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France
Provence Côte d'Azur

Provence is a region situated in the sunny south-eastern corner of France. The real Provence stretches from the perfume-city of Grasse to the east all the way to the Rhône valley to the west, and from the high Alps to the north, to the Mediterranean to the south. Even though it is not geographically correct, the French Riviera is today also considered a part of Provence. The region contains the following departments: Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, Var, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence as well as the Alpes-Maritimes. Furthermore, we have decided to include the departments of Drôme and Ardèche in the region of Provence-Côte d’Azur, as many of our holiday homes are situated near the natural border of Provence-Côte d´Azur.

Read more about Provence Côte d'Azur All holiday homes in Provence Côte d'Azur

Provence is without comparison the most beautiful region in France, and its historic past is just as rich as its landscapes are varied. Few regions in France have witnessed a so varied and turbulent history; few areas have so many outstanding historical remains as Provence; and very few areas of the former Roman Empire – Provence was the Romans’ first province in Gaul - have retained so many historical monuments as Provence.

Provence represents the quintessence of imposing natural scenery. Tall slim cypresses, gnarled olive trees and pine trees with large parasols dominate the landscape. But nature can also be rough with bare wild mountains and deserted areas. To the north the Alps rise with their fortified villages perched high in the mountains - and the further north you go, the higher are the snow-covered mountains. In the south you will find everything so characteristic of Provence: soft, verdant mountains, lush plains with fruit plantations, mimosa and lavender, olive groves and the famous vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, Côtes de Provence and Bandol, vast woodlands with pine trees, cork oak and chestnuts, idyllic villages, impressive medieval monuments, the long coastline with the famous Riviera cities, the beaches, the marinas with the huge yachts, the exquisite villas, luxury hotels - and all the fashionable life.

Provence is well-known as the kingdom of the sun. Statistically speaking, you can count on having 300 sunny days a year, and less than 800 mm of rain. But when it rains, it really rains. In the winter the temperature is normally around 7°C inland and 11°C on the coast, but inland it can often fall below 0°C for shorter periods. On the Côte d’Azur the temperature can easily reach 15°C or more in the winter. In the high season the temperature can rise to 28°-35°C, somewhat less, though, on the coast. In general, winters are mild and sunny, summers hot and dry. Briefly, Provence has a temperate climate whilst the Côte d’Azur has a sub-tropical climate with relatively higher temperatures in winter and relatively lower temperatures in the summer.

Briefly, Provence has a temperate climate whilst the Côte d’Azur has a sub-tropical climate with relatively higher temperatures in winter and relatively lower temperatures in the summer.

In Provence there are two strong winds, the Mistral and the Scirocco. The Mistral is a cold wind which is generated when cold air from northern Europe hits the Alps on its way south and then, with strong force is pushed through the Rhône valley out into the Mediterranean. The velocity of the wind can reach big heights but the weather is always very clear and the visibility excellent. It is mostly in the late autumn and early spring that the Mistral blows. The Scirocco is a warm humid wind which in summer blows air from the Sahara up over the Mediterranean. When the Scirocco blows a sand-coloured rain falls.

Apt

Apt

Apt is known for its local very high quality products and the town can also boast of being classified as”site remarquable du gout” (a remarkable place for flavours). Apt has primarily specialised in candied fruit, truffles, pottery and bottled lavender essence. The local market in Apt offers a rich choice of the regions produce and attracts many...

Beaumes-de-Venise

Beaumes-de-Venise

Beaumes-de-Venise is well-protected from the Mistral wind below the jagged mountain ridge of the Dentelles, and it is precisely this location that has given the local winegrowers fantastic opportunities for winemaking for centuries. It was the Greeks who brought the Muscat grape to Beaumes-de-Venise in the Middle Ages, and it's the Muscat grape...

Bédoin

Bédoin

Bédoin can boast of having one of the largest and most interesting forests (6300 hectares) in France. It is without any doubt the forest in Vaucluse with the most diversified vegetation. - There are more than 1200 different species of plants. Guided walking tours are arranged for those interested in the area’s fauna and flora. The most remarkable...

Carpentras

Carpentras

The old part of town, surrounded by broad boulevards, has narrow streets, well restored houses, spacious squares, and lots of shops, restaurants and bars. Carpentras was in the Middle Ages the home of an important Jewish society. As a monument to that period Carpentras has France’s oldest synagogue –dating from the 15th century. Carpentras also...

Caseneuve

Caseneuve

Caseneuve is nothing but a small spot on the map, but the town has, however, lots of attractions. It is a typically Provencal, medieval village with narrow streets, old stone houses, vaulted passages and old fortification walls. Some of the newer houses are integrated in the old fortification walls where there are three original towers. The town...

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

Fontaine-de-Vaucluse

The town’s greatest sight is the springing source of the Sorgue-river, amongst nature’s greatest wonders in Provence. Above the village, at the foot of a 230 metres high cliff the water breaks through as a full river. It is the most powerful spring in France and the fifth most powerful in the world. Every year 630 million cubic metres of water...

Gordes

Gordes

Gordes is primarily known for its impressive location on top of a small cliff. At first glance, it looks as if the village may at any moment crash from the top of the cliff to which the houses cling. But over the centuries, this distinctive location has greatly helped the city's defenses. Gordes has had an extremely interesting past. It has...

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is most of all known for its many brocante and antique shops. Twice a year, at Easter and over the 15th of August holiday, more than 500 antique and second hand dealers expose their finds at the important fairs - les salons d’antiquaires et les foires internationales à la brocante. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is an extremely...

Le Barroux

Le Barroux

Le Barroux is a typical Provencal mountain village with narrow, winding streets, old well-restored stone houses, small shady squares and several old fountains. The town is dominated by an enormous castle which originally dates back to the 12th century. In the 16th century it was transformed into a very beautiful renaissance castle, one of the...

Maubec

Maubec

Coming from Robion in the west to Maubec, one can’t overlook the beauty of old Maubec lying in the midst of the vineyards. The old part of town is typically Provencal with old, well-restored houses, narrow, winding streets, old doors nicely faded over time, and a baroque style church with its bell tower, dating back to the18th century.

Ménerbes

Ménerbes

Ménerbes is nominated one of the prettiest villages in France and Ménerbes has, in fact, managed to retain big parts of the cultural and historic relics from its turbulent past. Ménerbes was a protestant stronghold during the religious wars in the 16th century. In Ménerbes one can find several historical monuments, amongst others la citadelle, la...

