Code. It’s not a bad way of seeing how France has changed over the years and it’s certainly a good way of delving into it’s past too.

3. Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Chocolate and love go hand in hand and where better for such a marriage of romance and cuisine than in France. Harris’ delicate and charming 2000 novel sees Vianne and her little daughter try and make it in the business world of aphrodisiacal chocolate when all of the prim and pious village folk seem to be under the watchful eye of the local priest. Set in a fictional little village between Toulouse and Bordeaux everything that is sacred about village life in France is on display here and you’ll want to eat the innocent characters as much as the warm chocolate Vianne makes.

4. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

If you want to get stuck into some more meaty historic parts of France then look no further than this classic from the writer of The Three Musketeers. It’s the ultimate book in many ways. There’s romance, adventure, swords, dancing, laughter and revenge. In fact it’s probably one of the best books ever written about revenge. When Dantes is wrongly imprisoned, he manages to escape and then carry out revenge by posing as a Count and blending in with his enemy’s way of life. Set during the early years of the 19th Century, it shows what life was like in France for the poor and for the wealthy with the backdrop to the story being the Hundred Days of Napoleon’s reign and the reign of King Louis Philipe.

Photo of lavender fields, Provence, France by nicephore

This ancient city founded by the Greeks was once witness to numerous wars and destruction, but is now a crossroads of global traffic filled with unique sights, smells, and sounds. Despite the appearance of slum areas that have arisen due to rapid population growth, Marseille is still a charming city that is filled with elegance. Especially colorful is the Vieux Port (Old Harbor) which helps to compensate for the dreary industrial docks located nearby.

If you are planning a family vacation, you will not be disappointed with what you find to entertain you in and around this historical city. Once symbolized by danger and intrigue, Marseille is experiencing a renaissance of sorts and is now one of the more popular tourist destinations in Western Europe. Additionally, it is easily accessible by virtue of the improved rail service originating in Paris. Here is a list of recommended family things to do in Marseille.

• Calanques Marseille-Cassis – tours of the Bay of Marseille.

This is a non-stop 2-hour tour of the harbor that departs from the Vieux Port, travels past a dozen small islands, and explores caves filled with prehistoric engravings and paintings. Your children will be fascinated with the stories your tour guide unfolds about dinosaurs roaming the area in the Cretaceous Period.

• Marseille Carnival

A colorful combination of festivals, processions, and street fairs that will thrill the entire family. You and your family will enjoy the music as well as the shows performed at the Vieux Port, and the street theater.

• Centre Fissiaux

Dance, music, and sports classes abound here coupled with a wide array of workshops and a library centered on games. The different classes and workshops involve the whole family so no one gets bored standing and watching the activities that are being conducted.

If museums and cultural destinations are what you are looking for, these are sure to please any traveler and their families:

• Musée de la Marine et de l’ Ecomomie

This museum contains items that dating back to 16th century France. All of the displays and objects relate to the economic history of Marseille. Models and paintings are included with some of the artifacts.

• Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires du Terroir Marseillais

The Museum of Marseille is open to the public since the early 1920’s. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations when it comes to seeing what life was really like in the city during the 17th through the 19th centuries.

• Musee d’Art Contemporian

Marseille’s Art Museum contains contemporary exhibits. Some of the artifacts are permanently on display while others are temporary and travel the museum circuit.

By early March 1815 he had managed to escape the island and made it safely to mainland France. Of course, he was on his way to Waterloo where he would eventually meet his downfall, but on arrival back in France his progress was unhindered.

The route he and a thousand men took that week is known as the Route Napoleon, now a 325 km stretch of modern road, the N85 winding through the spectacular mountains of Provence.

It took Napoleon a whole week, but today you can drive the entire route in about eight hours. Perhaps you’ll want to split it up into smaller sections and enjoy the fantastic scenery over a few days.

Just follow the sign of the brown eagle on the roadside.

Here’s our guide of how to retrace his footsteps:

• After landing at Golfe-Juan, Napoleon and his men set up camp and marched to Cannes where they rested briefly on the beach. You can do the same, although the town is much more of a tourist destination today that it was in 1815!

