Picture this: you’re sitting out on your balcony, a little table for two is set with hot coffee and freshly baked croissants, you’re watching the sunrise over a town of terracotta buildings. Rich, lush greenery covered in a light mist sits on the slopes of the valley the town is nestled in, and if you follow the winding roads below, they’ll take you to the sea.
The South of France isn’t just the bustling beachy playground of the rich and famous, further inland from the pure sands of Cannes and Antibes, you’ll find humble towns that aren’t touristy but a joy to visit and have plenty of history to explore. This summer I visited the town of Lorgues, a trip originally planned around the gorgeous little Airbnb I’d found for a week’s respite after an intense few months at work. But, once booked, the social media algorithms kicked in and I found there was more to the area than I thought. Here’s a few of my recommendations for discovering the gorgeous, inland French countryside (you’ll need a car for this)!
Take a road trip from the airport
Fly to Nice rather than Marseille and take the route that avoids the tolls on the Autoroute. The drive through the country roads is stunning! I recorded about 80% of the drive because it was all so beautiful: lush trees, quaint little villages, toppling towns with market stalls and pottery shops.
Discover the Lavender fields
The town of Grasse is known as the perfume capital of the world and in the right season is surrounded by miles of lavender fields. While visiting you can walk through them (a gorgeous photo opportunity) and take a tour of the perfume manufacturing process, which has provided fragrance to the likes of Chanel and Dior for many years.
Explore a Chateau
There are lots of Chateaus with lush vineyards around many of the inland towns and villages, but if you do stay in the Lorgues area, I’d recommend the Chateau la Martinette. Tucked away down a winding lane, it’s surrounded by 400 hectares of land where they grow lavender, olives and grapes. It’s one of the oldest wine estates in the country, with history dating back to 1620 and has recently undergone some renovation and additions – including a gorgeous restaurant which serves a small, seasonal menu of sensational dishes at tables that look out over the estate. It’s simply stunning. I recommend getting a taxi so you can try their delicious wines! It’s worth noting that in France, although breathalyzing by police doesn’t happen often, the legal driving limit equates to around half a glass of wine.
Stroll around a medieval village
Seillans is a tiny village that has gained interest in recent years for travelers looking for a more rustic and authentic experience in Southern France. With winding cobbled streets, ancient fountains and hidden courtyards, where you’ll find locals having a quiet breakfast, it’s peaceful and romantic. Be warned though – it’s a hilltop village so a real workout for the legs! It’s around an hour’s drive further North from Lorgues, but the drive takes you through some breathtaking countryside. It’s well worth packing a picnic and making stops along the way.
See nature’s beauty from up high
The views across the Lac de Sainte-Croix from the bridge with the same name are incredible. The lake runs into the Gorges du Verdon, which has bright turquoise waters, white-water rapids and cliffs. There’s plenty of activities: canoeing, rafting, cycling and hiking; but if you’re wanting the views from a more relaxed perspective, there’s lots of viewpoint stops by the road along the gorge that give an impressive bird’s eye view.
Happy travels!
XOXO, #yourfashionbestie
