What can a teen do in southern France?

What does southern France look like?

• Does it look like southern European area like Spain or Italy, or does it look like a western European area, like France/Germany/England/Netherlands? In terms of architecture, people's look, behaviours, foods, language, landscapes, etc. I know that it has a mediterranean climate, but I doubt it has a mediterranean culture/ambiance like the countries of southern Europe. I tend to see it more similar to areas of mediterranean climate that exist in English speaking countries such as California or Australia; that is to say areas of western culture that, despite of the warm and sunny climates doesn't have a southern European/latin culture. Am I wrong?

• Answer:

  Southern France is beautiful. In fact, for the past week they have suffered a heat wave, peaking at 42 degrees! The french culture is pretty much the same all aroung france although it depends how you define 'culture'. I will list some major differences. A 'pain au chocolat' is called a Chocolatine. The southern accent is strong and thought of as of lower culture than Northern accent. It is difficult to understand at first. It is considered more violent than the rest of France. Marseille. Although, this is a stereotype. Marseille and Toulouse are actually very nice places. Generally the south is poorer than the North. Toulouse is probably the wealthiest city in the south, with its Airport, Big business and tourist magnets. It does have a mediterranean climate although the buildings are made from the traditional red brick in the city, rather than the terracotta I suppose you are imagining. In Southern France there is a mediterrean ambiance. A lot is done outside. Eating, cooking, storing food, washing etc. Like many place now, the south of france is becoming identical to other developed and weathy european cities. Many claim the area is losing its essence to big business investment and incoming cultures from Northern Africa and Great Britain. With all of that, I think it is amazing and I would suggest visiting the city, the vineyards, farms, sea and suburbs. Hope I helped.