Postcards from the South of France
The South of France is one of our favourite destinations. This year, we’ve visited in the hazy heat of July and for a second time to soak up the last of the season’s rays just as the leaves started to turn in the UK.
I’m never happier than when strolling through a French market, the colourfully shuttered French streets and people watching from a local café.
Here are a few places we’ve loved exploring…
Tourtour
This small medieval village is perched up high in the hills, with sweeping views for miles in every direction. On a clear day, the sea can even be seen twinkling in the distance. Walk through the winding streets and take a seat at one of the of the lovely restaurants centred around the village square with terraces of the panoramic views.
Lorgues
Located in the heart of the Var region and about an hour’s drive from the coast, this buzzing town has wide streets lined with plane trees offering much needed shade. It’s renowned for hosting one of the best and biggest markets every Tuesday, where you can amble down a long promenade taking in hundreds of different stalls. I stocked up on new woven baskets and delicious local honey this summer.
Aix-en-Provence
One of my favourite days this summer was spent exploring the city of Aix. With its baroque architecture, large fountains and different markets hidden round every corner, it is the perfect place for indulging in some shopping. As the birthplace of the artist Paul Cezanne, I visited the major exhibition at the Musée Granet, which celebrated the connection between his work and hometown. It was incredibly special to see such iconic works such as The Card Players and The Bathers all together in place where he painted them.
St Tropez
I’ve visited St Tropez before while staying at the botique hotel, Villa St Marie, but this year I took the ferry across from St Maxime for the day. Approaching from the water, you get the best views of the pastel coloured houses that line this famous port and of the yachts anchored in harbour. A short walk is the life and soul of the town - the market - full of bric a brac, vintage finds and stylish clothes. We had a lunchtime rosé at one of the cafés on the street corner and soaked up the Autumn sun under the yellow leaves.
Nice
I can’t recommend a late summer weekend in Nice more. Flying in couldn’t be easier - in the morning you are in rainy London and by lunchtime you are at a beach club (Rahl Beach Club was may favourite this year) taking a dip in the sea and enjoying a large aperol spritz. I have stayed at the gorgeous Hotel du Couvent but also in well located Air BnBs for ease. Some of my favourite things to do include visiting the Matisse museum, an evening walk along the Promenade de Anglais and having my morning coffee at Copenhagen Coffee Lab. The transport links are amazing, making it so a perfect base to explore the coastline from.
Villa de Rothschild
Just a short tram or taxi ride away from Nice, I wanted to spotlight this attraction. It’s one of the most famous villas on the Riviera with gorgeous Mediterranean gardens overlooking the sea. Guests can tour the gardens and its remarkable interiors. Originally the home of Beatrice de Rothschild, it is now a beautiful pink gem of a villa, with much of its original contents and artwork still in place.