There is so much to do in this beautiful area from enjoying the beach to hiking in the mountains to exploring historic, quaint towns. If you are planning a trip like this, there are many things to keep in mind—especially if this is your first trip.

Time Your Trip Right

You should always know what season it will be when you are traveling for many reasons. The seasons and weather can affect how you have to pack, as well as what kinds of events and activities you can experience while you are there. Traveling to Southern France is no different.

Depending on what you are looking to do while you are there, there may be better times go travel than others. The peak summer season is in July and August. If you are looking for a nice, relaxing beach vacation, this may be the best time for you to go, but keep in mind it is the busiest time for tourists to plan trips to Southern France.

The coldest time to go is November to January. If you enjoy skiing, this may be the perfect time for your trip. May to September has the best weather, and February to June is their springtime when the weather is more unpredictable.

Search for Events and Places You Want to Experience Before You Go

While you don’t need an itinerary down to the hour, you should have an idea of the region you want to visit as well as what is going on during the time you’ll be there and what you would like to do. In Southern France, there is so much to do.

The coastline has beautiful beaches for you to relax and get some sun. There are also mountains for hiking, historic towns to explore, and stores to shop at. If you like to do a little bit of everything, you should explore your options before you leave.

You will have to plan how to get around and about how much time to spend in each town you’d like to go to. Have a plan, but also allow it to be flexible. Don’t forget, you are on vacation, so you should be relaxed and enjoy your time.

Make Sure You Have the Right Documentation

You really can’t travel internationally without a passport, but there are other types of documentation you should consider as well. If you plan to rent a car, you will need to make sure you have an international driver’s license before doing so since it is required to rent the car in the first place.

You will also need to have a gray card, which is proof of ownership of the car you are driving. If you are renting a car, the rental company should provide you with this. You also need to consider having valid insurance in order to be a driver. You will need to show proof.

Depending on what you are looking to do, renting a car may be necessary for you to travel to the more remote places that are not easily accessible by public transportation. Another reason why it is important to figure out what you’d like to do before you go.

If You Don’t Want to Rent a Car, Public Transportation is Abundant

There are many ways to get around when traveling through Southern France. The public train is the fastest train that can get you to major cities and in between. You can also look into taking the bus to places you’d like to visit. If you aren’t going too far and plan to stay around the same area, you can also consider bike riding and hiking as your primary modes of transportation. This is also more environmentally friendly as well as cheaper for your budget. If you want to experience tours, you can look into boat rides as well as minibus tours to take you to the places you want to go.

Enjoy the Outdoors Since There is SO Much to Offer

No matter what time of year you are traveling to Southern France, you really should take advantage of all there is to do outdoors. Between hiking, biking, sightseeing, wine tasting, skiing, and going to the beaches, you won’t have to spend too much inside providing that the weather cooperates with you.

The South of France is beautiful no matter what region you travel to. In the Correze River Valley, there is the opportunity to canoe or kayak and enjoy the beautiful and natural scenery the area has to offer. The Pont d’Arc offers a gorgeous view of the natural stone archway that many people like to visit for breathtaking views.

Main Regions

There are five main regions for you to consider when booking your trip. They are Bordeaux and Aquitaine, Dordogne, Midi-Pyrénées, French Riviera, and Provence Apls. Each has a unique set of attractions to offer. If you are looking for great vineyards to try some French wines, check out Bordeaux and Aquitaine. Other regions like Dordogne and Midi-Pyrénées also offer wine tastings, too.

Looking for some great skiing? You may want to consider traveling to Midi-Pyrénées for some of the best skiing in the region. The French Riviera also offers some great Mediterranean-style beaches for your enjoyment.

Parting Thoughts

As with any trip, you should take the time to research the area and what it has to offer. It is also important to make sure you have all the documentation you need and that your passport is up to date. Depending on how long you are staying and what country you are traveling from, you also may need to look into considering a green card.

While most countries require a green card if you are staying for more than 90 days, it is important to know what you need prior to booking your trip. Also consider travel insurance as you never know what could happen. Most importantly, enjoy your visit to Southern France as it is a beautiful place with so much to offer to any kind of traveler.

Remember, travel is about you, and things that pique your own interests.  Feel free to add your own favorite destinations in Spain to the comments section if you feel we have missed one that is important!