Mondragon

Mondragon

In Mondragon one can still today find the remains of the town’s medieval fortifications. In Rue du Moulin there is a gate with embrasures, bearing the town’s coat of arms. At the top of the town there is a medieval castle which is still inhabited although it was badly damaged during the religious wars. The castle’s strategic position enabled its...

Orange

Orange

Orange is an incredibly exciting city with a great many historic and cultural remains. First of all Orange is home for two of Europe’s finest monuments from Roman Times, le Théâtre Antique and l’Arc de Triomphe. Theatre Antique is from the 1st century A.D., and one of the best preserved antique theatres in the world. The theatre is famous world...

Robion

Robion

Robion is a typical Provencal mountain village with lots of charm. The town has narrow alleys, steep paved stairways, old stone houses, small shady squares, a very beautiful old fountain, which is surrounded by huge plane trees and a big Roman church with a beautiful bell tower. In the upper part of the town one can find the remains of the...

Roussillon

Roussillon

Roussillon is built decoratively on red cliffs and surrounded by pine forests. The soil is rich in ochre and since Roman Times this has been extracted from the quarries and used for paint, cosmetics and numerous other things. The region is special in character because of the red, yellow and brown cliffs and the town is very interesting with its...

Sarrians

Sarrians

Sarrians is a typical Provencal medieval village with narrow streets, old stone houses and small pleasant squares. There are still remains from the old town walls and at some places the houses are built against them, at other places they are built directly on their foundations. In Sarrians one can also find a church from the year 1000 and an 18th...

Saumane-de-Vaucluse

Saumane-de-Vaucluse

Saumane-de-Vaucluse is a typical Provencal medieval village with narrow winding streets, beautiful stone houses and fountains as well as remains of the old ramparts. Right at the top of the village there is an impressive fortified castle, Château de Saumane, which, at the time, belonged to the uncle of the very famous French author Marquis de...

St-Roman-de-Malegarde

St-Roman-de-Malegarde

The old part of the village in St-Roman-de-Malegarde is built on a hill. It is a typical Provencal mountain village with narrow winding streets and charming old stone houses. In the village one can find a 13th century church whose facade is decorated with a sundial dating back to the 18th century and a Maltese cross. At the highest point of the...

St-Saturnin-lès-Apt

St-Saturnin-lès-Apt

Saint Saturnin-lès-Apt is situated on the ancient Roman via Domitia, constructed in the year 120 B.C. to link Italy with Spain. This has contributed to the town’s cultural and historic richness. The village is dominated by the remains of a medieval castle and an old windmill from the 17th century. Saint Saturnin-lès-Apt is a typical Provencal...

Vaison-la-Romaine

Vaison-la-Romaine

In Vaison-la-Romaine two archaeological sites display a magnitude of historic relics. A Roman bridge leads into the quarter with the sites. In the “upper site” there are ruins, statues, mosaics and a beautiful Roman theatre, one of the best preserved from Emperor Augustus’ time. The theatre is still used for cultural events in the summertime. In...

Villelaure

Villelaure

Villelaure is a typical Provencal village. It does not have that much to offer but if you enjoy silence and exploring the beautiful Provencal hinterland, Villelaure is a perfect starting point for the holiday. In Villelaure one can find the remains of Château de Trésémines, a testimony to the town’s turbulent past. After having passed through the...

Avignon

Avignon

Avignon is one of the most exciting cities in southern France. The inner city is still today enclosed by its 5 km fortification walls with 39 towers and 7 gates. Inside the walls is a city with a very rich culture, its own opera and university, schools for foreigners and several theatre troops. The city’s historical centre has, since 1995, been...

Bagnols-en-Forêt

Bagnols-en-Forêt

Bagnols-en-Forêt is a quiet, little village, but extremely interesting and definitely worth a visit. It lies in a clearing surrounded by chestnut trees and pine forest, and there are magnificent panoramic views of the valleys and hills south and west of the village. Bagnol-en-Forêt is typically Provencal with small winding streets, shady squares...

Bargemon

Bargemon

Bargemon is a typical Provencal medieval village with its old stone houses, narrow streets, and fine, small fountains. In Bargemon there is ample opportunity to see historic chapels, a curious museum with old typewriters and a 12th-century church built into the city fortress wall. The entire city center is easy to see, especially from the square...

Bormes-les-Mimosas

Bormes-les-Mimosas

Bormes-les-Mimosas lies beautifully in the countryside, built on a hillside “as an amphitheatre”. It is an extraordinary pretty and popular village with a profusion of flowers and exotic trees. Bormes-les-Mimosas is nominated as one of the most flower filled villages in Frange, village fleuri. All over, there are bougainvilleas, oleanders...

Callian

Callian

The town is very characteristic with its winding streets and an old feudal castle on the hilltop. Le château fort, with towers from the 12th and 13th century, was rebuilt in the 17th century. The castle is today privately owned. In the town there are several old buildings, amongst others an old chapel which is used for art exhibitions and...

Carqueiranne

Carqueiranne

Because of its southern micro climate, the region has for centuries been home to horticulture. There are green-houses and flowers everywhere. Best known and most demanded are the tulips and Carqueiranne is an important area for growing tulips.

Claviers

Claviers

Claviers is wonderfully situated in a green and hilly landscape with olive, pine and oak trees. From Claviers there are fantastic views to the surrounding hills, to the neighbouring village Bargemon and straight out to the Mediterranean. Claviers is a typically medieval village with narrow, winding streets and old stone houses, but despite this...

Collobrières

Collobrières

Collobrières is a quiet little town, but very interesting and definitely worth a visit. The town is intersected by the Real Colloubrier river which has given name to the town. In Provencal it means a river full of grass snakes. In the northern part of the town a 12th century stone bridge, Pont Raoul Calvi, crosses the river. At the other side one...

Correns

Correns

The town has a great many historical remains, giving evidence of Correns’ interesting past. Amongst other things one can find a few cave dwellings as well as some Neolithic caves. The village is very charming with its small streets and many fountains. In Correns there are also the remains of an 11th century feudal castle, Fort-Gibron, whose tower...

Cotignac

Cotignac

The town itself is incredibly charming with its 16th century houses with beautiful portals, old shop facades, beautiful squares with fountains, restaurants, cafes, and several interesting small shops, including i.e., several interesting galleries and art shops. Every Tuesday all year round, the city's beautiful main street (or the city's central...

Draguignan

Draguignan

The main interest of Draguignan lies in its medieval quarter, which is encircled by beautiful avenues of plane trees. The streets in the old town are interesting, despite the fact that they do not have the same medieval character as the smaller villages. Draguignan’s landmark, a 24 metres high bell tower, Tour de l’Horloge, from 1663, dominates...

