Nestled in the southeast of France, the administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a treasure trove to explore for travellers in search of beauty, culture and the good life. This sun-drenched region epitomises Mediterranean charm With breathtaking landscapes, rich historical heritage, and culinary delights.
Capital: Marseille
Main cities: Nice, Toulon, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Cannes, Fréjus
Places of Interest: Luberon, Alpilles, Verdon Canyon, French Riviera, Camargue, Ecrins Massif, Calanques of Marseille, Nice Hinterland, Dentelles de Montmirail
🎦 Watch our short video on Luberon, one of the most beautiful spots in Provence known for its perched villages ⤵
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur abounds in varied and spectacular landscapes that will appeal to nature lovers. Provence's emblematic lavender fields colour the hills purple as far as the eye can see, creating an intoxicating and soothing visual spectacle.
The Parc National des Calanques offers a unique combination of craggy limestone mountains and turquoise coves, ideal for hikers and sea lovers alike.
And, of course, the majestic Southern Alps offer breathtaking panoramas and many outdoor activities all year round.
The Pays de Sault, Provence © French Moments
The famous Popes' Palace in Avignon © French Moments
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is brimming with cultural treasures that witness its rich history and heritage. Historic towns such as Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence are packed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the majestic Palais des Papes and the Roman amphitheatre in Arles.
The picturesque narrow streets, shady squares and lively markets invite visitors to stroll around and soak up the authentic Provencal atmosphere.
The Côte d'Azur is the undisputed jewel of the region, attracting travellers worldwide for decades. Internationally renowned destinations such as Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Monaco offer a unique blend of glamour, sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.
The pleasures of the Mediterranean are best enjoyed on the Côte d'Azur, whether lounging on sunny beaches, sampling delicious Mediterranean cuisine or strolling along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice.
The resort of Menton on the French Riviera. Photo: twenty20photos
Melons and carrots at the market of Bédoin, Provence © French Moments
The cuisine of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a veritable invitation to gustatory delights. From Provençal flavours to Mediterranean influences, local dishes burst with sunny aromas and fresh produce. Don't miss the famous bouillabaisse, a delicious fish soup, or ratatouille with sun-dried vegetables. And, of course, accompany your meal with a glass of delicious local wine, as the region is also renowned for its quality vineyards.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a must-see destination for travellers looking for adventure, cultural discoveries and moments of relaxation in idyllic surroundings. So let yourself be captivated by the charm of the Mediterranean, and set off to discover this enchanting region that will seduce you at every turn.
Below is a list of all our articles referenced in the "Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur" category. You can also use the search button to browse the content of the website:
![Peillon - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Peillon-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons1.jpg)
Situated in the hinterland of Nice, picturesque Peillon is one of the most beautiful villages of the French Riviera. You’ll discover this beautiful village on an eagle’s nest on a sheer cliff. A visit to the old village offers an unforgettable journey through history. The old town invites you to stroll through its winding streets Read more…
Peille is a perched village set atop a narrow rocky spur overlooking the Peillon Valley in the Prealps of Nice. Plan your trip to Peille and the region of Nice! 🏨 Find the best accommodations in Nice and the region on Booking.com 🙋♀️ Get the PASS CÔTE D’AZUR and take your pick from more Read more…
Pastis is almost like a religion in Provence where the best pastis is found. Pastis from Provence: the unmissable beverage! “Il faut vous enivrer sans trêve. / Mais de quoi? / De vin, de poésie, ou de vertu, à votre guise. / Mais enivrez-vous.” “Get drunk and stay that way. / On what? / On Read more…
I must confess, until our last stay in Provence, I had never heard of Oppedette. Tucked away in the heart of Haute-Provence, this tiny village had completely escaped my radar. But what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Oppedette may be small, with its quaint stone houses and narrow streets, but it holds a hidden Read more…
As someone who has wandered the sun-drenched streets and hidden corners of Oppède-le-Vieux multiple times, each visit feels like stepping into a living painting of Provencal charm. From the moment you set foot in this ancient village, perched majestically atop its rocky pinnacle, you’re enveloped in a timeless atmosphere that whispers tales of centuries past. I’ve roamed Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Oppède Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
If there is a festival worth mentioning in the South of France, I couldn’t miss the Nice Carnival. It is the most significant event organised on the French Riviera. But most of all, it is one of the three most famous carnivals in the world, alongside Rio de Janeiro and Venice. The colourful event takes Read more…
As our time in Provence comes to an end after a delightful stay spanning over five weeks, anchored in the picturesque hilltop village of Bonnieux in the heart of the Luberon, we would like to pay tribute to this magnificent region. In commemoration of this charming corner of the world, we’ve curated a compilation of Read more…
