A trip to Provence and the Cote D’Azur in the South of France provides an unparalleled opportunity for indulging the senses, as France has mastered the arts of fine fragrance, fine wine, and, of course, fine food.
Since this region is the perfume capital of the world, every South of France trip should include a stop in Grasse, the home of two perfume factories. Parfumerie Fragonard offers tours that demonstrate the magical process by which flowers are turned into perfume, soaps, and other scented products.
The building also houses a museum with antique labels and other related items. Parfumerie Molinard also explains the techniques used in perfume production and includes a collection of rare perfume bottles.
Intoxicating Sights and Scents
Even without stopping at an actual perfume factory, visitors can enjoy the fields of fragrant lavender that stretch as far as the eye can see from about the last week of June through July.
The sights that surround visitors at every turn are also a highlight of a South of France trip. Driving along a country road is like taking a step back to the 1800’s. Farms and vineyards flank the road, dotted by quaint stone farmhouses.
The Camargue, nicknamed the Everglades of France, is a swampy area that gives free reign to white horses that gather around ponds and streams by the dozen, bulls that are used in local bull fights, and flocks of colorful flamingos. The Gorges du Verdon, meanwhile, is considered the Grand Canyon of France, offering views of dramatic cliffs and rushing blue-green waters.
Foods and Wines of the South of France
When it comes to the good life, France is known throughout the world for its dedication to food. And because of its proximity to Italy, this region has been widely influenced by Italian cuisine. Pasta is a specialty, often served with the basil and pine nut sauce called pistou, or pesto. Gelato in a dizzying number of flavors is available even in small towns.
The olives that grow in abundance are made into delightful tapenades. The area also produces sweet tomatoes, figs and honey in a variety of flavors, including lavender-infused honey.
Many towns offer regional specialties, like the salade nicoise of Nice, heaven for anchovy lovers. Then there are all the typical foods the French are famous for, including croissants, brioches, and elaborate pastries that truly taste as good as they look.
Every South of France trip should also include a visit to a winery. Vineyards sprawls across the land, producing some of the world’s best wines – at some of the world’s lowest prices. Chateauneuf du Pape has the highest alcohol content of any French wine, and there’s even a town of that name that’s crowded with boutiques selling Chateauneuf du Pape wines made by the small individual wineries throughout the region.
Meanwhile, Cassis is known for its own local white wines. The region also produces two popular aperitifs: almond-flavored amandine and anise-flavored pastis.
To Market You Go
One of the best places to become immersed in the scents, flavors, sights, and sounds of the region during a South of France honeymoon are the outdoor markets.
Many towns hold them on different days of the week, so that it’s almost always possible to find one. Beginning early in the morning, local cheesemakers, bakers, farmers, and merchants set up shop under colorful awnings, laying out a mind-boggling array of fruits, vegetables, sausages, fish, cheeses, soaps, fabrics, and flowers.
The countryside isn’t the only place to enjoy extraordinary gastronomic experiences during a South of France trip. The French are famous for their passion for eating, and nearly every restaurant, from casual bistros to the best-known four-star restaurants, reflects the country’s deep respect for food. Or stop in at a small grocery store — like the ubiquitous Casino chain — and browse the shelves for unusual sausages, cheeses, and other local specialties.
Chances are, you’ll treat your senses to a brand new texture or taste, creating just one more memorable experience during your trip to the South of France.
