Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur is composed of the departments Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Vaucluse. It is the sunniest region of France, with sunshine throughout the year. You can stroll under the palms in Nice, Cannes, Saint Tropez and Antibes or enjoy a Pastis or delicious Provencal specialties on the terrace of a cafe or restaurant near the Port. Be sure to taste the Bouillabaisse, the famous fish soup or Pissaladière, a tart with tomatoes and onions.

On the coast, in the south of the region, there are beautiful sandy beaches, especially near Cassis and Juan-les-Pins. It is also here that a famous jazz festival takes place in July. You can practice diving or hiking in the Port-Cros National Park, just before the coast of Hyères. The Camargue with its marshes, flamingos and horses completely immerses you in the Mediterranean world. It is a part of the region that is particularly suitable for biking or hiking. In Arles, you can visit the house where Van Gogh lived and worked.

Further inland, nature becomes mountainous, green and peaceful. To enjoy the quiet and fresh air, take time to visit the small villages of the Luberon with their Romanesque churches and abbeys. The Luberon is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the highest town in France, Briançon, with its fortifications. In the north of the region, Hautes-Alpes offer many opportunities for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The mountain lovers will be delighted by the magnificent and fragile landscapes of the National Park Ecrins and Mercantour Park. After long mountain hikes, you can recuperate enjoying a tartiflette or one of the typical regional cheeses.