by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:18th September 2018
Is an excuse really needed?
One of my beliefs in life is, ‘you can never have too much of a good thing’, and any trip to France, whether north, south, east, or west, is a good thing.
Gary and I have been visiting France together for about three decades; it’s such an intriguing country culturally and visually, we just can’t stop returning. Bearing in mind in the UK, we’re such close neighbours, and at times, we seem to be oceans apart and not just the short hop across the English Channel.
As you may know by now, we love our road trips, so there is no other option than jumping in the car, catching Le Shuttle, and heading south.
Why not Pin it for later?
The view over, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
We’re revisiting a couple of the towns we’ve chosen on a previous trip, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Villefranche-sur-Mer, as we found them perfect places to base ourselves and tour the surrounding regions in greater depth.
Okay, so there may have been another reason why I wanted to head back to Provence and the Côte d'Azur. A bit indulgent, I know; however, I love southern France, and I couldn’t think of a better place to celebrate our 30th anniversary. There I’ve said it, we really are that old!!!!!!
Where are we visiting in France?
Our chosen accommodation while touring FranceHere are just a few of our inspirations that lured us into this road trip adventure. Gary and I didn’t want to just head directly south and back home again, with so many beautiful towns to discover in between, so, these are the locations and accommodation we have chosen.
France’s beautiful landscape
Something for everyoneThe landscape in France can be quite diverse at times, with towering mountains, rugged shorelines and vineyards rolling across the countryside. Visually, you’re in for a treat.
Working among the vines
One region of France which we’re particularly looking forward to touring is Les Trois Corniches, along the French Riviera. Sun on our faces, wind in our hair and craggy coastline to die for, I can’t wait.
The wonderful Corniche d'Or on the Cote d'Azur
Although, who could resist driving amongst the fertile olive groves and the ochre-coloured hillsides of Provence. This is such a beautiful region of France, winding your way through the little hilltop villages with local produce for sale at the morning markets. You'll come across scenes reminiscent of the movie 'A Good Year'.
The olive groves of Provence
Gary and I have never been to the Alps region of France, so we’re really looking forward to seeing the mountainous peaks and the beautiful Lake Annecy.
Where Annecy meets the edge of the Alps
The rich history in France
The Romans left their markWe love our history, and France has plenty of it; we’ve previously visited Avignon, Nîmes and Arles and the Roman feat of engineering of the Pont du Gard. This aqueduct truly is incredible to see and to stroll across. It’s hard to believe that this magnificent structure has survived for over 2,000 years.
Grab your Pont du Gard ticket before you go to skip the line.
The Pont du Gard, Provence
During this visit to the South of France, we’re going to explore some more of the historic medieval hilltop villages that are dotted across the Provence countryside. We’ve particularly got our eye on Tourrettes-sur-Loup.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France
You almost feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you stroll through the tiny, narrow lanes and discover hidden archways.
If you love Provence as much as we do, you'll want to start planning your visit now.
I so enjoy using the DK Eyewitness books, as they are extremely informative, easy to follow and the pictures and maps tempt you into discovering more.
We used a previous version of this book to plan our Provencal road trip, now you can grab the revised copy.
The Art and Culture in Southern France
Soak up the atmosphereOne of the destinations we’re heading to is Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. This charming town not only has the 2nd-century BC Roman city of Glanum, but it is also where Vincent van Gogh painted The Starry Night at the Saint-Paul de Mausole monastery.
This Provencal region of France has attracted so many great artists over the years.
Well preserved remains at Glanum, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence,
One city that we visited all too briefly when we were in Southern France in 2012 was Nice. I’m so looking forward to heading back and taking a stroll along the elegant promenade.
I remember there was an ice-cream parlour amongst the cobbled streets in Nice old town, so I’m definitely going to search it out again
The shoreline at Nice on the Cote d'Azur
During this trip, we’re staying at the stunning coastal town of Villefranche-sur-Mer along the Côte d'Azur for a few nights. And as we’re Formula 1 fans, there is no way we will pass up the opportunity of heading to Monaco.
I can’t wait to cruise the streets around the casino and harbour, where the F1 circus comes alive every May; it’s going to be fun.
The Fangio monument on the streets of Monte Carlo
Tempted to?
Discover more of France on your own road trip like us, if you’re unable to bring your own car or are flying into this lovely country give Rental Cars a go. They cover all budgets and allow you to pick up and drop off at different destinations.
Visiting Annecy
A new location for usHeading back north through France, we will be visiting Annecy, a first for Gary and me; it looks incredibly picturesque. Attractive canals winding their way between beautiful flower-decked houses and little bridges leading along cobbled lanes.
Ohh, and there’s a lovely lake, too; we must ensure we take a little tour around the shoreline.
Looking back on the Chateaux d'Annecy
In the past, Gary and I have briefly toured through the Jura region of France.
However, on this trip, we’ve decided to stay at Arbois in the heart of this wine province. Arbois looks to be a very verdant part of the country and another area rich in vineyards –that’s France for you.
The Place de la Liberté, Arbois
We love the French cuisine
Don’t be shyOur philosophy is “When in Rome” when it comes to food and drink, and in France, this is always our weakness. Their regional specialities tempt us time and time again, delicious new dishes and some old favourites we love returning back to.
Although occasionally, some of the cuisine can be an acquired taste, and to be quite frank, I never want to smell Andouillette sausage again; that’s a story for another time.
A fondue typical of the Arbois region
All restaurants in France have a ‘menu du jour’ and are usually excellent value. We often look out for the local bistros as these tend to offer something slightly different, and we enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.
Fish is definitely going to be the order of the day along the French Riviera; however, who knows what we’ll find in Annecy and Arbois.
A daily menu
Discovering French Wine
You’re in France, after all!Ooh la la, don’t get me started on French wine; France has something for every wine lover. A bold, punchy red, a crisp, dry white, a light Provencal rosé, I’m also quite partial to a chilled Pinot Noir.
An evening drink at Villefranche-sur-Mer
After a little bit of research, I’ve also discovered that Arbois, in the Jura region, has a vin jaune (yellow wine); apparently, it is similar to a dry Fino Sherry.
Well, okay, for research purposes only, I’ll give it a try.
Bread & Wine
Who could forget France’s Champagne? And as we are staying in the heart of the Champagne region in the small town of Ay, we’ll be raising a glass.
Have You?
Ventured on a road trip around France? Which regions did you explore, and do you have any special places you would love to share with us, as there is so much more we want to discover?
How did the trip go?
Well, if you would like to know how this little road trip panned out, why not look at all the posts from the trip?
We had a ball, and we hope that we can inspire you to discover more of France.
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