Here are just a few of the towns and their attractions to be found along the coast:

Nice

Probably one of the city’s most famous features is the 7km long Promenade des Anglais, named after those English tourists. It follows the coast, is long and wide and is a magnet for line skaters and skateboarders as well as promenaders (it’s wide enough to accommodate everyone).

The Old Town is not to be missed and neither is the pedestrianised Cours Saleya, home to a fruit and flower market some days, an antiques market the rest of the week, and lots of restaurants and cafes for lunch and dinner. Beautiful Belle Epoque buildings including the gorgeous Negresco Hotel grace the city with their presence.

Nice, French Riviera by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is of course well known for its rich, famous visitors, and the eye-bogglingly expensive yachts belonging to these people are certainly worth a stroll round in Quai Jean Jaurès.

There’s a 16th century citadel on a hill overlooking the town from which there’s a great view out to sea and if you’re in the mood for a proper walk, take advantage of the 7 mile track around the coast to the Pampelonne beaches, past Bridge Bardot’s house and Roger Vadim’s grave.

Saint-Tropez, French Riviera by Alessandro Prada

Cannes

Home of course to the film festival in May when you’ll be hard-pressed to find a luxury hotel, the old town (Le Suquet) on the hill is accessible all year round and a wonderful place for people-watching while sitting at a cafe. Cannes, too has its share of big boats that can be viewed in the Old Port area.

The city’s equivalent of the Promenade des Anglais, and just as famous, is the La Croisette with the sea on one side and a myriad of expensive hotels and palm trees on the other.

Cannes, French Riviera by Christophe.Finot

These are all famous, large towns well-visited by multitudes of tourists, but there are also some smaller towns on the French Rivieria …

Julie is a world traveller who loves combining her passion for writing and travelling in fantastic short travel guides. She also writes for Fortina Spa Resort, one of the top Hotels in Malta, situated in a prime seafront location overlooking the capital city Valletta.

The post A Trip Round The French Riviera appeared first on Europe Explored.

For Britishers, France has been the traditional destination for skiing holidays. Each year, millions of British tourists descend upon the slopes of the French Alps. Despite the burgeoning popularity of Austria and Switzerland, France remains the number one skiing destination for UK residents.

Courchevel Ski Resort, France by Matt Squirrell / License: Creative Commons

Part of the reason for France’s popularity as a skiing destination is the quantity and quality of ski resorts in the country. Eastern France is dominated by Alpine ski resorts, many of which date back to hundreds of years. Some of the most popular ski resorts in France are:

1. Courchevel, Saint-Bon-Tarentaise

Courchevel is where celebrities, royalty and multimillionaires go for their skiing holidays. One of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world, Courchevel offers facilities like no other resort in France. There are 11 five-star hotels in the resort, and two hotels have even been awarded the rare and much sought after six-star, or “palace” rating. Further, there are a total of seven restaurants sharing 11 Michelin stars between them.

All these facilities come at a price, of course. Courchevel can be frighteningly expensive for the average holidaying family. But if you want the finest ski holiday possible, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Courchevel.

2. Les Deux Alpes, French Isere departement

The second oldest resort in France, Les Deux Alpes has a rich history, challenging runs and plenty to offer for beginners as well as intermediate skiiers. The resort is located at a height of 1,650m with chair lifts going as high as 3,600m. There are plenty of accommodation options, including a Michelin star restaurant. Les Deux Alpes also boasts one of the best nightlife scenes among French resorts.

3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie

The oldest ski resort in France, Chamonix has grown over the centuries into one of the central skiing destinations in Europe. Unlike many of the other resorts on this list, Chamonix is spread over a vast area and has extensive accommodation and dining options. Skiing in the town of Chamonix is very affordable and the views are breathtaking. You can take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi which has stunning views of the Alps. The skiing is moderately difficult with very rough terrain.

Aiguille du Midi, Mont-Blanc, France by Cristian Bortes / License: Creative Commons

4. Montgenevre, Haute-Alpes

No resort can match Montgenevre for budget conscious holidayers. The little ski resort town is tucked away near the Italy-France border and offers plenty of challenging skiing opportunities for intermediate to beginner skiiers. The resort has plenty of cheap accommodation options, including all-expenses paid packages that run less than £400 per person.

5. St. Martin de Belleville, Rhone-Alpes

Another value-for-money ski resort nestled in the Rhone-Alpes region of France, St. Martin de Belleville is the quintessential Alpine town. Located at a height of over 3,500m, the resort has plenty of challenging ski routes and is a part of the Three Valleys ski area. Besides affordable hotels and challenging slopes, the resort is also well known for the 2 Michelin star restaurant, La Bouitte.

