1. Walk Around Le Marais

Le Marais is one of Paris’ oldest districts and for that reason alone, holds many gems worth discovering. Le Marais, translated to “The Swamp” in English, was once home to French culture and business but fell into disrepair during The French Revolution of 1789. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that local politicians and community leaders made an effort to preserve and maintain the rich history of the area. Today, Le Marais is one of Paris’ most bustling areas and is home to Paris’ Jewish community among others. Stroll the small crooked lanes while taking in the French Medieval architecture. Be sure to visit Place Des Vosges, one of Paris’ oldest squares dating back to the 1600’s. If it’s warm, join the likely sea of Parisians and bathe in the sunlight. If you build up an appetite doing all of that tanning, head to Marché Des Enfants Rouges for a great mix of ethnic food to choose from. From Moroccan to Japanese, they have every different type of country’s food you can imagine. For dessert, you can never go wrong with a French pastry item. If nightlife is more your cup of tea (or beer), Le Marais is known for that. From old to new, the area has a lot to see.

2. Musée National D’Art Moderne

Just outside of Le Marais’ district boundaries lies one of the best museums in Paris. We know, it’s a bold statement to say that in a city with 100’s of different kinds of museums such as the Louvre or Musée D’Orsay, but to each their own. Housed in Centre Pompidou, the Musée National D’Art Moderne (National Modern Art Museum) has one of the best modern art collections found anywhere in the world. It has works from artists such as Matisse, Frida Kahlo, and Max Ernst. It’s a great place to go on a rainy day, which depending on the season, can happen often in Paris. While not as hyped up as many museums in the City Of Lights, the museum is definitely a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

3. Eiffel Tower…At Night

Yes, the Eiffel Tower makes the list of best places to see because when it is lit up at night and putting on a show, it is one of the most beautiful sights you can see. The light show happens every hour on the hour from sunset to 1 AM. Of course, that means that you have more chances to see the show in winter than summer. The show lasts around 5 minutes and is dramatic, to say the least. They save the best show for last offering an intense display of rapidly moving lights. There’s plenty of good spots to see the show from, but our next place is the best.

4. Sunset Cruise On The Seine

Seeing the light show from a sunset cruise on the Seine River is the cherry on top for a great visit to Paris. The four-hour tour I recommend is specifically designed to see the lights and will only set you back about $100, very good value for getting a great overview of the city. The tour takes you past such sites as Notre Dame, Place Vendome, Place De La Concorde, and the Champs-Elysées. The guide will explain the history and events behind each building and area that you visit. The big finale is, of course, the Eiffel Tower light show that you view from the second story outdoor deck. Not a bad first date idea…

5. Catacombs

Have you ever had a nightmare that you walked into a room surrounded by 6 million skulls and other human bones? Well, your nightmare just became reality at the Catacombs. The Catacombs is an underground ossuary that was created to eliminate the need for Paris’ overcrowded cemeteries. Talk about gross! There are over 6 million people buried below Paris’ streets and today, you can visit them. During the tour, a guide leads you 1.5 KM through tunnels lasting about 45 minutes. The Catacombs might actually be a refreshing place to visit on a hot, summer day considering the temperature is a cool 14 degrees Celsius. Be warned, however, the Catacombs is not a place for those with respiratory issues or those that get panic attacks since the tunnels are cramped and there’s not much air movement.

6. Montmartre

Located in Paris 18th Arrondissement, Montmartre (Mountain Of Martyrs) is a can’t miss destination when visiting the city, once home to painters with names such as Picasso and Van Gogh. Be warned now that walking up and around Montmartre is very steep so make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. At the heart of Montmartre is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The basilica is a symbol of Paris and stands guard on a hill overlooking the entire city. On the way up to visit the basilica, explore the small, windy streets that lead to the top. There are numerous bakeries and cafés that are perfect for sitting outside, watching the world go by, and sipping on an espresso. After you make it off the hill, check out Boulevard De Clichy. The street is best known for being the home of Moulin Rouge, the famous burlesque club. Getting your picture taken in front of its iconic windmill while posing is almost mandatory.

