South of France｜What’s Worth It & What’s Not 🌿🇫🇷

I’ve always believed that "worth it" or "not worth it" isn’t for others to decide for you. If you’re curious, or inexplicably drawn to a place—then it’s worth it. Years ago, I became obsessed with Provence because of Peter Mayle’s "A Year in Provence" series. He wrote so vividly (though after 20 years, I’ve mostly forgotten the details). All I remember is that Provence felt slow, quirky, and hilarious. Later, I fell in love with Van Gogh, so visiting the South of France was inevitable. So instead of declaring what’s "worth it," I’ll just share my thoughts on the places we visited this time. 1. Provence - Lavender Fields (Valensole) 💜 At first glance, you might be disappointed (especially if you’ve seen Xinjiang’s lavender fields), as the color isn’t as deep from afar. But as you drive through the countryside, the vast, untouched expanses (grown for farming, not tourism) will humble you. You’ll realize your first impression was shallow. 2. Provence - Avignon 🏰 Ancient and charming! I really liked it. The food was great too—wish we’d had more time to explore. 3. Provence - Arles 🌻 A must for Van Gogh fans. No need to explain further. One of my two main reasons for this trip (the other was the lavender). 4. Nice 🌊 Explore the Old Town 🏘️ Wander the markets 🛍️ Hike up Castle Hill for the sea view (Nice’s coast is epic—you won’t grasp its grandeur until you see it from above). Sit by the sea until dusk (the evening glow is stunning, even without a dramatic sunset). The Old Town feels authentically "old," with colorful houses, but again—the best views are from above. That said, Nice isn’t "fun" in a traditional sense. If you’re just passing through, that’s fine too. 5. Antibes 🎨 Highly recommended! The hiking trails are supposedly great (we didn’t try them), but even just around the Picasso Museum, it’s gorgeous. The famous gelato spot? Delicious! I got basil + mango—amazing. If you add coconut, it’s even better. 6. Plage Paloma 🏖️ A hidden gem (reportedly a billionaire’s getaway). Stunning, uncrowded, with crystal-clear water and a lovely, easy hiking trail nearby. 7. Menton 🍋 The famous yellow staircase? Honestly, not that special. But if you climb to the viewpoint at the top, you’ll see Menton’s true beauty. I’d still recommend it! #SouthOfFrance #Provence #Lavender #Nice #Arles #TravelGuide #HiddenGems