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🎄New: my free Christmas in Alsace guide! Where to stay, park & eat → Get it here

Explore with Ersilia
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  • France
    • Christmas
    • French Travel Inspiration
    • Paris & Day Trips
    • French Riviera and Provence
    • Dordogne Valley & beyond
    • Brittany & beyond
    • Loire Valley
    • Occitanie and around
    • The Ocean Coast
  • Europe
    • Spain
    • Greece
    • Romania
  • French Expat Life
  • Plan my trip
  • Reviews & Essentials
    • Travel Essentials
    • Hotels in Spain
    • Hotels in France
  • About me
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    • Editorial Policy
  • Shop Ebooks
a view over the French Riviera and the ile d'or in Esterel

7 Day French Riviera Itinerary: The Lesser-Known Coast from Marseille to Cannes

Discover a quieter side of the French Riviera with this 7-day itinerary featuring Cassis, the Estérel, Saint-Tropez, and local recommendations you won’t find everywhere.

7 Day French Riviera Itinerary: The Lesser-Known Coast from Marseille to Cannes Read More »

Woman (that's me!) standing on a rocky overlook above the Calanques with turquoise coves, pine-covered hills, and the Mediterranean Sea behind her.

How to Hike the Calanques from Cassis or Marseille, A First-Timer’s Guide for Normal People

Discover the best Calanques for first timers. Compare hiking routes, difficulty levels, boat tours, and practical tips for planning your visit.

How to Hike the Calanques from Cassis or Marseille, A First-Timer’s Guide for Normal People Read More »

Limestone cliffs and rugged landscapes inside Calanques National Park near Cassis. Exploring the Calanques is one of the top things to do in Cassis.

Where to Stay near Calanques National Park: Cassis, La Ciotat or Marseille?

Find the best place to stay near Calanques National Park. Learn the pros and cons of Cassis, La Ciotat, and Marseille from personal experience.

Where to Stay near Calanques National Park: Cassis, La Ciotat or Marseille? Read More »

Colorful fishing boats moored in La Ciotat harbor with waterfront buildings and sailboat masts lining the marina. Exploring the old port is one of the top things to do in La Ciotat.

Is La Ciotat worth it ? Best Things to Do on a day

La Ciotat is a small coastal town in the French Riviera. Most people who end up in La Ciotat didn’t plan to. They were heading to Cassis, or leaving it, and someone said: it’s only twenty minutes further. Or they saw it on a map and thought, why not. That’s how I ended up there

Is La Ciotat worth it ? Best Things to Do on a day Read More »

Fishing boats and sailboat masts in Cassis harbor with pastel waterfront buildings and a church tower in the background. The colorful port is one of the most popular things to do in Cassis.

Cassis Travel Guide: Beaches, Calanques, Restaurants & Hidden Gems

Planning a trip to Cassis? Discover the best Calanques hikes, beaches, restaurants, hotels, market days, and hidden gems for first-time visitors.

Cassis Travel Guide: Beaches, Calanques, Restaurants & Hidden Gems Read More »

villeneuve la romaine village provence 2671

Where to Stay in the Luberon | The Honest Guide to Choosing Your Base in provence

I’m gonna be real with you: most Luberon guides tell you to stay in Avignon or Aix. And look, they’re not wrong. Both are beautiful. Both are convenient. But you know what happened the first time I followed that advice? I drove 45 minutes each way to Gordes. Every. Single. Day. By day three, my

Where to Stay in the Luberon | The Honest Guide to Choosing Your Base in provence Read More »

avignon provence 2795

Is the Palais des Papes in Avignon Worth Visiting for Provence First-Timers ?

Is the Palais des Papes in Avignon worth visiting for first timers in Provence? Read all my insights, after multiple visits

Is the Palais des Papes in Avignon Worth Visiting for Provence First-Timers ? Read More »

gordes village france 2

How to See Gordes in a day | The Best Things to Do in the Prettiest provence village

Don’t rush Provence’s prettiest village. Follow this self-guided walk through Gordes—from Abbaye de Sénanque to the Tuesday market and cliffside views. A must for South of France summer travel.

How to See Gordes in a day | The Best Things to Do in the Prettiest provence village Read More »

Scenic view of the countryside during a Provence village loop roadtrip, featuring rolling green fields, tall cypress trees, and a charming stone farmhouse nestled among vineyards and winding rural roads, with distant hilltop villages visible in the background.

Ranking the Best Towns and Villages in Provence for a Honeymoon | From 1 to 10

Where to actually stay, what worked (and what didn’t), and how romantic each place really felt

Ranking the Best Towns and Villages in Provence for a Honeymoon | From 1 to 10 Read More »

Charming street in a Luberon village, lined with pastel shutters, climbing vines, and potted plants that give this Provençal scene its timeless, peaceful feel.

Provence Without a Car: How to Explore Its Most Charming Towns by Train, Bus and Tours

Want to explore Provence without driving? Discover how to visit charming towns—like Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Orange, Arles, Avignon, and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue—using trains, buses, and guided tours. Includes insider tips and personal recommendations!

Provence Without a Car: How to Explore Its Most Charming Towns by Train, Bus and Tours Read More »

Aix-en-Provence (left and center photos) Left photo: A sunny street market scene in front of the ornate clock tower at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, with flower and produce stalls bustling under white canopies. Center photo: A cozy, artisanal boutique with wicker baskets, dried lavender, and a charming mini delivery truck, emphasizing local craftsmanship and Provençal charm. Avignon (right photo) Right photo: The imposing facade of the Palais des Papes under a moody sky, with scattered tourists in the vast cobblestone square, evoking a strong sense of medieval history and grandeur.

Aix-en-Provence vs Avignon: Which Provençal Town is Right for Your Provence Trip?

Trying to choose between Aix-en-Provence and Avignon? This honest guide compares them both with insider tips to help you plan the perfect Provence trip.

Aix-en-Provence vs Avignon: Which Provençal Town is Right for Your Provence Trip? Read More »

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