The South of France is a dream vacation destinationโand for good reason. Picture sun-soaked vineyards, charming villages, fields of lavender and sunflowers, and rocky coastlines that hide small private beaches. If youโre planning a south of France road trip, youโll need more than a week to do it justice. Between the French Riviera, Provence, the Luberon, and Marseille, thereโs so much to see!
This summer, my partner and I spent three unforgettable weeks inย le Sudโthe French term for the Provence-Alpes-Cรดte d'Azur region.
To make the most of our time, I built a detailed road trip itinerary that hit the highlights: bustling cities, quaint villages, and hidden gems.
The UK enjoys a reputation as being LGBTQ friendly โ but according to the data, LGBTQ discrimination is on the rise. Catch up on the latest stats from Britain, Scotland and Wales โ and how
discrimination impacts the travel experience.
The Camargue region in southern France is famous for its salt production, wild landscapes, and stunning pink lakes. These lakes have become a social media sensation for their surreal, rose-colored hues. But, the pink lakes of France aren't always as vibrant as they look on Instagram and TikTok. And there are more ways to visit the pink lakes of France than you mighty think. Did you know you can see the pink salt lakes for free?
To plan an epic trip to the pink salt lakes in France and avoid being disappointed or paying too much for a mediocre view, keep reading!
With iconic white horses, black bulls, and flocks of flamingos, the Camargue delta offers plenty to explore if you know what to look for. Planning a day trip here means prioritizing what you want to see and choosing the best way to experience it.
Yachts, ritzy casinos, and eye-watering prices for a simple cafe lunch: When I thought about visiting Monaco while in the French Riviera, my first thought was how much would it cost me? Digging deeper, I discovered another side to Monacoโa day trip version that skips the splurges and pricey extras with a focus on Monaco's history, nature, and culture. The cheapest way to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. The train follows the coastline, so you get to enjoy beautiful ocean views along the way. Once you arrive in Monaco - Monte Carlo (the only station in Monaco), venture off on foot to get to know a quieter, affordable side of the Monaco.
From strolling the port and admiring yachts from afar to exploring the Prince's palace and learning about its eco-friendly restoration methods, here's my budget-friendly day trip to Monaco from Nice guide.
The French Riviera, or Cรดte dโAzur, stretches along the southeastern coast of France, from the glitzy playground of Monaco down to the sun-soaked shores of Cannes and St. Tropez. Itโs famous for its azure waters, glamorous cities, charming medieval towns, and a perfect blend of French culture with a Mediterranean flair. Whether you're into hiking rugged cliffs, browsing world-class art, or sipping cocktails by the beach, the Riviera has something for everyone โ and its highlife are all easily explored on day trips from Nice!
Marseille, France's second-largest city, may not flaunt rainbow flags at every corner, but donโt let that fool youโthis vibrant port city has plenty to offer LGBTQ+ travelers. While it doesnโt boast a dedicated gay district like Nice, Marseille is quietly inclusive. In fact, the city just opened its first LGBTQ center in December 2023, a step forward in making queer spaces more visible. Sure, the cityโs got a bit of a tough-guy image, but dig deeper and you'll find a thriving gay Marseille scene that includes nightlife, festivals, and even a gay nude beach.
Work remotely from Europe and spend weekends exploring European cities, beaches, and mountains: it sounds like a dream! With many EU countries offering digital nomad visas, it's easier than you thought to work remotely from an LGBTQ friendly European country like Greece or Spain! Learn about the best countries if you're a queer digital nomad and how to get a visa!
The country of Georgia just passed a new law banning same-sex marriages, same-sex adoption, gender affirming care, and gender affirming name changes on official documents. The law also censors media representation of LGBTQ+ people and bans Pride events from taking place. Already, it's having a devastating impact for LGBTQ Georgians.
As an out queer person, finding destinations where I can be myself is a top priority when I travel.ย
Safety and comfort are non-negotiable, which is why I am so excited to share some of the best destinations in Europe for queer women.ย
When I can hold my partner's hand, dress how I want, and connect with the local queer community, it transforms the vacation experience. No more having to hide or worry about being misgendered in public spaces. Instead, I can focus on connecting with people, experiencing a new culture, and doing the things I enjoy โ activities like hiking, kayaking, wandering charming towns and villages, and of course letโs not forget the food!