Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, southeastern France's sun-drenched region, combines the glamorous French Riviera coastline with hilltop villages, lavender fields, Roman ruins, and world-class wine regions in a landscape that has inspired painters from Cézanne to Picasso. From the glittering beaches and Belle Époque palaces of Nice and Cannes to the ochre cliffs and perched villages of the Luberon, from bustling Provençal markets overflowing with olives and herbs to Alpine ski resorts near the Italian border, this region delivers quintessential southern French charm—Mediterranean cuisine, rosé wine, cicada songs, and a lifestyle celebrating sunshine, good food, and joie de vivre.Read moreRead less
Discover Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur
Things to Do & Experience
Stroll Nice's Promenade des Anglais and explore Vieux Nice's markets and gelato shops, shop designer boutiques in Cannes, gamble at Monte-Carlo Casino in Monaco, and soak in Belle Époque grandeur at palace hotels. Enjoy beach clubs, yacht harbors, Mediterranean swimming, and the glamorous lifestyle that has attracted aristocrats and celebrities to the Côte d'Azur since the 19th century.
Explore honey-stone Gordes perched above the Luberon Valley, wander Roussillon's ochre-tinted streets, discover artist colony Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and visit ceramic workshops in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. Shop at Provençal markets overflowing with olives, lavender, honey, and crafts, dine at village restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, and experience the slow-paced Provençal lifestyle in medieval settings with valley panoramas.
Photograph lavender fields in full bloom (mid-June to early August) at Valensole Plateau and Sénanque Abbey, tour distilleries learning essential oil production, attend lavender festivals, and explore the Luberon countryside by bike or car. Combine lavender tourism with visits to vineyards, hilltop villages, and outdoor markets celebrating Provençal agriculture and traditional crafts.
Taste Côtes de Provence rosé wines at estates across the region, explore Bandol's red wine cellars, visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and casual bistros serving bouillabaisse, ratatouille, salade niçoise, and Mediterranean specialties. Wine routes connect tasting rooms through vineyard landscapes, while Provençal markets offer local ingredients—olives, herbs, cheeses, and seasonal produce.
Tour Arles's amphitheater and Roman theater, walk across the Pont du Gard aqueduct, explore Aix-en-Provence's elegant streets and Cézanne connections, and discover Marseille's 2,600-year history from Greek founding to modern MuCEM museum. Follow Van Gogh's footsteps in Arles, visit Matisse and Chagall museums in Nice, and explore the art legacy created by luminous Mediterranean light.
Hike or kayak the Verdon Gorge (Europe's deepest canyon), explore Calanques National Park's turquoise coves near Marseille, trek the Mercantour National Park's alpine landscapes, and ski the Alps d'Azur resorts within hours of the Mediterranean coast. Summer enables the unique French experience of skiing in morning and swimming in the sea the same afternoon.
- •Lavender bloom peaks mid-June through early August—exact timing varies with elevation and weather. Valensole Plateau blooms first, higher altitude Sault blooms later. Verify dates before planning trips specifically for lavender photography.
- •Summer (June-September) brings peak crowds and highest prices, especially on the French Riviera. Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez fill completely in July-August. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer better weather-to-crowds ratios.
- •The Mistral wind blows cold and strong from the north unpredictably throughout the year, dropping temperatures 10°C within hours even in summer. Always bring a jacket or sweater regardless of season.
- •Rental cars essential for exploring hilltop villages and countryside—public transport limited outside major cities. Book months ahead for summer. Roads are excellent, but parking in villages is challenging and often requires walking from distant lots.
- •French Riviera beaches are mostly pebbles, not sand—bring beach shoes for comfortable swimming. Private beach clubs (plages privées) charge €20-50+ for lounger access but provide sand, restaurants, and services. Public beaches are free but crowded.
- •Provençal markets operate specific days—research market days for villages you're visiting. Markets typically run morning only (8 AM-1 PM). Arrive early for best selection, late for bargains as vendors pack up.
- •Monaco is a separate country requiring passport, though border controls are minimal. Prices are astronomical—coffee costs €8+, meals €50+ minimum. Visit for a few hours rather than basing there unless budget is unlimited.
- •Restaurant reservations essential in summer at popular restaurants—book weeks ahead for sought-after spots. Lunch is often better value than dinner (same kitchen, lower prices). Many restaurants close Sunday/Monday.
- •Cannes Film Festival (May) makes the city impossibly expensive and crowded—hotels charge 5-10x normal rates, restaurants require reservations, and beaches fill completely. Monaco Grand Prix (May) creates similar conditions.
- •French dining hours: lunch 12-2 PM, dinner 7:30-10 PM. Restaurants close between services and may not serve outside these times. Many establishments close entirely August when French take vacation.
- •Aix-en-Provence and Avignon make excellent bases—central for day trips, less expensive than Riviera, good restaurants and culture. Consider basing inland and doing day trips to coast rather than expensive Riviera accommodation.
- •Rosé wine is not considered summer-only here—locals drink it year-round with most meals. Don't ask for ice in wine; order a pastis or citron pressé for refreshment with ice.