Provence is a region in southeastern France between Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for its magnificent landscapes that range from the Southern Alps and pine forests to Camargue plains, rich vineyards, ancient olive groves, and fragrant lavender fields. Côte d'Azur is world known for the elegant and glamorous cities such as Nice and trendy resort towns such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
Take the perfect holiday photo at The Calanques, France’s Natural Wonder
About half way between Marseille and Cassis is the Calanques, one of the most breathtakingly beautiful spots on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
Go to a cafe in The Old Fishing District of St Tropez, La Ponche
St. Tropez is known as the playground of rich and famous, glamorous and trendy. But, just northeast of the Vieux Port is La Ponche, the old St. Tropez fishing village that was thriving in the 18th century when French, Spanish, Italian and Greek fishermen competed in fishing for seasonal catch of anchovies, calamari, sea bass, tuna and lobsters.
Step back in time at The Roman Ruins of Cimiez, Nice
About two kilometers from the downtown Nice is the Colline de Cimiez, a small hill where Romans built the city in 14BC. The well preserved ruins of arenas and thermal baths as well as the archeological museum are surrounded by a beautiful public garden Le Jardin des Arènes de Cimiez.
Plan a hike to The Montagne Sainte-Victoire
Montagne Sainte-Victoire is a mountain that overlooks the city of Aix-en-Provence and an unique geological feature. One of the most popular is Blue Trail, rocky and exposed, that will take you up to the Sainte-Victoire Priory and refuge.
See the iconic The Pope’s Palace, Avignon
The Pope’s Palace, Avignon overlooks the iconic bridge on the river Rhone and is one of the most important medieval Gothic structures in Europe.
Admire fantastic Lavender Fields
Fields and hills covered in fragrant purple lavender is an iconic picture of Provence. The best time to experience the magic of Lavender Fields is from mid-June to mid-August, when they are in full bloom.
Wander through The Streets and Fountains of Aix en Provence
The ancient town of Aix en Provence is called the City of a Thousand Fountains. There are fountains of all shapes and sizes, built by many famous sculptors in different centuries. Enjoy them as you stroll up and down this charming town’s narrow cobblestoned streets lined by cafes, artisanal shops and restaurants.
Check out the charming Hillside Village of Bonnieux
Perched on the hill above Luberon Valley, tiny village of Bonnieux is probably one of the most beautiful in France.All around the village are fields of olives, grapes and lavender, adding to the incredibly beautiful mosaic that is very much Provence.
Day trip to The Picturesque Fishing Port of Cassis
Cassis is a picturesque little seaport established by Romans in 1st century BC, snuggled between the steep cliffs the Calanques and Cap Canaille.
Stop for a photo at Pont du Gard Outside Avignon
Pont du Gard, near Nimes is a magnificent 3 tier Roman aqueduct across Gardon River near Vers-Pont-du-Gard. This incredible 49-metre high piece of engineering was made form massive blocks of limestone and was originally built to supply the city of Nimes with drinking water. The bridge is a popular location for festivals, concerts and firework displays.
Admire the architecture of Senanque Abbey
Located near the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse region, the Senanque Abbey was established in 1148 for Cistercian monks from the Ardèche region of France.
See the charming Medieval Town of Les Baux-de-Provence
Les Baux-de-Provence is a small village and ruins of a medieval castle located 15 km from Arles and 25 km from Avignon.
Take a colorful photo in The Rusty Red Town of Roussilon
Located in the heart of one of the world’s largest ochre deposits, Roussillon is famous for the magnificent red cliffs in the heart of the Luberon Valley, surrounded by the lush green pinetrees and the vivid blue Provençal sky.
Feel like a count at Chateau d'If, Marseille
Dominating the entrance to Marseille's Vieux Port, at the southern tip of France, is Chateau d'If , a massive island-fortress immortalized in Alexandre Dumas’ classic The Count of Monte Cristo.
Travel to the remote Medieval Town of Gordes
Gordes is a remote village hidden in the rugged landscapes of the Luberon Regional Nature Park.
See the stunning architecture of Palais Longchamp, Marseille
Looking very much like a palace, Palais Longchamp, Marseille is actually a huge, elaborate monument to water and its importance since Marseille was founded in 600 BC by the Greeks. The Palais Longchamp is located a short walk from the Vieux Port, Longchamp Park and botanical garden.
Swim in The Gorges du Verdon and Lac Sainte-Croix
Lake St. Croix was created as a result of building the Sainte Croix hydroelectric dam. The lake is fed by the Verdon River through spectacular Verdon Gorges. Deep blue, crystal clear lake is surrounded by hills of the Haut Var and Valensole.
Roam through The Old Fishing District of Cannes, Le Suquet
Le Suquet is ancient and very charming, with steep cobbled alleys lined with jazz bars, small stores, bistros serving Provençal dishes, brightly colored cottages winding uphill from Vieux Port, Marché Forville’s food stalls and Gothic Notre-Dame d'Espérance church that offers spectacular views over the Bay of Cannes.
Relax on the beach on Le Cote Bleu
Le Cote Bleu is part of southwestern coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Provence, between Marseilles and the Étang de Berre.
Marvel at the Architecture at the MUCEM in Marseille
The MUCEM in Marseille is a museum of 21st-century European and Mediterranean civilizations, portraying all aspects of the cultures of the Mediterranean, taking a fresh, interdisciplinary approach to society in Mediterranean countries through the ages up to this day.
Witness la Belle Epoque at the Museee Villa Massena in Nice
The Masséna Musee , the jewel of the Promenade des Anglais, occupies a charming villa built in 1898 as a winter retreat of French aristocrat Victor Masséna.
Indulge in Cezanne at the Musee Granet in Aix-en-Provence
The Musée Granet is located in the quartier Mazarin, Aix-en-Provence, France, next to the Church of Saint-Jean-de-Malte.
Visit Matisse’s Personal Home at the Musee Matisse in Nice
The Musee Matisse in Nice is located in the Villa des Arénes, a 17th-century building located on the Cimiez hill. Museum’s collection consists of 57 sculptures, 31 paintings, 454 drawings and prints, and a number of cut-outs made by Henri Matisse between the late-19th and the mid-20th century.The museum also has a small selection of the artist’s personal objects, mostly donated to the museum by Matisse or his heirs.
Address: 164 avenue des Arenes de Cimiez, 06000 Nice, France
Discover the Grandeur of the Hotel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence Art Gallery
The Hotel de Caumont in Aix-en-Provence Art Gallery is a hôtel particulier in the Quartier Mazarin in Aix-en-Provence. The lovely garden is also used as exhibiting space for large-scale sculptures. There is also a small theatre.
