“The diffused magic of the hot, sweet south had withdrawn into them -the soft-pawed night and the ghostly wash of the Mediterranean far below.…a sea as mysteriously coloured as agates and cornelians of childhood, green as green milk blue as laundry water, wine dark.”
–F. Scott Fitzgerald, Tender is the Night
The South of France: Explore with Spartan and the Green Egg
(Spartan and the Green Egg Explorer Sticker)
- Èze, a medieval hilltop village, is one of the most beautiful sights in all of southern France. Overlooking the French Riviera, Èze is known for its spectacular views and is nestled between Nice and Monaco. With narrow, cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and houses painted bright colors, this charming and rustic village is one of the loveliest villages in all the world.
- The Millau Viaduct, located in southern France, is the tallest bridge in the world. Spanning the entirety of the Tarn River Valley, the bridge is roughly one thousand and a hundred feet high (at its highest point). Made of concrete, steel, and cables, the Millau Viaduct was officially open for business in 2004 and is taller than the Eiffel Tower.
- Pont du Gard in Nîmes is an ancient aqueduct and is a prime example of awe-inspiring Roman engineering. This magnificent structure was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
This gorgeous structure, when summited, offers views of the sparkling Gardon River and is incredibly impressive in its history. At 2,000 years old, the ancient Roman aqueduct was an incredible undertaking. With arches that span “15 to 24 meters in the lower level, constructed at a time where the average span would have been four to five meters,” it is astounding that this structure was ever realized. Standing at a height of 50 meters (161 feet) and 274 meters (899 feet) long, the Pont du Gard is not only a remarkable bit of innovative architecture but a must-see sight, if only for its immense beauty.
(lavender fields in Provence, fodors.com)
- Provence is a region in the southeastern part of France that borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its charming villages, olive groves, lavender fields, sunny weather, and friendly people, Provence is one of the most magical places in the world. Some amazing towns in Provence include:
- Arles: is known for its Roman amphitheater and the Camargue region. Once a port city, it is now an area filled with salt marshes, brown bulls, white stallions, and pink flamingos. Imagine seeing all of these incredible creatures together in one place!
- Avignon is probably most well-known for the Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes). A must-see!
- St. Remy de Provence was founded by the Romans (the ruins of the ancient Celtic-Roman city of Glanum can be seen nearby, along with an arch “dating back to the first century B.C.”) and is right next door to the Ancient Monastère de St- Paul-de-Mausole (a monastery built during the 12th century). Vincent van Gogh also painted Starry Night here, one of his most beloved works.
Don’t forget to collect your Cannes explorer pin (sold individually).
Cool in Cannes
Think of all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but it’s situated on the French Riviera. Is there such a place? It’s Cannes—home of the annual film festival! With white sand beaches brimming with movie stars and European sophisticates beneath brightly-colored umbrellas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, Cannes is the coolest place to be.
To collect your Spartan and the Green Egg explorer pins (sold individually) and travel stickers (sold as a set), visit the websites listed below:
https://www.spartanandthegreenegg.com/product/eze-france/
https://www.spartanandthegreenegg.com/product/millau-viaduct/
For more information on the sights mentioned in this blog, consult the following websites:
https://www.headwater.com/blog/10-most-breathtaking-sights-in-southern-france/
https://juliasalbum.com/beautiful-eze-village-in-southern-france/
https://interestingengineering.com/7-marvelous-facts-about-the-millau-viaduct
https://www.tripsavvy.com/provence-map-and-illustrated-travel-guide-1508843
https://www.fodors.com/world/europe/france/provence/experiences/news/10-must-see-towns-in-provence
https://www.dw.com/en/pont-du-gard-n%C3%AEmes/a-19003203
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