Lavender fields and rolling hills may symbolise this region, but the area’s Mediterranean coast and French Alps are just as worthy of a visit.
Find the French Riviera and the French Alps in the Provence region of southwestern France. Despite the beauty it offers, Provence is best known for the picturesque hills between the sea and the peaks. Explore aromatic lavender fields, vineyards and medieval hilltop villages that captivated painters like Cézanne and Picasso.
Province’s history began in antiquity, when Greeks and Romans started settling the area. One of the oldest towns is Marseille, now France’s second-largest city. Explore the cityscape for spectacular architecture, including the hilltop fort-turned-church of Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde and the 5th-century Saint Victor Abbey. Head south of the city to explore the Calanques, a series of seaside inlets filled with blue-green water.
Move east along the coast to reach the French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur. These 71 miles (115 kilometres) of coastline are covered in luxurious resort towns and lined with picturesque islands. Make a stop in Cannes and walk along its wide seafront boulevard, La Croisette. From there, take a boat to the Lérins Islands, where you will find forts, beaches and forested parkland.
After touring the coast, make your way to the hills of inland Provence. Take a wine-tasting tour of Côtes de Provence, a massive wine-growing region covering most of Provence’s eastern half. Look for lavender fields, some of the region’s most famous features. Come in July or August to see and smell these fields with light purple flowers and aromatic scents.
In the very north of Provence are the Alps, rising up to 13,100 feet (4,000 metres) above the Mediterranean. During the summer, hike or bike in Écrins National Park, which includes seven glacial valleys nestled among the peaks. During the winter, pick from 30 different ski resorts throughout the Provence Alps.
Provence is best accessed via Marseille, which features a large international airport and a busy seaport. Once you’ve arrived, rent a car so you can move from sea to Alpine peaks within a couple of hours.
