Holiday information on Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'azur

Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'azur

ALPES-COTE-D'AZUR

In particular, Cannes, Nice, Antibes, Ste. Maxime and St. Tropez have determinedthe reputation of this most visited coastal region of France. Even before the revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, people travelled to the Riviera, as this narrow strip along the Mediterranean is also called.Not surprising, because the sun almost always shines. And then the sea ... pleasant in temperature and - how could it be otherwise - azure blue. Look at thatsea from a high point of view. Sitting on a high rock, between singing cicadas andfragrant herb bushes, the bays, rocks and blue water really come into their own. The Côte d'Azur is of course the summon of the luxury life and at the same time there is always the typically French, relaxed holiday atmosphere. The smaller villages are a bit quieter and more authentic. Settle down on a terrace anywhere and enjoy the Soupe au Pistou, the Aïoli, Ratatouille or the more famous Salad Niçoise. The region is of course also known for its ties with famous painters such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Kandinsky and Miró. The museums are full of it. These painters also serve as a source of inspiration for local artists, who sell their artwork in galleries or at the ports, such as in St. Tropez.Don't forget to pay a more extensive visit to Nice, considered by many to be the capital of the Côte d'Azur. The cosy, sometimes narrow streets have numerous small shops, cafes and restaurants.

Toulon

Toulon lies at the foot of a series of steep rocks, which are, as it were, crowned by a number of branches. The old city district has beautiful, picturesque streets. You can also indulge here in terms of art and culture. From the harbor you can make day trips to the islands.

Hyères

Nearby is the well-known city of Hyères, as surprising as it is refreshing. Here, too, a unique, old city area that is only accessible to pedestrians and wonderful restaurants right by the sea.

Port Cros

Finally, you will find an abundance of peninsulas, bays with sandy beaches, small,cozy villages and unique nature reserves on islands just off the coast. We fell in love with Port Cros, a pearl reminiscent of the islands in the Caribbean sea.

Saint Tropez

St. Tropez is without doubt one of the biggest attractions of the Côte d'Azur. Hereyou can see the rich of the earth with their beautiful yachts and ditto limousines. The village itself has a beautiful architecture, many shops and of course a beautiful boulevard with many cafes, restaurants, including clubs like Club 55. And if you have ever seen a movie with Louis de Funès: walking through the village you will automatically pass by 'his' police station.

Sainte Maxime

A little further east is Sainte Maxime, an ideal holiday resort. It is a very lively place with many shops, cafes and restaurants and there is plenty to do to satisfy you.The sea is ideal for all kinds of water sports. The gently sloping sandy beach is particularly child-friendly.You can buy your fruit, vegetables, fish and other products fresh on the daily market.

Les Issambres

Yet another little bit further is Les Issambres, against the Maures massif. The town offers 8 km of coast with sandy beaches and quiet bays. The Mediterranean flora is abundant here and extends to the sea. You will also find old churches and surprising views as well as a sailing school and a diving school.

PROVENCE

Behind the tourist coast of the Côte d'Azur, the hinterland offers, and we think that the real Provence, you a lot of peace and natural beauty. The Provence is admired not only by the special light that attracted and still attracts many artists,but also by the many Roman and medieval sights.

Characteristic are the wide vistas and especially fragrant herbs. On a hot summerday, close your eyes and sniff the scents ... Lavender, Rosemary, Laurel. And here and there the strong, typical scent of the fig tree and eucalyptus. Anyone who has smelled Provence once will never forget that rich bouquet of scents. These herbs have of course been used for many years and many tasty dishes areprepared in the Provencal kitchen. Wherever you go, it remains picturesque. Especially the small villages on the slopes of the mountains of Haute-Provence are impressive. These are the villages perchés (high-altitude villages), which are also known as nids d'aigles (eagle's nests).

In the same area are the lavender fields which account for an important basic ingredient for the perfume industry, which is concentrated around Grasse. In the Provence you will also find the breath-taking Grand Canyon du Verdon, one of thegreater natural wonders of France. Bird lovers can indulge themselves in the Camargue, with the large group of pink flamingos as a wonderful spectacle.

Marseille

Close to the Camargue is Marseille, capital of the region and one of the five largest cities in France. The fascinating history of Massalia, as Marseille used to be, goes back to 600 BC. Here the grape first entered France. And of course it is part of this: enjoy one of the many terraces of the famous Bouillabaisse, which originated here.

Luberon

A writer once said about the Luberon Mountains: "a more beautiful nature does not exist." Who has seen a lot of the world will be able to fight that, but the fact isthat nature is indeed very beautiful here. The mild climate and clear air will allow you to observe amazing contrasts of the rich and versatile nature: strips of purplelavender alternate with different shades of green of the forests, flamboyant ocher-colored cliffs and white, robust limestone rock formations.