For many people, France is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and for good reason. While Paris is picturesque in its own right, there so much more beauty to discover once you beyond the capital.
Take southern France as an example. It's home not just to major cities but also to awe-inspiring towns that are worth exploring.
Here are five examples.
Antibes
Located between Nice and Cannes, Antibes is a seaside resort town, making the perfect destination for beach lovers.
Home to the largest yachting harbor in the whole continent, Antibes has a thriving superyacht port. Beyond this, it is also where you can find a gorgeous Old Town as well as nods to one of its most famous residents, Pablo Picasso.
Carcassonne
It's not every day that you come across a fortified city, but in southern France, there's Carcassonne. It's not just any other fortified city. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An example of a medieval fortified town, Carcassonne has a total of 52 towers and 2,500 years' worth of history. Believe it or not, access to this fortified city is free.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
For lovers of antiques, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the best place to go to in France for great finds. Make sure to visit on a Sunday as this is the day when antique markets and those selling secondhand goods come alive.
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue has a lot to offer even those who are not into antiques. There are charming canals that are waiting to be visited, and of course, there's The Collegiate Church Notre Dame des Anges.
Menton
A resort town found close to the Italian border, Menton is one of the places tourists head when they want to get a great experience of the French Riviera.
Menton is where you can find grand mansions and gardens, but there's a whole lot of history here too. Make sure to visit the Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange as well as the Old Town when you're in Menton.
Villefranche-sur-Mer
Another seaside resort town worth visiting is none other than Villefranche-sur-Mer known for its very colorful facade and the harbor full of yachts.
Places of interest here include the Saint Michael's Church and Saint Peter's Chapel. Make sure to explore the old Citadel as well as enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
