When you think of the south of France, you may have images in your mind of the rich and famous sunbathing on beaches or the world-class casinos. This area is also known for the annual Cannes Film Festival; however, there are many things to do and see in this part of France that you may not know about. The three places below are only a sampling of sites to see.
Visit the town of Sete
Often called the Little Venice of France, this seaside town has buildings lining canals with boats docked along the water. The local restaurants are well known for their seafood dishes. One unique experience in Sete is the sport of water jousting. These competitions have been going on for centuries and are a variation of the jousting done by knights on horses. Here, in Sete, men compete in boats with long lances and shields. Of course, the goal is to knock your opponent into the water. There are strict rules that are enforced, as this sport is taken seriously by locals, but it is also enjoyed by tourists.
Visit the cit of Grasse
This city is famous all over the world for its perfume. Many of the large perfume companies have roots in this area of France. The town is located in the French Riviera area, and there are enough things to do here that you can plan an entire day of activities. There is the Museum of Perfume where you can learn all there is not know about fragrances. One of the factories here offers tours. Known as the Fragonard Perfumery tour, you can see how perfume is made. During the warmer times of the year, there are local gardens you can visit to see the many varieties of flowers used to make perfume.
Visit the walled city of Aigues Mortes
This town had its wall built during the medieval period of history, and much of it has been preserved since that time. The classic design of this fortress is typical of other structures that are long since gone, but you can get a feel for what it was like in France during the 13th century. Inside the walled community are small shops that can be found along the long, narrow streets. You never know what you will find here, but it is a good idea to get a map before you start exploring so you won't get lost.
Before you visit the south of France, like any other trip, you should plan your visit ahead of time. Distances can be deceiving, and you will want to make sure you plan your transportation in advance. For more information on touring southern France, contact a company like Trip USA FRANCE.
