Planet Of Wonders In Soythern France - Unseen places under the Mediterranean | Travel video

Welcome to the south of France. Stretching from the Mediterranean coastline to the inland southern regions, this area includes Provence, the Côte d'Azur and Occitanie. With more than 600 kilometres of coastline and around 300 days of sunshine each year, it has long been one of Europe's most attractive destinations. Since ancient times, the south of France has been a crossroads of civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks and Mediterranean traders. Cities like Marseille, founded around 600 BC or Arles, still clearly preserve these historical traces. Today, the south of France stands out for its harmonious blend of nature and lifestyle, the endless purple-lavender fields of Provence, the luxurious beaches of Nice and Cannes, historic towns like Avignon and Carcassonne, along with the relaxed rhythm typical of the Mediterranean. And our journey to explore the south of France begins right now. Marseille. As France's largest gateway to the Mediterranean, Marseille currently has a population of around 870,000 and is the country's second-largest city. Founded around 600 BC by the Greeks, it is one of the oldest urban centres in Europe and has served as a key trading hub for over two millennia. Over time, Marseille has become a meeting point of cultures from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. This blend creates a diverse urban identity, clearly reflected in its architecture, cuisine and the distinctive rhythm of life in this port city. Marseille's landscape is closely tied to the sea and maritime activity. The viewport is the historic centre, where boats come and go every day, while the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica sits about 150 metres above sea level, overlooking the entire city. Visitors often stroll along the harbour, explore the old quarters and enjoy the city's signature seafood dishes. From Marseille, the journey continues along the Mediterranean coast toward one of the most prominent resort cities of the Riviera. Stretching along the Bay des Anges, Nice is a major centre of the Côte d'Azur with a population of around 340,000 and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. Thanks to its coastal location and mild climate, the city has long been a key resort destination in the South of France style. Nice carries a unique historical identity, having once belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia before being annexed by France in 1860. This blend of influences is clearly reflected in its architecture, cuisine and urban lifestyle. The city's landscape stands out with a clear contrast between the sea and the old quarters. The Promenade des Anglais stretches for about 7 kilometres along the coastline, while just behind it lies the Old Town, with its narrow alleys and strong Mediterranean character. Nice is also known for the Carnaval de Nice, one of the largest festivals in France, held annually with parades, decorated floats and outdoor events that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. Leaving Nice behind, the journey continues toward a small country that is world famous for its luxury and extravagance. Monaco Covering just about 2.1 square kilometres and home to over 39,000 people, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. Located along the Mediterranean coast and surrounded by France, this principality plays an important role in high-end finance and entertainment in the region. Monaco has been closely tied to the Grimaldi family since the 13th century, maintaining a constitutional monarchy to this day. Its favourable tax policies and stable financial environment have helped attract many international individuals and businesses. Monaco is divided into several districts, with Monte Carlo being the most prominent. Here, the Casino de Monte Carlo stands as an iconic landmark with Belle Époque architecture, housing large gaming rooms that have been in operation since the 19th century. Right next to it, Port Hercules is home to hundreds of Superyachts. Monaco is also the host of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious races in the world. The track, about 3.3 kilometres long, runs directly through the city's narrow street, with tight corners and limited space, making it one of the most challenging and dramatic circuits in the F1 calendar. If you were in Monaco, would you try your luck at the Casino de Monte Carlo or stand trackside to feel the speed of the Monaco Grand Prix? From this principality, the journey continues along the Riviera to a city closely associated with cinema and international events, Cairns. Located along the Côte d'Azur coastline, Cairns is a small city with around 75,000 residents, yet it holds a major influence in the global film industry. Since the 19th century, it has developed as a resort destination for European aristocracy thanks to its mild climate and favourable seaside location. Cairns reached a turning point in 1946 when the Cannes Film Festival was first held, at a time when post-World War II Europe was seeking to rebuild its cultural life. Since then, the event has grown into a global platform celebrating cinematic art and establishing Cannes as a key name on the international stage. The city is centred along La Croisette Boulevard, which stretches for about 2 km and is