Fayence

Fayence

Fayence is beautifully situated on a hill side. There is a magnificent view of the surrounding hills and of the valley below which has one of Europe’s biggest paragliding air fields. Fayence is an extremely charming village with a unique atmosphere. The town is dominated by a wrought iron campanile, and one can still see remains of the...

Fréjus

Fréjus

Fréjus was the oldest Roman town in Gaul. It was founded by Julius Cesar in 49 B.C. and thereafter vigorously expanded by August. It is an unbelievably exciting town with a great many historical remains. This includes for instance, an amphitheatre, a temple, parts of an aqueduct, remains of the Roman harbour - approximately in the centre of the...

Grimaud

Grimaud

On top of the village one can find the ruins of an 11th century medieval castle which is being restored at the moment. It has presumably been very beautiful and impregnable, but it was almost completely destroyed after the revolution. The view of the coast from this high point gave the town an ideal strategic position through the Middle Ages. The...

Hyères

Hyères

Hyères is especially well known for its important palm industry, a fact which has caused the town’s surname Hyères-les-Palmiers. The first thing you see when arriving at Hyères, is the great palm avenues leading into the town. Funnily enough Saudi-Arabia is one of the biggest export markets, due to the fact that, in Hyères, they have managed to...

La Londe-les-Maures

La Londe-les-Maures

La Londe, in itself, is not so interesting. It is a relatively new town, about 100 years old, and for this reason it does not have the same charm as most of the other towns in the south of France. But because of its exceptional location, La Londe has lots of attractions and it is a very suitable place for a holiday. La Londe primarily offers a...

La Roquebrussanne

La Roquebrussanne

La Roquebrussanne is a great starting point for a holiday. Within half an hour’s drive you can find good hiking routes in the surrounding mountains, international golf courses, charming mountain villages, wonderful sandy beaches, interesting shopping possibilities in Hyères and Toulon and many, many other things. La Roquebrussanne is a typical...

La Seyne-sur-Mer

La Seyne-sur-Mer

La Seyne-sur-Mer was earlier well known for fishing. Times have changed, however, and today La Seyne is primarily a beach resort. But the fishermen can still be found every morning on the quays selling their freshly caught fish - definitely worth a visit. The old part of town is unbelievably charming with its old pastel coloured houses, small...

La-Cadière-d'Azur

La-Cadière-d'Azur

La Cadiére-d’Azur is a charming little village which has retained its Provencal authenticity with its many flowery streets, small boutiques and art and craft shops with pottery and local produce. One can very well understand why so many famous artists and painters have been seduced by this village. La Cadière-d’Azur has managed to preserve...

Le Brusc

Le Brusc

Le Brusc does not really have great attractions, but it has a good atmosphere and especially the town’s location is fantastic. Le Brusc lies in beautiful natural scenery, surrounded by old sumptuous villas and protected from the sea by the islands, Îles des Embiez, which one can visit by ferryboat (once an hour). There are many beaches in this...

Le Lavandou

Le Lavandou

Le Lavandou was in earlier days a small, insignificant fishing village across from the picturesque rocky island, Île d’Or, well known from Hergé’s Tintin and the Black Island. There is a pleasant atmosphere around the harbour with its huge international marina. Le Lavandou lies in fantastic natural scenery with pleasant, large, sandy beaches as...

Le Pradet

Le Pradet

From Le Pradet there are great possibilities of making exciting trips along the coast or into the beautiful Provencal hinterland. Le Pradet offers a 7 km long coastline with rocky coves and small pleasant sandy beaches, surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation. In the heart of Le Pradet one can find the Cravéro park which has sheep and...

Les Issambres

Les Issambres

This place offers fine sandy beaches with parking possibilities close to the water. Moreover, there is quite a variety of shops and a few restaurants. Les Issambres also offers a nice marina with space for 440 boats.

Montauroux

Montauroux

Montauraux is situated half way between the sea (30 km) and the nearest ski resorts (45 km). It is, therefore, a fantastic base for a holiday and for trips in the surrounding countryside. Montauroux is a little picturesque town with a fantastic history. The town is built around a fort which was badly damaged during the religious wars. There are...

Ollioules

Ollioules

Ollioules is a charming medieval village with well-restored houses, streets with arcades and flowery balconies. Ollioules is renowned for its flowers and the town is, actually, called la reine des fleurs (the queen of the flowers). The name, Ollioules, comes from the Roman word, Oliolis, which signifies olives. – Olives have been cultivated in...

Roquebrune-sur-Argens

Roquebrune-sur-Argens

Roquebrune-sur-Argens is an unspoilt and charming Provencal medieval village, founded in 975 A.C. at the top of a rock and on the right bank of the Argens river. Unfortunately, the village was almost destroyed in1592 during the religious wars, only an old tower is left. From here, there are fantastic panoramic views over the Argens plain to the...

Sanary-sur-Mer

Sanary-sur-Mer

Lots of old fishing boats give atmosphere to the area around the harbour with its numerous restaurants and cafés. It was in the clear blue sea of Sanary that the diving enthusiast Jacques Cousteau experimented with his new diving apparatus, fully developed in 1943. The new thing about this apparatus was that one could dive without an oxygen...

Seillans

Seillans

Three gates lead into the old part of the village, which is full of historic atmosphere with beautifully restored houses and fountains, narrow cobbled streets and pretty little squares with fountains, over- shaded by big plane trees. At the top of the village there is a privately owned castle, actually a picturesque gathering of buildings from...

Six-Fours-les-Plages

Six-Fours-les-Plages

Six-Fours-les-Plages covers an area of almost 2700 hectares and groups together 26 small villages and is one of the biggest “communes” on the coast. There are 18 km of coastline cut up into sandy beaches and secretive inlets, little harbours and protected forests. You will find an innumerable amount of historical monuments in Six-Fours-les-Plages...

St-Aygulf

St-Aygulf

St-Aygulf was a well known beach resort already in1880. In the belle époque period St-Aygulf received numerous artists including the author Alexandre Dumas and the much-admired actress Sarah Bernhardt. The town was, however, quickly ousted by the larger neighbouring towns St-Raphaël, Ste-Maxime and St-Tropez. Today St-Aygulf attracts a smaller...

St-Cyr-sur-Mer

St-Cyr-sur-Mer

The bay, which is surrounded by pine forests and vineyards, has three small charming harbours as well as a 2 km long sandy beach. St-Cyr-sur-Mer is primarily known for its beautiful and very child friendly sandy beach. The town offers all sorts of water sports and fantastic walking tours. Try for instance the coast path, le sentier littoral...

