Travel: Bucket List - The French Riviera
Cote d'Azûr - France
So remember that one of my resolutions for 2014 was to take a roadtrip to France this summer together with my boyfriend? Well we're finally making more specific plans, France is a big country after all. More specifically we'd love to explore the French Riviera, maybe making a stop somewhere on the road towards the south (suggestions for which cities are welcome). Truth is, I haven't been to lots of places yet (except Paris & Strasbourg). Oh and I'm pretty sure I can't really count Disneyland to the list (or can I?). So with the gorgeous sceneries of France so close in our reach: *enter my boyfriend's car*, we're gonna add the following cities to our (big) bucket list. I can already feel the soft windy breeze on my arm while taking in all the gorgeous views sometime during summer. Anyone with more experience 'en la douce France', feel free to add any place we must see that's nearby these locations in a comment below. I'm sharing this list in the hope of getting more info myself plus maybe I can inspire others who wish to travel to the same region too but don't know where to start. By the way more info on touristic things to do in France can be found on this site.
Lavender Fields - Photo
Well this one speaks for itself, which blogger doesn't want a photoshoot in those pittoresque fields? Their blooming season is June until August, perfect timing to make a stop somewhere en la Haute-Provence before heading more south. I found this interesting site (in French) about when the blooming starts in the different regions.
Well this one speaks for itself, which blogger doesn't want a photoshoot in those pittoresque fields? Their blooming season is June until August, perfect timing to make a stop somewhere en la Haute-Provence before heading more south. I found this interesting site (in French) about when the blooming starts in the different regions.
Marseille - Photo
The second largest city in France, after Paris. It seems the perfect first stop on the Cote d'Azur. The harbor was the most important trade port of the French empire back in the days. Definitely worth a stroll through. After the harbor I'd head into the town to buy some souvenirs like the world-famous soap scented with lavender, verbena or honey. Pastis is the local liqueur, also something worth brining home. I've also found there are buildings designed by famous architect Le Corbusier. Other architecture includes: the Pharo Palace, Notre–Dame de La Garde and Palais Longchamp.
The second largest city in France, after Paris. It seems the perfect first stop on the Cote d'Azur. The harbor was the most important trade port of the French empire back in the days. Definitely worth a stroll through. After the harbor I'd head into the town to buy some souvenirs like the world-famous soap scented with lavender, verbena or honey. Pastis is the local liqueur, also something worth brining home. I've also found there are buildings designed by famous architect Le Corbusier. Other architecture includes: the Pharo Palace, Notre–Dame de La Garde and Palais Longchamp.
Cassis - Photo
Only 20km from Marseille, this beautiful Provincial fishermanstown has a breathtaking scenery. I can't wait to take a hike through the Calanques National Park with the mini-fjords and views over the crystal clear water. And after that long walk, I can already picture myself holding a tasty glass of wine. Cassis has over 210ha of vineyards, perfect for a little wine-tasting.
Only 20km from Marseille, this beautiful Provincial fishermanstown has a breathtaking scenery. I can't wait to take a hike through the Calanques National Park with the mini-fjords and views over the crystal clear water. And after that long walk, I can already picture myself holding a tasty glass of wine. Cassis has over 210ha of vineyards, perfect for a little wine-tasting.
Hyères-Les-Palmiers - Photo
Another town with phenomenal nature is Hyères-Les-Palmiers: the Giens peninsula and 3 islands closeby are just some of the places I want to explore. And I wouldn't just stop for the nature but also for the culture, it's the oldest town on the French Riviera as the Greek already made a trading spot there in the 4th century. It has an interesting archeological park but also some more modern architectural beauties. Nature & culture plus the most perfect climate (hello sun), nothing can get more perfect than that combo.
Another town with phenomenal nature is Hyères-Les-Palmiers: the Giens peninsula and 3 islands closeby are just some of the places I want to explore. And I wouldn't just stop for the nature but also for the culture, it's the oldest town on the French Riviera as the Greek already made a trading spot there in the 4th century. It has an interesting archeological park but also some more modern architectural beauties. Nature & culture plus the most perfect climate (hello sun), nothing can get more perfect than that combo.
Saint-Tropez - Photo
Does this need any explaining? First that comes to my mind when I think of Saint-Tropez is Birgitte Bardot. Obviously this city is all about seeing and being seen: 'Place m'as tu vu'. The biggest boats of France in the harbor set in a cozy harbor town. Bon vivant!