6. Val d’Isere, Savoie

One of the favorite ski resorts among British skiiers, Val d’Isere is famous throughout Europe for its challenging slopes. The terrain is rough and more suitable for intermediate to advanced skiiers. The accommodation is cheap and plentiful and caters to the British snowboarding/adventure tourist crowd.

7. Flaine, Haute-Savoie

Reasonably priced accommodation, good dining options, and moderately challenging slopes along with good beginner courses have turned Flaine into one of the most popular ski resorts among families. Add breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc to the mix, and you have the perfect recipe for a French ski holiday.

Brad Chambers is a blogger and journalist at Sealskinz.com a centre for sporting apparel and waterproof ski gloves. Brad enjoys, running, climbing and travel and holidaying in the South of France with his two daughters.

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If, however, you’re looking for something a bit more unusual, maybe you could consider one of our more off-beat destinations for your next French trip. Treat yourself to a stay in a French Villa while you are at it for the height of luxury.

1. The peculiar Palais Ideal

Hauterives, a tiny village in the Rhone-Alps province of France is, for the most part, unremarkable. The one thing for which it is famous is the Palais Ideal, a folly designed and built by a single man – postman Ferdinand Cheval – in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Palais idéal, Hauterives, France by Ankopedia

The Palais draws on a range of styles, particularly that of Hindu temples, and took 33 years to complete. Cheval himself rests in the complex in a grand mausoleum.

2. The Machines of the Isle of Nantes

Marauding around the city of Nantes are giant mechanical creations, devised by two French artists in the warehouses of the former shipyards who were previously based there. Inspired by the imaginary worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, a huge mechanical elephant was the first to be unveiled in the park and carries up to 49 passengers for a 45 minute walk around the site.

Later in 2012 the second exhibit, the Machine Worlds Carousel, will be opened with three levels showing 35 moving mechanical animals. In 2014 a third exhibit, The Heron Tree, will join the first two.

3. Ardeche region

With the ever-popular Normandy region and oft-visited Riviera, the inland regions of France are frequently overlooked. The Ardeche, in the Rhone-Alps area of the country, is rich with history from the prehistoric cave paintings at Chauvet Pont d’Arc through to more modern scientific pioneers of locomotives in Lyon.

If you have the chance, check out the Romanesque churches around Niègles and Rochecolombe dating back to the 10th century.

4. The Green Flash at sunset in St-Jean de Luz

Thought to be an optical illusion brought about by the refraction of light and the curvature of the earth at that precise point, in the last moments of sunset viewed from St-Jean de Luz a green ray seems to shoot out of the sun.

Located on the Basque coast amongst some of the finest fishing ports on the Riviera, why not check out one of the excellent fish restaurants while awaiting sunset?

5. The Midi-Pyrénées region

Home of the world-famous Roquefort cheese,the Midi-Pyrenees region has a host of hidden gems to offer the intrepid traveler. In particular the Cambalou caves, where the Roquefort cheeses are aged, has a great visitor centre that explains the process of making and maturing the legendary cheese.

6. Parisian Catacombs

Little do the majority of Paris’ visitors realize that beneath their feet lie the bones of six million people in the remains of the city’s former stone mines. The catacombs offer a fascinating insight into Parisian life through one of the most important things in life – the way we treat the dead.

7. Waterways of France

Often thought of as the preserve of the British, canal barge holidays are popular in France and there are many waterways to choose from. With over 8,000km of canals and rivers to cruise, the east and west of the country are crisscrossed with beautiful routes on which to take a relaxing boating holiday.

8. Great Dune of Pyla

In La Teste-de-Buch, 60 km from Bordeaux, lies the Pyla dune. The tallest sand dune in Europe, the bank abuts the Atlantic Ocean and rises to 107m above sea level.

The Great Dune of Pyla, France by Larrousiney

The dune is a beautiful place to walk, but is also popular for a number of other sports. The strong gusts off the Atlantic make it an ideal place for paragliding, while others use the steep slopes for sand boarding – a variant of snowboarding that can be enjoyed all year round.

Conclusion

Whether you want a peaceful holiday or to explore and find new experiences, there are plenty of destinations off the beaten track that can open up a new world on your doorstep.

The post 8 Unusual Destinations in France – A Guide To 8 Off The Beaten Destinations appeared first on Europe Explored.

