Provence-Alpes Cote d'Azur

Information and Tourism



Provence-Alpes Cote d'Azur flagCharacterised by golden beaches along the Cote d'Azur and stunning mountain scenery inland, this is a region of immense contrasts. In the summer, its Mediterranean climate is warm and sunny enough to lure an influx of tourists into its palm-tree lined coastal resorts and azure sea. In the winter, towns and villages quieten down once again and the region's mountains really come into their own.

The westernmost corner of the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur region marks the start of the French Riviera, set against a backdrop of mountains that seem to tumble straight down to the sea. Nice is traditionally the playground for the rich and famous, while nearby Cannes is synonymous with its International Film Festival and accompanying red carpet.

Further east along the Riviera, the port of St. Tropez boasts a harbour that is home to a perennial flotilla of yachts and a nostalgia for the 1950s and 1960s, the heyday of this glittering resort when the likes of Brigitte Bardot strolled along its seashore.

Marseille is a city where you can actually see real life happening right in front of you. It boasts France's largest commercial port and, therefore, possesses a certain down to earth quality that is lacking in many other French cities. As well as being typically Provencal in character and proud of its brightly coloured markets, Marseille bears witness to more than a hint of North African influences.

Although Marseille may be the capital of Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur, Avignon is most certainly the jewel in its crown. Known as the 'City of the Popes', Avignon is one of the few cities in France to have hung stoically onto its heritage, with its perfectly preserved ramparts, palace of the popes and famous bridge, immortalised in song.

The Route Napoleon, which commemorates the famous French leader's journey from exile in Elba, passes through towns like Dignes-les-Bains, forging its way through the snow-capped Alps, and from there to the Alpine town of Gap. The mountains get more serious, and no more so than when they scrape close to the Italian border. Tourists flock here in the winter to enjoy its ski runs. During the summer months, cycling-mad spectators come to watch the Tour de France, which passes through Gap on a regular basis.


Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Information and Fast Facts



WORLD GUIDES TO THE PROVENCE-ALPES COTE D'AZUR
World Guide to Aix en Provence, France
Lying in the extremely scenic south-easterly area of France, Aix en Provence is brimming with traditional Parisian charm and comprises a number of stylish tree-lined boulevards. Locals often refer to the city of Aix en Provence as simply 'Aix'.
World Guide to Cannes, France
Cannes may be widely associated with its glamorous film festival, but look beneath the glitz and you will discover a wonderful holiday destination. Located in sunny southern France, Cannes features many sandy beaches and marinas.
World Guide to Marseille, France
Marseille is the second-largest city of all the French cities and is widely associated with its Mediterranean coastline and harbourfront. With a series of delightful districts, the golden beaches and corniches in Marseille are the main draw cards.
World Guide to Nice, France
Nice, capital of the Cote d'Azur, is very much a cosmopolitan city and always extremely popular with visiting tourists. Part of the stunning French Riviera, Nice is the ideal holiday resort for lovers of the sun, sand, sea and water sports.
World Guide to Saint Tropez, France
Since the 1960s, Saint Tropez has remained amongst the most popular beach resorts within southern France. Saint Tropez features a breathtaking setting alongside the French Riviera, with a number of sandy beaches and marinas.

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