Must see tourist attractions in the South of France

The South is a great holiday spot, not only because you’ ll be able to gorge on tasty cheeses, delicious wines and enjoy a Mediterranean climate (what more would expect from France of course…!) But because there are plenty of great sights and sounds to be seen.
Amazingly there are Over 40 UNESCO World Heritage sites listed in Aquitaine, Midi Pyrenes and Languedoc-Rouyssilon regions, but it’s not all Cathedrals and Chateaux’s – in addition to these delights you’ll find plenty more to explore….
 

Gorges du Verdon

This breath taking river canyon has been referred to as Frances answer to the Grand Canyon. At 25km long and 700 metres deep its picturesque turquoise water attracts plenty of tourists. At the end of the canyon the river joins the Saint Croix du Verdon lake. And there’s lots to do here, hire a kayak to explore, white water raft, water ski, fish, horse ride, hike –you name it! The area is also well known for its rock climbing.
Transfers from Nice

La Dune du Pyla

It’s a bit of a hike to the top, but worth the view. This sand dune is  the biggest in Europe stretching 2,700m and 108m high! But when you do reach the top you’ll get a view of Archachon town, the Les Landes forest and of course the Atlantic Ocean. At the bottom there’s plenty of cafes for a rest- you’ll need it! The photo alone sells it to us.
Transfer to Arcachon from Bordeaux Airport

 

Avignon – Le Palais des Papes

Located in the centre of Provenca, Le Palais des Papes is Europes biggest Gothic Palace. It has plenty of open rooms giving visitors an insight into the historic events that went on there, in addition to works of art and other events that change thoughout the year –it is currently stage to the Avignon Thetre Festival. Four  impressive towers and ajoined to the Pont Saint Benezet bridge you can take in plently of culure at this truly special place.
Transfer to Avignon From Nice

 

Nimes Amphitheatre

An incredible sight, believe it or not you are in France not Italy, but this city is closely linked to its Roman past. Scattered with roman monuments including the Maison Carrée and the temple of Diana. In Nimes you will find yourself in winding streets hiding unusual  boutiques and art galleries. We recommend taking a tour to get the most out of the history.
Fly to Montpellier and Transfer to Nimes

 

Carcassonne Castle

Carcassonne is famous for its medieval walled city. ‘Cite de Carcassonne’ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the South of France. Its of very impressive size and stature. Surrounded by the Canal Du Midi you will get a real taste of medieval France on your visit here, plus with free admission you’ve got more money to spend the artisanal shop and lunch why not try the regional delicacy –casoulette. Yum..

 

Bordeaux – Mirror Lake at Place de la Bourse

There is more to Bordeaux that great wines (although we would highly recommend a tasting on your visit!) The mirror lake or Miroir D’eau is a feast for the eyes and is even better at night time where the stunning reflection of the Place de la Bourse comes to life. Its made from granite slabs and 2cm of water that acts as a mirror and even turns into a cloud of mist making for some fantastic photo opportunities, not to be missed if you are in Bordeaux.

Fly to Boredeaux

For more info on transfers or special requests to these areas feel free to email us for info or quotes.

Top 5 Best Beaches in the South of France and Spain

People often think you need to head to the Caribbean or Australia for breathtaking beaches, but there are plenty nestled away here in Europe. Sea-Lifts offer transfers to all of these great destinations. So let us do the hard work for you show you some of our top pick beach destinations.

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

According to TripAdvisor, La Concha Beach in San Sebastian is Europe’s best beach. Although we don’t completely agree with everything that is on TripAdvisor, we certainly agree with this one! San Sebastian is one of our favourite surf destinations in not only Spain but the whole of Europe. However, La Concha is a beach with relaxing calm waters, where you can spend your day soaking in the atmosphere and the beaming sun. What more could you ask for?