lined with luxury hotels and the Palais de Festivals. Beyond its film events, Cannes is also known for its sandy beaches and boat trips to the nearby Lérins Islands, creating a balance between a lively atmosphere and a relaxing coastal escape. From Cannes, the journey leaves the coastline and heads inland toward a region known for its iconic lavender fields. Provence Stretching across southeastern France, Provence is a well-known cultural and geographical region covering more than 30,000 km2, made up of open fields, gentle hills and scattered historic villages. With its Mediterranean climate, hot, dry summers and abundant sunshine, the area is especially suited for agriculture and flower cultivation. Provence has a long history dating back to Roman times and was one of the earliest developed regions in southern France. Over the centuries, it has formed a distinct identity shaped by stone-built villages, local markets and a lifestyle closely connected to nature. The most iconic feature of Provence is its lavender fields, which bloom from around June to August, creating vast stretches of purple across plateaus such as Val-en-Soul. Alongside them are vineyards, olive groves and winding country roads that run through peaceful landscapes. Provence offers a slower pace of life centered around local living, traditional cuisine and open-air markets, creating a signature experience of the southern French countryside. From the peaceful inland region of Provence, the journey returns to the Mediterranean coast, where a small town known for yachts and a vibrant lifestyle awaits. Located along the Côte d'Azur, Saint-Tropez is a small town with a population of under 5,000, yet it is globally known as a high-end resort destination. Originally a quiet fishing village, it began attracting attention in the mid-20th century when it became a favorite spot for artists and celebrities. The development of Saint-Tropez is closely tied to seaside tourism and entertainment culture, turning it into a symbol of a luxurious lifestyle while still retaining the relaxed Mediterranean vibe. At the heart of the town is Vieux Port, where numerous yachts of all sizes gather, creating the signature image of Saint-Tropez. Not far from there is Pamplon Beach, stretching about 5 km, known for its beach clubs and upscale resort atmosphere. Saint-Tropez is also associated with summer activities, especially the Les Bravades festival held in May, featuring parades in traditional costumes and ceremonial musket firing, creating a unique atmosphere rarely seen in a coastal town. Leaving behind the vibrant coastline of Saint-Tropez, the journey shifts inland to southern France, where an ancient city rich in Roman heritage and artistic influence awaits. Located along the Rhône river in southern France, Arles is a small city with around 50,000 residents, known for its well-preserved Roman heritage. Its location once made it an important center during the Roman Empire. From the 1st century, Arles developed significantly with structures such as the Arles Arena, the ancient theatre and public facilities that supported urban life. Many of these structures still exist today and are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beyond its historical value, Arles is closely associated with the painter Vincent van Gogh, who lived and worked here in the late 19th century. The light and landscapes of Arles inspired many of his famous works. The city blends ancient ruins, narrow streets and local lives, creating a destination that holds both historical and artistic significance. If you visit Arles, would you explore its ancient Roman landmarks or trace the artistic footsteps of van Gogh in this region? From Arles, the journey leaves southern France and heads toward the Atlantic coast, where a city known for strong waves and surf culture is waiting. Biarritz Located on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France, near the Spanish border, Biarritz is a coastal city with around 25,000 residents. Unlike the calmer Riviera, this area is influenced by the ocean, with stronger waves and a cooler climate. Biarritz saw major growth in the 19th century when it became a resort destination for European royalty and aristocracy, especially during the time of Empress Eugenie. This legacy can still be seen in its seaside architecture and historic hotels. What sets Biarritz apart are its wide beaches and ideal conditions for surfing. Grande Plage is the main central beach, while Côte des Basques is considered one of the birthplaces of surf culture in Europe since the 1950s. The city carries a strong Basque identity, reflected in white houses with red or green timber frames, gently sloped roofs, and wooden balconies, mixed with seaside hotels and 19th century resort buildings. Within this setting, daily life is closely connected to the ocean, from everyday routines to surf culture, creating a clear blend of tradition and modern coastal lifestyle. Leaving the Atlantic coast behind, the journey returns to the Mediterranean, where limestone cliffs and turquoise waters create one of the most striking natural landscapes in southern France. Stretching between Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques are a natural area of deep inlets carved into limestone over millions of years. The entire region is part of Calanques National Park, covering more than 500 square