Southern France Extravaganzas

SalB

Are you leaving right away? In summer there is a lot more to do. They have jousting from gondolas in the harbor among other things. Renting a bike would be great.

If you want to take some day trips, consider Aigues-Mortes on the western edge of the Camargue. It is fun to walk the ramparts of the walled part of the town. You can look down into the town and you can also look across at the huge salt flats and mountains of sea salt.

Hiking or biking in the Camargue is great. We love the Parc Ornithologique. You see flamingoes and all sorts of water fowl, depending on which birds are migrating where. There are also the wild Camargue horses and bulls and my favorite, the little Ragondin, always dripping wet. You can take horseback tours of the Camargue and that might be fun too.

Arles is a longer day trip but a fabulous small city with a Roman Forum still in use today, charming Old Town, fun shops and museums among other things.

In the opposite direction from Sete (west) is Narbonne. It's a fairly large city with lots to see and do. I highly recommend the cathedral in the center of town. Amazing stained glass and amazing light through it into the church.

Of course there are the beaches but if you are going in January, they may not be of much interest except for walking.

If you want to take a train trip, consider visiting Collioure. It is absolutely magical, home of the Fauvists. There are several small beaches, an interesting church, great harbor with colorful fishing boats, very nice restaurants on the harbor, two chateaus that are fun to visit and museums, shops, etc. It's one of our favorite spots on the western Mediterranean.

Hey SalB, thank you so much for the detailed info. I’ll be there 9 march – 20 march. I was lookin at the jousting things online…are these events only a specific time of the year? Or can you see them pretty frequently?

I’m glad to hear there is the ability to rent bikes and there are trails to hike. I’m totally jazzed.

I’ll definitely have to chekc out Narbonne and Collioure…those palces sound teriffic. I’m hanging out with some late teenage guys, so i’m trying to find entertining things and adventures to plan.

Thank you for the ideas!

SalB

I think the water jousting is strictly a summer entertainment. We usually go off season so have not seen it but have seen pictures and talked to people who have enjoyed it. March can be a bit chilly, even in the south, so water sports may not be a great idea. There is always sailing, boating, sail-surfing and using wet suits to consider. The French are seriously into sport so I"m sure you'll find something appealing to teenage boys. They can rent bicycles or Vespas and tool around the countryside.