Weddings in Southern France

Cannes

French Riviera

Monaco

Southern France

Southern France is a breathtaking region of the world.

It’s an area renowned for its culture, history and landscapes, with an undeniable reputation for glitz and glamour. The South of France is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the south, by Spain and Andorra on the west, and by Italy on the east. The Cevennes and the Alps form a natural border to the north. From the Marais Poitevin marshlands in the west to the Camargue delta in the east, from Cassis’ white cliffs to Gorges du Verdon’s turquoise lake, from Mont Saint Michel to Aquitaine’s Basque country, you will be fascinated with it’s diversity.

It is also home to some of Europe’s most beautiful cities: Nice; Cannes; Avignon; Arles; Carcassonne; Montpellier; Toulouse; Lourdes; Bordeaux; Biarritz; Marseille and Saint Tropez… The South of France has everything you are looking for!

The French Riviera

The so-called French Riviera or Côte d’Azur is an area of great beauty and charm. In the fifties, it was a destination for the European aristocracy, and nowadays, it still attracts an international elite. St. Tropez is home to the most famous beaches, attracting celebrities from all over the world. On the other hand, Cannes is famous for its film festival and shopping opportunities. Nice is another of the most popular destinations in this region, with a charming Old Town and, as you would expect in this area, stunning beaches. There are also many coastal towns that are worth a visit: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat or Antibes.

On the interior, we find places like Grasse or Draguignan that are interesting for their history and culture; but there is also the possibility to enjoy a hike in the mountains and admire stunning views of hilltop villages such as Tourrettes sur Loup or Gourdon. The mountain range that runs along this region is not very high but offers many options for hiking enthusiasts. For those who enjoy adventure sports as well as stunning landscapes there are also many canyons to explore: Les Gorges du Verdon.

Culture and History

As one of the oldest regions in Europe, Southern France has many stories to tell in its buildings and monuments. One of the best examples is Carcassonne Castle, a medieval fortress that was constructed over two thousand years ago. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel and perhaps one of the most famous symbols of Southern France. The well-preserved ruins are surrounded by double walls and 52 towers, which provide stunning views over the plains below.

Landscapes

The landscape of Southern France is one of its biggest draws—and it’s easy to see why! From rolling hills to snow-capped mountains to sparkling blue waters, there’s something for every kind of traveler. We recommend heading to Lourdes if you want something a little more off the beaten path; this small town has a number of hiking trails that offer views unlike anything else in Europe.

The beaches are often crowded with sun-worshippers, but for many the real charm lies in the countryside. The landscapes of Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon are dotted with pretty villages set amid forests, vineyards and fields of lavender. The cuisine is simple but delicious: olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and herbs combine to create some of France’s most famous dishes — ratatouille, bouillabaisse and boulettes de viande. And everywhere you look, you’ll see reminders of the region’s long history — Roman ruins, medieval castles and stately Renaissance chateaux.

In between sunbathing on one of the region’s sandy beaches or exploring its lovely countryside, make sure to sample a glass or two of wine. From the roses of Provence to the robust reds of Bordeaux, there’s a glass to suit every taste.