Saint-Tropez, France by Zoé de Saint-Tropez

1 – Convenience

If travelling from the UK, you can reach Calais and Le Havre in a few short hours or less. By comparison, a trip to the South of France can involve a longer flight, and day or two of driving. In this way, the North of France is recommended for people that want a quicker getaway, or don’t want to have to transport young children on a long journey.

2 – Cities

There are many excellent cities in both the North and the South of France. The North’s distinction comes through it being the location of Paris. However, travels to the South can take in the similarly large, if not quite as diverse, cities of Nice and Marseille along the French Riviera. Travellers going to the South West of France can also enjoy the historic city of Bordeaux.

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France by Trey Ratcliff

3 – Temperature

Those wanting to enjoy the sun and the beach are probably better off heading south than trying the climate of the Northern part of France, which is broadly similar to the UK. The South’s Mediterranean climate is much hotter, and features many more sandy beaches. Marseille and Nice are particularly popular for tourists. Visitors to the South and France’s Eastern border with Switzerland can also enjoy the sun and the skiing opportunities of the French Alps.

4 – Cultural Differences

While there are no major differences in terms of language and shared culture between the North and the South of France, there are a few contrasts that should be taken into consideration. The South of France is generally more tourist driven, and most French people will travel to it as part of their own holidays. The pace of life in the South is also slower and more relaxed in the larger cities and resorts. Cities like Monte Carlo are more expensive than the towns of the North. Food in the South is similarly more Mediterranean in terms of the use of spices and local fish delicacies.

Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, France by marcovdz

5 – Travel Options

Being based in the North or the South of France will create different opportunities for further travel. On the other hand, being based in the North means that you can easily travel onto Belgium and Germany, while also gaining access to the Netherlands. By contrast, a trip to the South of France creates the chance to travel to Switzerland and Germany via the Alps, as well as heading west to Spain and Portugal. The South of France is also a good base for journeys on to the North of Africa and parts of Greece.

Conclusions

Taken together, those wanting a short journey, and the opportunity to enjoy Paris and cooler temperatures should consider the North of France, while those after sun and beaches, and a more Mediterranean holiday, can head south. Again, however, there is no reason not to enjoy both during the course of a longer trip.

Brought to you by the bloggers from Cheznous. Offering holidays in France.

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Bray-Dunes, France by aimee daniells

A visit to the North Sea

While the southern beaches are great for those that like to enjoy the sun, do not neglect the North Sea from your route. Here, the weather is not as hot as on the French Riviera, so you can enjoy walking on the shores without fear of getting burned. During the nights, the temperature can get quite cold, so it is best to pack some warmer clothes with your luggage.

Some of the nicest resorts on the north coast are Zuydcoote and Bray-Dunes.

Visiting the English Channel

For families that love the quaint and the quiet part of France, there is no better place to embark on a vacation than the English Channel. Etretat is one of family friendly resorts that you can find in this area, especially known for the white cliffs and the white sand beaches that can be found nearby. Honfleur is a resort ideal for visiting historical places, as the local port and house are filled with history.

Other great family resorts along the English Channel are Perros-Guirrec, Berck on Sea and Granville.

Taking your family on the Atlantic Coast

When you want a bit of action and hotter weather, you can take your family with you on the Atlantic Coast of France. Some of the best known resorts here is Biarritz, a place where celebrities often meet. However, if you do not like the hustle and bustle of the trendiest resorts, you have plenty of others to choose from. Les Sables d’Olonne is famous for its beaches and for its boats.

Biarritz, France by Emmanuel Dyan

La Trinite-sur-Mer and La Baule are also great picturesque resorts where you can take your family.

A trip to the Mediterranean Coast

A great thing about France is that it can offer all kinds of weather, due to its spread from the North Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here the water is warmer and the weather is sweeter, which makes children really enjoy the many water activities that can be performed in the area.

Great family resorts on the Mediterranean Coast include Valras and Collioure.

Paris

If the beach and its attractions are not enough to complete a great vacation to France, there is always Paris. You cannot go wrong if you take your family on a trip to the famous capital. While seen as a trendy destination, Paris can also be very children friendly, with its Cite des Sciences (with a whole department dedicated exclusively to kids), and Centre Pompidou, with its Galerie des Enfants. The famous French deserts will definitely have your children beg you to stay more.

