12 Surreal Places You Won't Believe Are in Southern France

The south of France is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and enchanting regions to explore. With exquisite scenery, historic buildings, a rich cultural past, stunning beaches, vast vineyards and lavender fields, and flashy cities, Southern France has destinations every travel enthusiast should experience at least once.

Are you looking for the most breathtaking places to explore in Southern France? Whether going for road trips around the coast, romantic getaways, family vacations, or solo adventures, these 12 surreal places in Southern France will leave you in awe.

Éze

Eze is a charming hilltop village perched 1,400 meters above the sea, perfect for travelers who adore irresistible small-town energy. Nestled between Monaco and St. Jean Cap Ferrat, this stunning small town offers jaw-dropping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. The panoramic sea views, historic buildings, and fantastic attention to detail only add to the laid-back Mediterranean vibe of Eze.

The village features narrow, winding cobblestone streets adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and ivy flowers, creating a magical atmosphere. Whether admiring or snapping some Instagram shots, the charming scenery of Eze will not fail to impress you.

Located at the very top of the village, Le Jardin Exotique (The Exotic Garden) offers stunning views of the French Riviera and the sea below.

To better enjoy Eze’s beauty, drink at the terraces of Chateau Eza, stroll along its car-free alleyways, or hike down Nietzsche’s path to Eze Sur Mer Beach.

Verdon Gorge

Outdoor enthusiasts, Verdon Gorge is good news for you. You will be treated to stunning natural views while participating in endless outdoor activities. Aptly nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of Europe,” Verdon Gorge is renowned for its dramatic landscape featuring limestone cliffs that can reach up to 2100 feet (700 meters), the Verdon River, with its striking turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings. Verdon Gorge is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

What sets Verdon Gorge apart is how it combines natural beauty with tranquility and adrenaline-pumping activities. You can enjoy the scenery from viewpoints or Galetas Bridge, do watersports like kayaking or paddleboarding, or go hiking on the gorge’s numerous trails.

For extreme sports enthusiasts, you can go whitewater rafting, rock climbing, highlining, or bungee jumping, all available at different spots of the gorge.

Menton

Menton’s blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and mild climate makes it a perfect destination for travelers seeking relaxation and scenic beauty.

Its seafront is an absolute beauty and a haven for photographers. If you are into Instagrammable spots, this is a spot you do not want to miss. When visiting, stroll through the narrow lanes, swing by the stunning Basilica of Michael Archangel, visit the Jean Cocteau Museum for avant-garde art, or attend the Lemon Festival if you visit in February.

If the weather is good for the beach (it will likely be), spend your mid-morning hours at the vast Sablettes Beach (Plage des Sablettes); it is one of the many stunning beaches Menton has.

Saint Tropez

Saint Tropez has come to be known as one of the most chic resort towns in Europe. Beyond the glitz, glamor, and flashy lifestyle associated with Saint Tropez, the town offers stunning Mediterranean Sea views and stunning beaches. The cobblestone streets, charming harbor, and pastel-colored buildings are a feast for the eyes.

There are a lot of ways to experience the beauty of this French Riviera jewel. You can hop on a yacht and explore the sea, visit the opulent galleries and museums across the city, or explore Provence’s cuisines in the city’s restaurant.

Besides the scenery and sophistication, Saint Tropez has many charming cafes and restaurants to discover. You may even bump into A-list celebrities while at it.

Cassis

Any trip to the south of France must include visiting the quaint fishing town of Cassis. Cassis draws tourists worldwide with its charming ancient port, stunning natural surroundings, and a historic town full of pastel-colored homes. The town’s setting is stunning, with colorful buildings lining the waterfront, traditional fishing boats bobbing in the clear blue waters, and the impressive Cap Canaille cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop. The ambiance is both vibrant and laid-back, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing yet visually stunning getaway.

No visit to Cassis is complete without visiting Calanques National Park, home to the area’s stunning Calanques. The Calanques are a series of stunning fjord-like inlets with steep limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. Hiking through the Calanques is popular, with trails offering breathtaking views and access to secluded beaches like Port Pin and En Vau.

