Quick Getaways: A Taste of Southern France

Experience the charm of southern France on a 3-night Mediterranean escape filled with culture, history, and flavor.  Kayak along imposing and scenic rocky cliffs outside Sète, France. Ride through the Languedoc countryside to the medieval city of Carcassonne--a storied French fortified village circled by walls, surrounded by watchtowers, and immortalized by generations of artists and stonecutters. Walk along Collioure's French Fauvism Road and admire the brushstrokes and techniques of Matisse and Derain, two famed Fauvist painters who captured settings throughout this quaint fishing village. Master wine tasting techniques in the company of a skilled oenologist as you examine, sniff, and sip regional wines.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

This is the largest fishing port on the French Mediterranean coast. Take advantage of our full day here to treat yourself to an exceptional seafood dinner. The galleries here are worth seeing — from the Paul Valery Museum on Mont St. Clair to the Regional Centre for Contemporary Art and the International Museum of Poor Art. A special treat is to travel the city’s picturesque canals by boat.

Collioure is a picturesque seaside town on France’s Mediterranean coast, known for its colorful waterfront, cobblestone streets, and artistic heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the sea, it has long inspired painters like Matisse and Derain with its vivid light and charm. Explore the 13th-century Château Royal, stroll the quaint harbor lined with pastel buildings, and soak in the relaxed Catalan-French atmosphere that makes Collioure a hidden gem on the Côte Vermeille.

The beautiful, sunny port city of Tarragona has lovely beaches, a spectacular cathedral, and Spain’s second most important Roman ruins of Tarraco, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many other ruins around Tarragona as well including an amphitheater by the sea. Also known as the city of human towers, Tarragona originated this deep-rooted tradition that has been recognized by UNESCO on their Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The city lives and breathes this tower building spirit which requires the commitment and bravery of many people.