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Les Voiles de St. Tropez / Michael Reuter

When considering chartering a yacht for a French Riviera cruise, you should know that azure skies are the limit when it comes to high end luxury.  Upon first setting sight of St. Tropez, you will notice that no yacht is too big, too ostentatious, or too opulent.  St. Tropez is a visual feast, and if you sail in on a modest catamaran, you will get to enjoy it just the same.  Choose the powerboat, sailboat, or super yacht that best suits your group, and bear in mind that you won’t spend all of your time onboard once you’ve reached St. Tropez.

What would the south coast of France be without beautiful beaches?  St. Tropez’s famous beaches, Plage de Pampelonne and Tahiti Beach, are worth visiting, especially if you are interested in people watching.  There are restaurants and cafes here, of course, but it’s actually an outdoor market that comes most highly recommended for typical French provisioning.  Stop by the Place des Lices to shop for delectable picnic food, and then head to Tarte Tropezienne for the area’s outstanding namesake dessert.  Cap off any evening with a drink at Les Caves du Roy, Le Papagayo, or Café Senequier.  By day, take your guests to Maison des Papillons to see a grand collection of butterflies, or challenge them to a match on the courts at Tennis Club de St. Tropez.  The Musee de L’Annonciade is also a terrific option for visitors to the region who want to experience the beauty of St. Tropez as captured by famous artists over the years.

If you manage to time your trip around the 1st of October, then you are in for a treat.  Les Voiles de St. Tropez is a spectacle whether you participate in it or just watch.  This sailing regatta brings about 3500 crew from all over the globe to compete in the fun that is this end-of-summer sailing race.  You may charter a boat to race, or you may opt to watch from the sidelines.  There is much celebrating either way, and it gives visitors a sense of community with the other boating enthusiasts. Perhaps you’ve made the voyage at another time of year and still want to experience St. Tropez from a different angle; try climbing onboard schooner Le Brigantine, which will take you on an unforgettable tour of Baie de St. Tropez.

Despite its popularity, St. Tropez retains much in the way of village charm.  Many people will have come to its shores on their super yachts, but many others will have traversed from inland.  Not everyone can afford to stay for very long, but anyone can come and feel the sand, surf, and sunshine for a short while.  Book a chartered yacht soon, and be one of those lucky enough to have sailed stylishly into port at stunning St. Tropez.

For more Luxury Yacht Charter information, visit International Yacht Charter Group.

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Whether you believe movies today are better or more engaging is irrelevant, no one can watch a true golden age movie without being caught up in the romance and beauty of a simpler time. It would seem that nothing was more romantic to Hollywood at the time than Europe, the land too far away to be accessible by the average Joe but close enough for the culture to reach over the Atlantic. Here are three famous golden age movies set in Europe that anyone can relive by visiting a few key points.

Roman Holiday / Photo released under public domain

Roman Holiday – Rome

Staring the encapsulating Audrey Hepburn in her first Hollywood movie, Roman Holiday follows Princess Ann/Anya as she tries to escape the pressure of her obligations just for a day. Accompanied by journalist Joe, Hepburn tours the city and sees some of its famous sites complete with a scooter as the most applicable mode of transport.

If you’re heading to Rome for a holiday you can visit the historic Spanish Steps where Joe arranges to bump into Anya so he can convince her to accompany him. Built in 1717 these steps are an iconic landmark in Rome and lead up to the 16th Century church of Trinita dei Monti. At the bottom of the steps you’ll see the world famous Barcaccia Fountain. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath from a busy day of shopping in all the surrounding boutique shops.

The second site Joe takes Anya to is the La Bocca Della Verita, an ancient marble carving said to be from the 1st century.  Rumour has it that anyone who places their hand in the mouth and tells a lie will have their hand bitten off. Sat in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin tourists flock to test this mask and most come away with their hands intact.

To Catch A Thief – French Riviera

To Catch A Thief stared the beautiful Grace Kelly and Cary Grant and follows them as retired cat burglar John works to clear his name after a copycat starts stealing jewels. This film is set in the French Riviera making it the perfect setting for Kelly’s wealthy character Francie and her mother and of course a whole host of sparkling jewels – it’s the very definition of decadence.

The Riviera is the perfect setting for this film, not because of any specific sights but because of the general reputation of the Riviera. Its wonderful weather, crystal waters and golden beaches and of course an excess of wealth make it the perfect setting for a film about wealth and love.

If you’re heading over to the Riviera there is plenty to see just driving along the stunning coast (as highlighted in the film). If you love art then Saint-Paul De Vence is the centre in this region with galleries, artist’s homes and show rooms everywhere. If you’re looking for the level of wealth and decadence seen in the film then head over to Monaco, one of the most expensive areas in the world. You’ll find shops, gardens, museums all at the highest quality that can easily swallow days of a holiday.

