Unveiling The Best European Escapes To Bask In Winter Sun

BY  Sibashree Dec 2, 2025

Porto was on my mind for the longest time. It is the home to the best Port Wine, the beautiful Douro River, and colorful buildings. Also, Porto has a crucial role to play in Portugal getting voted as the “Best Destination in Europe” at the World Travel Awards 2025. Porto itself has bagged the honor of the “Best Urban Destination of Europe.” When I reached Porto, I found it very walkable. It is not as hilly as Lisbon. So, strolling was breezy, and the tram rides! Those rides were the highlights of my trip to Porto last year. I even found many adorable cat graffiti on the walls of the many buildings in Porto. I met many volunteers at a hostel near the Old Town, and with such opportunities, Porto is now more open to budget travelers and backpackers. I also got a chance to meet many digital nomads and freelancers, and the most happening expat community. While strolling across the Old Town and enjoying the tram rides are the activities I loved the most, there are many other things to do in Porto. I will talk about them in this Tour and Travel Blog guide. How To Reach And How To Get Around Porto? Porto is well-connected to the rest of the world through the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) or Porto Airport. It is just 11 km away from the City Center. Thanks to the well-established public transport system, you will easily get a tram, metro, bus, cable car, or funicular to reach the City Center from the airport. I took a tram ride from the airport to the City Center, living my ultimate Porto dreams.  Also, as I had done my research correctly, I bought a Standard Andante Card. It was easier for me because I didn’t need to buy tickets separately for the train and metro rides during my days in Porto. You can buy an Andante Card from any Andante Shop at airports or subway hotels. Also, check if the hotel you are staying in sells an Andante Card. The Andante Card is rechargeable, and you can check the balance and recharge it at any kiosk at metro stations. The card will cost you 0.60€, and based on your travel plan, you will have to recharge the card.  What Are The Top Things To Do In Porto? Porto once again drew the limelight with its signature Port Wine. The celebration of the Port Wine Day on 10th September 2025 included a “free-guided tasting,” a show of the vintage wine labels, and a one-of-a-kind tour of the Douro and Port Wine Institute (IVDP) building. Yes, exploring the port houses and tasting the sweeter and richer versions of regular wines are some of the most delightful things to do in Porto. However, from the iconic tram rides to getting the amazing views of the city from the River Cruise, the city offers you endless options for exploration.  1. A Boat Cruise In The River Douro  Taking a Rabelo boat ride on the River Douro is the best way to enjoy a slice of Portuguese history. These boats were earlier used for the transportation of port wines and people. Today, these are cultural symbols of Porto, with the annual boat race during the Festa de São João do Porto or St. John's Festival being a major attraction. A rabelo ride exploring the major cultural sights visible from the river and the six iconic bridges cost me 20 Euros. It was a slow-paced, relaxing, and enriching ride. 2. Enjoying A Ride In The Vintage Tram  The city I come from also has a story of tramlines and vintage trams, thanks to British Colonization. I am from Kolkata, the City of Joy, and Google says that the distance is 9,068 kms. See how traveling brings two cities, thousands of miles apart, together. The trams here usually run on two lines, and on special occasions, you will find trams running on three lines. I took a ride on the Line 1 route, from the Ribeira neighbourhood to the Foz Area. The Foz Area has beautiful beaches, and here you will see the mouth of the Douro River. I had to pay €8 for the round trip, and you can even book a one-way ticket at €6. 3. Exploring The Port Houses  Vila Nova de Gaia, connected to Porto through the Douro River, is home to the famous Port Wine. In fact, the strict rules of the 17th century said that for a wine to be qualified as Port Wine, it had to be matured and stored in the premises of Vila Nova de Gaia.  So, the Port Houses are concentrated. So, it is easier to explore most of them on foot. I was at Taylor’s a Port House celebrating a legacy of 333 years in Port Wine-Making. It is one of the Port Houses, still owned by a family. The tour at Taylor’s was self-guided. So, I loved how I could appreciate each process of wine-making and tasting at my own pace. Along with Taylor’s, you can also plan a wine-tasting tour at Cockburns, Ferreria, and Calem. 4. Visiting The Porto Cathedral, Se Do Porto  The Porto Cathedral, next to the remnants of the medieval walls, stands out with its fortress-like exterior. The cathedral remains open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and it offers free entry. However, you will have to pay €3 if you want access to the cloister. Predominantly Baroque in its architecture, the cathedral also shows the influence of the Gothic and Neoclassical styles. It is because the cathedral was first constructed in the 12th century, and it has been renovated many times. 