40 things to do in the South of France
Seriously good bits and bobs you won't find in the guide books, from my brain to yours
I’ve been going to the South of France but over 20 years now, and in that time I’ve gathered together all the places, people, things I wished I’d known about before I arrived. So finally I have got my act together and put it all in one place for you. As ever, paid subs can feel free to ask more questions in the comments below or share your own recommendations, which we always love to see!
Remember, if you’re not a paid subscribers (which is fine, of course) you’re missing out on all the travel recommendations, both in the private chat and on Things Worth Knowing as well as the complete archive of writing. I do hope you’ll join us at some point, since this is where all the good stuff lives.
Have a wonderful Sunday wherever you are in the world.
Happy Provencal dreaming
Farrah x
Hire one of these old open-top Citroen Meharis. They look hilarious, but are also weirdly cool. Sure they won’t get your very far-maybe to the local market, but that’s not the point. Throw a couple of dogs in the back and you’ll be the envy of every tourist in town
Buy strawberries in Aix. The Saturday fruit and veg market on Place Richelme is a total vibe and they sell the best strawberries from every Provencal region. The Carpentras strawberries have the sweetest perfume and are best eaten on a bench in the sun, using the brown paper bag as a napkin.
Order a Monaco. Very good when drunk under a big Provencal sky: equal parts cold beer to cold lemonade with a dash of grenadine.
Get yourself to Grignan. Lovely little town in the far north of the region. We stay at a very good hotel called Clair De La Plume. Very dog friendly and they have a perfect courtyard where you can take dinner.
Hilltop villages. So many good ones to see. My favourites in no particular order are: Ansouis, Menerbes, Lacoste, Saint Saturnin Les Apt, Saignon, Goult and Forcalquier.
Below you’ll find linen shops, secret markets, hip new restaurants and so much more to make your stay in Provence that much better…