The Prince and the Showgirl – London

The personal life behind Hollywood ledged Marilyn Monroe is irrelevant; you can’t watch her on screen and not be encapsulated by her innocent vulnerability.  As with so many of her roles, Monroe plays Elsie who initially appears strong but would dearly love to be rescued (much as Monroe was reported to be like when she was alive). Unlike the other two movies mentioned above, The Prince and the Showgirl isn’t set in any exotic or tropical climates, but in the reserved sophistication of London, England.

Elsie is a show girl who catches the attention of regent prince, Charles. Throughout the film we watch the Prince chase Elsie in an attempt to woo. She ends up proving she’s smarter and more insightful than he thought and they fall for each other.

There’s no city in the world like London for portraying a regal feeling without losing the romance and if you’re ever heading to London for a holiday there’s plenty to see. Obviously you’ve got an amazing selection of museums and theatres to see but if you just want to while away a few hours on a summers evening, take a stroll along the River Themes. Walk past the impressive Houses of Parliament and along the embankment. You’ll usually see lots of street performers asking for nothing more than a donation in their hat if you like what you see, the perfect romantic evening without spending a fortune.

Jessica writes for Live in Portugal providing banking services in Portugal for any UK residents.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by jim crossley

Spanish sighs and France’s finest

Spain’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant city, Barcelona is awash with art, culture, sport and music. Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, the extraordinary cathedral that is still being built today, is just one of the enduring symbols of this amazing city. Its other great cathedral is the Nou Camp, the home of Barcelona FC. Hop on one of the city’s tour buses to soak up as much of Barcelona as possible so you can make the most of any stop here.

Considered by many as the jewel of the Med, Palma de Mallorca is a stunning fusion of Roman, Spanish, Catalan, Moorish and contemporary culture. Its mighty cathedral dominates the city centre where cool bars and top-class restaurants are filled nightly with the rich, the famous and the ordinary holidaymaker. Its narrow, cobbled streets are a treat, particularly for shopaholics.

The romantic allure of the French Riviera remains undimmed after decades at the top of every celebrity’s holiday wish list. Nice has stunning beaches and shopping to die for but is also a cultural oasis, too – second only to Paris in the number of museums and art galleries it has. Make time for a stroll and a refreshment on the Promenade des Anglais.

The celeb count is always high in Cannes, too, particularly during its world-famous film festival in May. This once sleepy fishing village is now one of the most glamorous spots in the world and you simply have to perch at a street café by the marina to people watch. Explore the winding streets of the old town and enjoy a spectacular view from the castle ruins at the top.

Africa meets Europe in dazzling fashion in Marseille where the sights and sounds of that continent mingle with French natives, creating a tantalising mix just like the seafood that’s mixed to make this city’s famous fish broth, bouillabaisse. Explore Roman ruins and wander through markets selling local produce and more exotic sights, smells and sounds of North and West Africa.

La dolce vita

Mere words cannot adequately describe Rome, the Eternal City. It’s probably easier simply to list some of its outstanding attractions and give you a hint of why you must make the most of every single moment in this extraordinary place. St Peter’s Square and the Vatican, the Coliseum and Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps – history is literally around every corner. They say all roads lead to Rome. Make sure you’re on one.

The tiny island of Capri, off the west coast of Italy near Naples, is four square miles of stunning beauty. Take the funicular from the Marina Grande to the main town and enjoy the best Italian coffee at a café while people watching. Capri is renowned for its sky-high prices but sometimes you simply have to splash out!

The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is quite simply art, culture and architectural heaven. Its museums and art galleries are world class, particularly the Galleria degli Uffiz, which is so busy you’ll need to book in advance. Don’t miss the Duomo di Firenze, the city’s enormous cathedral – climb Giotto’s Tower next door for the best view of the cathedral dome.

Balkan beauty

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik’s magnificent city walls and Old Town survived the Balkan conflict and today this Croatian city is one of the must-visit stops on any Mediterranean cruise. Walk the city walls and marvel at the mediaeval fortress; take the cable car to the top of Mount Srd for amazing views over the city and the sparkling Adriatic beyond; and wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, shopping for bargains.

Greece’s capital, Athens is a sprawling metropolis where the monuments of Ancient Greece nestle alongside the trappings of modern life. The Acropolis and Parthenon remain proud symbols of Greece as the birthplace of modern civilisation, while the Monastiraki district is packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.