Ste-Maxime

Ste-Maxime

Ste-Maxime is a dynamic bustling town in the summertime. The town offers a beautiful promenade, a harbour, fine sandy beaches, all sorts of water sports, a lively nightlife, markets, restaurants and a casino. Ste-Maxime also has an old town with a 15th century château, today used as town hall and a square tower, La Tour Carré, from the 16th...

St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume

St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume

St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume has a pleasant old part of town and an exciting medieval Jewish quarter with houses and facades from the 13th century as well as some ancient ramparts from the 14th century. St-Maximin-la-Ste-Baume is primarily renowned for its enormous Ste-Marie-Madeleine Basilica with its convent. The basilica is said to be built at the...

St-Raphaël

St-Raphaël

St-Raphaël was already in Roman Times a beloved holiday resort where wealthy families settled down (in the area around the present casino). In 1799 St-Raphaël became a part of history, when Napoleon landed here after his successful trip to Egypt. At the harbour there is a pyramidal monument in memory of this event. St-Raphaël was discovered as a...

St-Tropez

St-Tropez

It was the artist Paul Signac (1863-1935), who discovered St-Tropez in 1892, at the time, just a little idyllic fishing hamlet. He was seduced by the untouched idyll of the place, and he both painted and wrote about the wonderful motives he saw. It was through him the world heard about St-Tropez. In the fifties the peaceful fishing hamlet was...

Tanneron

Tanneron

Tanneron is set on a hilltop and surrounded by mimosa. Tanneron is the main town of the Massif du Tanneron and it is primarily known for the abundance of its mimosa. It is a fantastic spectacle from January to March when the yellow mimosa is in full bloom. Tanneron is not a typical tourist town and the main part of the towns’ residents do not...

Toulon

Toulon

Toulon does not have extraordinary attractions, but the old quarter, La Cité, or Basse Ville, as it is also called, has a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, covered passages, charming squares like Place Puget, Place Trois Dauphine and Camille Ledeau with pleasant cafés, restaurants and old fountains. The old quarter also has lots of fine little...

Tourrettes

Tourrettes

Tourrettes is a quiet village, definitely worth a visit. It is a typical mountain village with narrow streets and alleys, old medieval stone houses and shady squares. At Place de l’Horloge, at the top of the village, one can find a square bell tower which is the only remains from the Château des seigneurs de Villeneuve, “les seigneurs” who ruled...

Tourtour

Tourtour

Tourtour is denominated village dans le ciel, “the village in the sky”, and from a distance it seems exactly as if Tourtour hovers between heaven and earth. Tourtour lies 650 metres above sea level and boasts of spectacular views to all sides. On a clear day you can see the Massif des Maures, France’s most southern mountain range, the Luberon...

Trans-en-Provence

Trans-en-Provence

Trans-en-Provence is a pretty little village, although without major attractions. Along the riverbanks you will find the old mills and a few industrial buildings. The town has some silk factories from the 18th century. At several places old humpback-bridges are still used to cross the river. The façade of Hôtel de Ville is beautifully restored in...

Anthéor

Anthéor

The Corniche d’Or passes one adventurous rock formation after another. Along the way, there are parking lots where you can stop and enjoy the sight of the incredible rock formations, which run all the way into the sea, where they lie like small islands and skerries. All the way along the coast there are hidden coves with small, isolated beaches...

Flayosc

Flayosc

The old town of Flayosc is well protected behind its circular wall of houses. At the top sits the town's old Saint-Laurent church with its impressive, fortified bell tower, which can be traced back to the 11th century when it was known as "Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Anges." However, the current church was rebuilt in the 16th and 18th centuries. From...

Les Arcs-sur-Argens

Les Arcs-sur-Argens

The old town was double walled as a defence against Saracen invasions. The round fortified bell tower is topped by an interesting 17th century campanile. The area between the Saracen Tower (11th century dungeon) and Paul Simon Square, called the Parage, is the oldest part of the medieval town. Here you can see the tower, the 11th-century dungeon...

Bandol

Bandol

Bandol is also one of the oldest wine regions in France. It was the Romans who planted the first vines here 2550 years ago. Today it is the most important wine region in Provence, producing fantastic, storable red wines and rosé wines dominated by the Mourvèdre grape. The red wine is firm, strong with original aroma - herbs, tar, etc. - while the...

Agay

Agay

The lively Agay Plage, the city's main beach, offers breathtaking views of the Estérel mountains that dominates the bay. Along the beach there are several cozy shops and cafes. Agay also offers a nice little marina. From the mountain top, Rastel d’Agay, behind the city, you can enjoy the impressive views of the Mediterranean. Here are a myriad of...

Callas

Callas

Callas is a typical Provencal medieval village with narrow, winding alleys, cobbled stairways, and small squares with fountains. Callas does not offer the big sights, but of interest can i.e., mention the old town hall from 1623 with its typical wrought iron bell tower, Notre-Dame church with its tall bell tower and the ruins of an old castle...

Aups

Aups

Aups is primarily known for being one of France's major centers for truffle production and truffle trading, its numerous excellent markets for the region's raw materials, local crafts, and other locally produced products. The town hosts the third-largest market for black truffles in France, which takes place continuously from November to the end...

Antibes

Antibes

Antibes was founded by the Greeks under the name Antipolis ”the town across from” which means across from another Greek town, Nikaia, - today’s Nice. Unfortunately there’s nothing remaining from that early period, apart from a few objects that can be found at the town museum. With the arrival of the Romans, a very important town was established...

Auribeau-sur-Siagne

Auribeau-sur-Siagne

Auribeau-sur-Siagne is a typical, medieval village with narrow streets and old stone houses. There is an abundance of flowers in all colours and their perfumes fill the air. Apart from a walk in the old town, it is recommended to go down to the river on the south west side of the village, but note that the climb up can be pretty tough. A nicely...

Biot

Biot

Biot is a very popular medieval village which actually dates back to 154 B.C. Biot is also an ancient “Knights of the Temple” domain and you still find old fortifications like Porte des Migraniers from 1566. Despite the fact that Biot is often overrun by tourists in the high season, it keeps its natural charm with its medieval gates, vaulted...

Cabris

Cabris

Below is the charming old town with its narrow, winding streets and vaulted passages between tall medieval buildings. The town also offers an old town hall, a clock tower and a beautiful chapel, the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs. Here are a few small shops, restaurants, and cafes. Over the years, Cabris has attracted several artists, including...