kilometers, including mountains, sea and coastal ecosystems. The highlight of the Calanques lies in their unique terrain, where towering white cliffs, rising from dozens to hundreds of meters, surround narrow coves filled with crystal-clear blue water. This combination of rocky mountains and sea creates a wild landscape, very different from typical Mediterranean beaches. Calanques, such as Envao, Souguiton, and Porte Mieux attract visitors for their secluded settings, accessible only by hiking trails or by boat. In the past, these areas were used by locals for fishing and coastal travel, but today they are protected to preserve the region's natural ecosystem. Activities here are closely tied to nature, including hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking, attracting those who enjoy exploration and outdoor experiences. From the Calanques, the journey continues toward the Atlantic coast, where a wide bay and long stretches of sand dunes create the distinctive landscape of western France's coastline. Arcachon Located on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France, Arcachon is a seaside town with around 11,000 residents. Known for Arcachon Bay, a large enclosed body of water surrounded by pine forests and sandy shores, the area developed in the 19th century as a coastal resort and is also closely tied to traditional oyster farming. The most distinctive feature of Arcachon is the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, reaching about 100 to 110 meters in height and stretching over 2.7 kilometers in length. From the top, you can take in panoramic views of the bay, the pine forest, and the Atlantic Ocean, creating one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region. Arcachon stands out as a travel destination thanks to its combination of natural scenery and coastal activities. Visitors can climb the dune, take boat trips around the bay, explore fishing villages, and enjoy fresh oysters at small harbors. The area is also ideal for relaxing activities like swimming, cycling along the bay, and visiting seaside neighborhoods. Arcachon offers a calm atmosphere closely connected to the sea and local life, making it a destination that is both relaxing and rich in experience. Leaving Arcachon behind, the journey returns to southern France, where an ancient village perched on a cliff awaits. Les Baux de Provence, located in the Alpuley range in southern France, Les Baux de Provence is a small village with fewer than 400 residents, perched on a high rocky cliff overlooking the Provence plains. This position once held strategic importance, allowing control over the surrounding area. The village dates back to medieval times, originally developing as a defensive fortress before gradually declining in the 17th century. Today, the remains of the Château des Baux still stand at the top, along with stone walls and historic structures. What defines Les Baux de Provence is its consistent stone architecture, where houses, streets, and buildings are all constructed from local limestone. The entire village almost blends into the cliff itself, creating a setting that is closely integrated with the natural terrain. Tourism here focuses on exploring narrow streets, historical sites, and panoramic views of Provence from above. Nearby, the Carrières de Lumière is also well known for its immersive art projections inside a former quarry. Les Baux de Provence offers a sense of isolation, combining history, architecture, and the distinctive rocky landscape of southern France. Leaving this cliffside village behind, the journey continues to a peaceful small town that preserves the traditional rhythm of life in Provence. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, located in the heart of Provence, is a small town with around 10,000 residents, known for its quiet and calm atmosphere. Its location makes it a convenient connection point between areas such as Avignon and Arles. The town has a long history dating back to Roman times, with the ruins of Glanum located just outside the center, a former settlement that flourished around the 1st century BC, featuring structures such as temples, forums, and a network of streets. After this period, the area gradually shifted toward agriculture and developed into the community seen today. Saint-Rémy's setting is shaped by tree-lined narrow streets, small squares, and open-air markets, light-colored stone houses, green shutters, and street-side cafes reflect everyday local life, alongside olive groves and the characteristic landscape of Provence. The town is also closely linked to Vincent van Gogh, who lived and worked at the Saint-Paul de Mausole Monastery, creating many of his well-known paintings inspired by this very region. Tourism in Saint-Rémy focuses on walking through the old town, visiting the Glanum ruins, exploring sites connected to van Gogh, and experiencing the local lifestyle of Provence. Toulouse Located in the south of France, along the Garonne River, is the capital of the Occitania region. The city was formed during the Roman era and developed strongly in the Middle Ages thanks to trade, especially the pastel plant used for dyeing fabric. Tourism here began to develop in the 19th century when the railway system expanded, helping Toulouse become an important stop in the south. Today, together with the aerospace industry, the city attracts