• Napoleon’s men then turned inland and walked through the night, I suggest you take a rest stop at Grasse and enjoy the a glass of wine among the charming back streets and public fountains. It’s the home of French perfume, so take some time to choose a new scent. Grasse also has amazing grottos and caves, well worth a visit.

• The men didn’t linger there though. They stopped for a quick lunch break at St-Vallier-de-Thiey. If you choose to do the same, you should take a picnic and enjoy the amazing views over the valley from the picnic site.

• Further on their trip, the men were invited by the Mayor to spend the night in the Château de Brondet – alas it’s now close, so you can’t do the same, but you can drive past it.

• The men took refreshments in the small town of Logis du Pin. If you want to follow in their footsteps, I suggest skipping this town and waiting until you get to Castellane for lunch, where they also ate. Climb to the top of the Notre Dame du Roc to appreciate this beautiful place, including the appropriately named Napoleon Bridge. If you’re there on Saturday be sure to check out the local market.

• After a night stop at Barrême and an early start the group marched along a difficult mountain trail through the barren Pré-Alpes de Digne. Fortunately for us, this is now mainly the D20 road and you won’t have to get out of the car. Just enjoy the views.

• The next overnight stop took place the River Bléone at Malijai. Of course Napoleon didn’t sleep in the fields with his men – he spent the night at the Château. This is now the town hall and visitor centre – go in the check out the beautiful decoration and the exquisite and orderly French gardens.

• Braced for resistance from the locals, the men next entered the town of Sisteron, but were in fact not challenged. They took a break there and if you want to do the same be sure to see the Citadel Museum, or even the Baden-Powell Scout Museum. What this is doing in Provence, nobody knows!

• Later that night they arrived at Gap and set up camp. Apparently when Napoleon left Gap, the townspeople all went with him. The locals are indeed friendly today, but please try to leave as many behind for other visitors to the town.

• If you’re driving the route, you can then follow it on to the end at Grenoble, via Corps and La Mure.

These beautiful towns and villages are all beautiful and each has something individual about it. Enjoy the trip!

Photo of Route Napoleon, France originally posted by Teosaurio

1. Hotel Le Mas de la Chapelle, Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône

Housed in a 16th-century chapel, which was once owned by the Order of Knights of Malta, the hotel Le Mas de la Chapelle offers attractive and quality accommodation only 2.5 miles from Arles. Surrounded by a three-hectare park, this charming Provence hotel is a great base to explore the Camargue by car, a splendid area situated between the Mediterranean sea and the River Rhone. Le Mas de la Chapelle boasts a relaxing garden, a wading pool for children, an outdoor swimming pool, and two tennis courts for sport lovers. A great spot for a family vacation in the South of France!

2. Hotel Cloître Saint-Louis, Avignon, Vaucluse

Located in Avignon, within a short walking distance of the Palace of the Popes, the Hotel Cloître Saint-Louis features quiet guest rooms in the serene setting of a 16th-century cloister. Entirely restored in 1990, this beautiful historic landmark building is now a 4-star hotel and offers an array of amenities ensuring guests a great stay in Avignon: outdoor swimming pool, inner garden, lounge bar, business and banqueting facilities, and private car park. This Avignon hotel also boasts a gourmet restaurant overlooking the splendid monastery courtyard, where guests can sample delicious traditional French and Provencal specialties.

3. Hotel Abbaye de Sainte-Croix, Salon de Provence, Bouches-du-Rhône

The Abbaye de Sainte-Croix is a a peaceful 4-star hotel that enjoys an outstanding location a few miles from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and all the major tourist spots in Provence: Arles, Avignon, Les-Baux-de-Provence and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Overlooking Salon-de-Provence, the medieval town where Nostradamus died and was buried, this 12th-century abbey is nestled in a Mediterranean garden surrounded by lavender fields. Hotel amenities include gourmet restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, wireless Internet access and a helicopter landing area. Plenty of sporting activities are available close by, such as horse riding, hiking and biking. A great hotel for travelers looking for either a multi-sport vacation or a romantic break in Provence.

