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What is South of France Known For?
Southern France technically comprised the lower third of the country, marked by the 45th parallel. However, the South of France (le sud de la France) embodies a unique way of life. The region, also referred to as Le Midi, is renowned for its attractions. These include the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), Provence, vibrant food markets, picturesque lavender fields, and exceptional wines. It also boasts ancient Greek and Roman ruins, bullfights, Camargue cowboys, enigmatic biblical sites, and much more. Artists, authors, and historical figures have been enjoying holidays in Southern France for centuries…now joined by modern-day influencers.
Evidently, U.S. President Thomas Jefferson toured the South in 1787 where he savored local wines, explored Roman ruins, and wrote about it extensively. During his visit, he made his way to Nice on the Côte d’Azur There he visited the King’s Garden (its location remains unclear) and likely stayed at the ‘Hôtel de York,’ which is believed to be the Palais de York.
When I am next in Nice, I plan to take a private tour to uncover more about Jefferson’s visit.
We certainly hope he had access to a reliable physical South of France map, which can be challenging to find nowadays. I bet he wished he had one of these highly visual DK Eyewitness guides to help with trip planning.
Thomas Jefferson Preferred Tain L'Hermitage
“The fine wines of your region of country are not forgotten, nor the friend thro’ whom I used to obtain them. and first the white Hermitage of M. Jourdan of Tains (l’Hermitage), of the quality having ‘un peu de la liqueur’ as he expressed it, which we call silky, soft, smooth, in contradistinction to the dry, hard or rough. what I had from M. Jourdan of this quality was barely a little sweetish, so as to be sensible and no more; and this is exactly the quality I esteem. ” – Thomas Jefferson in a letter to his wine supplier
Places in South of France
As Jefferson discovered, the entire region is an enchanting tapestry of diverse landscapes. It unfurls between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps and is open to discovery. It stretches from the Italian border in the east to the Pyrenees Mountains in the west. Dramatic coastal vistas, charming medieval villages, rolling vineyards (including the Rhône Valley wine region), and lavender fields extend as far as the eye can see.
We hope you’ll enjoy exploring southern France’s bounty as we take a deep dive into the area on this website. Although our focus is primarily the Côtes du Rhône wine region and Rhône valley, we can’t help writing about some ‘adjacent’ areas as in this article.
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“There are few places on Earth where the sun paints the landscape with such a rich palette of colors as it does in the South of France.” – Peter Mayle, author, of A Year In Provence
Explore the South of France - Le Midi & Maps
Corresponding largely to the Occitania (Occitanie) region, major cities in south of France are Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Nice, Nimes, Marseille, Montpellier, and Toulon. Other segments of the French regions Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and Aquitaine fall into the “south” designation.
With an abundance of sun, the French colloquially call the area le Midi. The term originates from Old French words “mi” (middle) and “di” (day), signifying midday when the sun is in the south at noon. The Midi starts at the 45th meridian, crossing the Rhône Valley near Valence, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Lyon.
Since we couldn’t find a shareable map, we’re creating one, which I’ll soon share. For now, I particularly like this historic map, which I’ve added to my holiday wishlist.
I love physical maps because they truly aid orientation and distance planning in a way map apps do not. When trip planning, there’s nothing like spreading out a map and planning a route. Call me old school.
So, if you’re a map person like me, here’s a map with all regions of France (administrative regions not “areas”) for orientation.
Best Way to Travel to South of France
There are many travel options to the South of France.
- By car from Paris, the A7 autoroute heads all the way Marseille.
- There are international airports in Nice, the Côte d’Azur France Airport or Marseille Provence Airport, allowing you to quickly reach your destination.
- Alternatively, for a scenic and relaxing journey, take a train ride on France’s efficient railway network, the SNCF. The TGV (train grand vitesse or very fast train) offers high-speed connections to cities like Marseille and Montpellier. We love the TGV journey and it’s a great way to see the countryside. Look for lower-cost fares on the INOUI and OUIGO trains but pay close attention to the terms! You can catch a train directly from Paris Charles de Gaulle (also referred to as Roissy Airport).
