I am often asked to help clients pick out places to visit in the South of France during their vacation. If you are planning your summer holidays in France for 2026 and you are looking for information on where to go in the South of France, then just follow our handy guide to the Best 20 places to visit in the South of France. 

The Mediterranean beach resort of Cap d'Agde in the South of France is the biggest holiday resort in France. Famed for its 14km of sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and steady supply of Mediterranean sunshine, the resort itself hides an interesting history. Cap d'Agde is located about 20 minutes drive south-east of Montpellier in the old Languedoc region of Southern France and 15 mins from Beziers airport.

The Pyrenees is a mountain range between France and Spain. The Pyrenees mountains form the physical border between Spain and France and stretches from the Atlantic ocean to the Mediterranean sea. The snow-capped ridges of the Pyrenees mountains are a popular destination with skiers, climbers and walkers.

Where is Saint Tropez? Saint Tropez is located on the South of France coast in between Marseille and Cannes. This small fishing village on the Mediterranean coast shot to fame and fortune through its association with Brigitte Bardot and a host of other famous film stars and artists at the beginning of the 1960s. Since then it has continued to be a popular playground for the rich and famous and has grown in proportion. Saint Tropez is located on a small bay, close to the major resort town of Sainte-Maxime. The city of Toulon is 50kms to the west and Cannes is 70kms to the east. 

Pezenas is without doubt the most beautiful town in Languedoc, if not the whole of South France. The best time to visit Pezenas is in the height of summer during the regular Friday night Estivale when all the shops in Pezenas stay open late, local vineyards are selling their wine on the streets and the old town is buzzing with life.

The Perpignan region in South France has a real Catalan feel to it. Partly, this is due to its proximity to Spain (25 kms away) and partly due to its history as part of the old King of Mallorca's province. I really like Perpignan. It is a real pleasure to walk around. Our Perpignan tourism guide helps shed some light on the best things to do and see in Perpignan during 2026.

In terms of location, the Southern France city of Beziers has everything going for it. It is just 10km from the Mediterranean coast. It has a great transport network. It has over 2,000 years of history and it is quickly regenerating itself for the 21st Century. Beziers may not be the prettiest city in the South of France but there is still plenty of charm tucked away down the ancient medieval streets. 

The Camargue is a stunningly beautiful part of Southern France and the largest river delta in Europe. It is home to 400 species of birds, pink flamingos, the famous white Camargue horses, and is famous for its black bulls and the romantic Camarguais way of life. The landscape of the Camargue has a wonderful barren beauty and serenity. Read on for more interesting facts and tourist information about the Camargue.

The city of Arles on the banks of the River Rhône in Southern France is famous for its short, but memorable association with the artist Vincent van Gogh. Van Gogh stayed in Arles for only 18 months yet during this time he produced some of his most famous paintings of landscapes and real life in and around Arles. But Arles has a much longer history dating back to Roman times and Hannibal's crossing of the Rhone river. Read more about the many things to do & see in Arles, France.

The beautiful coastal town of Collioure is one of my favourite destinations in the South of France. With the scenic backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains tumbling into the sea, the medieval castle dating back to the Knight's Templar, the iconic harbour-side church with its domed tower, the plentiful beach-side restaurants, narrow old streets, interesting boutiques, art trails and four beaches - what more could you ask for in one town? 

Nimes, is a city in South France with a wonderful past and a vibrant present. Here you will find our essential travel guide to Nimes to find the best things to do and see and discover why Nimes was voted one of the hottest places to visit in 2026. Nimes will always be linked with two things: Romans and Denim jeans. The centre of Nimes is home to a bustling commercial district, with winding streets hiding a plethora of boutiques and artisanal shops. Nimes also houses two good art galleries and hosts some of the most colourful festivals in the South of France. 

If you are planning your summer holidays to France then follow our guide on where to stay in the South of France in 2026. We have grouped these best places to stay in South of France into distinct regions of the South of France, but to be honest getting around is quite simple. 

The busy port town of Sete is a real gem on the Languedoc coast. Don't be put off by the industrial outskirts to the town, we love Sete and it has become one of the fastest growing property hot spots in the Languedoc. Read on for more Sete tourism information.

The stunning medieval village of Minerve, 45 minutes west of Beziers, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Languedoc. Dating back to the 10th Century, this former Cathar stronghold, is perched on the edge of a lovely gorge.

