Provence Côte d'Azur guide

About Provence Côte d'Azur

Glorious beaches at chic and fashionable seaside resorts such as Cannes and St Tropez, fields of lavender and groves of olive trees with medieval villages dotted about, all bathed in the Mediterranean sunshine - this is what makes Provence Cote d'Azur such a popular destination!

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.

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.

Cuisine of Provence Côte d'Azur

Local specialities

Truffles. Nougat from Montélimar. Bouillabaisse, a rich fish soup from Marseille. Picodon de Valréas, a goats' cheese with a delicate nutty taste. Tapenade, a luscious provençal spread made with olives, olive oil, anchovies, capers and garlic.

What's on the menu?

Dishes prepared à la provençale, which means served in a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, onions and herbs. Or à la niçoise which will include olives, capers, anchovies and tarragon. Apple galettes and walnut crêpes.

What to drink

Pastis. Fruity rosé wines.