If you like beaches, consider exploring Plage de l’Arene, Plage du Corton, and Le Bestouan. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.

Gordes

Tucked away in the sun-drenched landscapes of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Gordes’s charm is a pure dream. It is one of the region’s most popular hilltop villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including rolling hills, lush vineyards, and expansive lavender fields. The village is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with stone houses, adding to its rustic charm.

When visiting, marvel at its historic stone structures clinging to the rugged cliffs, and then follow the unpredictably winding cobblestone pathways that lead to secret gardens and courtyards where time appears to stand still. If you are into photography, you will love the peaceful lakes scattered across the terrain.

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A must-see is the Chateau de Gordes, which dates back to the 11th century and perfectly showcases the Middle Ages and Renaissance architecture.

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Saint Emilion

Saint-Emilion is a charming medieval village in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine area. With over 2,000 years of wine history, Saint Emilion is a prime destination for wine lovers who appreciate good scenery. This village is characterized by its rolling vineyards, medieval architecture, and charming cobblestone streets. Besides, the town is located atop a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.

Relax with views of vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, walk through the town’s cobblestone streets, stop by famous wineries for a dose of wine history, and finish by the underground Église Monolithe Church, which was carved from rocks.

Porquerolles

If you want to experience the core of Mediterranean paradise, the stunning island of Porquerolles is the place to do it. Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes are some of the top attractions in Porquerolles.

The northern coast of Porquerolles is known for its white sandy beaches and pine forests. In contrast, the southern coast features rugged cliffs and secluded coves, providing a picturesque environment throughout the island.

Some unmissable highlights include Plage Notre Dame, one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Spend a day enjoying the soft white sands, crystal clear waters, and pine forests that surround this beach. You may also want to visit the 16th-century Fort Sainte Agathe, which provides stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

Valensole Plateau

If you visit Valensole from mid-June to mid-July, you will be treated to views of lavender fields stretching for as far as the eye can see. The picturesque landscape, with its vibrant purple hues, is a photographer’s dream and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts.

If you are into photography, you want to capture views at different times of the day as the shades of the flowers appear to change with the sun’s intensity.

Many farms offer tours that take tourists into the cultivation and harvesting of lavenders. This is perfect for tourists who want to go beyond taking in the scent and views of the lavenders.

Camargue

Located in Bouches-du-Rhone, Camargue lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the delta of the Rhone River. Camargue is known for its stunning and diverse natural landscapes, including vast salt flats, marshlands, lagoons, and dunes. The region’s picturesque scenery attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor adventurers. While the natural landscapes of Camargue stand out, the free-roaming white horses and pink flamingos are also good enough features to get you to visit Camargue.

You should also spare some time for the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue, which encompasses vast wetlands and is a haven for migratory birds and other wildlife. Besides, Camargue is one of the few places in Europe that cultivates rice for commercial purposes; visiting rice fields is a great way to experience the region’s beauty.

Avignon

Lying on the left bank of the Rhone River, Avignon offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in France.

The massive Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), which served as a papal residence from 1309 to 1377, is an architectural marvel showcasing both Gothic and medieval styles. Thanks to its beauty and rich history, it is the top highlight of visiting Avignon.

Other noteworthy places to explore include the Pont Saint-Bénézet (Pont d’Avignon), which partially spans the Rhone River, and the city’s UNESCO-World listed historic center.

Dune du Pilat

Located in the Arcachon Bay of Gironde department, Dune du Pilat is the tallest dune in Europe. It stretches about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) in length, is around 1,640 feet (500 meters) wide, and reaches a height of about 361 feet (110 meters) above sea level. The massive dune is tucked between verdant pine forests, Arcachon Bay, and the ocean, creating a wonderful environment.

Even more fascinating is that the dune constantly shifts and changes shape due to the wind and tides.

Climbing to the top of the dune offers stunning views of surrounding pine forests, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Banc d’Arguin nature reserve. Besides, it’s an excellent spot for sandboarding and hiking.