Around the South of France: Béziers, Nîmes, Toulouse, Avignon

You are in the last article of the trilogy of trips in the south of France, which means that the time you spent reading the previous ones and traveling at the same time was a pleasure. Here you’ll find a short guide with the absolutely necessary information for four unique cities starting from Montpellier, where you can move at any time with the train, even if there are only a few days left.

Check the previous posts:
Around the South of France: First stop Montpellier
Around the South of France: Tram and Bus Discoveries

Train stories: One-day trips in 4 cities

Even if it’s the first time you get on a train, you’ll realize how convenient and relaxing is. You look out the window with your mind dreaming and traveling before you even reach your destination. You get lost in the magic of traveling and the sound of the rails peaces your mind.

In the center of Montpellier, there’s the train station from which you can travel easily and economically to other cities in the south of France, including Béziers, Nîmes, Toulouse and Avignon. You can take advantage of the remaining days and travel to these medieval cities.

Béziers

On the first day, you can visit the small town of Béziers which is built on a slope on the bank of the Orb river, which meets the Midi Canal. When you exit the train station, you can quickly reach the Plateau des Poètes Park, an English tree-lined garden with a fountain and busts of French poets, including Victor Hugo. Another important attraction of the city is the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, which is located at the highest point of the city and you can admire it by having a picnic next to Pont Vieux. The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), which includes paintings by great artists such as Vincent van Gogh, is also a great choice.

Nîmes

On the second day, take a look at the routes to the city of Nîmes. Its history and Roman monuments, including Arènes de Nîmes, Maison Carrée and Tour Magne will amaze you. You’ll get the feeling of being transported to Roman France, especially when you enter the arena, like you are preparing to see legionnaires and lions. Also, at the end of your tour in these monuments, the Jardins de la Fontaine Gardens are an attractive choice for you to relax and enjoy nature.

Maison Carrée, Nimes, South France — Maison Carrée
© Eleanna Skartsila, voyagingtheworld.com

Toulouse

The third and most unique destination by train or even by bus is the eerie city of Toulouse, which is crossed by the Garounas River and lies between the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic ocean. The city is prevaded by a different beauty than the capital of France, as its picturesqueness has something remarkable. First, you can enjoy a coffee overlooking the Capitol Square and then cross the Pont-Neuf Bridge overlooking the Garouna river. For art lovers, the Fondation Bemberg Museum is the best choice. Try to visit the Japanese garden (Jardin Japonais) in the afternoon, which looks like a painting on canvas, and take something with you to eat. In this quiet place, you can lie on the grass next to the small ponds and admire nature.

Japanese garden, Toulouse, South France — Japanese garden
© Eleanna Skartsila, voyagingtheworld.com

Avignon

Of course, Avignon should not be missing from your list of cities in the south, which seems magical even in a rainy day, full of mystery. It is a very romantic destination with medieval culture and when you visit the Palais des papes you realize how much wealth and value this city hides inside. It is a masterpiece of architecture and its design allows people of all ages to get to know its history. Avignon is located on the left bank of the Rhone River, at the crossroads between Provence and Languedoc. A walk in the narrow streets is enough to realize the city’s grandeur. At the same time, the ruined Pont Saint-Bénézet bridge (Pont d’Avignon), a city’s trademark, is an important attraction. Finally, if you are interested in delving into the history of this papal city fromthe14th century, don’t forget to visit the Petit Palais Museum.