Provence, South of France | A First-Timer's Love Letter

For years, the South of France never quite called to me—until now. This trip revealed just a glimpse of its magic, leaving me hungry for more. Hot take: I prefer Provence's laid-back charm over the glitz of the French Riviera (though both dazzle in their own ways!). As a first-timer, I stuck to the classic route: Gordes 🏰 (Yes, it's touristy—but those golden stone streets glow at sunset!) Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 💧 (Sitting by the crystal springs, watching ducks paddle... pure bliss. Pro tip: Arrive by 2 PM for crowd-free lunches!) Aix-en-Provence 🎨—not a Cézanne fan, but wandering its sunlit squares made his art make sense. Skipped museums for slow city walks—the vibe is contagious! Happy accident: Our random hotel in Paradou 🍕—a textbook Provençal village. Eating giant pizzas under ancient plane trees? Now I understand the obsession. Arles 🌻: Chased Van Gogh’s ghost through Roman ruins and cloisters (the arched walkways stole my heart). Left the photography festival for next time—a reason to return! #ProvenceDreams #SouthOfFrance #ArlesAdventures