Looking for the best Southeast France cities to visit this year? You are in the right place! Take a look at these lovely places and start planning your next trip to France!
You are planning a trip to France later this year and wondering about the best places to visit there? Well, if you’re planning on spending a few days or weeks in the South of the country, I have everything you need right here!
After living and traveling in France for most of my life, I am finally sharing with you the very best Southeast France cities to add to your itinerary this year!
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a big city trip, some quiet time on a secluded beach, or wandering around lovely French villages. You will find what you are looking for in this list of 24 unique Southeast France cities! Keep reading and start planning—France is waiting for you!
This post is all about 24 unique Southeast France cities you should visit this year!
GRUISSAN
Gruissan is a lovely town located in the southern part of France. One of the most famous tourist attractions there is the Salin of Saint Martin Island. Book your tour, and you will learn everything about salt cultivation and oyster farming!
Béziers
Located 15km away from the beach, Béziers is a must-see when it comes to the southeast of France. Beautiful architecture, lovely locals, and great food— you will love everything about this city. And if you are visiting during the month of August, you will have the chance to experience the Béziers Féria, the biggest event of the region, which attracts a million people every year!
Agde
Agde, as well as Le Cap d’Agde, are well-known among French tourists as well as foreigners. During the summer, this city of Southeast France will probably be crowded, so you might want to keep that in mind. Nevertheless, it is popular for a reason. Nocturnal markets, fun fairs, nightclubs… You won’t have time to get bored.
Oh, and also! If you are a fan of naturism or just want to give it a try, it is THE PLACE TO BE!
MARSEILLAN
Marseillan is a lovely village located in the Hérault region of France. The main tourist attractions there are the port and the church, both listed as protected heritage sites. If you are feeling adventurous, you can cycle from Marseillan to Mèze along the Canal du Midi. You will see lagoons, marshes, and vineyards… The scenery will make you fall in love with this region.
SETE
A major port city in the Southeast French region, Sète is often compared to the Venice of Languedoc.
Oh! And while you are there, don’t forget to eat your way through the city. They have delicious culinary specialties: Tielles, Frescati, Stuffed mussels…
MONTPELLIER
The third-largest city on the Mediterranean coast and the seventh-largest city in France, Montpellier has everything you might need. Beaches nearby, shops, cinemas, restaurants, bars, nightclubs… You name it!
But if your main goal while traveling is to disconnect and have a quiet time, it might not be the right fit for you!
LA GRANDE MOTTE
A rather recent city (built in the 1960s), I wouldn’t say that La Grande Motte is a cute place to visit. But if you want to relax on the beach and eat at restaurants, it might be a great place for you.
And if you want to change scenery to see wilder places, you could just go on a day trip from time to time.
AIGUES-MORTES
A medieval city surrounded by well-preserved walls, Aigues-Mortes is classified as a Grand Site of Occitanie. This lovely site is located only 15 minutes away from La Grande Motte and could be a great idea for a day trip!
Between museums, art, fauna and flora, and delicious food, you will have the best time there.
MARSEILLE
The oldest city in France, Marseille is a perfect mix of nature, history, culture, and modernity. I could write an entire blog post about this beautiful French city to try to convince you to visit. When you do visit (because I know you will), don’t forget to go for a walk in the famous Calanques de Marseille.
The Calanques are the perfect balance between sea and mountains.
AIX EN PROVENCE
Located 30 minutes north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is a well-known Southeast French city, as it was previously the capital of the Provence region. Some would argue that Aix-en-Provence is better than Marseille… In my opinion, they just offer two different vibes.
If you are in need of a relaxing and more nature-oriented vacation, but with the perks of city life, Aix-en-Provence is the place!
CASSIS
Cassis and its famous Calanques… Located 40 minutes east of Marseille, the scenery you will be able to see there is unmatched.
Beaches, cliffs, and turquoise water—you won’t want to leave this place!