5. Visiting The Palácio Da Bolsa  Address: R. de Ferreira Borges 11, 4050-253 Porto  Hours Open: 9 AM to 6:30 PM  Entry Fee: €14 for Adults, €9.50 for Students and Seniors, Free for Children below 12 Years  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palácio da Bolsa (@palaciodabolsa) Palácio da Bolsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now home to Porto's Commercial Association. It was built on the ruins of St Francis Convent, which was engulfed by fire during the Liberal Wars. The building was built in 1842, and it was opened in 1891. The Pátio das Nações, or the central courtyard of the palace, with a glass enclosure, ensures adequate lighting throughout. You can explore its beautiful architecture and learn more about its history by taking part in a 30-minute guided tour. 6. Enjoying A Cable Car Ride  A funicular or cable car ride is the best way to enjoy amazing views of the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Douro River, and the Port cellars. The cable car or the Teleférico de Gaia in Porto connects Jardim do Morro with Vila Nova de Gaia. This five-minute ride costs 6 euros one-way and 9 euros round-trip. For children aged 3 to 12, the ticket price is €3 for a one-way trip and €4.50 for a round trip. You can use the Porto City Card if you are looking for discounts on this cable car ride. 7. Taking A Photo At The Dom Luís I Bridge  Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, is behind the construction of the Dom Luís I Bridge. This bridge on the Douro River serves as a prominent transportation link and icon of Porto. It connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. I loved walking through the low point and along the top. I took some lovely photos there and enjoyed a panoramic view of the city. For more fun, you can take a cable car ride to the top of the bridge and then walk to the Cathedral and medieval walls. 8. Visiting The Historic Bolhao Market  The Bolhao Market is not just a place to find fresh fish, vegetables, and other produce. It is important for the history of the city and the people living there. The market is as old as the mid-1800s, and once the two-story building opened in 1914, the market shifted there. In 2022, the building underwent a major renovation, and it is now accessible to visitors. The market remains open from 8 AM to 8 PM, and it remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The market also hosts many events, including opera performances and workshops. 9. Try Pastel De Nata: The National Pastry Of Portugal  Pastel De Nata, the century-old delicacy and the national pastry of Portugal, is the best dessert one can have in Porto. This dish has egg custard in a tart. I had the best pastry at the Bolhão Market, and it cost me €1.50. I did not have much time. Otherwise, I would have loved to join a pastry-making class offered by many locals at their homes. Food and attending cooking classes are some cool practices to break the ice and have an authentic cultural experience. 10. Indulging In The Quaint Little Charm Of The Time Out Market  After trying the best Pastel De Nata at the Bolhao Market, my next destination was the Time Out Market. I had some Caldo Verde soup and a Francesinha sandwich at the Time Out Market. These two items cost me €18. The market opens at 10 AM and remains open till 11 PM (Up to 12 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). Furthermore, if you want to try the best of the best in the Time Out Market, you can explore restaurants such as Padaria Ribeiro, Casa Inês, and Meia-Nau. 11. Exploring The Central Train Station Of Porto  The Central Train Station of Porto comes alive with the history of the city depicted through its blue and white ‘azulejo’ tiles. The main hall with 20,000 azulejo tiles is the main attraction of the architecture of this train station. It was built in 1916, and you will get trains to the Douro Valley and other popular villages in the neighborhood from here. The Central Train Station of Porto, or the São Bento Railway Station, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and previously it was the site of a Benedictine monastery. 12. Visiting Livraria Lello  Built in 1906, Livraria Lello remains the epicenter of Porto’s literary scene. It was named after prominent aristocrats and the founders, the Lello Brothers. And all the Potter Heads know this place as it inspired J K Rowling while writing Harry Potter, Also, I was surprised knowing that I would need a ticket to enter this bookstore, the most beautiful in the world. The ticket costs 10 Euros, and the charge will be deducted from the price of any book you purchase. Along with being a treasure trove of books, Livaria Lello stands out with its architectural magnificence. It has a stained-glass skylight, a unique staircase, and some brilliant woodwork. 13. Visiting The Chapel Of Souls  Location: R. de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal  Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Sunday: 7:30 AM to 13:30 PM, Monday: Closed  Porto made me fall in love with the iconic blue azulejo and white facade of the churches. Capela das Almas, or the Chapel of Souls, is another prominent structure, bearing these characteristics. When I visited the chapel, it was in the afternoon, and the blue and white azulejos on its exterior looked more dramatic as the Sun changed color. The beautiful facade of the building and its Neoclassical style are ideal for Insta-worthy photo ops. However, the place remains crowded, and the street is busy with cars. So, I had a difficult time clicking the photos of the chapel.  