Does this need any explaining? First that comes to my mind when I think of Saint-Tropez is Birgitte Bardot. Obviously this city is all about seeing and being seen: 'Place m'as tu vu'. The biggest boats of France in the harbor set in a cozy harbor town. Bon vivant!
Sainte-Maxime - Photo
Close to Saint-Tropez lies this smaller city. It offers wide nature-areas, plenty of pearl-white beaches and charming little shoppingstreets. I saw they even offer horseback riding tours, nice alternative to all the hiking or biking in other areas. The village loves Art-Deco, I'm curious to discover those buildings. After all of the touring I'm gonna work on my tan on a beach!
Close to Saint-Tropez lies this smaller city. It offers wide nature-areas, plenty of pearl-white beaches and charming little shoppingstreets. I saw they even offer horseback riding tours, nice alternative to all the hiking or biking in other areas. The village loves Art-Deco, I'm curious to discover those buildings. After all of the touring I'm gonna work on my tan on a beach!
Cannes - Photo
Sadly the Movie Festival is in May, so I won't be able to see all that glitter & glamour when all the big movie stars arrive. But Cannes has so much more to offer like the Boulevard de la Croisette, the Forville Market (with lots of typical products), a boat trip to the island of Saint– Honorat & loads of shopping on Cannes' Rue d'Antibes. And if it all becomes too warm, sunbathing on one of the plenty beaches will certainly do.
Sadly the Movie Festival is in May, so I won't be able to see all that glitter & glamour when all the big movie stars arrive. But Cannes has so much more to offer like the Boulevard de la Croisette, the Forville Market (with lots of typical products), a boat trip to the island of Saint– Honorat & loads of shopping on Cannes' Rue d'Antibes. And if it all becomes too warm, sunbathing on one of the plenty beaches will certainly do.
Grasse - Photo
The world's most famous capital of perfume, full-on with a whole museum dedicated to the scent. It has a rich history, with leather tanning traditions heading back to the Middle Ages. To me it looks like the perfect example of a typical charming French town. A nice afternoon stop on the road from the lavender fields.
The world's most famous capital of perfume, full-on with a whole museum dedicated to the scent. It has a rich history, with leather tanning traditions heading back to the Middle Ages. To me it looks like the perfect example of a typical charming French town. A nice afternoon stop on the road from the lavender fields.
Nice - Photo
The fifth biggest city of France, this maritime city offers a lot: the Cours Saleya (a flower market in the Old Town), Cimiez (old Roman ruins), a big harbor, … When tired of visiting a nice stroll on the 'Promenade des Anglais' will be welcome. To finish the day we'll eat a nice seafood plate in one of the many restaurants. Or trying the local 'Socca', a sort of pancake, made from chickpeas. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral also looks impressive.
The fifth biggest city of France, this maritime city offers a lot: the Cours Saleya (a flower market in the Old Town), Cimiez (old Roman ruins), a big harbor, … When tired of visiting a nice stroll on the 'Promenade des Anglais' will be welcome. To finish the day we'll eat a nice seafood plate in one of the many restaurants. Or trying the local 'Socca', a sort of pancake, made from chickpeas. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral also looks impressive.
Monaco - Photo
Monaco, a sovereign city-state, is a rich walhalla. Definitely on my list for some window-shopping in Monte Carlo: Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and (Yves) Saint Laurent are just some of the stores on my list. The splendour of this mini-state goes beyond the grand marina & all the fancy cars. There's incredible food, luxurious hotels, definitely an experience on it's own.
Monaco, a sovereign city-state, is a rich walhalla. Definitely on my list for some window-shopping in Monte Carlo: Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and (Yves) Saint Laurent are just some of the stores on my list. The splendour of this mini-state goes beyond the grand marina & all the fancy cars. There's incredible food, luxurious hotels, definitely an experience on it's own.
Menton - Photo
After seeing the gorgeous photo's on Gary Pepper's blog last summer, I instantly put this gorgeous coastal town 'a must-see'. What better way to end the list of the French Riviera. Just a shame that the lemon season isn't in the summer, google promised me it's a sight to see (just type: Fête du Citron). But the colorful houses definitely make up for it too.
After seeing the gorgeous photo's on Gary Pepper's blog last summer, I instantly put this gorgeous coastal town 'a must-see'. What better way to end the list of the French Riviera. Just a shame that the lemon season isn't in the summer, google promised me it's a sight to see (just type: Fête du Citron). But the colorful houses definitely make up for it too.
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