It’s August 2, 2024 and I’ve been living in the South of France for exactly 11 years. I arrived in Villeneuve-Loubet on August 2, 2013, where I stayed for 3 years before moving to Nice in 2016. I’ve travelled so many roads, and above all, I’ve been lucky enough to discover so many magnificent places in this beautiful PACA region: perched villages, calanques, islands, mountain peaks over 2000m high, etc. One thing’s for sure, I’ve seen it all over the years!
To mark the occasion of my 11 wonderful years in south-east France, I’m sharing with you the 11 most beautiful spots that have marked me in the PACA region
1. The calanques of Marseille
And more specifically, the calanques of Sugiton and Pierres Tombées in Marseille. I think this is the landscape that made the biggest emotional impression on me, so impressed was I by the “grandiose” and “spectacular” nature of these great limestone cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Hiking in the Mercantour National Park
All the hikes in the Mercantour National Park are just spectacular, but I was deeply moved when I arrived at the crest of Lac des Millefonts at an altitude of over 2,300 meters (see photo above), and also by the magic of the Gordelasque.
3. Villefranche harbour
It was when I first visited the Villefranche Sur Mer roadstead in the summer of 2011, while on vacation in the south of France, that I fell under the region’s spell. And in my memories, it was at that precise moment that a seed began to plant itself in my brain, spontaneously asking me what magic it must be to live in this idyllic setting. 2 years later, I moved to the French Riviera !
4. The village of Gourdon and its panoramic view
The village of Gourdon impressed me the most with its highly original location: perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of over 700 meters. This location has earned it the pretty nickname of “Eagle’s Nest”. In addition to its unusual location, Gourdon is an open balcony offering breathtaking panoramic views!
5. The Gorges du Verdon
The Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s most beautiful canyon, needs no introduction! A truly incredible spot that I’d recommend visiting out of season. I’ve been there a dozen times, and every time, I always feel like I’m in Thailand. It’s one of my favorite spots for paddleboarding.
6. The village of Moustier Sainte-Marie
I was first impressed by the location of the village of Moustier Sainte-Marie: that it was built at the foot of the cliffs overlooking the village. Then, by the beauty of the village itself, which totally seduced me. In fact, it’s listed as one of the “most beautiful villages in France” for its many assets: church, ramparts, chapel perched on one of the cliffs, waterfall, stone houses, panoramic view..
7. Cassis and its road to Crete
Another slap in the face with this incredible view of the very pretty town of Cassis, which had seduced me enormously. It was on the road to Crete that I came across this panorama that left me speechless!
8. L’Estérel and its many calanques (including the calanque de saint-barthélémy)
There’s the “Grand Canyon” in Nevada and there’s the “Petit Canyon” in Saint-Raphaël on the Côte d’Azur. You enter a new dimension when you drive along the Corniche d’Or road with these incredible red rocks for company. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots on the French Riviera, as well as a popular paddle spot for its wild, natural setting. There are a dozen calanques, but I have my 3 favorite calanques in Saint-Raphaël
9. The island of Porquerolles
Paradise on Earth really does exist and can be found in Porquerolles, more precisely on Notre Dame beach, considered to be the most beautiful beach on the island. I felt like I was entering paradise for the first time, because the entrance is just right. Its arid landscape and translucent sea reminded me of a piece of Corsica.
10. Sillans-la-Cascade
I discovered this waterfall in 2015, when you could still swim in it. I was amazed by the unusual setting, the color of the emerald green water and the sound of the cascade. It’s a real gem in our beautiful region!
11. Sisteron and its incredible Baume rock
This is without doubt the most original spot I’ve visited, and that’s why I’ve included it in my ranking. I found the place very interesting and unusual compared to what I’m used to seeing: I had this rock standing there in front of me that I found so solitary with all its folds. And at the same time, in good company, with these little huts at its feet and the clue surrounding it. A truly original spot. Thank you Sisteron!
Mais Encore
Drawing up this list was no easy task, as I realized that there are so many places I’ve visited that have made an incredible impression on me and given me so much emotion (because that’s the whole point!).
To this TOP 11, I would add the Plateau de Valensole and its lavender fields, the sublime village of Bormes les Mimosas, Ramatuelle and its Cap Taillat, the Calanque du Mugel in La Ciotat… And many more places to come in a new newsletter!
A new road trip to come
As you may have noticed, one department is missing: Vaucluse. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the PACA region, which I haven’t yet had the chance to discover, and God knows I’ve had some superb feedback.
L’isle-sur la Sorgue, Saint-Rémy de Provence, Gordes, the Provencal Colorado… I’m coming!!!
source: https://www.destinationluberon.com/