14. Visiting The West Coast Of Portugal  It takes a bus ride and costs less than 10 Euros to reach the West Coast of Portugal from Porto. The bus ride takes just 15 minutes, or you can explore the route on foot. I could not be there due to time constraints. However, Praia do Carneiro, the closest beach to Porto, offers the most relaxing beach experience. The esplanade is surrounded by palm trees, and the lighthouse and the 16th-century forts add to its historical significance. Other popular beaches on the west coast of Portugal are Praia do Molhe, Praia de Gondarem, Praia dos Ingleses, etc. 15. Watching Sunset From The Guindalense Football Club  Address: Escada dos Guindais 43, 4000-337 Porto, Portugal  Hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10 AM to 11 AM, Saturday - 1 PM to 11 PM, Sunday and Monday - Closed  Entry: Free  The Guindalense Football Club is one of the best sunset points in the city. It also offers an amazing view of the river, Don Luis Bridge, and the city’s orange rooftops. The food and beverages available at this club are reasonably priced. I talked to a few locals there, and the gentle breeze coming from the river made my sunset moments even more special. 16. A Day Trip To Braga And Guimarães  I loved the day trip to Braga and Guimarães from Porto. Braga is about 55 km from Porto, and Guimarães is about 48 km away. I took a bus to Guimarães, and it took me less than an hour to reach Guimarães. I visited the Guimarães Castle and the historic center of Guimarães. Braga is famous as the home to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, the Baga Cathedral is an important landmark. 17. Enjoy A Fado Show  Watching a Fado Show at Ideal Clube de Fado was something I was not prepared for. For instance, I'd know that a musical performance in Porto would make me feel the melancholy and the sprinkles of warm yellow lights like an autumn afternoon. Of course, I did not understand word-for-word, but every note, depicting emotions such as sorrow, love, and sadness, stirred me. It was the people, culture, and history of Porto talking to me through music. Furthermore, you can explore options such as the Fonseca Cellar Tour & Fado Show or visit Calém Cellars to enjoy a Fado Show with the best Port Wine.  My Days In Porto, Portugal: A 3-Day Itinerary My days in Porto were a little rushed, I admit, and I had to cover many places. However, you make it more relaxed if you have a trip plan of 5-7 days.  1. Activities On Day 1: Exploring The Heart Of Porto  Morning Visiting Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) Morning Exploring the Old Town (Ribeira District) Midday Exploring the Bolhão Market Midday Lunch at Time Out Market Afternoon Vintage Tram Ride Afternoon Taking Photographs at Dom Luís I Bridge Evening Watching the sunset at the Guindalense Football ClubEvening Attending Fado Show at Ideal Clube de Fado  2. Activities On Day 2: Wine, Culture, And Scenic Views  Morning Exploring Port Wine Houses Midday Taking a Douro River Cruise Ride Midday Lunch in Ribeira Afternoon Reading and Buying Books at Livraria Lello Late Afternoon Visiting the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas) Evening Cable Car Ride Evening Dinner and Late Night Riverside Walk  3. Activities On Day 3: Day Trips And Hidden Gems  Morning Day Trip to Braga & Guimarães Midday Lunch in Braga Afternoon Returning to Porto and Exploring the Central Train Station (São Bento) Afternoon Walking and Discovering Hidden Murals Evening Dinner and Leaving for the Airport  Is Porto In Portugal Safe For Women? I found Porto safe and warm. Also, a vacation home booking portal, Holidu, has named Porto one of the safest cities in Europe for women digital nomads. The portal has enlisted the safest cities after a data analysis from sources such as Nomads.com and Numbeo. Furthermore, according to Numbeo, the crime rate in Porto is only 30.31, which is pretty low. In addition, the crime rating in “a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion” is just 13.61, which is very low. Moreover, the rate of assaults is low in Porto, with a rate of 27.86. Getting Lost Is The Best Thing You Can Do In Portugal Nothing can be better than a city that allows you to breathe and get lost. Porto does exactly the same! I loved the Old Town area, especially where I could cherish the beautiful murals, the warmth of people, and the scent of freshly baked Pastel De Nata. Everything offered me a wholesome experience. The more you walk through the alleys, the more you will discover cool buildings, architecture, and gardens. I am not sure whether you will agree with me because it’s not easy to put your mobile phone on flight mode while exploring a new country solo. Still, I took the risk, and I carried my camera to take the photos. People talk about free things to do in Porto, I would say that it was something that did not charge me a penny, yet was priceless! Eu amo-te, Porto! Also, this walkability factor adds a lot of soul to the city’s character. The “human-scale streets” keep reminding you that the city was built long before cars were invented. And as you walk through these streets, there is no barrier between you and the experience you soak in. In the end, you have a story that is deep and personal. Tourism In Porto Is More Than Being A Popular Destination With the World Travel Awards conferring the title of “Europe’s Best Tourist Destination, 2025,” Porto is emerging as more than a popular tourist spot. The city’s big win shows what the travelers truly