10. Cordoba

The city of Cordoba is the capital of the Andalusian region in southern Spain.  This city is a multicultural melting pot, made up of Jews, Muslims, and Christians.  The city is a maze of small medieval style streets and courtyards, with several different must-see areas in the city itself.

9. Bullfights in Madrid

Bullfights are perhaps one of the most recognizable aspects of Spanish culture.  When one thinks of Spain, one thinks of the Matadors dressed up in full regalia.  Whether or not you support this sport, it is a large element of Spanish tradition that continues to this day.  The bullfighting season runs from May through October (exact dates vary by year) with a bullfight happening every Sunday in the main bullring in Madrid.  Madrid and Andalusia are the dual centers of bullfighting in Spain.  The main bullring in Madrid is called La Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas del Espíritu Santo or commonly just Las Ventas.

8: Granada’s Alhambra Palaces

Breathtakingly beautiful, the Alhambra Palaces of Granada are made up of several buildings, gardens, towers, and walls that all combine to make one of the most striking scenes in the world.  Built during Spain’s Islamic period when Al-Andalus (modern Andalusia) represented the height of culture and taste in Europe, it is the royal palace of the Nasrid dynasty, and represents the most visual remainder of their rule from 1230 to 1492.

7: San Lorenzo de El Escorial

An architectural marvel, the San Lorenzo de El Escorial is an enormous complex made up of numerous buildings and walls surrounding 16 courtyards and connected by almost 10 miles of corridors.  Included in the structure is a monastery, museum, mausoleum, library, church, and royal palace.  Built in 1563 as a monument to Philip II and his reign, this will take you almost an entire day to fully explore.  One of the highlights is the church at the center, featuring a 30 meter high jasper and red marble retablo.

6: Plaza Mayor, Madrid

Sometimes considered the heartbeat of Madrid, the Plaza Mayor was built in the 16th century by Juan de Herrera, Philip II’s favorite architect.  It consists of a large pedestrian only square, lined with cafes spilling out into shaded umbrellas and restaurants lining the arcades.  The plaza itself has hosted many events over the centuries, including proclamations of kings and saints, the burning of heretics, and even cultural events such as plays and bullfights.

5: Beaches of Costa Del Sol

As a surfer myself, the beaches of Costa Del Sol are a must for those hailing from landlocked or colder climates.  Miles and miles of sun-soaked white sand line this region, and is the destination of tourists all over Europe.  It is also known as the sunniest part of Europe, with the most days of sun per year.  When this region started to become popular it became a victim of over-development.  However, the government of Andalusia has recognized that this is a precious natural resource, and has put a stop to the onslaught of buildings, and has even torn down some of the worst ones to restore areas to their natural beauty.

4: El Teide

This ancient but still active volcano on the island of Tenerife (part of the Canary Islands) is the highest peak in Spain, as well as one of Europe’s biggest natural wonders.  El Teide can be seen in a variety of ways; by car across the 12 mile caldera (basin), climb to the cone, or take an 8 minute cable car ride.  And that brings us to:

3: Tenerife

Part of the Canary Islands, Tenerife has a spring/summer-like climate all year round and is dotted by dozens and dozens of breathtaking beaches.  A 2 hour flight from Madrid, Tenerife is almost a trip unto itself, but as a part of Spain, it deserves mention.  Air temperatures range from 66F – 77F, and water temperatures range from 66F – 72F.  As you can see, this makes it a great year-round destination.  It’s much like the Hawaii of Europe.

2: Bilbao

Bilbao was once an industrial port city but has been reinvented for modern times as a center for modern art and architecture.  Home to the titanium facade Guggenheim Bilbao museum, the city is set amid the rolling green hills of Basque country, which is a destination unto itself.

1: Barcelona

TripAdvisor.com’s #1 pick, and ours as well, is Barcelona.  Home to a staggering amount of art and architecture, Barcelona itself feels a bit surreal.  Famous artists such as Salvador Dali spent time here, and it shows.  From Gaudí’s Church of the Sacred Family to the touristy La Rambla, there is much to see and do in this city, which requires its own article itself!

Do you have a favorite destination in Spain?  Leave a comment below!