visitors thanks to the combination of heritage and modernity. The mark of local culture is clearly shown through Capitouli Square, the center of community life, where festivals and artistic performances take place. Saint-Sernin Basilica reflects Toulouse's role in the ancient European pilgrimage route. The people here maintain a relaxed pace of life with cuisine rich in southern flavors such as cassoulet. For a deeper experience, visitors should explore the small cobblestone streets, traditional markets and walk along the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO heritage site. Not only a city of technology, Toulouse is also a place that preserves layers of history, offering a feeling that is both ancient and vibrant. Are you interested in the combination of modern technology and historical heritage? Montpellier Located near the Mediterranean coast, in the Occitania region, is one of the most dynamic urban areas in southern France. Unlike many places with roaming origins, Montpellier developed from the 10th century as a center of trade and academia, notable for having the oldest medical university in Europe. Tourism activities became clearly established in the 20th century when the city expanded toward the sea, combining creative urban spaces with historical heritage. The local identity is expressed through a harmonious blend of past and present. The old quarter Aix-en-Provence with its narrow alleys, plus De la Comédie Square is always lively, where many street festivals and cultural events take place. The people here carry an open and youthful spirit thanks to a large student community, creating a vibrant atmosphere rarely seen. To better understand it, visitors should leave the main routes and explore the courtyards hidden behind old buildings, or visit local markets to experience daily life. Modern architecture such as the Antigone district with its neoclassical design offers a different perspective. Leaving behind that lively atmosphere, the imprint of ancient history gradually becomes more apparent. Nîmes Located in the Gardes region, Nîmes is one of the rare places in France where Roman heritage not only exists, but also blends into the rhythm of contemporary life. The city appeared more than 2,000 years ago during the Roman Empire. Once an important stop on the route connecting Italy with the Iberian Peninsula. That very foundation made this place attract scholars and visitors as early as the 18th century, when the classical exploration movement spread across Europe. What is special is that ancient structures are not framed like museum exhibits. The ancient arena is still used for concerts and major festivals, creating the feeling that history is continuing rather than being separated. Maison Carré is not only a relic, but also becomes an architectural symbol, influencing many European structures later on. Local people preserve traditions through festivals with Mediterranean colors, combining music, cuisine and street culture. If you go deeper, you will see that Nîmes does not show off, but captivates through layers of time. From worn stone steps marked by the footsteps of the past, to ancient gardens woven among the architecture, everything creates the feeling of walking in a city where the past has never left. From those ancient layers of time, the journey opens into a refined artistic space. Aix and Provence Located in the south of France, near Marseille, is a land with traces from the Roman era and developed strongly in the 15th century when it became the center of power of Provence. Thanks to its mild climate and gentle landscapes, this place gradually attracted aristocrats and artists from the 19th century, opening a direction for tourism development associated with relaxation and culture. The painter Paul Cézanne is the one who contributed to spreading the city's name worldwide. Without a flashy appearance, Aix leaves an impression through its refinement and slow pace of life. En Mirabeau, boulevard with its rows of ancient trees, is a familiar space for daily activities. Fountains appear densely, associated with the ancient water system, and becoming a distinctive symbol. Traditional markets bring a clear Provence color through fresh flowers, herbs and local products. The journey of exploration becomes more interesting when following the traces of Cézanne, from his studio to the landscape of Saint-Victoire mountain, an image repeated in many famous works. Small streets, natural light and soft tones create a space where art is present in everyday life. Without searching, it can still be clearly felt. When art blends into life, natural scenery and stone architecture begin to lead the way. In the Provence region, built during the Middle Ages on a high hillside, it once played a defensive role against conflicts in the area. Initially an agricultural settlement, this place gradually attracted visitors from the 20th century, when the beauty of dry stone architecture and the surrounding landscape was discovered and widely spread by artists and photographers. The highlight of Gordies is that the entire village is almost built from local limestone, creating a color palette harmonious with nature. The houses are arranged in tiers along the slope, leading up to the ancient castle at the center, a structure that has been reinforced over many centuries. The people still maintain a lifestyle connected