Cagnes-sur-Mer

Cagnes-sur-Mer

The fortified Haut-de-Cagnes lies at the top of a small mountain. The town is broken up by steep, winding streets, stairways and lots of small, idyllic squares. Haut-de-Cagnes is most interesting because of the old Grimaldi castle from the 14th century. In the square in front of the palace there are several cafés and night clubs and it can be...

Cannes

Cannes

Cannes has, actually, only a few sights. Primarily there is, of course, the exceptionally well known La Croisette with its palm trees, expensive restaurants and designer shops, and the very famous hotel Carlton, which has been frequented by a far larger number of celebrities and royalties than any other hotel in Europe. Then, there is the...

Cannes la Bocca

Cannes la Bocca

Every summer the beach attracts many tourists from the nearby hotels and holiday resorts. All along the seafront there are small beach kiosks and a few restaurants where you can have a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Bay of Cannes. There are also car parks all along the seafront. La Bocca is a...

Cantaron

Cantaron

Cantaron is a very little town, and the old quarter is definitely worth a visit. There are several good hiking routes in the area. The best view of the valley is from the neighbouring village, Saut de Millo.

Carros

Carros

Carros is distinguished by being completely unspoilt by tourists and very well maintained. It has been named one of the area's most beautiful villages and it is certainly not without reason. Carros has managed to preserve its Provencal authenticity with its many flowery streets, steep, cobbled stairwells, shady squares, and old stone houses....

Eze

Eze

Eze is without any doubt one of the most picturesque spots on the Côte d’Azur, and for this reason you must be prepared not to be the only one climbing up to this fabulous mountain village. Crowds are the price to pay for this experience, if you are not in the fortunate position of being able to come out of season. At the summit of the village...

Gattières

Gattières

Gattières is an old village with charming medieval streets, small flowery squares and beautiful old fountains. There are old vaulted houses, full of charm and neatly restored facades and gates from the 18th century. One can also find local arts and crafts: silk painting, sculptures, joinery and wrought iron. Gattières is surrounded by a big...

Golfe-Juan

Golfe-Juan

The town is a little charming, and typically southern, French coast town with food shops as well as good and cheap restaurants – open all year round. In Golfe-Juan one can also find a quite new, big and very well frequented marina with lots of restaurants and cafés. There is a big open air theatre with plays and music - both classical and jazz...

Grasse

Grasse

Grasse does not give the feel of a pure tourist town. It is not the souvenir shops that dominate in Grasse. The old city, vielle ville, is big, old and utterly interesting. The streets still appear as in the Middle Ages – narrow passages and stairways, narrow, dark tunnels where the sun never breaks through. If you live in Grasse or near Grasse...

Juan-les-Pins

Juan-les-Pins

The beach in Juan-les-Pins is narrow but very pleasant. There are lots of shops, restaurants, nightclubs and a casino. The town is seething with excitement in the summer and especially at night time, mostly for young people. It is most lively around the casino, which dates from1908, Palais des Congrés, and the pine grove, Pinedès, which leads...

La Gaude

La Gaude

Château de Marquis de la Gaude, which earlier was a ruin, is now completely restored. This impressive building dominates the whole village but unfortunately it is not possible to get inside as the château is privately owned. Take a walk in the town’s narrow streets and you will discover its beautifully restored pretty facades. La Gaude is a very...

Le Rouret

Le Rouret

Le Rouret is surrounded by olive groves, pines and cypresses, a real Provencal village, which has retained part of its old stone houses. The village has a square, lined with plane trees, where there is also a church with a free standing bell tower, a fountain from 1851 and a fine little chapel, now transformed into a dancing hall. Le Rouret is a...

Menton

Menton

Menton has a great many beautifully restored old buildings. An example is the colourful buildings around Place Ardoino including the town hall, Hotel de Ville. The old city, Vieux Menton, has an attractive pedestrian area – full of boutiques and cafés and with a magnitude of small narrow alleys and coloured houses. I f you have had enough of...

Mougins

Mougins

This village surprises you with its charm, its beautiful well-restored houses and impressive gates, and its abundance of flowers everywhere – here lots of care has been given to every detail. Mougins has, actually, seduced numerous painters, artists and other celebrities including Picasso (who spend the last 15 years of his life here), Cocteau...

Nice

Nice

Nice has for centuries been a favourite holiday resort and the city has attracted kings and princes from all over the world, a fact, testified to by the city’s many luxury hotels. In the beginning of the 19th century ”an English colony” flourished, English aristocrats flocked to the coast and ”colonised”, so to speak, most of the coast. It was...

Peillon

Peillon

Peillon is a carfree village. The road up to Peillon ends at a square by the entrance of the village. Cars must be parked here. There are no shops in the village except for an art craft shop and a couple of hotels/restaurants at the entrance of the village. Here, in the charming quiet surroundings, you have extraordinary possibilities for...

Roquefort-les-Pins

Roquefort-les-Pins

Originally, Roquefort-les-Pins was a fort and thereafter a fief. Roquefort-les-Pins is not a real town, more a conglomeration of small villages separated by beautiful vegetation and pine forests. There are no real attractions in Roquefort-les-Pins, but the quality of life, on the contrary, is superb in this Mediterranean area which offers all...

St-Jeannet

St-Jeannet

Baou de St. Jeannet looks incredibly steep and unapproachable, but it is actually possible to climb it. From its top there are great views of the French and Italian Alps. The enormous cliff massif has attracted a great number of artists including Renoir, Poussins, Fragonard and Chagall. St-Jeannet lies on a natural terrace, from where there are...

St-Laurent-du-Var

St-Laurent-du-Var

St-Laurent-du-Var is a dynamic little coastal town, which primarily offers a huge variety of leisure activities including all sorts of water sports (also for people with handicaps), cultural and artistic events, musicals, and not forgetting walking tours on the beautiful promenade.

St-Paul-de-Vence

St-Paul-de-Vence

St-Paul-de-Vence is said to be France’s most visited tourist attraction after Mont St.-Michel. St-Paul-de-Vence is one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the area. It is also one of the medieval villages, most intact. Everything is so well kept. Nothing falls into decay. It is overwhelming. St-Paul-de-Vence is enclosed by town...

Théoule-sur-Mer

Théoule-sur-Mer

Théoule-sur-Mer has several attractions. There is, for instance, a former soap factory which is now transformed into a castle and an entire quarter of bowl-shaped luxury villas, designed by the Hungarian architect Antti Lovag. These villas consist of a system of mutually combined bowls with cylindrical corridors, oval door openings, doors of...

