Travel
From West London to The South of France: Destination Guide
Travelling from West London to the South of France anytime soon?
London has fast become a global metropolis where the world’s collection of cultures has unfolded in a jig-saw patchwork of diverse neighbourhoods. From local coffee shops to the tube, no one can deny or ignore the lilt of local accents of some 200 languages.
One of them happens to be French. And while French culture in London continues to grow, French savoir-faire has stretched in every direction beyond South Kensington. There are now several nearby West London neighbourhoods that all exude that je ne sais quoi – from Notting Hill to Westbourne Green to Hammersmith, which by the way, boasts dishes that evoke mouth-watering, delicious and fresh flavours from the South of France, each served, of course, with happiness and smiles.
So, if lavender seas over rippling hills, cobblestoned village lanes, and fresh French patisserie are calling your name, there might just be an option that happens to be just a few skips outside of West London. And with travel back in full force, this is one of the dreamy destinations at the top of our list. Ah, Spring has sprung, and the south of France is calling.
If you’re looking to take advantage of the newly lightened travel experience and transport that infectious Kensington magic into reality, read on for Nestor’s destination guide to southern France.
How to get to the South of France from West London
You can choose the eco-option and opt for a long-distance train, starting at London King’s Cross and winding the whole way down the French countryside to Provence.
Or, instead, you can travel from West London to the South of France via London Victoria, where you have quick and easy access to Gatwick Airport, with direct flights running regularly to Marseille-Provence.
Travelling from a West London Nestor Property
If you’re travelling from London, be sure to let us know! Book a night with us and we’ll make every effort to accommodate your special needs and ensure that your trip and transfer are as comfortable and convenient as possible. We understand that you’re looking to connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and depart whenever you choose.
So, if you’re considering a little R&R the night before you venture off from London, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city at one of our urban retreats. We even have an on-site partnership with Urban – an at-home massage, beauty, and physiotherapy service designed to help you relax and unwind the night before you travel. A personal well-being door-to-door PA, if you will. There’s no better way to travel.
You can choose from over 50 curated treatments and a qualified therapist can be with you within an hour. If you decide to book a treatment (and why wouldn’t you?!) be sure to use code NESTOR15 to get £15 off your first booking!
Where to go in the South of France
Aix en Provence
Aix en Provence is the perfect base from which to travel to the picturesque towns scattered across the south. The city itself comes alive at the weekends when the streets fill with market stalls laden with artisanal Provençal produce, textiles, and clothes. Sample freshly pressed olive oils, syrupy golden honey, and an array of condiments that will star in all your future charcuterie boards.
For a touch of culture, you can spend an afternoon wandering the airy halls of the Musée Granet. Its elegant 17th-century architecture aside, the museum houses artworks collected in France from the Roman period to the mid-20th century.
Luberon Villages
When you picture Provence, you probably picture one of the Luberon villages. Easily accessible from Aix en Provence, the small Luberon villages of Gordes, Roussillon, Lacoste, and Menerbes are the best options for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the provincial charms of the south of France.
Nestled between olive groves and hillside vineyards, the medieval villages are considered some of the most beautiful in Europe. Wander the postcard streets, and make sure to stop off at as many bakeries as you can.
If you’re accustomed to the fresh French loaves of bread and pastries found in Kensington, you’ll know exactly what decadence to expect on your trip.
Take a road trip to the villages along the country lanes lined by cypress trees. Perhaps, make time to stop off at one of the region’s famous vineyards.
Wine Tasting
Where better to spend a leisurely day sipping wine in the countryside? The rolling hills of southern France are laden with grapes, and its chateaus with some of the finest wines in Europe.
From your base in Aix en Provence, you can take a short trip to Chateau de Seuil, Domaine de Masques, Chateau Vingelaure, or Chateau Lacoste. Really though, why only stop at one?
We hope our #NestorDestinationGuide on the South of France has given you a little summer inspiration or perhaps a nudge to finally book that much-needed vacation. It goes without saying that we’re all eager to dig back into our bucket list, so why not treat yourself to a French add-on next time you’re travelling in London?
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We have a collection of diverse properties ready to welcome you, from comfortable and chic stays in Kensington at The Carlyle to stylish Kensington studios at The Knaresborough, to unique hotel rooms in the boutique Warwick hotel in London Victoria.
Give us a call at +44 20 3695 1065 so we can make the necessary arrangements!