value these days. As travelers, we love a city that is walkable, sustainable, authentic, and culturally rich. Also, you have to remember that the city has left names like Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam behind to win this laurel. The layered heritage of the city has played a major role in making it so rich in experience. You will love the Baroque churches, the Ribeira Riverfront, arty neighborhoods, and medieval lanes. So, despite rapid growth, the city has been careful to protect its heritage. In addition, as major cities such as Venice and Barcelona struggle with overtourism and its impact on the environment and local communities, Porto is showing the way to low-impact travel. Walkability and tram rides contribute to the city's low-impact tourism. Overall, the win shows that authenticity is preserved and respected, and it is not a performance or a show. It also shows how successful the city has been in balancing authenticity with amenities, growth with sustainability, and mobility with walkability.

BY  Sibashree Apr 28, 2025

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.  I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me. Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.  This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.  However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.  So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.  Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.  France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.  Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.  This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.  “We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.” The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.  But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget. It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs. A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors? A shared market space!  This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.  Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor. Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.   Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.  Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.” Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.  Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.  "The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.  Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.  Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.  So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.  Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It? The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.  During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.  Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.  A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.   For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources. Showing Commitment To Sustainability The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.  Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.  The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are: Respect Alliance Community Environment  Supply Chain Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business. “The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future. 

BY  Sibashree Aug 13, 2025

Key Highlights: What Is The South Of France? Why Is The South Of France So Popular? Where To Go In South Of France? How Does A Perfect South Of France Itinerary For 7 Days Look Like? Where To Stay In The South Of France? Where To Visit In The South Of France On A Budget? What Are The South Of France Cities Near The Beach? What Are The Most Beautiful Places In Southern France For Young Adults? What Is The Best Time To Visit The South Of France? Home to the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix and blessed with 300 days of Sunshine in a year, the South of France is the ultimate luxury tourism destination.  The region also appeals to global travelers with the best wines, such as Bordeaux, Languedoc, Cahors, and Armagnac brandy. So, it is no wonder that the South of France is a crown jewel in the French luxury tourism landscape, about to reach $53.6 billion by 2030. Moreover, the South of France is home to many luxurious hotels, chateaux, and villas, such as Le Collectionist luxury villas in Provence. These high-end accommodations cater to ultra-high-net-worth travelers and ensure a premium experience.  However, there is more to visiting the South of France. Natural abundance, cultural heritage, and great food make it a destination for wholesome travel delights.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will explore the various aspects of the South of France and why it is a dream destination. We will also share a 7-day itinerary so that you can plan the trip well.  What Is South Of France?  The South of France is a district region, comprising Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), itself, is a combination of six district departments. Those are: Alpes-Maritimes Bouches-du-Rhône Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Hautes-Alpes Vaucluse Var This region caters to every type of traveler and is almost an epitome of the natural wonders we love to visit.  The French Riviera beaches complement the rugged beauty of the Alps here. On the other hand, Provence promises the most quaint experience with vineyards, small villages, and hills smelling like lavender.  