to agriculture, especially olive and lavender cultivation, creating a very distinctive identity of Provence. Not only stopping at the panoramic view, Gordies is captivating in small details, narrow stone, paved paths, old wooden doors, or quiet courtyards that suddenly open up within the village. Nearby, Senonke Abbey hidden among lavender fields offers a highly symbolic experience. From the muted tones of stone, the vibrant palette of nature continues to unfold. Roussillon, impressing strongly with its rare bright orange-red tones, formed from ochre deposits that have existed for millions of years. This area was exploited since the Roman era, but it was not until the 18th to 19th centuries that it became an important center for natural pigment production. When this industry declined in the 20th century, the place shifted toward tourism development thanks to its distinctive landscape and characteristic geological value. The structures here use the natural earth colors themselves to create a unified appearance, blending with the surrounding environment. Under sunlight, the colors continuously change, creating unique visual effects at different times of the day. Craftsmanship related to pigments is still maintained, reflecting the connection between people and local resources. The most notable experience is the Sentier de Zucca Trail, where eroded earth cliffs form unusual shapes. The winding path through the vivid red space brings the feeling of stepping into a living painting. Not only visually striking, Roussillon also tells the story of the transition from resource exploitation to the preservation and sustainable promotion of landscape values. Leaving behind the earthy colors, the journey gradually moves toward the sea with creative inspiration. Located along the Mediterranean coast, near the border with Spain, it was once an important fishing port since the Middle Ages. Over many centuries, this place has been influenced by both French and Catalan cultures, creating a distinctive identity. In the early 20th century, the characteristic light and vibrant colors of the coastal area attracted painters such as Matisse and Derain, contributing to making Collioure the cradle of Thauvism and opening a direction for tourism development associated with art. The landscape impresses with the harmony between the blue sea, colorful houses and small harbors. Church with its bell tower extending close to the water's edge becomes an iconic image, appearing in many paintings. Menton In the southeasternmost part of France, close to the border with Italy, it is surrounded by mountains and sea, possessing a rare warm climate. From the 19th century, this place became a winter destination for European aristocrats as they came here to escape the northern cold. Favorable natural conditions promoted the cultivation of citrus trees, especially lemons, gradually forming the characteristic image associated with this location. The urban appearance stands out with bright color tones, buildings arranged in tiers facing the sea creating a lively scene. The old quarter with small sloping streets leading up to Saint-Emichel Church carries a strong Italian Baroque style, clearly reflecting the cultural influence of the border region. The Lemon Festival Fête du Citron is a typical event where artistic structures are created from tons of fruit attracting a large number of visitors each year. Local life is closely tied to nature and agriculture. Orange and lemon gardens stretch along the hillsides together with botanical gardens such as Serre de la Madone, offering a diverse view of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Leaving behind the coastal rhythm of life, wild nature gradually takes over the landscape. Camargue Stretching across the Rhône river delta in southern France where the meeting of freshwater and saltwater creates a distinctive ecosystem. This area was formed through sediment accumulation over thousands of years, gradually becoming a vast wetland. From the 20th century, Camargue has been protected as a biosphere reserve while also attracting visitors thanks to its pristine landscape and biodiversity. This place is famous for images of white horses, black bulls and flamingos living freely in nature. The life of the local people is closely tied to herding and the guardian culture, cattle herders with a cowboy style of southern France. The attraction of Camargue does not lie in architectural structures but in its open nature. Salt fields, water surfaces reflecting the sky or dirt roads leading into the wild bring a feeling of being separated from urban life. The journey through the south of France is not just about destinations but a continuous transition between different settings from the sunlit Mediterranean coast to cities shaped by history to peaceful countryside where life slows down along quiet streets. Each place is not only defined by its scenery but also by how people live, preserve and adapt to their surroundings. This diversity is what makes the south of France both familiar and distinct a place where history, nature and modern life exist side by side. Thank you for choosing to join the channel on this journey. If you found this content helpful don't forget to subscribe to continue exploring more destinations. And in the next episodes we'll go even further to new places with stories still waiting to be told.