Dive into the Warm Soul of the Southern United States

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Discover the warmth and culture of the American South.

Savor the legendary hospitality and enchanting rhythms.

United States - The South: when to go?

The Southern United States welcomes you with a mild and sunny climate for most of the year. Summers are hot and bathed in sunshine, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. Winter remains pleasant, with mild temperatures that invite you to explore cities and nature without fearing the cold. Discover a warm atmosphere under often blue skies, ideal for unforgettable holidays!

Activity ideas

  • Enchanting Jazz in New Orleans - Feel the rhythm of authentic jazz as you stroll through the lively streets of New Orleans and let yourself be carried away by the festive atmosphere of its legendary clubs.
  • Tasty Cajun and Creole Cuisine - Succumb to the spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole dishes, an explosion of tastes in every bite.
  • Historic plantations to visit - Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the South by discovering majestic plantations surrounded by centuries-old oaks and romantic gardens.
  • White sand beaches and sunshine - Savor the sweetness of life on the southern coasts, between immaculate beaches and turquoise waters bathed in light.
  • Paddlewheel boat cruise on the Mississippi - Sail peacefully on the Mississippi aboard a paddle steamer and let yourself be carried away by the legendary Southern landscapes, blending old-world charm with magnificent panoramas.
  • Colorful festivals and carnivals - Let yourself be carried away by the contagious energy of Southern carnivals, where dazzling costumes, lively music, and local traditions create an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
  • National parks with spectacular landscapes - Explore majestic panoramas in the heart of preserved national parks, where the wild nature of the South reveals its wonders among rugged mountains, lush forests, and sparkling rivers.
  • Musical Traditions and Local Dances - Attend open-air concerts where the rhythms of blues and bluegrass invite you to dance, then learn traditional steps during warm local evenings.

Must-see locations

United States – The South: A Warm and Cultural Adventure

True open-air museums, the 16 states that make up the South and Southeast are sure to excite you for a grand road trip adventure with a partner or friends, through history and some of the most fabulous landscapes in the USA. Follow the Blues route to New Orleans and its masterpieces of colonial architecture, take a paddlewheel boat along the banks of the Mississippi, explore the Louisiana bayous amidst alligators, or reach for the stars at NASA's Space Center in Houston. And this list is far from exhaustive. The Great American South also features saloons and rodeo shows in Texas, a tropical climate to enjoy the beaches of South Carolina between Savannah and Charleston, beautiful walks in the Appalachians and in major national parks like Big Bend, not to mention pieces of history to savor in Georgia between the Coca-Cola museum in Atlanta and Martin Luther King's childhood home. Go South!

The Enchanting Charm of the American Deep South

"Sweet home Alabama", "Tennessee Stud", "Georgia on my mind"... The American Deep South has inspired many masterpieces of song. It is further proof that this vast region holds a special place in American mythology. A trip to the Southern United States will take you through history.

The Must-Sees of the Southern United States

Discovering New Orleans is diving into the cradle of blues and jazz to the tune of Louis Armstrong. Louisiana's first city also has a historic heart unparalleled in the USA with its 18th-century French Quarter, called "Vieux Carré." All around, you can still find cotton and sugarcane plantations. There's nothing like a paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi to soak up the atmosphere of the South, with its beautiful mansions, cotton and sugarcane fields, and former Civil War battlefields. In the USA, the period before the Civil War is called Antebellum. The homes of former plantation owners and merchants will dazzle you with their colonnades, verandas, and beautiful gardens. Traveling through the Old South is retracing the history of music with Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Louis Armstrong. From New Orleans to Memphis, via Nashville, each city offers a unique musical atmosphere.

Discovering the Southern United States

The vastness of America invites you to discover the long Appalachian range, ideal for magnificent open-air hikes. Near Knoxville, the Great Smoky Mountains Park is one of the region's two natural reserves. This haven of greenery is populated with endless forests, dizzying waterfalls, and large brown bears. The spirit of cowboys and the American West still lingers in the city of Fort Worth, about thirty kilometers from Dallas, Texas. On the festival program: a daily cattle sale gathering, rodeo shows, country music concerts, and a host of spectacular museums. On the edge of the Atlantic, Charleston is immersed in an atmosphere blending tradition and modernity for the delight of visitors. The city is full of buildings and historical sites that take you back through 300 years of history. The local cultural agenda is also one of the richest in the Deep South.

Cradle of American Music

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, BB King, Otis Redding, Dolly Parton, REM, Robert Johnson, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington are among the great names in music born in the South. New Orleans is favored for jazz, the Cajun country for zydeco, the Mississippi Delta for blues, and up to Memphis, which is also the home of rock'n'roll. The Appalachians are known for bluegrass, Nashville for country, and Alabama for soul and R&B.

Gastronomy: the art of blending flavors

Because it has been inspired by Indian, African, French, Spanish, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines, the South will undoubtedly captivate your taste buds. The Creole or Cajun dishes from Louisiana, the catfish from the Mississippi, the crawfish from the Gulf of Mexico, or the traditional soul food from the coast are all dishes to discover. Not to mention, of course, the local star: barbecue. Each region has its own variant distinguished by a different sauce, more or less vinegary and spicy.
To fully enjoy the Southern United States, it is recommended to plan a stay of at least 10 to 15 days. This allows you to discover several iconic cities, the local culture, and the varied landscapes without rushing.
To organize a honeymoon in the Southern United States, choose romantic destinations such as New Orleans or Charleston, book charming accommodations, plan cultural and culinary activities, and rent a car to explore the region.
To have a great vacation with a baby in the Southern United States, choose family-friendly accommodations, plan gentle activities such as nature walks or visiting aquariums, and avoid the intense heat during the summer.
For a family hiking trip in the Southern United States, explore the Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah National Park, the trails of Congaree National Park, and the unique landscapes of Big Bend National Park in Texas.
To practice ecotourism in the Southern United States, favor national parks such as the Great Smoky Mountains, take part in responsible guided tours, and support local initiatives for the preservation of wildlife and flora.
For a one-week stay in the Southern United States, plan for a budget of about 1500 to 2500 euros per person, including the flight, accommodation, car rental, food, and tourist activities.
To get to the Southern United States, you can take an international flight to cities such as Atlanta, Miami, or New Orleans, then rent a car or use local transportation to explore the region.
To travel to the Southern United States, a valid biometric passport is mandatory. Depending on your nationality, a visa or ESTA authorization may also be required before departure.
To travel with peace of mind in the Southern United States, it is recommended to follow local guidelines, avoid isolated areas at night, and purchase travel insurance. Keep your valuables safe and inform yourself about areas to avoid.
To travel to the Southern United States, no vaccines are mandatory for travelers coming from Europe. However, it is recommended to be up to date on universal vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and hepatitis B.

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