4. L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de La Celle, Brignoles, Var

Housed in a 18th-century royal abbey, L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle is located in Brignoles, a charming Provencal town that was once the summer residence of the Counts of Provence. This 4-star hotel offers accommodation less than 50 miles from many French Riviera resorts, such as Bandol, Hyères, Fréjus, Bormes-les-Mimosas, and Saint-Tropez. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a bar, bike rental, free car park, as well as meeting and banqueting facilities. In addition, L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de La Celle boasts a Michelin 1-star restaurant that has an excellent wine list and serves fantastic Provencal cuisine : the perfect spot for gourmet travelers visiting France!

Known for its lovely beaches and spectacular scenic beauty, Nice is one of the most popular holiday destinations in France.

Offering a variety of tourist attractions including the Old Town (Vieux Nice), the famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena square, the Cours Saleya Flower Market, the Matisse Museum, the Russian Cathedral, ancient Roman ruins, and numerous art galleries, the city is also the perfect base to explore the French Riviera and the wonderful countryside of Provence.

Here is a list of 5 great day-trip destinations to visit from Nice during your next vacation in the South of France.

1. Cannes

Slightly smaller than Nice, Cannes is only thirty minutes away by train and offers wonderful shopping and dining. The city gets a bit of glam as Hollywood swoops in during the month of May for the annual Cannes Film Festival. Don’t worry if you miss the fuss, the glitziness of the stars is found in this city year-round. People watching is at it’s best down by the water and it’s always fun to ogle at the steroidal yachts in the harbor. Cannes, home to the rich and vacation spot to the famous, is exorbitantly expensive….but that makes the window-shopping all the better.

2. Villefranche sur Mer

If the lifestyle and pace of Nice starts to get to you, take a 15-minute train ride to the quaint and docile town of Villefranche. The old town is stacked on top of itself to clime up the surrounding hills and is connected by a web of narrow, steep roads. Loose your self in the beauty of the scenery and relax over lunch on an outdoor patio overlooking the Mediterranean. If you’re lucky, you may witness the filming of a movie, which are constantly drawn to the town. Come here to entertain yourself, but not to be entertained as Villefranche lacks the museums and activities of neighboring cities.

3. Antibes

The history of Antibes dates back to the time of the Roman Empire and can be seen the construction of the city’s fortified walls and Medieval castle. In the 1940s Pablo Picasso painted and sculpted in the castle for six months. His work inspired the transformation of the castle from a home to a museum in his honor. The surrounding area is popular for its beaches and is therefore often overpriced and overcrowded. For a real feel of the area, make sure you are in the old port town of Antibes and not Cap d’Antibes. This older town is a maze of winding roads that lead through residential and shopping areas. Some of the neighborhood streets harbor local restaurants that can only be found by stumbling across them. A beautiful market can be found in the center of the town, offering spices, flowers and beeswax candles. Take a stroll around the outside of the ancient wall to get a few of the sea and Garoupe Lighthouse.

4. Saint-Paul de Vence

Saint-Paul de Vence, built atop a hill and surrounded by thick stone walls, is nothing short of enchanting. The antiquated architecture, surrounding scenery and intricately designed cobblestone walkways have attracted artists to Vence for centuries. Henri Matisse, H.D. Lawrence and Marc Chagall have all graced the town with their works. Modern day artists continue the tradition by filling the storefronts with their creations. Don’t miss the country market every Wednesday between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. where you can purchase and sample a variety of local products.

5. Monaco

Of the locations along the French Riviera, Monaco is by far the most dazzling. The moment you step of the train into the immaculately constructed station, it becomes clear that you are in another country. While Monaco resembles France for the most part, it is differs on many levels. This constitutional monarchy is a magnate for the rich and powerful people of the world due to its policy of no taxation. Walk past the gentlemen playing lawn bowling down by the water and take in the enormity of the yachts being tended to by full-time uniformed crews. Head up to the Prince’s Palace to try and get a glimpse of the ruler, son of actress Grace Kelly, if he is in town. Various forms of entertainment can be enjoyed throughout the year such as boxing championships, fashion shows and the Monaco Grand Prix. Of course if one thing is not to be missed, it is the Monte Carlo Casino-the ultimate manifestation of wealth and luxury so epitomized by the people of Monaco.

Photo of sea road to Antibes originally posted by ‘heloise’