- Finally, if you’re seeking an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, consider taking a bus, such as the FlixBus. Destinations include Lyon, Avignon, and Nimes. Although I’ve not personally used the bus in Europe, my nephew has in the US if that stands in for a recommendation.
The French Riviera - Côte d'Azur France
The southern coast is known as the French Riviera or the Côte d’Azur, azur for the sapphire-colored Mediterranean sea. ‘Riviera’ was borrowed from the Italians, which means coastline. And like Italy to the East, which is known for its romantic cities and scenery, the Côte d’Azur is made for lovers.
It is a region that has enchanted writers and artists for generations, beckoning travelers to explore its diverse landscapes, picturesque villages, and of course, its world-renowned gastronomy and wines.
With glamorous cities like St Jean Cap-Ferrat, Nice, Saint-Tropez, (nearby Monaco), and Cannes, French Riviera has long been a magnet for the rich and famous. Palm trees line the pebble beaches with a backdrop of rugged hills and mountains that plunge down towards the sea. The annual Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes) attracts the world’s most glamorous movie stars, film directors and celebrities every year in May.
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“The light of the Midi, which is always of crystal-clear purity, sharpens the outlines and gives prominence to the colors.” – Henri Matisse, French painter.
Famous Artists in the Côte d'Azur France
The incredible light (and cheap rent) of southern France attracted artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Marc Chagall, and Pablo Picasso. Each created significant works in le Midi. Many of the post-Impressionist masters opted to make the South their home.
- Vincent van Gogh, residing in Arles (Occitanie), painted “Starry Night Over the Rhône” and “The Café Terrace at Night.” Books and movies abound about van Gogh, but one particularly captivating layout stands out.
- Henri Matisse made his home in Nice (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), finding inspiration for works like “The Dance” and “The Red Studio” in the radiant Mediterranean light and local scenery.
- During World War II, Pablo Picasso sought refuge in the South of France. He stayed in Antibes and had a house in Mougins (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), now a museum. More details are available here.
- Aix-en-Provence (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur) housed Paul Cézanne, whose series, including “Mont Sainte-Victoire” and “The Card Players,” reflect his lifelong dedication to capturing the essence of the Provençal landscape and its inhabitants.
- A nod to Russian-born artist Marc Chagall, who initially moved to Paris in 1910, painted seminal works and found a second home in Saint-Paul-de-Vence (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur). His works, such as “The Village” and “The Circus,” were influenced by the idyllic surroundings and Mediterranean culture.
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Lost Generation Authors in South of France
Following the First World War, young American writers disillusioned by the war and seeking freedom, found their way to France. At the time, Paris was the center of creative expression, attracting all types of artists, who sought freedom of expression, experimentation, extravagance and diversity. A place for libertine pursuits.
This period became known as the les années folles (crazy years); the Lost Generation.
The French Riviera soon became their summer haunt, attracted by the casinos in nearby Monaco (an independent principality), abundant sunshine, beaches and inexpensive living that drew them south for libertine pleasures.
It’s mystique and mysteries were examined by Fitzgerald (Tender is the Night), Edith Wharton (The House of Mirth), Somerset Maugham (The Razor’s Edge), and Ernest Hemingway (The Garden of Eden).
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s time in the midi, is delightfully recounted in this article in French Today.
Novels about French Riviera - Cote d'Azur
Thus, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “Though the French Riviera is a mere speck of earth, it contains more legends, more celebrities, more history, and certainly more beauty per square mile than any place I know of.”
British author Somerset Maugham, who knew the Riviera intimately, once described it as “a sunny place for shady people” as quoted in this BBC piece published in 2014.
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A Garden of Eden - Hemingway in South of France
Hemingway spent considerable time in the South of France. His unfinished last semi-autobiographic novel,The Garden of Eden, published posthumously in 1986, is set against a lush Côte d’Azur backdrop with road trips into the heart of Provence.
