With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, you're almost guaranteed some sunshine when holidaying in Provence.
Combine that with a visit in the spring time.
You will find that the beaches on the French Riviera are almost empty, the sun is warm.
The welcome is friendly.
The pretty hill town of Bormes-Les-Mimosa typifies what is just so perfect about France in the spring.
The Mimosa trees are in full bloom with a perfect yellow blossom.
The pavement cafes are open.
You can take a seat and enjoy a view out across the hills to the Mediterranean sea in the distance.
Browsing around the village shops you’ll find jeweler stores, stores selling limoncello (a local drink made from lemons), fresh olives, olive oil flavored, basilica plus cushions filled with fragrant lavender.
At this time of year not only are the roads/beaches empty but the restaurant owners are pleased to see you.
They have plenty of time to serve you to make your time there enjoyable.
Even the renowned St Tropez wakes up quiet & sleepy on a spring morning.
You can find a waterfront seat in one of the cafes overlooking the harbor.
If you get there early enough you can browse the designer shops in the little backstreets before enjoying your croissant, petit pain, a hot chocolate or coffee in one of the many pavement cafes.
If you have children, they’ll relish the opportunity to dig alone in the clean sand whilst you lie back, enjoy the sight of the sun glittering on the sea.
Experiencing little competition you can also enjoy the delicacies created by the local bakeries, in particular the gateau and confectioneries who often snapped up quickly during the summer months.
With the arrival of Easter, the French are on vacation but there is still plenty of room for everyone.
You have time to visit the shores of La Lavandou, the wide beaches at La Cavaliere, the delightful shops at Le Rayol.
With access from Nice Airport direct on to the autoroute (motorway) you can be at your holiday destination within an hour or two of landing on the runway.
Vacation Rentals are often cheaper than their counterparts in the U.K. and combined with the very cheap airfares now available to all European locations, you could treat yourself to a week in the warm French sun for about the same as a week in Padstow in the drizzle.
Out of season, villas are fairly reasonable, but if you are on a budget then renting an apartment can be very well priced.
Of course, you'll also be the envy of all your friends and work colleagues when you return looking slightly bronzed and very relaxed from your holiday in the Cote d'Azur!
About the Author:
For further information on choosing your holiday home, visit Provence Villas. This article was submitted by Jen Carter, she is owner of the Toujours Provence website.