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Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the region in southeastern France that embodies the Mediterranean dream. It is a land of dazzling contrasts, stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the turquoise coves of the Calanques, passing through the iconic lavender fields of the interior. Its light and vibrant colors seduced masters such as Van Gogh and Cézanne. The region combines the glamor of cities such as Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez with the rustic charm of villages perched on hills, the ancient history of Roman cities such as Arles and the port bustle of its capital, Marseille. It is a destination that has it all: sun, sea, mountains, art, history and exceptional gastronomy.
Discover the most compelling cities in Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
Marseille will soon include a fuller guide with practical details.
Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
Nice will soon include a fuller guide with practical details.
Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
Cannes will soon include a fuller guide with practical details.
Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur
Avignon will soon include a fuller guide with practical details.
Discover the best activities you can do in this region
The region vibrates with world-famous events and traditional festivals that celebrate its culture and gastronomy.
May.
The most prestigious film festival in the world, filling the city with movie stars, glamor and screenings. Although access is restricted, the atmosphere in the city is unique.
July.
One of the most important theater and performing arts events in the world. The city becomes an immense stage with works in the Palace of the Popes and in the streets.
February.
One of the most famous carnivals in the world, known for its float parades, its elegant flower battles and its big heads ('grosses têtes').
February-March.
A unique event with float parades and gigantic sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges.
The cuisine of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is the essence of the Mediterranean diet: colorful, aromatic and healthy. It is based on olive oil, garlic, herbs de Provence, fresh vegetables and fish.
The fish soup par excellence, originally from Marseille. A rich stew made with various types of rock fish, served with croutons and 'rouille', a garlic and saffron mayonnaise.
A ratatouille of vegetables (tomato, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, onion) slowly cooked in olive oil with herbs from Provence. The perfect accompaniment to meat or fish.
A complete and famous salad from Nice, which traditionally has tomato, hard-boiled egg, tuna, anchovies and small local black olives.
A beef or beef stew slowly cooked in red wine with vegetables, garlic and herbs of Provence. A strong and tasty dish.
Two essential spreads in the Provençal aperitif. Tapenade is made with black or green olives, capers and anchovies, while anchoïade is made with anchovies and olive oil.
A summer vegetable soup with beans, pasta and 'pistou', a sauce similar to Italian pesto but without pine nuts, made with basil, garlic and olive oil.
A kind of coca or bread dough pizza, topped with caramelized onion, anchovies and black olives. Typical of the Nice area.
The region is the largest producer of rosé wine in France. Fresh, light and pale in color, they are the perfect drink to accompany local cuisine on a sunny terrace.
The aniseed aperitif par excellence of the south of France. It is served diluted with cold water, which gives it a milky whitish color.
In the Rhône Valley, near Avignon, some of the most powerful and prestigious red wines in France are produced, made from up to thirteen grape varieties.
A tender brioche filled with a mixture of two types of cream and sprinkled with pearl sugar. A dessert created in Saint-Tropez and popularized by Brigitte Bardot.
A traditional diamond-shaped sweet from Aix-en-Provence, made with an almond paste and candied melon, on a wafer base and covered with royal icing.
Hard and aromatic boat-shaped cookies, traditionally scented with orange blossom water. A Marseille specialty.
The city of Apt is the world capital of candied fruit, an ancient preservation technique that results in bright and delicious fruits.
An exceptionally well preserved Roman monumental complex.
A set of monuments that includes the Amphitheater, the Roman Theater and the church of Saint-Trophime, which illustrate the adaptation of an ancient city to medieval European civilization.
Testimony of the presence of the papacy in the 14th century, with an impressive monumental complex.
The fortified city of Briançon, in the High Alps, is one of the twelve complexes that form part of this masterpiece of Vauban's military engineering.
An iconic room unit of modern architecture, part of the architectural work of Le Corbusier.
Recognized for its architectural, landscape and urban heritage developed since the 18th century for winter tourism.
The best time to visit the region is in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), when the weather is pleasant, the landscapes are spectacular and there are fewer crowds. Summer (June-August) is the high season, ideal to enjoy the beach and the lavender fields in bloom (end of June to beginning of August), but with a lot of heat, higher prices and a large influx of tourists. Winter is quiet, perfect for enjoying uncrowded cities and Christmas markets, and even for skiing in the Southern Alps.
It is highly recommended to rent a car to explore the inland towns and natural landscapes. In summer, the heat can be very intense; It is important to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities in the middle of the day. Be careful with car thefts, especially in tourist areas; Do not leave valuables in sight. To visit the most popular attractions and during high season, it is advisable to book accommodation, transportation and tickets well in advance.
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Cities, day trips, and practical tips for the area
The most prestigious film festival in the world, filling the city with movie stars, glamor and screenings. Although acce
One of the most important theater and performing arts events in the world. The city becomes an immense stage with works
One of the most famous carnivals in the world, known for its float parades, its elegant flower battles and its big heads
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A unique event with float parades and gigantic sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges.
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