SAINT CYR SUR MER
Small seaside tourist resort, Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer is a very popular tourist destination in the Southeast part of France. The surroundings have a wilder look than some other tourist resorts, and its location (between Cassis and Bandol) makes it a good starting point for day trips.
BANDOL
Whether you are into water sports, walking along the seashore, or just tanning on the beach, Bandol will have what you are looking for. If you want to be “wowed,” take the steps up Montée Maillet and enjoy the view of the city from up there.
Oh! And if you are a wine lover, don’t forget to try their special red wines!
SANARY SUR MER
Did you know that Sanary-sur-Mer is one of the sunniest places in France? If you want to perfect your tan, that seems to be the perfect spot! And once you are done tanning, go for a walk on the seashore or wander through the shops in town.
And while you are there, try some of their seafood dishes!
TOULON
Well known for its major naval base, Toulon is one of the biggest cities on the Southeast French Coast. If you are into naval history, don’t forget to visit The Grand Musée National de la Marine located in the port.
But if you are not, don’t worry; you can still enjoy the sandy beaches and the views over the Mediterranean Sea.
LE LAVANDOU
Le Lavandou is a lovely beach town located less than an hour east of Toulon, where you will be able to relax and enjoy sunny days on the beach! It is also a great starting point if you want to visit the Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port Cros, and Le Levant). And if you have more time, why not explore the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas?
Did you know that the name Lavandou comes from the lavender flower, which grows everywhere in this region of France?
Saint-Tropez
You’ve probably heard of Saint-Tropez before, the place to be for jet-setters and stars in the 60s, and I believe its reputation remains to this day. If you want to party and dine in luxurious restaurants, Saint-Tropez is the perfect place for you!
Be careful, though, prices tend to be more expensive there than in other parts of the French Riviera!
SAINTe-MAXIME
Sainte-Maxime is often referred to as Saint-Tropez’s little sister! Less exclusive but as classy as Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime even has its own casino. So if that’s your idea of a successful vacation, you know where to go!
But don’t worry, during the day you will still have a lot to explore in the surrounding areas!
CANNES
Home to the famous Cannes Festival, I believe you already know this city. If you have already been there, you might have noticed the luxurious boutiques and cars, as well as the huge palace hotels. In fact, Cannes tends to be more expensive than the other Southeast France Cities.
If you are on a budget, why not go on a day trip to Cannes and stay in a more affordable city at night?
ANTIBES
Antibes is well known for its enclosed old town with the star-shaped Fort Carré. This alone should make you want to visit! But if you need a bit more, here it is: boat trips or bike rides. You will have an endless choice of activities to stay active during the day!
You only have to choose what you want to do, and Antibes will have it for you!
NICE
Between beaches and the old town, Nice will surprise you. The colorful old town is filled with art, architecture, delicious food… All the best things in life, really! And if you are feeling adventurous, you can even go on a day trip hiking in the Mercantour National Park.
Do you really require more reasons to visit Nice?
EZE
Enchanting village located on the French Riviera, Eze is famous for its many shops and art galleries. It is also a popular destination for honeymooners. I mean, I understand, look at this place!
If you are short on time, you can visit Eze on a day trip from Monaco or Nice!
MONACO
Independent Sovereignty, Monaco is, in fact, not part of France. But if you are taking a trip along the Southeast Cities of France, you can’t skip Monaco. And if you plan your trip well, you could even go and watch the famous F1 race on the last weekend of May!
If you are not into F1, don’t worry; you can still wander in the city and discover the history of this Independent Sovereignty.
MENTON
Last but not least of our “24 Unique Places To Visit This Year: Southeast France Cities” article, the lovely town of Menton!
Menton has gained in popularity over the last few years thanks to social media and people sharing their favorite destinations! And believe me, when you visit, you will want to tell everyone about it too!
Don’t forget, if you are in the area in the last weeks of February, go to the famous Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival)!