For years, I passed through the quaint village of Murs, nestled in the heart of Provence, always in a rush, always on my way to somewhere else. It was just another picturesque spot on the map, glimpsed from the car window – until one crisp mid-October day, I decided it was time to pull over Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Murs Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
Since we arrived in Provence, we’ve climbed up to the hilltop village of Bonnieux several times. We prefer to do our walks in Bonnieux in the morning, when the temperatures are still fairly cool, as climbing up to the upper church (église haute) requires a certain amount of physical effort! Here are a few photos taken Read more…
Two names stand out in the glamorous and exclusive world of the French Riviera: Monaco and Monte Carlo. These two destinations are often used interchangeably, but are they the same? Of all the districts in the Principality of Monaco, Monte-Carlo is undoubtedly the most prestigious and chic, lively and residential. This is mainly due to Read more…
Montagne Sainte-Victoire is an iconic natural landmark in Provence, along with other famous peaks such as Mont Ventoux and Sainte-Baume. The “mountain of Aix” extends over 18 kilometres east of Aix-en-Provence. Reaching 1,011 metres / 3,317 ft at Pic des Mouches, the celebrated mountain owes its fame to painter Paul Cézanne, who could see it Read more…
Picture this… The sun finally sets over the Principality of Monaco. The lighthouses in the port light up as the boats return from their cruises on the Mediterranean. Gradually, the city’s lights lit up, from the Prince’s Palace perched on Le Rocher to the famous Casino of Monte-Carlo. The restaurants and their terraces are starting Read more…
The resort town of Menton on the Mediterranean Sea boasts the most interesting parks and gardens that are an invitation to the exotic. You’ll find intimate parks and exuberant or botanical gardens. This article gives you a shortlist of Menton’s parks and gardens to discover on your next visit to the “Pearl of France”. About Read more…
![Menton on the French Riviera. Photo by Vinbaron - licence [CC BY-SA 3.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Menton-French-Riviera-Provence-by-Vinbaron-licence-CC-BY-SA-3.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg)
The beauties of nature, the magnificence of the sun, the intoxication of the ever-changing sea… this was how Menton was described by English doctor James Henry Bennett, considered by the locals as the creator of the seaside resort. One of the prettiest towns on the French Mediterranean shores, sunny Menton is rightly nicknamed the “Pearl Read more…
The most Italianate and warmest town on the French Riviera has become famous for the colourful Menton Lemon Festival. Like no other, this carnival is a significant event on the French Riviera. Each Winter attracts no less than 240,000 spectators in Menton, France. Visitors come from far away to marvel at the impressive citrus sculptures Read more…
The old village of Ménerbes is situated on a rocky outcrop 230 metres above sea level. The territory of the commune reaches the top of Petit Luberon in the south and spreads downwards to the Calavon River in the north. Home to 1,000 inhabitants, Ménerbes is one of France’s most beautiful villages. CONTENTS Watch this Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Ménerbes Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
Discovering Maubec was a serendipitous moment that unfolded in a supermarket in Coustellet, where a captivating poster of the village caught my eye amidst a quest for hidden gems in the Luberon. Intrigued by this picturesque portrayal, I was drawn to uncover the layers of this lesser-known sanctuary. My journey through Maubec reached its zenith last October, Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Maubec Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
Lourmarin is one of France’s most beautiful villages and is located in Provence. With its picturesque scenery, historical attractions and delicious local cuisine, there is plenty to see and do in this charming village. Here is a guide to help you discover all there is to see and do in the village.Watch this short video Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Lourmarin Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
On this Sunday, at the end of September, we left the south of England to spend just over five weeks in Provence. The flight from London to Marseille gave us breathtaking views of eastern France. Here’s a photo report. I took the photos on board the plane with my iPhone – my camera was safe in Read more…
In the heart of the Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence is a picturesque emblem of medieval heritage and natural beauty. I have been to Les Baux several times and somehow managed to escape the crowds by avoiding the high season. This enchanting village, perched atop a rugged limestone outcrop, offers breathtaking views of the Alpilles mountain range Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Les Baux-de-Provence Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this charming village and its formidable castle under the warm, gentle embrace of the autumn sun. This video marks the ninth of a series where I unveil Read more…
A classic lemon tart has a wonderful balance of lemons and a crispy sweet base. Tart enough to tingle on the tongue and delight your senses! About Menton and its lemon tradition The city of Menton is located between the foot hills of the Maritime Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, 30 km away from Nice. Read more…
Driving along the road from Pertuis to Cavaillon, following the meandering course of the Durance River, the perched village and castle of Lauris often caught my eye. Framed by the lush valley below, Lauris appeared both magnificent and intriguing from my vantage point in the car. Despite its allure, I was usually in a rush to reach Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Lauris Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
In the autumn of 2023, we finally had the opportunity to visit the picturesque village of Lagnes, a place we had often heard about and seen in tourist brochures. Despite our long-standing curiosity, this was our first time exploring this hidden gem in the Vaucluse region of Provence. Lagnes immediately captivated us with its charming ambiance and Read more…
