FRANCE

Beautiful countryside and great beaches
Plenty of hidden gems to explore making it a great hiking spot


Explore 

I have lived in France and Monaco for 3 years, taking any opportunity I have to explore the coast line and the beautiful countryside.
The best way to travel would be by car as it allows you to stop at any given moment and explore all the characteristic little villages; however the trains and buses network is very well structured across the country and good time schedules ( if there are not ongoing strikes , which is often the case in France).
​The TGV is definitely the way to go if you wish to visit Paris and the French Riviera, connecting Paris to Nice, is fast (about 5.5hrs),  clean and pretty reliable. ( www.sncf.com )

Highlights :
  • Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and its surrounding areas : best seen in spring or summer , it ticks all the boxes of what you expect from a perfect French experience. 
  • The Camargue: this natural region located south of Arles, is probably 2.5 hrs drive from Nice . The natural scenery is just spectacular , is perfect for bird watching lovers and famous for great kite-surfing conditions. Highlights are definitely the wetlands and the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargueers  is one of the most natural and most protected areas in all of Europe covering 820 km². If you like Medieval towns a must visit is Aigues Mortes, nearby a stunning salt plain, here they have regular themed events.
  • Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is considered one of the mist beautiful villages in France , lies at the western entrance to the Gorges du Verdon. 
  • The lavender fields are really spectacular, the best time of the year is end of June to start of August and probably the best places are Luberon, Sault and around Apt and at the foot of the Mont Ventoux.
  • Saint-Tropez : is not only VIP central , it is also one of the best spots for wild nature and beautiful beaches with plenty of traditional places that are affordable and authentic. It is probably my favorite spot in summertime on the Riviera.
  • Few towns on French Riviera that are very special: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Eze Village, Antibes old town and Nice. 
  • Paris, of course , last but not least, is a must visit. The amount of art and cultural activities are just incredible. Walk around and take the underground le Métro. The must see: Montmartre, the Louvre, the Tour Eiffel, Notre- Dame de Paris, walk down the Champs-Élysées and see the Arc de Triomphe, also great areas Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais for shopping. If you have time to visit Versailles, about 1 hr from Paris, I highly recommend it.
  • French Alps for skiing: Val d’Isère, Chamonix and Courchevel being highlights.

Facts

Language: French
Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro
Best time to visit: April to October, but is good all year round depending on location.
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Sleep 

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Mas Valentine 
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Enjoy


​Spa
Nice: Boscolo Exedra

Food
Nice: L'atelier du Port
Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Restaurant Alain Llorca
​La Turbie: Cafe de la Fontaine

Drinks
Eze: Anjuna Plage

Yoga

Nice:
http://www.yoga-nice.com/