Provence Côte d'Azur guide

Chic resorts like Cannes, Nice, and St Tropez make the French Riviera one of the most fashionable holiday spots in the world. Away from the coast you'll find quiet medieval villages, woodlands, lakes, and those famous fields of lavender. Then of course there's that fabulous Mediterranean sunshine.

Activities & attractions

What can we eat?

Saffron flavoured bouillabaisse fish stew, rich, garlic mayonnaise, tempting sweets such as almond calissons, caramel berlingots and nougat.

What can we drink?

Pastis and rosé wines.

Where can we visit?

Great cities such as Marseille, Avignon, Aix en Provence and Arles.

What can we do?

Celebrity spotting in Cannes and St Tropez. A trip into Monaco and Italy.

And what about the kids?

Take them to Aquatica in Fréjus, a fantastic waterpark with thrilling waterchutes, pools, a large boating lake and mini-golf.

Region overview

Stylish and modern, the French Riviera is internationally renowned for its glorious beaches, blue water, beautiful scenery and warm climate. Cannes, Nice and St Tropez are all hot spots of chic culture, but traditional harbour villages can be equally impressive in their own way with aromatic lavender fields, sunflowers, olive trees, vineyards, cliffs and gorges. As the country's prime fruit and vegetable producing region, the food in Provence is superb. Specialities include a variety of herb pastes, braised meats and truffles.

The quiet medieval hilltop village of St Paul de Vence takes in magnificent views of the sea and mountains. Many towns in the region are rich in Roman history, including Aix en Provence, home to Paul Cézanne until 1906, and Arles, famous for its impressive amphitheatre. The port of Marseille, France's oldest city, has a lively but relaxed atmosphere, with great museums, markets, cafés and shops.

Map of Provence Côte d'Azur