You can add to that the cultural and artistic heritage of Aix-en-Provence and the cosmopolitan vibe of cities such as Avignon and Marseille. Marseille especially indulges you with the charm of the French good life, and it’s for wanderers who just want to travel slow and connect.  Bordeaux with its best wines and vineyards, Verdon Gorge with its serene green landscape, and Camargue with its wetlands and wildlife are other prominent destinations in the South of France. Why Is South Of France So Popular?  Gorgeous seaside towns The majestic Alps Roman ruins Medieval villages Long stretches of vineyards The Best wines The tranquility that makes you connect to nature! These are reasons why everyone loves the South of France. Now, nobody will take away the best from the South of France. However, some new developments make the South of France more popular among modern travelers.  1. Better Accessibility And Travel Connectivity: How To Reach The South Of France? The South of France is well connected to Paris. You can take a flight from Paris, and it takes around 90 minutes to cover the distance.  Furthermore, you can take the SNCF Connect sleeper train, running from Paris to Cannes or Nice. For a more luxurious journey, board Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Paris to Cannes.  It is an 18-hour journey with breakfast and gourmet meals.  Irrespective of the train you choose, you can buy the unlimited rail pass for the commute between Paris and the South of France.  2. Urban Improvements To Enhance The Experience Of Global Travelers  Nice has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. It now has the Promenade des Anglais, which is ideal for strolls and tourists who love to explore the city on foot.  Furthermore, today, the sidewalk looks beautiful with many trees and cafe terraces.  Moreover, the new Convention Center here just hosted the U.N. Ocean Conference 2025 in July. Also, it is likely to have a tram line directly connected to the airport and a pleasure port for excursions on boats. 3. Aix-en-Provence Is To Have New Cultural Sites And Updated Museums Atelier des Lauves, the studio of the famous French impressionist, Paul Cezanne, reopened in Aix-en-Provence on 28th June, 2025.  Also, Jas de Bouffan, his family’s home, was opened for the first time. Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul de Vence, the first independent art foundation of France, just had an expansion to celebrate its 60th anniversary last year. After the expansion, the foundation now has an exhibition space of 5,300+ square feet.  This space shows the works of Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, and Marc Chagall.  Furthermore, Nice’s Musée Matisse reopened in 2024 after a long period of renovation work, and La Malmaison, the contemporary art exhibition space of Cannes, reopened.  4. The Celebration Of Perfume Heritage In South Of France  The South of France is the Mecca for a perfume connoisseur. The Rose et Marius in Aix-en-Provence or the factory of L’Occitane en Provence in Manosque have enhanced the tourism experience for tourists having a keen interest in fashion and perfumes.  Moreover, at Rose et Marius, you can attend a workshop and design your own perfume. On the other hand, you can register online and visit L’Occitane en Provence for a face diagnostic and get a free hand cream.  5. For The Love Of Ceramics And Pottery  Marseille, the port city of the South of France, is now emerging as the new hotspot amidst all the glamor and glitz of the French Riviera.  Since the COVID-19 era, many Parisians have also moved to Marseille for the quality of life, and the high-speed train ride to this port city from Paris is an amazing experience.  Furthermore, Aubagne, just outside this city, is a popular destination in the European ceramic landscape. Ravel Poterie, Santon Di Landro, and Louis Sicard are some important potteries here. Where To Go In South Of France?  The South of France has many options if you want to experience the ultimate French beauty. However, here are our favorite destinations in the South of France. 1. Nice And Alpes-Maritimes Nice, the capital, and Cannes are two landmark destinations in Alpes-Maritimes.  Furthermore, Nice is a cultural hub with Matisse and Chagall museums and the Promenade des Anglais.  Cannes, with its glitz and glamor and, of course, the much-celebrated film festival, is a global name in cultural tourism.  Also, this region has the town of Grasse, “The Perfume Capital of the World,” and Antibes, housing the Picasso Museum and wonderful beaches.  2. Bouches-du-Rhône And Marseille Marseille, the capital of Bouches-du-Rhône, is a crown jewel in the tourism of the South of France. Some important cultural and historical landmarks here are: Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde MUCEM museum Arles here is a standout place, being home to the Roman amphitheater and its connection with Van Gogh.  Moreover, the Camargue wetlands, with flamingos and wild horses, and the Calanques National Park with limestone cliffs are prominent natural wonders in thai region.  3. Var And Its Capital, Toulon Mediterranean coastline A vibrant nightlife Rich maritime history A beautiful harbor Var and its capital, Toulon, are famous for all these things. Furthermore, you will love the quiet beaches of Îles d’Hyères and areas like Bandol with expansive vineyards and massive production of rosé wines.  