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Are you planning to travel to France by yourself? Traveling alone can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! I have traveled to several places in France on my own and I highly recommend it. Below is a list of the top solo travel destinations in France!
Best of Solo Holidays in Southern France
When I smell lavender, it instantly reminds me of the south of France.
Lavender is grown extensively in the Provence region of France. There are fields upon fields of this fragrant flower.
Most famously there are the roads of lavender located to the north, of the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions. And to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille. Additionally to the east of Avignon.
Mid June to July is the ideal time to visit these fields in full bloom.
The name of the grape varieties is associated with the region they are grown in. For example, in Bordeaux, the most famous grape is Cabernet Sauvignon. Another example is Chardonnay, a grape that grows in Bourgogne.
Once you have picked out a delicious glass of wine, let’s continue our virtual evening living in French culture.
Bordeaux, France
I have been lucky enough to visit Paris, Toulouse, Nice, Eze, Cannes, and Bordeaux. Of all these fantastic cities, Bordeaux was my absolute favorite.
Of all these cities, I would return to Bordeaux the soonest. Something about Bordeaux stood out as special to me. The people were especially friendly, and this is not always the case in France. Some cities are naturally more welcoming than others.
Bordeaux has fairytale-like architecture, something out of Sleeping Beauty. I spent hours walking the streets, taking photos, and soaking in the culture.
Food in Bordeaux was especially tasty! I don’t eat meat, and in France, finding vegetarians options can pose a little challenge. In Bordeaux, there are several veggie-friendly restaurants, one in particular I adored. Restaurant Noma, which you can read about here in my full guide to Bordeaux.
Toulouse, France
I spent an amazing 48 hours visiting Toulouse, France! Not too far from Bordeaux, Toulouse offers an entirely different vibe!
A virtual evening living in French culture Toulouse style is a little different than Bordeaux for a couple of reasons. For starters, the food is a fusion of Spanish and French. Think tapas with a French twist.
Another reason Toulouse will stand out is the lifestyle. Also, influenced by the Spanish culture, the siesta is famous here. Except that during the hours of 2 pm and 8 pm, restaurants close.
Here are a few of my most favorite photos from my trip to Toulouse! I hope these enhance your experience of a virtual evening living in French culture.
Nice, France
Visiting Nice was a totally different experience than the other cities I have been to in France. It’s a French palm tree paradise kind of place. There is sort of these Miami Beach vibes, but in a French chateau like setting.
I’ve always dreamed about visiting the French Rivera, and I have to say, I was not disappointed! The vibe in Nice was very chill, it was a slower pace, and I quite enjoyed it!
Strolling along the promenade with my camera was my most favorite activity. Admittingly I wish I spent more time at the beach. But I only had 3 short nights in this magical place.
Eze | Cliffside Paradise
The French Rivera has a lot to offer! From Nice, you can reach Eze, in under an hour! Eze is a tiny village that is perched upon a hill that overlooks the Mediterranean sea. I can’t think of a better day trip from Nice, than to Eze!
When exploring Eze I found a wonderful little bistro that the most picturesque terrace overlooking the ocean. I encourage you to add this hidden gem to your bucket list!
Famous Movies Set in Eze
- The Bucket List – Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson & Sean Hayes
- The Transporter– Jason Statham
Cannes, France
Less than 2 hours from Nice, is the city of Cannes! Cannes is pronounced like “can”, as in “I’ll have a can of beer!” Cannes is famous for hosting the international film festival where they draw in Hollywood’s finest!
If you are looking to be inspired by Cannes and have a virtual evening living in French culture, why not watch a film?
The most famous movies filmed in Cannes are:
- French Kiss (1995) Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline
- To Catch A Thief (1955) Cary Grant and Grace Kelly
- Rust and Bone (2012) Marion Cotillard
- Ronin (1998) Robert De Niro and Jean Reno
- Femme Fatale (2002) Antonio Banderas and Rebecca Romijn
Make A Virtual Evening in French Culture A Reality
We are in some strange times. Never did I think I would be writing posts for a time in lockdown. But, we will get through it and soon be able to travel.
If you are thinking about making a multi-city trip in Europe, you will want to do some research. I have had a lot of practice traveling from city to city in Europe.
My experience led me to create a post and PDF planning guide to help point out everything you want to consider. Learn from my mistakes, and plan the perfect trip!
READ MORE: How to Plan A Multi-City Trip in Europe
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elizabeth says
This is incredible!! Totally paints the sensory-scene with the music and the lavender… I have a dried bouquet of lavender that I brought back from Serbia (but I’m pretending it’s French!) that’s sitting next to me, wafting the French vibes as I read and dream ? this was the perfect antidote to quarantine blues!
Paula says
I really love all the pictures in there! And I am so going to cook the mushroom bourguignon at home! Thank you for sharing.
alison abbott says
What a delightful way to spend an evening! I am a big fan of Bourguignon and can’t wait to try your mushroom version. You’ve certainly created a feast for all the senses in French culture.
Josy A says
This is such a nice idea. I love that you have included food and wine to get us all in the mood before we learn about these 4 cities.
p.s. It’s so funny that lavender makes you think of France. We have huge lavender fields in the UK, and I was surprised to find they have similar farms here in Canada as well. Now when I smell that relaxing scent, I just think of summertime.
For me, it is the fields of sunflowers that make me think of France.
Yara says
I absolutely loved the French Riveria, this was such a fun stroll down memory lane! Thank you for a beautiful post. Keep it up 🙂
Amanda Kerr says
Ah, it’s my dream to still go here! Great pictures girl!
Bliss says
What a great idea! I love the idea of creating an evening at home. I could do French, Mexican or Japanese!
Alissa says
I love how detailed this post is. It really does transport you to France! I also found the info about planning a real trip there super helpful. Hopefully I can experience France in person some time soon!