DK Publishing - France: The South of France

With long sandy beaches, wild mountains and Mediterranean landscapes, the South of France and Corsica are great for a family holiday. The Cathar castles of Languedoc and the Roman Theatre at Orange bring history to life, while a boat ride along the pretty Canal du Midi, or the art and glitter of the Cte dAzur show other aspects of the region. The cuisine is world famous and the climate perfect for outdoor activities.

The South of France conjures up images of villages immersed in vines, olive groves, sunflowers and lavender, sunny Mediterranean beaches and a breathtaking hinterland of mountains and dramatic gorges. It provides an idyllic setting for Frances most striking Roman monuments and medieval castles, alongside cities filled with art and culture from all eras.

With excellent air, rail, sea and road connections, getting to France is easy. There are several economical and convenient options, many of which are child-friendly as well. One of Frances main holiday destinations for both the French and people from around the world, the south of France is well served by regional airports with links across Europe. While most are fairly small, Nice is the busiest airport in France after Paris, serving around 8 million passengers a year. Mountainous Corsica has four airports, two of which are primarily served by charters. Frances comprehensive and efficient national rail network offers convenient connections across the region. Trains are often a better and more economical option than domestic flights, but there is still a good choice of flights linking many cities. Those travelling in their own vehicles will enjoy driving through the country, with plenty of rest areas catering to families along the way. Local public transport varies from superb to sketchy.