Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, taste the local cuisine and wine, and learn about the local culture and customs.


Introduction to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, often referred to as the “French Riviera,” is a stunning region in southeastern France. This region has a Mediterranean climate, which makes the area a sought-after destination year-round. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, historical sites, lavender fields, and olive groves. The region boasts incredible natural beauty with its rugged mountains, crystal-clear sea, and some of the most beautiful villages in the country. Visitors to the area are treated to some of the best local seafood, wine, and quality olive oil.

List of Places to Visit in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain
  2. Vatican Palace
  3. Musée Marc Chagall
  4. Fondation Maeght
  5. Palais des Papes
  6. Roman Theatre
  7. Pont d’Avignon
  8. Arles Amphitheatre
  9. Les Baux de Provence

Natural Attractions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. The Gorges du Verdon
  2. Parc National du Mercantour
  3. Mont Ventoux
  4. Calanques de Cassis
  5. Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles
  6. Les îles d’Hyères
  7. Camargue National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

  1. GR 4 - From Royan to Grasse
  2. GR 51 - From Marseille to Menton
  3. GR 653A – Follow the Route of Santiago de Compostela
  4. Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon
  5. Alpilles Mountains and the Camargue Region

Best Things to Do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Activities and Tours

  1. Go wine tasting in Avignon
  2. Explore Mediterranean cuisines with a food tour
  3. Visit the Palace of the Popes in Avignon
  4. Visit the Arles Amphitheatre
  5. Take a boat tour of the Calanques
  6. Take a Lavender Tour in Luberon
  7. Go on an Olive Oil Tour in Les Baux de Provence
  8. Go hot air ballooning in Saint-Paul de Vence

Week-Long Itinerary for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Day 1-2: Marseille Day 3: Explore Gorges du Verdon Day 4: Avignon and its surroundings Day 5: Saint-Tropez and its beach areas Day 6: Nice Day 7: Cannes and Antibes

Food and Drink Scene of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Ratatouille
  2. Bouillabaisse
  3. Socca
  4. Salade Niçoise
  5. Pissaladière
  6. Fougasse
  7. Poutine

Local Beverages

  1. Côtes de Provence Rosé
  2. Gigondas Red Wine
  3. Southern French Craft Beers
  4. Amaretto

Where to Stay in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Hotel Le Pigonnet in Aix-en-Provence
  2. La Mirande in Avignon
  3. Sezz Saint Tropez
  4. Le Mas Candille in Cannes
  5. Chateau des Alpilles in Saint-Rémy de Provence
  6. La Monnaie Art & Spa Hotel in Apt

What to Buy in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Lavender Products
  2. Local Olive Oil
  3. French Soaps
  4. Herbs and Spices
  5. Wines and spirits
  6. Provençal Textiles

Local Culture and Customs of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The region is rich in customs and culture that are rooted in the soil of the land, from its ancient Roman ruins to the legendary art of Cézanne and Van Gogh in the city of Arles. The locals are proud of their regional cuisine and wines. Most restaurants in the area are renowned for serving regional dishes. One can see that the culture is deeply rooted in the people’s traditions.

Best Time to Visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The best time to visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is from April to May and from September to November when the crowds are fewer. The high season is from June to August; however, expect high prices and lots of tourists during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Try a few basic words in French
  3. Respect the dress code for religious sites
  4. Shop at local markets
  5. Taste the local wine

Don’t:

  1. Talk loudly on public transport
  2. Overdress for a normal day out
  3. Be late meeting someone
  4. Address people by their first name without permission
  5. Mistreat animals

Safety and Health

Safety in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is considered one of the safest regions in France; however, petty crime is on the rise in some tourist-heavy areas. Visitors are advised to take the usual precautions and use common sense, such as keeping an eye on their belongings in crowded areas.

Health in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The region’s health care is centralized, and accessing medical help is not difficult. Visitors are advised to have appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected healthcare costs. Visitors are also advised to be aware of the risks of sunstroke, dehydration, and heat exhaustion in the hot summer months.

Getting to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

  1. Aéroport de Marseille-Provence (MRS)
  2. Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE)
  3. Toulon Hyeres International Airport (TLN)

Bus Stations Near Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

  1. Avignon Bus Station
  2. Aix-en-Provence Bus Station
  3. Nice Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Train
  2. Car rental

How to Get Around in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

The best way to get around the region is by car, but there are also bus services that connect most of the area’s tourist hotspots. Visitors are advised to plan their trips in advance, check the schedules and purchase tickets before departure. It is essential to have access to GPS on phones or cars.

Where to Go Next from Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Toulouse
  2. Liguria, Italy
  3. Barcelona, Spain
  4. Montpellier
  5. Arles and the Camargue Region

Conclusion

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is a cultural, historical, and lavishly beautiful region that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Visitors are treated to fantastic views, colorful cuisine, and a rich history. It is a perfect place to relax, explore and reconnect with the beauty of nature. Visit the region today and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The slopes of Les Vernets, Hautes-Alpes The slopes of Les Vernets, Hautes-Alpes Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat, Alpes-Maritimes Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Cap Ferrat, Alpes-Maritimes The Vendôme Pavilion in Aix-en-Provence The Vendôme Pavilion in Aix-en-Provence Entrance of the Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, seen from the Bridge of Galetas on Sainte-Croix Lake Entrance of the Verdon Gorge, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, seen from the Bridge of Galetas on Sainte-Croix Lake Lavender fields outside the Abbaye de Sénanque in Gordes, Vaucluse Lavender fields outside the Abbaye de Sénanque in Gordes, Vaucluse Ancient Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) in Arles Ancient Roman amphitheatre (Les Arènes) in Arles Nice Nice Menton Menton Old port of Marseille Old port of Marseille Port of Saint-Tropez Port of Saint-Tropez


    Alpes-Maritimes
    Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
    Bouches-du-Rhône
    French Riviera
    Hautes-Alpes
    Var
    Vaucluse