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

It is not a coincidence that Tourrettes-sur-Loup is called ”the violet village”. For centuries this flower has been grown and even today it is one of the main activities in the village. The violet is honoured each year in March with a big flower festival. If you arrive by car, the best thing is to park outside the village; inside it is almost...

Valbonne

Valbonne

The old part of the town has retained its medieval character, but is also very lively. In contrast to most of the other villages in the hinterland of the coast, the streets are laid in symmetrical rectangles, according to Roman traditions and plans drawn by the monks of the Lérins islands. Valbonne is enclosed by fortified houses. There are four...

Vence

Vence

Vence is a picturesque old cathedral town, set on a hilltop at 400 metres altitude. It is well protected to the north by 1000 meter high mountains. Five gates lead into Vence’s medieval quarter. The oldest and most impressive is Porte de Peyra, from the 14th century. Having passed through this you will arrive at Place du Peyra, the town’s most...

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer

As well as being one of the bases for the French Mediterranean fleet, Villefranche's deep bay makes it a popular destination for cruise ships. The large cruise ships dock here for 24 hours and take their guests by bus to Nice, Cannes or Monaco. Many of the cruise ship guests stay overnight in Villefranche, but fortunately this hasn't spoilt the...

Villeneuve-Loubet

Villeneuve-Loubet

Villeneuve-Loubet is especially well-known for being the chef Auguste Escoffier’s (1847-1936) native town. Auguste Escoffier was chef at the Grand Hotel in Monte Carlo and at the Savoy in London, and it was he who created the Bombe Néro and the Pêche Melba. He has his own museum in Villeneuve-Loubet with exhibits of 5000 menu cards from big...

Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Additionally, Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a fantastic starting point for walking and hiking tours into the Esterel Mountains, Gorges du Verdon and, of course, to the southern Alps. Mandelieu-la-Napoule has one of France’s oldest golf courses, Cannes-Mandelieu Old Course, a very interesting golf course with a nice and original club house - and also...

Monaco

Monaco

With a size of 2 km², Monaco is the smallest country in the world. Monaco is called the Mediterranean Manhattan because of its skyscrapers and luxury villas. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and the Grimaldi family, with Prince Albert as the actual head of state, have reined since 1297. Monaco consists of three parts: The old city Monaco-Ville...

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence

It was the Roman consul, Sixtius Calvinus, who founded the city in 122 B.C. and gave it the name Aquae Sextiae due to its hot springs. For centuries the city was over-shadowed by the nearby cities, Marseille and Arles, until the good King René in the 12th century chose Aix as his residential city. When Provence came under the French throne in...

Rognes

Rognes

Rognes is a very old village, dating back to the Stone Age. Unfortunately the village was almost destroyed in 1909 by a violent earthquake and subsequently almost abandoned. The new village was built at the foot of the old one. The old stone quarries were used for the reconstruction and some houses were partly built with the very famous red ochre...

St-Remy-de-Provence

St-Remy-de-Provence

As usual in the bigger towns of Bouches-du-Rhône, the old quarter lies in the heart of the relatively newer town. The quarter has narrow winding streets, beautiful, well restored houses and old fountains, small, shady squares with restaurants, cafés and small shops. St-Rémy-de-Provence is rich in historical testimonies. The town is built on top...

Marseille

Marseille

Marseille is the oldest city in France. It was founded by Greek merchants from the Middle East in the year 600 B.C. under the name of Massilia. The Greeks made a big success, constructing this city. It became an important commercial centre and the Greeks’ harbour was quite exceptional. They were also the first in Western Europe to build a well...

Roquevaire

Roquevaire

Roquevaire is a typical Provencal village with narrow winding streets, old stone houses and shady squares. The village also has a protected chapel, Chapelle Mérovingienne, from the 6th century, one of the oldest in Provence, the St. Vincent church from the 17th and 18th century with its beautiful paintings, a Merovingian altar and a big organ...

Salon-de-Provence

Salon-de-Provence

The medieval quarter is built at the top of a little hill and is dominated by the rough looking castle, Château de l’Emperi, a former residence of the archbishops of Arles. Built between the 10th and the 16th century, the castle is today in perfect condition. It is home for France’s biggest military museum. Salon-de-Provence is one of the oldest...

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc

Vallon-Pont-d'Arc

Vallon-Pont-d’Arc is a very lively place, notably in the summer, with several shops in the centre, restaurants and cafés. In the village you will also find a chateau from 1639. In the great hall are displayed 7 wall carpets from Aubusson, illustrating the bloody crusades. There are several sights in and around Vallon-Pont-d’Arc, including an...

Mane

Mane

Mane is a typical Provencal mountain village with several attractions, among which a 15th century church, Saint André, which was restored in the 17th century and which has a baroque facade, two imposing gates and a 31 metres high bell tower, a chapel from the 13th century and a privately owned palace from the 16th and 18th century. Furthermore...

Pierrevert

Pierrevert

Pierrevert is a charming village with narrow winding streets, stone houses, old gates, medieval town walls as well as ruins of an old mill. Pierrevert is also the centre for wine production in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This wine district, one of the highest situated wine districts in France (450 metres) covers around 210 hectares...

Montbrun-les-Bains

Montbrun-les-Bains

Montbrun-les-Bains is nominated one of the prettiest villages in France and it is most interesting with its many cultural and historic remains. A walk through the old village is like a travel back in time. At the top of the village you will find the remains of the old Château Dupuy-Montbrun from the 16th century. La Porte de l’Horloge at Place du...

Nyons

Nyons

Nyons lies beautifully in the heart of Drôme Provençale, at the border of the lowland and the mountains. To the east rise the Pre Alps with heights of 1000 metres or more and to the west the landscape changes character towards the plains of the Rhône. Nyons is, with its 6,500 inhabitants, one of the main towns in the region. It is situated at 270...

St-Restitut

St-Restitut

St-Restitut lies beautifully east of the Rhône river and not far from the legendary mountain, Mont Ventoux. The village is completely enclosed by pine trees, thyme and wild lavender. St-Restitut has narrow streets, small shady squares, old, whitish or ochre-shaded stone houses with pale green or blue shutters and remains of the old ramparts. In...

Buis-les-Baronnies

Buis-les-Baronnies

In Buis-les-Baronnies there are good possibilities for relaxing in the extraordinary surroundings and/or for an exciting activity holiday with sport and interesting trips. A holiday in Buis-les-Baronnies offers a wide range of sports activities such as golfing, walking and hiking, cycling, horseback riding, climbing and paragliding....

An incredibly exciting town full of atmosphere and situated in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône....