Guest post provided by Bon Voyage one of the leading online suppliers of top quality Mediterranean cruises.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Andrew Crump

An overview of the region

The largest city in the area is Nice with a population of about 350,000. It is a popular tourist destination among celebrities and common people alike. It features a beautiful flower market apart from its commercial port. The airport is the third busiest airport in France after both the airports in Paris. The low budget airlines have contributed greatly to the increased tourists arrivals in this region.

To the east of Nice you will find the resort of Menton, known for its lemon festival and stunning villas. Cannes, the city popular for its film festival, is also located on the French Riviera and witnesses a lot of tourist activity. Towns like Mandelie-La Napoule, located further to the west of the region, are known for their unique chateaux and marinas. St Tropez is another popular holiday destination, which is a favorite among celebrities and movie stars. Small villages surrounding St. Tropez have managed to retain a bit of their fishing village atmosphere.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Michael Gwyther-Jones

The French Riviera is often associated with wealth, glamorous lifestyle and yachts. But taking a stroll into the old areas may change you outlook. You will find a number of quaint towns and villages on the coast. Several of these unassuming little towns attract artists, who find inspiration in the serenity and beauty of the region. Businessmen are known to purchase Cote d’Azur Villas in France, which are primarily used as holiday retreats. Other than painting, which is seen all over the region, Cote d’Azur is also known for activities like perfumery, pottery and glass blowing.

Villas at Cote d’Azur

France exhibits some of its most exquisite architecture in the villas located on the French Riviera. These properties are owned by some of the richest people in the world, many of whom are famous. Sean Combs, Tom Cruise, David Beckham and Johnny Depp are among the some of the rich and famous that own property here.

Cote d’Azur Villas in France, although expensive, are a worthy investment. The properties often include waterfront houses with private beaches with enough space for a yacht. Others are characterized by beautiful marble staircases and wrought iron grills. A large number of contemporary villas have been seen cropping up recently made entirely with chrome finished glass. This timeless destination is a hotspot for international investors, especially because of its warm sunny weather. Hiring a real estate agent can be helpful when purchasing or renting a villa as they are well versed with the local laws, tax regulations and other such rules.

Want to find out more about luxury holiday villa rentals in France, then visit Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, the luxury property rental specialists for apartments to rent in Cannes and villas throughout the South of France.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phyllis Buchanan

The village of Cassis

The picturesque village of Cassis is set on a working fishing port, where fishermen can be seen pulling baby squid, crabs, clams, prawns and sea urchins from the ocean, for sale at local restaurants. The port is lined with fishermen’s houses in pink, yellow and eggshell-blue, the pastels favoured in Provence. The town is dotted with restaurants serving fresh seafood at a range of prices. The Michelin-starred La Villa Madie restaurant is set on the cliffs of Cassis, combining a splendid view with exceptional food.

Beaches and ‘calanques’

Cassis boasts unspoiled beaches, far quieter than those in neighbouring towns and cities, that don’t close, making a midnight dip possible for those who want to indulge. There are no noisy private beaches either – the only music one can hear is provided by the scores of cicadas. The region is so well-known for its cicadas that many souvenir shops sell cicada-related memorabilia. The water in the ‘calanques’ stay shallow quite far out, creating great conditions for snorkelling. The beaches are rocky with sparse trees reaching down to the shore, but are bordered by vineyards, fig and olive trees.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Evan Bench

Cassis wine

The region’s famous white wine is said to be the perfect accompaniment to the local seafood. In 1936, Cassis wine, together with Chateauneuf du Pape and Sauternes, obtained the first term of controlled origin in France. Although rose and red wines are produced in the region, the white remains the most popular and most famous, and vineyards cover 470 acres. Because the area is sunny, with no violent weather changes, the area is perfect for growing grapes and has been used for this since 600 BC. Cassis white wine is a golden straw colour, with a nutty flavour.

Activities in and around Cassis

Aside from gorgeous beaches, wonderful food and magnificent wine, Cassis offers visitors a range of activities. There are many sightseeing cruises along the ‘calanques’ or, for those who want to see them more closely, rock-climbing up the sandstone cliffs. Small boats can be hired in the harbour and used as taxis to out-of-the-way nooks along the coast. The area is popular with cyclists and regularly hosts cycling competitions. Of course, visitors love hiking along the tops of the cliffs and, for the few days when the weather isn’t quite right for spending time outdoors, there are a number of vineyard tours with wine-tasting included.

This article was written by Martin Boulton from medwelcome

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