A snippet of a Sunday morning Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Montmartre.

Suggested next reading from this series:

1. 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In London
2. 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In New York

The post 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In Paris appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So you pack your best beret, scroll through your phrasebook and gather up your Euros. But it’s always worth remembering that real life does get in the way sometimes and occasionally, just occasionally, things may not turn out exactly as you expected. It doesn’t mean you won’t have a great time though—especially if you prepare yourself by reading our real life vs expectation in Paris list.

1. Speaking French

Expectation:

You have always wanted to learn another language and now you have a wonderful chance to practice all those phrases you learned in school.

“One baguette please, sir”

“It is lovely weather today!”

“Where is the swimming pool?”

It never really leaves you. Soon you’ll be lounging on a wicker chair on a cobbled street, sipping coffee and conversing with the locals as you wave to ladies riding past on bicycles.

Reality:

Despite your best efforts, everyone speaks better English than you speak French. This crushing realization happens when you ask something in French and once again get an answer in English. Paris is used to visitors and most people are ready and willing to speak your language to help you out.

2. Eat amazing food

Expectations:

The French are known around the world for their delectable cuisine. The wine, the cheese, the meat. There’s a reason why everyone who visits France comes back with a much heavier suitcase than when they arrived. A much rounder girth too, but it is your holiday after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris P@RIS #ThisisParis (@paris)

Reality:

After the millionth rich, creamy and indulgent meal, your belly starts to revolt and your heart starts to burn. All you want is something plain, simple and ashamedly unfussy. You finally admit this yourself as you search for a Subway sandwich shop. You’re just not practiced enough in this rich food….yet.

3. Have a romantic night out

Expectation:

The city of love, Paris is known for its romantic atmosphere. The city of love is a well-earned nickname and when staying there it’s hard not to get swept up in the emotions and feel yourself wanting to go with the flow. So grab another oyster, a small glass of champagne and settle in for a good time.

Reality:

Realistically, how romantic can you feel after a full days sightseeing and a stomach full of indulgent food? Maybe that last macaron was a mistake, but it went so well after the slice of chocolate gateaux that realistically, what else could you have done?

Luckily France is also an excellent place to have a quiet lie down and possibly…very possibly…a small cuddle. Aww.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by M_J (@melle_jones)

4. Embrace the continental greeting

Expectation:

How free and laid back the French are will undoubtedly rub off on you. Kissing strangers to greet them immediately breaks down barriers and you feel at one with the country and its people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Photographer (@kissinpariscom)

Reality:

Is it one kiss or two? Is it different for men and women? Gaah, don’t get it wrong. The repercussions could be toe itchingly awkward. What’s wrong with a good old-fashioned handshake anyway?

5. Be a fashionista

Expectation:

France equals fashion. As host to Paris fashion week and birthplace of Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior (to name but a few), this is the place to see and be seen. Finally, you can wear your highest end, trendiest and most fashionable outfits and be appreciated for the fashionista superstar you’ve always known you are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jessica | Architetto a spasso (@jessicalovivo)

Reality:

Most French people wear the same as everyone else in the world but annoyingly have an air of grace that makes them carry it off all the better. Even in your best outfit, you still quite can’t get that “Je Ne Sais Quoi” that is born into the people of this fine nation. Nevermind, you still look cute.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Street Styles (@paris_streetstyles)

6. Appreciate French art

Expectation:

Once again France leads the way and boasts a wonderful heritage of world-famous artists. Duchamp, Matisse, Cezanne, Monet. All outstanding visionaries who changed the face of the art world and are celebrated to this day. As a result, it’s capital is brimming with art galleries and famous works.

This means that now is the time to put on those thick-rimmed spectacles, don your best turtleneck sweater and prepare to feed your artistic mind.