An incredibly exciting town full of atmosphere and situated in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône. The old quarter lies in the heart of Arles and has numerous Roman remains. The greatest sight is Les Arènes, a Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century A.D. There is also a Roman theatre from the 1st century B.C., Théâtre Antique, which is often used as a centre for the town’s many cultural arrangements, and Roman baths from the 4th century and a cathedral from the 12th century with its cloister-garth.

Aubagne lies in the hinterland from the coast, east of Marseille. The town is famous for being the...

Aubagne lies in the hinterland from the coast, east of Marseille. The town is famous for being the birth place of the Provencal author Marcel Pagnol. The Pagnol-society has dedicated a 3 hours walk into the hilly landscapes around the town to Pagnol so you can visit the universe, described in his books and the places where the films were made.

The medieval city, Avignon, is the main city of the department of Vaucluse. The inner part of town...

The medieval city, Avignon, is the main city of the department of Vaucluse. The inner part of town is still encircled by its 5 km long fortification walls with its 39 towers and 7 gates. Avignon has a great many attractions. The greatest sight is without any doubt the majestic Palace of the Popes: www.palais-des-papes.com; www.mairie-avignon.fr/en/musees/palaisen.php, which overlooks the Rhône river. Because of unrest and anarchy the Popes preferred Avignon to Rome for almost one hundred years (1309-77). Another of Avignon’s famous sights is Pont St-Benezet, immortalized in the children’s’ song Sur le Pont d’Avignon.

A very popular, medieval village in the department of Alpes Maritimes, best known for its...

A very popular, medieval village in the department of Alpes Maritimes, best known for its glassware. Here one can also find a very interesting Fernand Léger-museum.

Cagnes-sur-Mer, situated between Nice and Antibes, first of all offers a magnificent, fortified...

Cagnes-sur-Mer, situated between Nice and Antibes, first of all offers a magnificent, fortified old quarter, Haut-de-Cagnes, perched high up on top of a small rock. The town is intersected by steep, winding streets and stairways and a multitude of small, idyllic squares. At the top of the town you will find the ancient Grimaldi castle from the 14th century.

The most fashionable town on the French Riviera with its long elegant promenade La Croisette and...

The most fashionable town on the French Riviera with its long elegant promenade La Croisette and the luxurious Hotel Carlton. Lying across from Cannes is Iles de Lérins, two charming flower filled little islands, Ste-Marguerite and St-Honoret. Ste-Marguerite, the island closest to the mainland is almost covered in pine forest. It is particularly renowned because of ”the man with the iron mask” who was imprisoned here and whose identity is still unknown. At St-Honoret there is a beautiful old monastery, dating from the 11th century. In earlier times, St-Honoret was a religious centre for southern Europe and the monastery owned most of the land along the Mediterranean including Cannes. The island is still inhabited by monks. A museum and a church can be visited by the public.

Cassis is a charming fishing port, situated between two large protected nature reserves: Cap...

Cassis is a charming fishing port, situated between two large protected nature reserves: Cap Canaille, Europe’s biggest cliff (going directly into the sea) with its 416 metres and les Calanques, the protected rocky coast from Cassis to Marseille. There are twelve narrow deep inlets with crystal clear water. At the bottom of these inlets there are nice little beaches. From the harbour there are tour boats several times a day. Les Calanques is an absolute must. It is strongly recommended to take the Route des Crètes, which winds up and down, ending in la Ciotat. One fantastic view after the other – just fabulous.

Cavaillon is France’s biggest vegetable garden, primarily well known for its good melons. The...

Cavaillon is France’s biggest vegetable garden, primarily well known for its good melons. The local market competes with the market in Apt for holding the position of the biggest market in Vaucluse. The old quarter in Cavaillon has winding streets, small squares full of flowers, well-restored houses, one of Europe’s most beautiful synagogues from the 18th century, a Jewish museum, a cathedral from the 12th century with its monastery and a Roman triumph arch from the 1st century A.D.

Has almost grown together with the neighbouring town St-Raphaël. In Fréjus one can find a...

Has almost grown together with the neighbouring town St-Raphaël. In Fréjus one can find a characteristic French promenade with nice, little cafés and a multitude of restaurants, bars and discos, seething with life every night. The marina is the normal meeting point in the evenings, and here there is a really good atmosphere. In Fréjus there are quite a few Roman monuments, among other things a small arena which is still used for concerts and bullfights. One can also find a big amusement park with a Marineland.

Golfe Juan, situated between Cannes and Antibes, offers one of the very best beaches on the French...

Golfe Juan, situated between Cannes and Antibes, offers one of the very best beaches on the French Riviera, an impressive marina, restaurants, cafés and boutiques. It was also here Napoleon landed in 1815, when escaping from Elba. In Golfe Juan there is a 5 hectares public park, Exflora Park, showing different Mediterranean gardens exactly as they were in Roman Times and in the sumptuous 19th century.

Gourdon has a beautiful location, perched as an eagle’s nest on top of a mountain. An old medieval...

Gourdon has a beautiful location, perched as an eagle’s nest on top of a mountain. An old medieval village with wide views, fine restaurants and boutiques.

Situated between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var. The breathtaking canyon, Gorges du Verdon, is...

Situated between Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Var. The breathtaking canyon, Gorges du Verdon, is one of Europe’s greatest nature wonders - an outstanding nature experience that one must experience. At the Verdon river, which is cutting 700 metres down into the cliff, one can go hiking, climbing, canoeing and rafting.

The French centre for perfumes, producing perfume extracts and essences. Grasse is beautifully...

The French centre for perfumes, producing perfume extracts and essences. Grasse is beautifully situated at 333 metres altitude, in the hinterland of Cannes. The old city is very exciting with a labyrinth of streets and narrow passages. Here, there is a multitude of small, interesting boutiques.

Istres is beautifully situated on the big lake, Etang de Berre, between Marseille and la Camarque....

Istres is beautifully situated on the big lake, Etang de Berre, between Marseille and la Camarque. The old quarter, in the middle of the town, has a charm typical of Provence with narrow, winding streets, old stone houses and shady squares. One can also find several pleasant parks and flowery boulevards. From the tower of the church, Notre Dame de Beauvoir, there are magnificent panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.

La Camarque lies just south of Arles, in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and still; you have...

La Camarque lies just south of Arles, in the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and still; you have the impression of being in another world. La Camarque differs completely from all the other regions in Provence. It is one of Europe’s biggest wetlands, covering a surface of 140.000 hectares, and one of the biggest bird sanctuaries in France. La Camargue is an exciting “world” with real cowboys, half-wild horses, black bulls, flamingos and big salt and rice fields.

