3 destinations that remind us of Mediterranean life (without taking a plane)

Hello sunshine,

 

 

If you are currently dreaming of escaping to a Greek island, in the south of Portugal or even off the Italian coast, but you have neither the time to go far, nor the money to go away for a week, So you are at the good place !

Obviously, if you live on the French Riviera, you can already enjoy a Mediterranean sunbath. In short, I'm revealing three havens of peace that remind us of the South and Mediterranean life, without having to take a plane. Pretty cool, right?

To begin with, does a little trip to Greece tempt you?

I suggest a trip to Cadaqués! Its little flowery streets, its white houses with colorful shutters, its coves, its crystal clear waters and its mountains in the background will take you much further than you thought.

Located just 1.5 hours from Perpignan, this small Spanish town is renowned for its Mediterranean climate. Like in Greece, you can even enjoy a winter trip since the winters are so mild that you can forget your rain boots.

Like in Greece, expect to taste quality olive oil, seafood and vegetables, cooked with love! Oh yes, because I forgot to tell you about the premises. The people of Cadaqués are really welcoming and super kind (even more so if you come out of season haha).

A few days to enjoy Mediterranean architecture with a relaxed atmosphere, conducive to relaxation and hikes with breathtaking views of Cadaqués, which we nickname "El Portlligat," in reference to Salvador Dalí, who lived and worked in this pretty haven of peace.

What if we went to Portugal now without having to travel miles? I don't know if you see what the Algarve region in the south of Portugal looks like but that's precisely where I want to take you on a journey.

See you for a weekend in Brittany! We find ourselves in the town of Pénestin, and more particularly on the beach of Mine d'Or, a beach lined with spectacular orange cliffs. I advise you to enjoy a picnic (see aperitif) at sunset, and see the light on these cliffs…

The advantage is that you will find fewer people than in Portugal, enough to recharge your batteries in the calm and the only sound, that of the waves.

Here too, enjoy a cuisine based on seafood, which will remind you of Mediterranean life and its delicious smells.

And if the first two options still haven't convinced you, here's one last one! This time I suggest you go down a little to the south-east of France (it was predictable). But this time, I'm not going to talk to you about Cassis, Menton or Nice but rather about my favorite little village which does not border the Mediterranean, and which nevertheless meets all the conditions for the Mediterranean "slow life" that we love so much.

Enough suspense! Pack your bags and go down to Moustiers-Sainte-Marie , a charming little village in the Alpes-de-Hautes-Provence, of picturesque beauty, with a spectacular view of the Verdon gorges. It is built in terraces, with cobbled streets, fountains and waterfalls.

On Friday morning, come and stroll around the market to taste local specialties, read a book and chat with the locals. I think the markets are my favorite part of Mediterranean life. They really bring together a general atmosphere. We meet people there, we discover local, culinary or artisanal specialties. Moreover, in this village, I was able to visit a local ceramic workshop to see the artisans at work (the village has a long history with earthenware), so I really advise you to visit one!

The village is located near Lake Sainte-Croix, whose water color is incredibly blue like the Mediterranean! You can take the opportunity to swim, read a book on the beach, take a canoe-kayak trip or enjoy the many hikes in the Verdon gorges.

Ah! I was about to forget. You can of course taste delicious Provençal cuisine in the local restaurants, famous for their dishes made with olive oil, goat cheese, aromatic herbs and local wines.

 

In short, no matter where you live in France, you have at least one option that can remind you of Mediterranean life, a few hours from home. Besides, I really advise you to go there out of season, especially since the winters are mild. Plus, they are all accessible by train. So, up for it?

 

Southern kisses,

 

Candice