Opposite the village of Bonnieux, Lacoste is set on one of the Luberon’s most impressive sites. Perched on the northern slopes of the Petit Luberon Mountain, this charming village of 420 residents offers spectacular views over the Calavon Valley and the Mountains of Vaucluse. The walls of the towering ruined castle standing above Lacoste appear Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Lacoste Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
La Turbie brings back fond memories of my childhood. I was greatly interested in Roman ruins, and the visit to the Trophy of Augustus impressed me. The monumental commemorative structure stands above the Principality of Monaco. Since the times of Roman Emperor Augustus, the monument has stayed a symbol of the dominating power of Rome Read more…
“La Madrague” is a famous French song recorded by Brigitte Bardot in 1963. We listened to the song on the last day of our French intensive course in Noosa, Australia, back in 2013. During the course, the adult students worked on the theme of “Les vacances à la mer” (the holidays by the sea in Read more…
We have visited several zoos and animal parks, featuring them on our blog: the Paris Zoo, La Bourbansais Zoo in Brittany, and, most recently, Marwell Zoo in England. Last October, we had the chance to explore the largest (and most splendid!) zoo in Provence. In this article, I want to share our experiences at La Barben Read more…
Embarking on a journey to discover the hidden treasures of Provence, I found myself wandering into Joucas on a sun-drenched, balmy October day. This visit turned out to be nothing short of a revelation. Nestled in the iconic Luberon and its sprawling vineyards, Joucas presented as a serene escape, a picturesque village that time seemed Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Joucas Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
During a recent countryside getaway, we had the privilege of visiting Malvina, the curator of the family-run boutique at Clément and Malvina’s farm. In 2014, this passionate couple established a Groupement Agricole d’Exploitation en Commun (GAEC) in the picturesque commune of Bonnieux, nestled in the heart of Luberon. They manage a sprawling 30-hectare estate, home Read more…
The great mountain passes in the French Alps played a great part in the mountain range’s history, from the Roman era to the Middle-Ages and from the Napoleonic Wars to the heroic Resistance during World War 2. Alpine mountain passes: a bit of history Alpine passes played a great part in the mountain’s history, from the Read more…
Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, Goult is a hidden gem of Provence, rich in history and charm. Having never visited before, we were astonished by its beauty and tranquillity, as we had always been drawn to more popular villages like Gordes and Roussillon. This quaint village, originally named Agoald by the Romans, is adorned Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Goult Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
The village of Gordes is perched on a rock at 340 metres high, on the south flank of the Vaucluse plateau, above the plain of the Calavon River and in front of the Luberon. Rightly nicknamed the “Acropolis of Provence”, Gordes is the most visited village in the Luberon and enjoys 300 days of sunshine Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Gordes Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque village under the warm, gentle embrace of the early autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered through the Read more…
Fontaine-de-Vaucluse is a charming village lying on the bank of the Sorgue River. The locality was built around its source in a dead-end valley at the feet of the Vaucluse plateau. Named after the famous and abundant water source nearby, it is surrounded by chalky hills 230 to 240 metres high. The village is located Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Fontaine-de-Vaucluse Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this other picturesque riverside village under the warm, gentle embrace of the autumn sun. As the Provençal landscape basked in a serene, sunny glow, I meandered along the Read more…
Most visitors to Gordes tend to stick to the upper reaches of the village, seldom making their way down. The prospect of climbing back up, facing a 70-meter elevation, can be somewhat daunting. My curiosity about the Fontaine Basse district was piqued by a tourist leaflet, and I was keen to delve deeper. On a recent Read more…
The Principality of Monaco looks like nothing else on the French Riviera. With its cluster of towers, the massive Rocher on which stretches the old town and the iconic casino of Monte-Carlo, Monaco is also one of the wealthiest states in the world. Unsurprisingly, the micro-state has many exciting features and anecdotes to tell. Whether Read more…
My first visit to Eze truly amazed me. As a young teenager, I remember the breathtaking view of the perched village overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, the hilltop village commands stunning views of mountains falling to the Mediterranean. With its clusters of houses perched on rocky outcrops above the cliffs, Èze truly is one Read more…
Nestled in the heart of Provence, Eygalières is a picturesque village that epitomises the quintessential charm of the French countryside. I drove through this Provençal village several times but never stopped. On our last trip to Provence, Eygalières was on our list of must-sees in the Alpilles region. We took advantage of a beautiful sunny day Read more…
Welcome to the ‘Eygalières Guided Walk’, an enchanting chapter from our last journey through Provence! During a memorable 40-day stay in Bonnieux, our lovely home base, I explored this charming village and its formidable views under the warm, gentle embrace of the autumn sun. This video marks the tenth of a series where I unveil the Read more…
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