La Ciotat lies beautifully in a bay, by an isthmus. Like Cassis la Ciotat also has some calanques...

La Ciotat lies beautifully in a bay, by an isthmus. Like Cassis la Ciotat also has some calanques, but they are far from being of the same interest as in Cassis. The old town with its many monuments testify to its rich historic past. It was here the Lumière brothers with their invention of the cinematograph in 1899 laid the ground for today’s film cameras. In La Ciotat one can also find the world’s very first cinema from 1895.

Le Cannet is perched high up above Cannes, and enjoys, for this reason, a fantastic panorama of...

Le Cannet is perched high up above Cannes, and enjoys, for this reason, a fantastic panorama of the bay of Cannes and the island group, Îles de Lérins. Le Cannet is especially well known for its artists’ quarter which is dominated by art craft workshops and galleries. It is an extremely nice and picturesque old town with skilfully restored houses, narrow, steep streets with numerous small, homely restaurants and cafés.

Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a beach resort between Cannes and Fréjus. It has good beaches, a nice...

Mandelieu-la-Napoule is a beach resort between Cannes and Fréjus. It has good beaches, a nice marina, lots of restaurants and cafés and a huge variety of water sports.

Manosque is a busy industrial town which houses the national French nuclear research centre...

Manosque is a busy industrial town which houses the national French nuclear research centre, Cadarache. For this reason lots of scientists and their families have settled in the town, giving it a dynamic and modern touch. Luckily, it has not destroyed the town’s medieval character. Two gates from the 12th century lead into the very interesting old town (pedestrian area). The old town has narrow, covered streets, small pleasant squares, and old stone houses as well as a beautiful old church with its usual Provencal wrought iron campanile. It is in this town the important Provencal author Jean Giono lived all his life while writing his books about the laborious life in Haute Provence. In Centre Jean Giono his life story is told.

Marseille is France’s third largest and oldest city and today the country’s most important port....

Marseille is France’s third largest and oldest city and today the country’s most important port. Despite what many people think, Marseille is a most fascinating town. The old port, Vieux port, is an exciting sight with lots of life and numerous restaurants. Here you can eat Marseille’s world famous fish soup, la Bouillabaisse, which is served with all its fish and variety of prawns.

The Principality of Monaco (pop.: 31,842) is a sovereign state lying out to the Mediterranean and...

The Principality of Monaco (pop.: 31,842) is a sovereign state lying out to the Mediterranean and surrounded by the French Alpes Maritimes department. Its geographical extent of 2 km² makes Monaco the world’s smallest country. Monaco is nicknamed The Mediterranean Manhattan as it is packed with sky scrapers and sumptuous villas. It is a constitutional monarchy and Prince Albert’s family, the Grimaldies, have reigned in Monaco since 1297. Monaco consists of three towns: The old town, Monaco-Ville, with the Royal Palace on top of a cliff, Monte-Carlo with its very famous Casino and the residential area la Condamine, with its big marina.

The Lubéron Mountains consist of two massifs, Grand et Petit Lubéron, separated by a narrow canyon...

The Lubéron Mountains consist of two massifs, Grand et Petit Lubéron, separated by a narrow canyon Combe de Lourmarin. The whole area was laid out as National Park in 1977. It covers 120.000 hectares and stretches from Cavaillon in the west to Manosque in the east and from Gordes in the north to Pertuis in the south. It is a fantastic region with unspoiled nature, perfect for hiking or bicycle tours.

A fantastic, medieval mountain village beautifully situated. Here one can also find one of the...

A fantastic, medieval mountain village beautifully situated. Here one can also find one of the most famous restaurants in France, Moulin de Mougins.

The main city in the department of Alpes Maritimes, France’s fifth biggest city and the most...

The main city in the department of Alpes Maritimes, France’s fifth biggest city and the most important city on the Riviera. Famous for its beautiful location by the Baie des Anges, surrounded by mountains, Nice first of all offers a very interesting old city, the magnificent promenade, Promenade des Anglais, the museum of modern art and Chagall and Matisse museums.

The town first of all offers an enormous basilica which is reputed to hold the relics of Mary...

The town first of all offers an enormous basilica which is reputed to hold the relics of Mary Magdalene. According to the legend, Mary and her followers were wrecked and brought safely ashore at the coast off La Camargue. Built between 1296 and 1532, this big basilica is considered one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in Provence. A little south of the town one can find the grotto, where Mary Magdalene is meant to have spent 30 years of her life until she died in St-Maximin. It takes a good walk through a thick forest to reach the grotto. The old town and the medieval Jewish quarter offer leisurely strolling, discovering the old houses with facades from the 13th century and the ancient fortifications from the 14th century.

The artists’ town, St-Paul-de-Vence, is one of the prettiest and most picturesque villages in the...

The artists’ town, St-Paul-de-Vence, is one of the prettiest and most picturesque villages in the region. Here one can find Auberge Colombe d’Or, one of southern France’s most famous restaurants.

This town has almost grown together with the neighbouring town, Fréjus. Since the middle of the...

This town has almost grown together with the neighbouring town, Fréjus. Since the middle of the 19th century St-Raphaël has been a popular holiday resort with nice, sandy beaches, marina and good shopping facilities. It was at this place Napoleon landed on his way back from Egypt in 1799, and so did the French- American troupes in 1944. One of the greatest sights in the town is a Templar’s church, dating back to the 12th century.

This town is one of the biggest pearls in Bouches-du-Rhône. St-Rémy-de-Provence is very well known...

This town is one of the biggest pearls in Bouches-du-Rhône. St-Rémy-de-Provence is very well known because of its very rich cultural and historic past. Here, one can find the remains from the Gallo-Roman city Comptoir de Glanum, founded in the 3rd century B.C. and later ruled by the Romans under Julius Cesar. There are still excavations going on. Les Antiques, at the outskirts of the town, has two unique Roman monuments, an arch from the 1st century B.C., and a very well-preserved mausoleum.

Originally St-Tropez was a small, humble, fishing village, until Brigitte Bardot, Françoise Sagan...

Originally St-Tropez was a small, humble, fishing village, until Brigitte Bardot, Françoise Sagan and other celebrities discovered the town in the 1950’s and pulled in the whole jet set. In high season (August), around 80,000 tourists arrive at this extraordinary holiday resort. Despite this “big circus” in the summer, the town is definitely worth a visit.

A most charming medieval village, situated between Cannes and Nice, only 14 km from the coast. It...

A most charming medieval village, situated between Cannes and Nice, only 14 km from the coast. It is renowned for its culture of violets. Tourrettes-sur-Loup is very much worth a visit.