Hi, we plan to spend 7-10 days in Southern France. We plan to rent a house/apartment as a base and then drive around for wine tasting, sightseeing, etc. We would like the base to be near a town center where we can walk to restaurants, cafés, yet with not too bad traffic. What would be some suggestions that you may have? Thanks
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
My favorite area of France is Languedoc, which is southwest of Provence. We rented a house in a village near Pezenas, which is a good size town with some interest of its own and lots of restaurants and shops. It is in the Herault district and a good base for day tripping from the Spanish border (Collioure), Carcassonne, Albi, Gorge du Tarn, Gorge du Herault, Nimes, and even as far as Arles and the Carmargue. It is also a good wine area where they have traditionally grown wines for the French market, but it is starting to grow into a more distinctive wine region. The landscape is varied and different than Provence, and you won't find it nearly as crowded, except at certain locations such as Carcassonne. Check it out in a guidebook (Michelin Green Guide) or online (Google it), and get a good map of the region. I've spent 5 weeks there on two different trips and still would go back again.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Languedoc would be a very good choice. You could fly into Toulouse and drive south.
But if you've never been, I think the best choice might be the most obvious one, Provence around the Rhone valley. There is so much to see and do in the area without a ton of driving (I mean, the distances are often short; you will absolutely be glad of an auto).
The cliche small town is St Remy, but there are many lovely towns in the area. If you want something more lively, Arles (though bigger) is charming.
This region is served by an international airport outside of Marseille, but it is also only 3 hours form Paris by train.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
I agree with Languedoc...we spent 5 weeks in Pezenas one summer and LOVED the area. It's off the beaten tourist track, the town is completely walkable being almost entirely a pedestrian zone in the center, and there is lots to do within a one hour radius of town. The Saturday market is one of the best in the area. Wineries and other beautiful, small villages and towns all around, the sea is close, and the Cevennes are neaby as well. Highly recommend!