Provence

Immerse yourself in the captivating aroma of Provence by visiting its famous lavender fields. While the duration of the lavender season varies across different areas of Provence, it generally takes place from the last week of June to the beginning of August when the flowers are harvested. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photographs and witness the biggest variety of shades of blue and purple. If you're looking for the best areas to see lavender fields in Provence, the Plateau de Valensole and Luberon are both popular choices. Sault, located just off the city of Avignon, is also a celebrated destination for lavender enthusiasts, as it's home to one of the most spectacular lavender fields in France and hosts the yearly Lavender Festival every August. And if you want to learn more about the interesting history and uses of lavender, be sure to visit the Lavender Museum. Here, you can discover everything there is to know about Provence's number one export and the beloved flower that is the soul of this beautiful region.

Located between the communes of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a sequence of stunning inlets boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of outdoor activities. The Park includes coastal mountain ranges, a vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the world's most bountiful submarine canyons. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the Calanques is by hiking along one of the numerous trails within the park. However, if trekking is not your thing, don't miss out on the Calanques' splendour by embarking on a sailboat or a catamaran to explore this wondrous area from the water.

The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso took up residence following an invitation by the then-curator of the Grimaldi Museum. During his two prolific years in Antibes, Picasso produced numerous works that he later donated to the castle. The museum displays an impressive collection of Picasso's paintings, drawings, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as some of his personal belongings. Additionally, the museum features works by other artists who inspired or were influenced by the Spanish artist. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean from the castle's ramparts and explore the museum's beautiful sculpture garden.

Explore the south of France's playground of the rich and famous on this day trip to Cannes & Monaco from Nice. Prepare yourself to feel like a movie star as you tour the Côte d'Azur's elegant coastal towns like Cannes, Èze, and Juan-les-Pins, as well as the glamorous city-state of Monaco.

Carved by the Verdon River, Gorges du Verdon is a remarkable natural setting that is among the most spectacular in Europe. This 25-kilometre limestone canyon is characterised by turquoise waters and reaches depths of over 700 meters at some points. Travellers have several options for experiencing this breathtaking landscape, including driving along the top, climbing the sides, hiking into it, or kayaking through it — with the latter being the most popular choice. The kayak route leads to the stunning artificial lake of Sainte-Croix, which is an ideal spot for renting a pedalo, having a picnic, or simply admiring the magnificent scenery.

The Eden Theatre opened in June 1889 as a theatre and music hall but also played host to boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, opera performances, and concerts. It is recognised as the world's first public cinema, and it remains the oldest functioning one. In 1982, it closed after its proprietor was killed in a robbery. However, it re-opened once a year for a week to organise small film festivals, until it eventually closed down in 1995 and fell into disrepair. In 2013, when Marseille was declared the European Capital of Culture, the theatre underwent a €6.5m renovation, returning it to its former glory. It's a must-visit in the region — not only to enjoy the movies and the festivals but also because of its remarkable long history.

Located in the heart of Nice's historic quarter, Place Masséna is a charming 19th-century square with striking black and white geometric tiles. The square is surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings and cafés, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the city's ambience. Throughout the year, Place Masséna hosts a variety of public events that attract visitors from around the world.

Located at the end of the corniche are the Plages du Prado, Marseille's stretches of sandy beaches. With a steady sea breeze, the beaches are excellent for kite-flying or a first windsurfing lesson. Prado encompasses several compact beaches with multiple shopping and dining opportunities in the vicinity.

Château d'If is a historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille. Built in the 16th century, the castle served as a military prison until the end of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the castle's narrow cells and see the exhibitions about the fortress's history and its use as a prison. Château d'If is also famous for being featured in the novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas.

The Museum of the Roman Docks is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions are the "dolia" — large ceramic containers once used to store oils and wines.

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Marseille at the Marseille History Museum. The museum boasts an impressive collection of historical and archaeological artefacts that date back to the city's founding times. With 3500 m2 of exhibition space, an auditorium, and a documentation centre, there is plenty to see and do here. Kids will love the hands-on exhibits, while adults will appreciate the carefully curated displays that provide insight into Marseille's rich and complex past.

Parc Borély is a stunning development covering many hectares, situated not too far from the Prado beaches. Apart from the 18th-century château, there are the superbly well-maintained English and French Botanical Gardens and a rowing lake.