San Sebastian is a city with more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in the world, so you would expect at least one amazing restaurant to be a stone’s throw from La Concha. Well, there’s not one, but two world-class restaurants which are a short drive from the beach; Arzak and Mugaritz. If La Concha isn’t where you’re heading this summer, we suggest you rethink your plans!

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian

How to get to La Concha Beach

We would recommend taking a transfer from either Biarritz or Bilbao airports to San Sebastian.

Transfers from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian take approx. 45 mins.

Transfers from Bilbao Airport to San Sebastian take approx. 15 hour 15 mins.

Plage Port Vieux, Biarritz

Biarritz is another major surfing destination in the Basque region. Although we absolutely love surfing, sometimes we just need to get away from it all and find a beach with calm waters where we aren’t competing with every surfer around. If you’re like us, then Plage du Port Vieux is the beach for you!

Rather interestingly, this horseshoe-shaped beach was originally a port (hence the name), prior to becoming established as housing baths by Napoleon III in 1858. Like we mentioned, the tranquil and calm waters here ensure you’re not competing with surfers and you can enjoy a nice relaxing swim. If you’re looking for something a bit different, head here on Christmas day watch the famous annual champagne swim (watching rather than joining sounds like more a plan on a chilly Christmas day!)

Plage Port Vieux, Biarritz

How to get to Plage Port Vieux

We would recommend taking a transfer from either Biarritz or Bordeaux airports to Biarritz.

Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Biarritz City Centre take approx. 15 mins.

Transfers from Bordeaux Airport to Biarritz take approx. 2 hours 15 mins.

Eden Plage Mala, Cap d’Ail

Located by the playground for the rich and famous, Monaco, is the hidden cove Eden Plage Mala. There’s a couple of ways to reach this gem, either take the tricky headland path (this path is closed when the sea is rough) or alternatively, take the long and steep descent from the close-by village.

This beach is the most undiscovered beach resort on the Côte d’Azur.  However, that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty here to do. For example, we would recommend to rent a paddle board and explore the nearby grottos. If relaxing is more your cup of tea, then relax on the red beds under the parasols. Just make sure you keep your glass of wine topped up!

Eden Plage Mala

How to get to Cap d’Ail

We would recommend taking a transfer from Nice Airport to Cap d’Ail.

Transfers from Nice Airport to Cap d’Ail take approx. 15 mins.

The Gravières Beach, Hossegor

How could we complete this list without mentioning at least one surf beach! The one which makes the list is The Gravières Beach in Hossegor. Be warned, the waves on this beach are not for the faint-hearted and certainly not for beginners. However, if you are confident on the waves, then get yourself to The Gravières Beach!

If you don’t want to take just our word for it, I’m sure the fact that this beach has hosted the World Championship of Surfing will be enough to persuade you and if it isn’t, we’re not sure what will! Grab your board, jump on a plane and get yourself over to Hossegor, you won’t regret it.

The Gravières Beach

How to get to Hossegor

We would recommend taking a transfer from Biarritz or Bordeaux Airport to Hossegor.

Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Hossegor take approx. 45 mins.

Transfers from Bordeaux Airport to Hossegor take approx. 2 hours.

Cap de l’Homy, Lit et Mixe

We couldn’t help ourselves… The 5th and final beach on the list is another surf beach! This one is located in the municipality of Lit-et-Mixe and offers the perfect waves for beginners and intermediates. You can head to Cap de l’Homy at any time of the year and you will be treated to a peaceful beach with some good waves.

To make the most of the experience, we would recommend bringing your board and your tent and camp in one of the nearby campsites. That way, you’re only a few minutes away from the beach and you can really make the most of the waves during your surf holiday!

Cap de l’Homy

How to get to Lit et Mixe

We would recommend taking a transfer from Biarritz or Bordeaux Airport to Lit et Mixe.

Transfers from Biarritz Airport to Lit et Mixe take approx. 1 hour 15 mins.

Transfers from Bordeaux Airport to Lit et Mixe take approx. 1 hour 30 minutes.