Traveling to France
A week exploring the French Riviera and Provence was a highlight of autumn 2020. The combination of Mediterranean coastline, hilltop villages, and that famous light made for excellent photography and memorable experiences.
France has 67 million people and is the most visited country in the world - for good reason. From Paris to the Alps to the Mediterranean, the diversity is remarkable. Fun fact: France has more time zones than any other country (12 in total) due to its overseas territories, and produces roughly 400 distinct types of cheese.
What I Experienced
The Côte d'Azur lived up to its name. Nice served as my base, with its beautiful Promenade des Anglais and the colorful old town. The water really is that azure blue. Day trips to Monaco, Èze, and Antibes filled the week - each town with its own character.
The medieval hilltop villages are what I remember most. Èze perches on a cliff with views stretching to Corsica on clear days. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with its galleries and cobblestone streets, feels frozen in time. These places get crowded in summer, but in late September the atmosphere was perfect.
The food, even at casual restaurants, was exceptional. Fresh seafood, local rosé, ratatouille - simple ingredients prepared with care. The French approach to meals as events to be savored, not rushed, is something I wish we'd adopt more widely.
Practical Notes
- Euro is the currency
- Rent a car for the Riviera - the coastal roads are scenic and trains don't reach everywhere
- Nice airport is well-connected and a good base
- Late September offers perfect weather and fewer crowds
- Basic French is appreciated, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas
France deserves far more than a week, but the Riviera was a perfect introduction. I'll need to return for Paris, Bordeaux, and the Alps.
High-resolution aerial photography from France is available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for Mediterranean travel marketing, Riviera destination content, or coastal village wall art.