Provence and the Cote d’Azur are undoubtedly the most alluring part of France, and probably the most complex. Although the historical heart of Provence was small, the area known as Provence today comprises the Cote d’Azur, parts of the Alps and through to the region of Languedoc. Provence displays a least two incompatible personality traits. There is a pastoral face of Provence, the sleepy, golden stone farmhouses, lavender fields and vineyards which is in pure contradiction to the Provence of the coast, which is cosmopolitan and a chaotic mix of glamorous resorts and dense developments.
Avignon
The historic stylish city of Avignon is probably the most well-known city in the old region of Provence. It stands alongside the curving River Rhone in a wide valley. Many tourists choose Avignon accommodation because it is the largest and most important city in the Vauluse region. When you approach the city you might suspect that Avignon does not live up to your expectations, but don’t worry, the historic heart of the city will not disappoint. Once you have passed through the bland suburbs and reached the ring of city walls, which are still complete, you will see the Avignon you were expecting.
Although Avignon is a large city, the main places of interest can easily be visited by foot. Starting on the Rue Joseph Vernet, which is one of the most elegant streets in Avignon, you will pass restaurants and expensive shops selling haute couture and high-class confectionery. The museum Calvet and the museum Requien are located side by side on this street. If you continue along this street, you will reach place Crillon. This square houses shops that sell exclusive antique and modern pieces of furniture. There is a gateway here that leads to the main road bridge over the Rhone.
The Eglise St-Agricol is located on the street of the same name. It dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to Avignon’s patron saint. It is one of the city’s best Gothic features with a beautifully carved 15th century facade and fine mediaeval works of art.
The Jardin Rocher des Doms are restful garden set on an outcrop overlooking the city and offer wonderful views northwards across the majestic Rhone. This is the perfect place for a picnic and has play areas, an ornamental lake and shady pathways.
Alpes Maritimes
This is the busiest section of the Cote d’Azur, and includes the tiny principality of Monaco, the city of Nice and the glamorous film town of Cannes. The contrast between coast and country could not be more striking, and within an hour’s drive of the Mediterranean there is an area of hidden valleys, remote, inaccessible uplands and wild alpine scenery.
Cannes
Cannes is big, busy and amazingly beautiful in parts which is why many choose Cannes Accommodation in the South of France. At the centre of modern Cannes is the vast convention centre, overlooking the old port. It has immaculately tended main beaches to the right and left, whilst the seafront boulevard is just a stones throw away. The old quarter (Le Suquet) of the port is to be found on the western side. This area was founded by the Romans, but later became the property of the monks. If you choose to eat out this is the best area to do it. If you find the port of Cannes too busy for your liking you can take a 15 minute boat trip to the tranquil islands, known collectively as the Ils de Lerins.
Monaco
Even if you are used to big cities and high-rise buildings, Monaco will still come as a shock to you. Not one square yard of Monaco is wasted. The city planners have made the most of the very limited space available in this 2 mile long tax haven. But still, you must visit it and take a look of what this overindulgent principality has to offer. The principality is divided into a number of districts, the most visitor-worthy being Monaco-Ville. The home of the Jardin Animalier, housing tropical flora and fauna, and the Jardin Exotique, which is the home of thousands of different exotic plants, and offers a visit to a cave with spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Nice
Upon arrival in your self catering Nice accommodation, this noisy city by the sea takes some getting used to. It has an exhaustive stock of first-class museums and bubbling nightlife. Nice is France’s fifth largest city and is dubbed the California of Europe.
The only way to get to know Nice is on foot. Many places of interest are within a reasonable walking distance of the promenade. If, whilst on the promenade, you do not feel like walking you can always take the tourist train, which will take you past the most popular tourist destinations and will also help you get your bearings of the city. You could always walk back later. Entry to the museums is free on the first and third Sundays of each month. A discount museum card is also available to allow you free access every day. The museums in Nice cover of a wide range of topics. For instance, the archeology museum, spans the bronze age and the middle age, but curiously enough, is also the site of Nice’s annual jazz festival. There is also an Asiatic arts museum, a modern art museum and a natural history museum. So whatever your interest, it will be catered for in Nice. Even if your interest is to just to relax on the beach.
Orange
People arrive in Orange with a preconception of a Roman town and are never disappointed with the awesome amphitheater and the decorative Arc de Triomphe. But take these ancient monuments away and you’re left with a fairly ordinary provincial town with a traffic system that has no form of logic.
If you do visit Orange, ensure you go to the hill, towards the south of the amphitheater. From the park there you have a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the town and the rich vineyards of the Rhone plain. This outcrop was the site of a castle which belonged to the Princess of Orange-Nassau, and was destroyed in 1663.
Mont Ventoux
This towering landmark, approximately 6000 feet high, is visible from all corners of the region. Each gleaming white summit shimmers against the blue sky, or suddenly, and ominously, cast into shadow by gathering storm clouds. The name means, literally, for windy mountain and you would not want to be on the summit when the mistral is blowing at 150 miles an hour. On the other hand, on a calm day, the views from the top are truly breathtaking.
Arles
Visitors are attracted here on the strength of the town’s Roman past and the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, its most celebrated ex-resident. They might expect to find the streets full of expensive shops and cafes, but the town has not been overtaken by the tourist industry. The streets of this town are packed with monuments and museums. These reflect the artistic temperaments of former residents, traditional provincial life crafts and customs, and back to the ruins that remain from medieval times. So, whatever part of history you are interested in, this town should have something to you.
The Carmargue
Whilst in Provence, the area that will stand out as the most unique will be the Carmargue. It is a strange lagoon delta with a mixture of land and water, and it is difficult to work out where the land begins in the water ends. The entire area is bounded by two rivers, the grand Rhone and the petite Rhone and is crisscrossed with irrigation channels and dykes. Though you will not find much in the way of the human settlements in this area, you will find that it is one giant nature reserve. It is the home to flamingos, seabirds, marsh birds and amphibians of all description. On the firm land of the Camargue, you will find the traditional white horses and bulls, which all add to the local culture. But if you do visit the area please note there is one less appealing member of the population, and that is the mosquito, so prepare carefully.
To find your ideal holiday in the south in France why not browse the range of Cote D’Azur accommodation today.