Reality:

Turns out lots of visitors go to Paris for the art and you realize this as you stand behind a crowd of people and cameras and peek a quick glimpse at the Mona Lisa. Nevermind, you can always drink a tipple of absinthe at the local bar and relive the experience of many a starving artiste instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7. Explore Parisian Parks

Expectation:

When people think of Paris they probably think mainly of the architecture, the Lourve, the Arc de Troimphe. All the exciting urban landscapes…

But if they do, they’re missing a trick because tucked away, Paris also has some of the most beautiful parks around. The formal glory of the Jardin Des Tuileries, the flowers at the Parc Floral de Paris. It’s largest, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont even has waterfalls and cliffs to admire. Is there a better way to spend a sunny day?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PEDRO & PAULI (@moments_of_yugen)

Reality:

These parks may be beautiful, but the local wildlife thinks so too, and you realize that as you reach for another spray of the insect repellent. Still, there aren’t that many more aesthetically pleasing places to get bitten by bugs.

8. Visit the best museums

Expectation:

France is cosmopolitan, cultural, historical and full of learned people. As a result, it prizes it’s museums very highly and it shows. A plethora of learning is available to you, especially in its esteemed capital. What a perfect opportunity to introduce the little ones to the idea that learning can be fun. They’ll be tiny intellectuals before you know it.

Reality:

Turns out children are just as bored by foreign museums as they are by ones at home. Still, all the moaning, running around and stamping of their feet should tire them out nicely and leave you some quiet time to enjoy a nice glass of French wine before bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Paris Musées (@parismusees)

Despite any slight differences between expectation and reality, you will undoubtedly still have an amazing time in France. We challenge anyone to visit and not fall in love with its cities, parks, people and ethos. Have you ever been? Tell us about your experiences below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Can you think of any more real life vs expectation in Paris we should add to our list? Feel free to comment below!

Suggested next reading: Italy On Instagram Vs Italy In Real Life

The post Real Life Vs Expectation In Paris appeared first on Modern Trekker.

If this is your presumption, you wouldn’t be far off—Provence is certainly a magical corner of the world.

While most visitors head straight for Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and wander the Louvre, there are plenty of other destinations in France to consider. Just a few hours train ride from the capital city is the Provence region, located in the southeast bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea.

Here is an opportunity to slow down and get away from the hustle and grit of Paris, opting for things like lounging by the sea, drinking wine at a vineyard, and admiring the colorful countryside.

Thinking of making the Provence region your next getaway? Here are 7 reasons to visit:

1. Outdoor markets

You haven’t truly been to an outdoor market until you’ve meandered one in Provence. Markets here are mini-universes in and of themselves, enchanted worlds filled with vendors selling everything from sustainable garments to fresh produce, homemade soaps to artisan cheese. (So much cheese!)

In the small town of Uzès is what some may call the best market in the whole Provence region. Its Saturday market is huge, spreading across multiple streets and squares—truly the heartbeat of the town. As you begin to explore, the sunlight filters through the majestic leafy trees lining the road, the smell of lavender and fresh baguettes fill the air, and it feels as if it’s the only place that exists in the world.

Grab a fougasse (an herbed bread similar to focaccia) and try to convince yourself that you don’t need to buy one of everything in the local boulangerie (French for “bakery”).

On top of the plethora of things to purchase, the town itself invades your senses as well, distracting your eyes from the multitude of meat and cheese stalls and instead directing them to the gorgeous architecture looming up on either side of you.

Get there early, as the Uzès market is incredibly popular and fills up fast, making traffic and parking somewhat challenging.

2. Amazing architecture

Sure, Paris has the Eiffel tower and elegant wrought-iron balconies, but the Provence region has its own unique architectural delights. It’s filled with impressive sites dating back to the Roman Empire, medieval palaces and churches punctuating the countryside.

The Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct from the 1^st Century AD, is a feat of Roman engineering. It is the highest existing Roman aqueduct, sitting at 50 meters above the river.

The Maison Carrée in Nîmes is one of the best-preserved temples from the former Roman Empire, built 16/19 BC—and it remains intact today because it was converted into a Christian church in the 4^th Century AD.

Many castles and forts sit atop hills all over the region, such as in Les Baux-de-Provence, a village on a high rocky hilltop that was inhabited as early as 6000 BC.

On top of all that, there are the amphitheaters, or arenas. Arles, which was once the capital of Roman Provence, is home to the famous amphitheater built in the 1^st and 2^nd Centuries AD. It could hold 12,000 spectators, eager to watch gladiators battle.

3. Coastline

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by provence (@provence) on Jul 10, 2017 at 12:13pm PDT

One thing Paris doesn’t have? Miles of rich blue Mediterranean coastline. Imagine clear bright water below cliff-top villages, a mesmerizing scene of greens and blues.

Visit Paloma Beach in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a half-private, half-private beach frequented by celebrities. Explore the seaside towns, lounge on a bright yellow beach bed, and be astounded that you’re in little old France.

4. Indulge in all the local cuisine

France is known for its never-ending supply of indulgent treats, and Provence is no exception. In addition to all the obvious French delicacies—croissants, dry sausage, paté, cheese, macarons, crepes—Provence itself has some local dishes that deserve to be tried.

Try bouillabaisse, a fish stew specific to Marseilles, or daube, a “poor man’s” beef stew.

You can’t go wrong with Provence’s most famous dish, ratatouille—a vegetable casserole made with tomatoes, onions, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, garlic and herbs. (It’s so famous it even had a Disney film named after it.)

For sweets, try calisson, the traditional candy of Aix-en-Provence since the 17^th Century, made from almond paste flavored with melon and orange preserves.

5. Explore the arts

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Vincent Van Gogh favored the small Provence town of Arles, and spent over a year there in the late 1800s. The Dutch painter had grown tired of life in Paris and pined for the sunshine and vibrant colors of Provence.

This was a hugely prolific time for Van Gogh, creating numerous works of art and developing a painting style known for its bold color and powerful brushstrokes. Some of his most important works were created here, such as “Bedroom in Arles,” “Café Terrace at Night,” and “Sunflowers.”

The success of Van Gogh, along with other notable artists who spent time in the Provence region such as Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Auguste Renoir, infused the area with creativity and a reverence for beauty that still exists today.

Check out the Musée Granet in Aix-en-Provence or the Fondation Vincent van Gogh in Arles. In Nice, visit Matisse’s personal home at the Musée Matisse or the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain (MAMAC), enjoying a coffee on the terrace overlooking the city. There’s truly no lack of creative inspiration in Provence.

6. Wander tiny villages

The Provence region is brimming with endless villages, delightful little mazes of quaint streets, charming homes with terracotta rooftops, and picturesque shops. They’re easy to get lost in, and it’s one of the best ways to spend time in Provence.

Choose between seaside escapes, medieval squares, and tranquil towns amidst lavender fields. Try the cliff top village of Gordes and its incredible castle, the Mediterranean village of Seillans so steep that it’s only accessible by foot, or Porquerolles, boasting both a medieval center and scenic harbor.

7. See the lavender and sunflower fields

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by J O R D A N L O Y D (@jordanloyd) on Jul 7, 2018 at 1:46pm PDT

Perhaps the most iconic of all the sights of Provence are its fields of lavender and sunflowers. You can’t visit the Provence region without passing by at least one, and they’re truly a must-see.

The “blue gold” is used for soaps, cosmetics, and even cuisine, while the sunflowers are harvested for their oil and seeds. The months between July and August are the best time to see both.

The best lavender destinations? Try Notre-Dame de Senanque, a Cistercian abbey in Gordes surrounded by acres of lavender, or the Valensole Lavender Festival. The best sunflower destinations? On the side of the road!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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For some of the best markets, architecture, cuisine, art, and countryside that France has to offer, don’t miss the Provence region.

