The south of France

This perennially sunny region is the basis of many a travel fantasy. Ever since Peter Mayle wrote A Year in Provence, the idea of renting a house in the south of France has sounded like the perfect retreat. Whether it’s the lavender fields of Provence itself or the cloudless skies of the Riviera towns such as Nice that draw you, the truth is that a family getaway here is an entirely realistic option.

What to do:

Being in the south of France is an experience in and of itself. The sun is unusually strong here, and many artists have claimed that colors look more intense (this region inspired both Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne). Another serious attraction is the local cuisine, a Mediterranean melange of fresh ingredients with bold flavors (kids who won’t eat their veggies at home may be tempted to try some of the local produce here). Many of the beaches of the French Riviera - also known at the Côte d’Azur - are family-friendly, and the water is perfect for swimming. A visit to the ancient town of Arles makes a lovely day trip: Julius Caesar himself created a colony here, and the Roman Amphitheater is still standing (and still hosting special events). Also in Arles is the Musée de l’Arles Antique, a treasure trove of artifacts from Imperial Rome. If your children are old enough to see the film The Man in the Iron Mask, they will definitely appreciate the chance to see the notorious Château d’If, the state prison that housed the masked man himself (immortalized in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas). The tiny principality of Monaco is another day-trip possibility: it’s not every day that children can visit the palace of a reigning monarch (called Les Grands Appartement du Palais), as they can here.

Where to Stay:

It’s not hard to find companies that offer house rentals and other alternative accommodations in the south of France; the key is to find a reputable broker who can deliver what your family is looking for. The French Tourist Office has a short list of brokers on its website, including Gites de France. Prices vary widely depending on the type of accommodation, the time of year, and whether you wish to include amenities such as a cleaning service.

For More Information:

Visit www.franceguide.com.

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