According to this great article in France Today,”Over a span of more than three decades Hemingway passed through Arles (“not a place for a writer but I would love to know how to paint”), Nîmes, Avignon, Arles, Saint-Rémy, Les Baux-de-Provence, Aigues-Mortes, Le Grau-du-Roi, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Cannes, Juan-les-Pins, Nice and Monte Carlo.”
Furthermore, discover this book review from TheGoodLifeFrance.com
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A Year in Provence and More
British author Peter Mayle achieved international acclaim for his enchanting and evocative books about living in the South of France, particularly “A Year in Provence,” published in 1989.
A former UK advertising copywriter, he decamped to the village of Ménerbes in the Luberon region of Provence. He wrote about the challenges and triumphs of learning to live amongst rural French, learning the language, and renovating a farmhouse.
Mayle’s vivid narratives transported readers (me included) to the idyllic landscapes, charming villages, and sumptuous culinary traditions of the region, igniting a deep fascination with the South of France. With several books in the same vein, he spawned a cottage industry that sparked a veritable tourism and housing boom, drawing many UK (and American) travelers to experience the allure of Provence firsthand. I imagine the popular BBC renovation show, Escape to the Chateau, was in part influenced by these books as well.
Plan a Trip -Best Places in the South of France
Ready to discover the highlights of the south of France? We will soon publish an article with our favorite places to visit so please sign up for the email to be alerted. [LINK TO SIGN UP BOX]
In the meanwhile, start planning your South of France holidays with these itineraries:
Rick Steve’s Provence & French Riviera Itineraries
This guide offers a two-week tour – by car, bus or train, starting in Nice and departing from Marseille, with suggestions for shorter stays including 6-day, 9 day and 12 day must sees.
South of France Itinerary – a 7 day road trip from Influencer/Travel Blogger Lindsay Silberman
On her blog, Tracey Silberman offers this one-week itinerary with Instagram-worthy hotel stays and winery visits. This tour is definitely Riviera-focused.
Only South of France Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Days You’ll Ever Need
This 7-day itinerary starts in Avignon (one of our favorite cities, accessible from Paris by TGV within 3 hours with lots of car rental options) and highlights Chateaunuef-du-Pape, villages of the Luberon, Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Cannes and Nice.
Such an interesting history of the South of France! I had no idea there were so many famous artists from the area! It’s definitely making me want to visit.
Christine, I missed quite a few but hope to circle back in a later post. Hope you make it there soon.
Great post! I have only been to the South of France for a day, as a part of a cruise, and it was lovely! I definitely want to go back and see more!
katie – and you must! so much to experience but I suggest taking it slow to absorb.
Love the South of France; to me, it’s the sounds of these singing grasshoppers and sunflower fields and small villages with petanque players. Lovely place to sip on wine and have deep thoughts!
Marie-Pierre…bien sûr! One day I hope to join the old men in our nearby village to play petanque – can just imagine how they’ll welcome me 🙂
Vibrant food markets, exceptional wines, and a rich history surely make the south of France a fantastic place to visit. Thanks for sharing this article!
Anthuwin – you got it exactly!
Seems like a great place, it would be a lovely holiday destination, thanks for sharing!
yes, everyone should visit!
Such a fascinating place, beautiful, romantic, and full of historical sites. This post has eloquently captured the area’s charm, and now this French region is on my bucket list!
susan, I’m so thrilled!
Thank you for the inspirational post! I love how you incorporate literature, art, and the history of French Rivera in one article.
thank you for the feedback! It’s hard not to consider art when writing about this region!
Thanks for this awesome post. I would love to visit France one day. I have learned so much and love all the pictures!
Ann – thanks so much for taking the time to read it! Hope you can make it to France soon, bucket list 2025?
South of France is so beautiful. I have been there many times, but I still want to return. Beautifully written!
Sanne, thank you! It is my happy place! Eager to be there in a more full time basis.