Suggested next reading: 10 Beautiful Locations In The French Riviera Worthy Of Your Bucketlist

The post 7 Splendid Reasons To Visit The Provence Region Of France appeared first on Modern Trekker.

So forget just the top 10 French foods, here’s 15. But first, here’s a quick summary of the best French food in Paris, followed by more info about each one below. So, let’s begin!

The Best Foods In Paris Are:

1. Ris de Veau

Ris de veau is calf sweetbread. But what is “sweetbread”? Well, prepared to be scandalized by how much the name throws you off from the truth! Sweetbread is actually made from the internal organs of animals.

So, sweetbread is neither sweet nor bread. You may think it’d taste horrible, but it’s actually one of the best foods to eat in Paris and especially tasty fried. Worth trying!

2. Omelette

Looking for what to eat for breakfast in Paris? This is it. You’ve probably tried an omelet at home but a French omelette is a different experience (after all, it’s even spelled a bit differently!)

Stuffed with cheese and other delicious ingredients of your choice, this is also a quick and cheap food in Paris that can be enjoyed in one of the many bistros scattered throughout the city.

3. Escargot

Perhaps you ordered this dish because you liked the name but had no idea what it is? Well, know that you are about to eat delicious and succulent snails!

Flavored with butter, garlic and parsley, les escargot (snails) are among the typical meals in Paris. Don’t be squeamish, this classy dish may prove tastier than you expect!

4. Vichyssoise

More similar to a cream of leeks and potatoes than a soup, vichyssoise is preferably served at room temperature in some of the best restaurants in Paris.

Potatoes and leeks (only the delicate white part) are sprinkled with defatted chicken broth until cooked; whisk the whole and sieved with a fine knit strainer. Complete with fresh cream or cold milk, and served with a few leaves of chives or chervil.

5. Soupe à l’Oignon

Yes, you may have translated it right, it’s a real onion soup. After eating it, be aware that you cannot kiss your loved one all day, but I assure you it’s worth it.

Eat it in the bars à soupes (soup bars), special unique places where soups are served. It ain’t rocket science and sure is tasty.

6. Quiche

Another typical meal in Paris that you’ve probably eaten elsewhere, French quiche is a savory pie that has several variations, as you’d also expect from it back home.

Like back home, the main ingredient is eggs and it can also be prepared with bacon or vegetables. But the French do it really well. A real delicacy and deserving as one of the best foods in Paris!

7. Fois Gras / Foie Gras

Perfect and delicate, fois gras is one of the top dishes to try on a trip to Paris. The fattened liver meat, in all of its variants, is one of the most popular foods in Paris.

But only for the bravest and for the “unscrupulous” is foie gras, goose liver or duck liver, another typical Parisian dish.

8. Pâtè en Croute

Coming from a medieval solution to preserve meat, pâté en croute means “pâté in crust” and was used as a way to preserve meat by encasing it in pastry. Originally the crust was never eaten, but over time it became edible.

A great option if you’re eating lunch in Paris, it is often served in slices with a salad, pickled onions and gherkins.

9. Frog Legs

Definitely one of the best foods in Paris to try simply for the novelty. Frog legs are flavored with salt, pepper & lemon, breaded, sautéed in egg and fried in olive oil, and are considered a refined dish of French cuisine.

There is nothing to fear by eating this protein-rich and low-fat specialty that tastes like chicken, but with the consistency of white fish. Taste the cuisses de grenouille (French for “thighs of frogs”) with a dry white wine and you’ll be surprised at how tasty they are!

10. Breton Galette

A staple food in the Brittany region of France but also a typical meal in Paris. Breton Galette is a sort of savory crepe prepared with buckwheat. It is stuffed with meat or vegetables and cheese.

