Spending summer in the South of France

You may have been to the famous Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in France's south before, as it attracts thousands of visitors to its shores each summer, with beautiful beaches and delightful weather. But there's more to see here than just stunning scenery, as summer in the area means festivals and a whole host of activities within the region's communities. Check out these events the next time you're travelling to the sunny Côte d'Azur.

Nice Jazz Festival

Music be the food of love, and Nice is bountiful with musical events this summer, including the Jazz Festival , which will run from the 7th to the 12th July, 2015. Some prominent musicians from France and overseas will be performing, from acclaimed performer Jamie Cullum, to American soul veterans Kool and the Gang. Held at Nice's Place Masséna, the historic festival has been running since 1948 and will be a great place for lovers of traditional and contemporary jazz and soul alike.

Fête des Mai, Nice

Held at Nice's beautiful Parc des Arènes de Cimiez, the Fête des Mai is a wonderful celebration of Nice's history, local culture, language, and music. Events are held throughout May and there will be some fantastic cuisine available, so remember to look out for the cooking competition. May is a time for the locals to come together in celebration of their ancestral traditions, so why not join them this summer?

Les Halles Food Market, Avignon

Every Saturday this summer, you'll be able to head to the Les Halles food market in Avignon, where local expert chefs will perform cooking demos and host tastings for you to enjoy. Taste the best local cuisine with the aid of head chefs from nearby restaurants, as well as local food connoisseurs, who will talk you through the cooking process and the fresh ingredients involved. Backed by 40 food merchants, the food hall is open every day from Tuesdays to Sundays. If you want to see one of these amazing lessons, make sure you get there on a Saturday morning by 11am.

Make the most of the weather with a walking tour

Summer in France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a wonderful time to meet new people and enjoy local festivities. One activity that's perfect to enjoy with both family and friends is a walking tour. The region is famous for its stunning views, and you can look at joining a local walking tour, or even hire a guide.

I've always loved taking my time strolling through Saint-Véran, in the Queyras Regional Natural Park. This area is particularly beautiful in the summer months, as the climes are more forgiving, yet you won't find any crowds along these walking routes. If you've had enough of the coast, this part of southern France will not disappoint, with fresh crisp air, excellent local food and breathtaking views.

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