Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bénesse-Maremne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Driving from Bénesse-Maremne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, to Antibes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, can take close to eight hours. This route is approximately 810 km and offers the best opportunity to enjoy the diverse beauty France has to offer. From stunning mountain ranges to breathtaking beaches, this drive is something to behold. Here are five unexpected places you can stop while on this route.
1. Narbonne, 11
Narbonne is the halfway point between Bénesse-Maremne and Antibes. This scenic and historic town is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of Southern France. Known as the "Crossroads of Southern Europe," Narbonne is an ancient port that has witnessed the movements of numerous cultures. The town is surrounded by vineyards that produce some of the world's best wines, including Chardonnay, Syrah, and Grenache.
Narbonne's main attractions include Le Canal de la Robine, Les Halles de Narbonne, and the Narbonne Cathedral. Les Halles is situated in the heart of Narbonne and is the perfect place to go for fresh and affordable food. The market is open every day from 7 am to 2 pm, and it is ideal for tasting delicacies such as truffles, oysters, and cheese.
2. Gorges du Verdon
Gorges du Verdon is located in southeastern France and is a breathtaking canyon that is often called France's Grand Canyon. This place is a natural wonder, featuring turquoise waters that are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The canyon offers numerous hiking and biking trails with spectacular views as well as rock climbing opportunities. Gorges du Verdon is also an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts; some of the more commonly seen animals in the area include eagles, vultures, and beavers.
The must-try food in Gorges du Verdon is truffles. Visitors can go for a truffle-hunting expedition, which includes a guided tour of the local truffle nests and a truffle tasting session. Truffles grow in Gorges du Verdon in the winter months and are used to prepare different types of dishes and sauces.
3. Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque medieval town that lies in the Alpilles mountains of the Provence region. This town is loaded with history and culture, making it an excellent spot for history buffs. Les Baux-de-Provence was an important cultural center of the Provence region in the 16th century, and visitors can still see ancient ruins such as the castle of Les Baux. The town has several galleries and museums, including the Carrières de Lumières, a museum that features a display of art, light, and sound.
Freshly made olive oil is a must-try food in Les Baux-de-Provence. Visitors can find numerous olive oil stores in the area that sell the liquid gold. The Coprala olive oil factory, in particular, offers a guided tour of their olive groves and an opportunity to taste their high-quality olive oil.
4. Menton
Menton is a stunning town that lies along the Côte d'Azur coastline. This town is known for its mild climate, gardens, and Lemon Festival, which takes place every year. Visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the most beautiful gardens in the region, such as the Serre de la Madone, Jardin Botanique, and Les Jardins Biovès. The beaches in Menton offer relaxation and stunning views, especially in the summer months.
Menton is renowned for its lemons, which can be eaten raw, used in salads, or to make lemon-based desserts such as tarts and creams. This town also has numerous Limoncello shops that sell the classic Italian liqueur made from lemons.
5. Grasse
Grasse is a charming town situated in the hills of the Alpes-Maritimes region. The town is famous for its perfumes and is also known as the perfume capital of the world. Visitors to Grasse can take a guided tour of Fragonard, one of the oldest and most famous French perfume manufacturers. This tour will immerse you in the art of perfume making and give you an idea of the complexities involved in the process.
Grasse also offers numerous culinary delights such as pistou soup, socca, and tarte tropézienne. Visitors can sample these dishes in many of the town's local restaurants.
Conclusion
The drive from Bénesse-Maremne to Antibes is a journey that guarantees excitement, adventure, and new experiences. From Narbonne, a town steeped in history, to the scenic Gorges du Verdon, this trip is an exploration of France's best-kept secrets. Make sure to taste the local delicacies, such as truffles and olives, in each location. So, why not take the plunge and embark on this fantastic journey?