A bulls-eye egg placed on top is ideal to complete this work of art!

11. Cheeses

Cheeses are generally eaten as a dessert with the most famous including Beaufort, Brie or Roquefort. All of these cheeses should be up there on your list of what to eat in Paris.

They also all go great with wine, strictly French wine of course!

12. Macarons

The crispy sweetness of the meringue meets the intensity and smoothness of the cream. They’re the perfect dessert “sandwich”. To be devoured one after another in a variety of tasty flavors. Warning, they are addictive!

13. Pains au Chocolat

What to eat in Paris while walking under the Eiffel Tower? The chocolate bread (pains au chocolate literally means “bread of chocolate”!)

Even bread in Paris becomes chic. Pain au chocolat is a bread puff-pastry with chocolate inside that can be bought in patisseries. If you want to know what to eat for breakfast in Paris, look no further.

It must be absolutely crumbled on clothes while you feel enchanted walking under the Eiffel Tower.

Fun fact: there is a national debate in France as to whether it should be called pain au chocolat or chocolatine! However, in Paris, it is almost always called pain au chocolat.

14. Paris-Brest

One of the best foods in Paris (in our opinion), the Paris-Brest is a traditional pastry cake made of choux pastry filled with cream and garnished with almonds.

The circular shape represents the wheel of a bike, in fact, Louis Durand—a Maisons Laffitte pastry chef—created it to celebrate the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race.

15. Andouillette

Andouillette is a highly controversial sausage that can be made from all sorts: pork, wine, intestines, pepper, onions, seasonings, and more.

Despite sounding somewhat interesting and exotic, it does have a more—shall we say—more down-to-earth side to it in that it is often made from entrails. Definitely for the more adventurous!

Still in doubt about what are the best foods in Paris? Go for the most authentic, local and typical meals in Paris and you won’t regret it!

Suggested next reading: 6 Must-See Places You Absolutely Have To Experience In Paris

The post 15 Best Foods In Paris You Should Eat appeared first on Modern Trekker.

1. Nice

Nice can be considered the capital of the French Riviera; a city always on the move, always in celebration, and that will always amaze with its impressive number of English-style pubs, trendy bars, and crowded clubs. Never miss people at any time of the year: it will be the retro charm of the old city, the elegant belle époque style architecture, the languid life that takes place around the port, the many art museums, or the wonderful walks along the sea that will make you fall in love with this city. Nice really is a place to be discovered in every season of the year.

2. Cannes

The most famous city of the Riviera lights up every May for the International Film Festival, assaulted by stars—famous or not—by journalists, photographers and curious, clogging the walks, hotels, and clubs in search of fame. Between expensive hotels, elegant buildings, crowded beaches, you will be a bit dazzled by the lively town. Despite the Croisette—the most exclusive promenade of the French Riviera—being a must-see, Cannes does not excel in originality, though it does make up for it in opulence and showiness. We suggest you explore Le Suquet, the old district, picturesque and pedestrian, after following the allée des Étoile de cinéma, or the path that follows the imprints of the hands of the stars imprinted in the cement.

3. Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is the smallest sovereign state in the world after the Vatican and only 20% of its inhabitants are really Monegasque, thanks to its facilitated tax policy. This small French Riviera town exudes opulence with it high-tech skyscrapers, crowded celebrity yachts, exclusive casinos, and venues that serve sophisticated cocktails. Despite its wealth, there are other parts of the city—hidden corners—that are still rustic and authentic and, in their own ways, are very special places to visit, especially during major occasions such as the Grand Prix Formula 1, which forces one to visit other areas of the city other than just the opulent high-tech skyscrapers, celebrity yachts and lush cocktail-serving venues.

4. Saint Tropez

If once it was a village of outworld charm, today this town is home to yachts and an uninterrupted flow of wealthy people who wear designer clothes in search of a perennial catwalk. Despite its worldly vocation, Saint-Tropez preserves a beautiful citadel with roofs with bright red tiles, a bell tower, and a fascinating historical center.