4. Avignon And Vaucluse Along with the quintessential Provençal countryside charm, Vaucluse remains an important historical and cultural landmark in the South of France.  Vaucluse, its capital, has a performing arts festival every year in July. On the other hand, Orange has one of the best preserved Roman theaters, and it still hosts many performances. Pont d’Avignon and Palais des Papes are other important landmarks in Vaucluse.  In addition, Valucluse offers you the most peaceful retreat in the Luberon region, filled with beautiful rolling hills, quaint villages like Roussillon, and vineyards.  5. Alpes-de-Haute-Provence And Digne-les-Bains With Digne-les-Bains as the capital, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is famous for thermal baths and lavender fields. It is also home to Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, and a beautiful hilltop town with a citadel, Sisteron.  Also, don’t forget to visit the Lavender Museum and the Valensole lavender plains in summer.  Moreover, if it is Jean Giono who introduced you to the South of France, you must explore Manosque, the writer’s hometown. 6. Hautes-Alpes And Gap Hautes-Alpes is famous for the beauty of the French Alps. Gap is the capital city, and Haute-Alpes is also home to the Écrins National Park, a popular summer destination for hikers thanks to its dramatic cliffs and glaciers.  Also, Hautes-Alpes has Briançon, one of the highest mountainous cities, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the Vauban fortifications.  How Does A Perfect South Of France Itinerary For 7 Days Look Like?  Here, we have made a sample 7-day itinerary for you in the South of France. As I am yet to make it to the South of France, I have made this itinerary based on my online research and after consultation with a local travel expert. 7-Day Itinerary for the South of France Activities and Places to VisitDay 1• Exploring Marseille and traveling to Aix-en-Provence• Visiting the fountains and the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-ProvenceDay 2• Visiting the Luberon Region and exploring beautiful villages such as Roussillon and GordesDay 3• A trip to the Calanques National Park, boating, and kayaking thereDay 4• Visit Nice and enjoy the vibe at the Promenade des AnglaisDay 5• Monaco day tripDay 6• Explore Antibes and its Picasso MuseumDay 7• Day trip to Cannes Where To Stay In South Of France?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Le Collectionist (@lecollectionist) I have already mentioned that the South of France, being a luxury tourist destination, has high-end villas such as Le Collectionist villas in Provence.  Furthermore, you will find many short-term and long-term holiday rentals for improved privacy at a more reasonable rate.  Also, Hotel Port Palace in Monte Carlo or Le Negresco in Nice are some luxurious hotels in this region.  Moreover, the Provence region, Côte d'Azur, and Languedoc-Roussillon have some amazing campsites if you want to spend your days in Southern France in the company of nature. What Is The Best Time To Visit The South Of France? April to May and September to October are the best months to visit the South of France. In April and May, you will see the lavender in full bloom, while the summer is yet to set, keeping the temperature within 20-25 degrees Celsius.  On the other hand, September to October is the ideal time to explore the beaches and other coastal getaways of the South of France.  South Of France: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions about the South of France.  1. Where To Visit In The South Of France On A Budget? If you are traveling on a budget, you can explore the following destinations in the South of France. • Antibes• Nice• Avignon• Cannes• Saint Paul de Vence• Monaco• RoussillonFurthermore, while traveling on a budget, you can choose Nice as your base. It has the most affordable holiday rentals. Also, you can easily take train trips from Nice and explore places like Monaco. Also, cook your own meals to avoid spending a fortune at expensive restaurants.  2. What Are The Most Beautiful Places In Southern France For Young Adults? From classic French Riviera destinations to a place with beautiful lemon groves, the South of France has plenty to offer to young adult tourists. Here are our favorites.• Nice with its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and of course, the Promenade des Anglais• Cannes with its boutiques and all the love for films• Saint-Tropez with its happening beach clubs and high-end shopping experience• Menton, with its vibrant buildings, lemon groves, and proximity to the Italian border 3. What Are The South Of France Cities Near Beach? Cannes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Marseille, and Menton are the most beautiful cities near the beaches in the South of France.  4. What Is The Nicest Part Of The South Of France? Provence is the nicest part of the South of France. Artistic heritage, Roman ruins, beautiful lavender fields, great wines and food, and charming hilltop villages. Furthermore, blessed with the Mediterranean Coast and the Verdon Gorge, it is also a popular destination for watersports. 5. What Is The Safest Part Of the South Of France?  Bordeaux, Toulouse, Monaco, and Aix-en-Provence are some of the safest places to stay in the South of France. These places have low crime rates, and the chances of encountering violent crimes are pretty rare. However, the French Riviera has frequent cases of petty theft.