I love going to the city Montpellier in South France. It makes such a change from our sleepy little Languedoc village. Montpellier in contrast is a buzzing, vibrant, youthful, bright, and cultured City. Montpellier's shops are excellent and so are the restaurants. There are always plenty of things to and see in Montpellier all year around.

Carcassonne's wonderful castle is certainly what you come to Carcassonne to see. But there are also many other tourist attractions in and around Carcassonne in South France. Carcassonne's castle is one of the top tourist attractions in France. It is only when you arrive that you can get a true feel for the enormous scale of Carcassonne castle. Carcassonne is a magical place. There can not be a more impressive castle in Europe.

Catharism was a Christian religious sect that appeared in the Languedoc in the 11th century and flourished in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Cathars have been linked to the pursuit of the Holy Grail as well as the forbearers of modern Protestantism. During a period of religious Crusade and Inquisition an estimated 500,000 Languedoc men women and children were massacred. Today, there are some important remnants of Cathar culture - but these may not be all they seem!

Sommieres, France, is a pretty little town with a wide river flowing through it. Sommieres is situated in between Nimes and Montpellier and it is easy to spend a day here wandering around the old narrow grid streets of this ancient town. If you are visiting Sommieres here you will find some of our Sommieres tourist information tips. Read on for more Sommieres tourist information.

I have to say I am really impressed with the town of Mirepoix in Southern France and I would certainly recommend that you take a detour to visit the place. The central Place Marechal Leclerc in Mirepoix is certainly the most beautiful square I have seen in France and there are some really interesting shops in the narrow grid of streets around the main square.

Uzes, France is a very pretty town to visit in the Gard region close to Provence. We recently spent a weekend in Uzes and we had a great time. Together with Aix en Provence, St Remy, Aigues Mortes, Avignon, Sommieres and Pezenas; Uzes really ought to be up there on your list of places to visit if you are planning a tour of the South of France.

The Pont du Gard aqueduct is one of the most dramatic monuments of Roman architecture in France. The Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct/bridge, was built around AD50 to carry water over 50 km from Uzes to Nimes. The Pont du Gard aqueduct is situated in Languedoc, just north of Nimes, nobody with an interest in history or architecture should miss the chance to visit this wonderful historic monument.

The South of France is home to some of the most picturesque cities in France to visit. Apart from the well-known cities such as Nice, Cannes and Marseille, you will find a wealth of beautiful French cities to visit. Outside of the summer, a visit to the South of France in May or September is always pleasant. The climate is still warm, the restaurants are still open and the throngs of tourists have died down. If you are looking for inspiration about which Southern France cities to visit, then follow our guide to the Best South France cities to visit during 2026.

Hugging the western banks of the Gorges de l'Herault, is the stunning village of St-Guilhem-le-Desert. The ancient village of St Guilhem, now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nestled amongst stunning Languedoc scenary.

If I was to rank the best places in France to visit, outside of Paris of course, then this would be my top 15 places to visit. I am not saying that this is a complete list of the best tourist places in France to visit, but I have lived in France for over 10 years and before that I have toured around France quite a bit, both on holiday and with work. 

The Languedoc-Roussillon region is one of Europe's most fascinating areas. Here is our recommendation of the 10 best things to do in Languedoc-Roussillon during your stay. Our list of best places to visit in Languedoc Roussillon is in no particular and is purely based on what we have enjoyed during our 11 years of living in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Situated in a small valley, insulated from the outside world, lies the Abbey of Fontfroide. This is one of largest Cistercian monasteries in France and a popular Languedoc site. Its architecturally beautiful buildings are the heritage of the monastic past. Founded in the 11th Century by the Count of Narbonne Abbaye de Fontfroide enjoyed a prosperous existence, before falling into a steady decline.

West of Sete lies the Etang de Thau, the biggest saltwater lake in Languedoc. On the eastern side of the Etang de Thau lies a narrow strip of headland with golden sand separating the Etang de Thau from the Mediterranean.

Aigues-Mortes was originally intended to be the principal port in the South of France. Aigues-Mortes is now a mandatory stopping off point for visitors on any tour of the South of France. The old grid streets inside the walled fortifications do not seem to have changed in hundreds of years. Read on for further Aigues Mortes tourism information.