5. Villefranche-sur-Mer

This magnificent fishing village overlooking a natural inlet is a fourteenth-century village characterized by narrow streets, stairways, and arcades that served as shelter during the war bombing. Villefranche-sur-Mer features many fishing boats swaying on the pier and beautiful views of Cap Ferrat.

6. Port Grimaud

This fishing village is a real, little gem hidden inside high walls that also hide delicious colorful houses that parade along the canals crowded with many kinds of boats. This idea of building on the water was conceived by the architect François Spoerry on the inspiration of the marsh villages with 12 km of docks, 7 km of canals to accommodate up to 3000 boats.

7. Fréjus

The town still bears the signs of its ancient splendor: in fact, it is known as the “little Pompeii” in France, thanks to the numerous Roman remains. The ancient Forum Julii, renamed as a result of the conquest by Julius Caesar, today preserves its ruins in the middle of the pedestrian center, between pastel colors already typically Provencal and the fresh tree-lined squares.

8. Islands of Hyères

Those who want a holiday of the clearest and most crystalline sea cannot miss the islands of Hyères, a real corner of paradise unhindered by the strict rules for visitors. The most famous (and the most equipped)  island is definitely Porquerolles: unforgettable for its colors and its beautiful nature can be explored by bike, on foot along the many marked trails, or with underwater excursions to admire the seabed. If Le Levant is not accessible as a military site, Port-Cros, on the other hand, is a natural park that can be visited only on foot, using different paths, all highly recommended.

9. Antibes and Juan-les-Pins

The town of Antibes and its twin Juan-les-Pins are the emblem of the French Riviera: a small fortified town full of charm, a crystalline sea that enchants, wonderful villas hidden by the lush vegetation of Cap d’Antibes, a rich port of elegant boats and the Picasso Museum, full of works by the great painter. Unsurprisingly Antibes, thanks to its central position between Cannes and Nice, is a first class tourist destination. The old town, with its winding alleyways and its Picasso museum, the aged walls, the harbor where the yachts love to moor, the Fort Carré which dominates the Old Vieil Antibes, the Marina Baie des Anges, and, moreover, not discounting the free municipality of Safranier which offers a perfect postcard landscape all around, explains why Antibes attracts numerous tourists all year round. Together with the renowned Marineland park, with its marine shows, the beaches of Antibes are the most attractive tourist attractions.

10. Les Trois Corniches

To connect Nice and Menton there are 3 parallel roads, all at different levels of height, which run close to the mountain. These are paths of absolute beauty that cross picturesque villages, allowing you to admire breathtaking views, and are ideal for anyone who loves winding roads and adventures.

Road tripping to make the most of the French Riviera experience!

Load the bags in the trunk and leave. The French Riviera has so much to offer from the crystal clear seaside to the picturesque historical little villages. So, what are you waiting for? For the most entertaining and beautiful way to explore the French Riviera, road tripping is the way…it’s the best feeling in the world…even more exciting than the moment when your plane lands after a long flight because there is more physical contact with the journey; when the wheels start spinning, adhering to the asphalt, the world sets in motion around you.

A road trip reveals the subtle changes place-by-place of all that surrounds you, little by little. It enables you to freely explore more every time you enter a different territory, literally discovering it at every meter. Just a window to separate you from the outside world. Nothing is out of reach because it is always fine to stop—when you want, where you want—to get in touch with the outside. Traveling by car is like leaving the trail behind you. What then remains in you is forever; just close your eyes. The French Riviera is one of these road tripping dreams you won’t want to wake up from. Road tripping the French Riviera also helps you catch the most “off the beaten path” locations—and, trust me, there are a LOT of hidden gems around the French Riviera you’ll be thrilled to discover. You won’t regret it!

Suggested next reading: Belgium’s Best Kept Secret Is Jaw-Droppingly Pretty

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