Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Holiday Guide

For renting gites, holiday homes, villas in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is best for

  • Beach holidays
  • Skiing holidays
  • Activity holidays
  • City breaks
  • Painting holidays

HOLIDAY RENTALS in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

By department:
Var Vaucluse

By town:
Alpes de Haute Provence
Manosque
Bouches-du-Rhône
Aix En Provence
Var
Rians Vinon sur Verdon
Vaucluse
Avignon Pertuis

TYPICAL RENTALS

AVIGNON to be rented per week or mth, Furnished House near city center, garden, garage, TGV
EUR 600 per week
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HOLIDAY RENTAL 6-8 pers. RIANS (Upper Var), 4 bedr. villa, pool, large garden, terraces, views.
EUR 1,350 per week
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UPPER VAR near Gorges du Verdon, 8-10 pers. 4 bedr.Villa, pool, calm, nature, ideal for family
EUR 1,650 per week
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Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Holiday Guide

French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

A long time favourite holiday destination
Who can resist the allure of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur? Long time favourite of the rich and famous, the region has attracted holidaymakers in their thousands since the late 18th century and continues to do so. The region combines the gorgeous Mediterranean coast and its iconic resorts such as Saint Tropez and the fabulous cities of Nice and Marseille, with the inland dreamy, lavender and olive grove landscapes of Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence".

Top 5 things to see and do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

1. The Verdon Gorges
One of the most stunning sights in the region of Provence is the Grand Canyon of France, officially called the Verdon Gorges. Limestone cliffs drop a dizzying 700 metres to turquoise waters, providing not only amazing views and photo opportunities, but also a great variety of adventure sports.
2. Take a boat trip around the Calanques
Along the coast, between Marseille and Cassis, lie the amazing Calanques. Great outcrops of rock and grottoes sit in the blue, blue waters of the Mediterranean; the Calanques are best viewed by boat trips which run from Marseille, Cassis and Bandol.
3. The French Riviera
The French Riviera is legendary, and offers endless opportunities to enjoy the lovely beaches, swish and chic resorts, the opulence of Nice and its internationally famous marina and so much more. The Riviera is the Queen of tourism, and facilities are first rate with a wealth of hotels, entertainment and sports all on tap.
4. Visit the Tortoise Village
The Tortoise Village at Gonfaron in the mountains found inland in the Var department, may not be the best known tourist attraction in Provence, but if you have kids in tow or are simply looking for an enchanting day out that is a little on the unusual side, it could be worth the trip. These days, in Britain, children rarely get a chance to meet these delightful little creatures, and here they can get up close to more than 1,500 tortoises.
5. Ski
So many images of the region are of the sun, sea and sand of the coast, or the Mediterranean olive groves and lavender fields of the southern inland areas, that it is easy to forget that Provence also includes the Alpes de Haute Provence department, where there are spectacular mountains offering great ski resorts and centres for other mountain sports. With excellent snow conditions and a family friendly attitude, resorts such as Serre Chevalier and Montgenèvre are popular holiday destinations with many.

Top 5 towns and cities in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

1. Marseille
Marseille is the dynamic capital of the region, and France's second city. Located on the coast, the charm of the old port and fish market, the rich heritage of the ancient city, the wealth of cultural venues and events on offer and the abundance of great hotels, shops, bars and restaurants combine with the usual attractions of seaside holidays to make Marseille an irresistible destination.

The 16th century Chateau d'If can be found here too, just off the coast. Constructed initially as a fortress on the island of If, it then was used as a prison and is now a tourist destination, perhaps best known for it being the setting for Alexandre Dumas's book, "The Count of Monte Cristo".
2. Nice
Epitomising the French Riviera in all its glory, Nice is unmissable. Whether you want to shop 'til you drop, take the sun on gorgeous beaches, enjoy waters sports, cruise down the Promenade des Anglais, stroll around the old town taking in the heritage buildings and absorbing the culture or simply sit at a table café sipping chilled wine in the sun and watching the luxury yachts pulling in and out of the marina, Nice will delight you at every turn. It's packed with hotels, bars and restaurants, and the night scene is every bit as lively as the daytime.
3. Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is legendary among seaside resorts. Beloved of the early jet set, visited by such luminaries as Brigitte Bardot and our very own Princess Diana, immortalised in song by Peter Sarstedt, Saint Tropez still lays claim to being a top holiday choice. Lovely beaches, vibrant nightlife, good hotels and other tourist facilities in addition to a picturesque aspect and a lively attitude make St Tropez a dream destination for a Mediterranean seaside break. Fans of medieval heritage will not be disappointed either, as there are plenty of period features to discover in the old town.
4. Roussillon
Roussillon is just a village, but is so unique and beautiful (listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France) that it really is worth making time to see. The entire village is a deep red colour, thanks to the natural ochre of the land. Take a walk through the Giant's Causeway of ochre rocks and cliffs to discover the true magnificence of this area. It really appeals to kids too, so make this one a family day out.
5. Avignon
The UNESCO World heritage Site of Avignon, in the Vaucluse department, is another town to add to your holiday itinerary. Famed for its bridge (which sadly no longer spans the whole river but stops part way across due to recurrent damage) and as the City of the Popes, Avignon has a whole host of heritage to present. The town also holds a colourful music, dance and theatre festival. It's quite a sizeable town, and you will have no difficulty finding hotels, restaurants and good shops.

Food and drink in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Not content with having the best climate in France, the most glorious coastline, fabulous cities and an incredibly beautiful countryside, the region also lays claim to one of the most delicious and healthy gastronomies. With fish from the Med, olives, honey, tomatoes and peppers from the country, Provence really knows how to do the "Mediterranean Diet"! The regional specialities include Tapenade (a tasty olive and anchovy paste), Ratatouille (a stew of colourful Mediterranean vegetables, bursting with antioxidants), Bouillabaisse (the acclaimed fish stew from Marseille) and Salade Niçoise. Provence is also responsible for producing some excellent wines, including the famous Côtes du Luberon and Côtes de Provence.

How to get to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

There are many possibilities you can consider for getting to the region. Airports include Nice, Marseille and Toulon (or Grenoble in the Rhône-Alpes if going skiing), with British Airways, Air France, Bmi Baby, Flybe, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 being among the airlines that currently fly to one or other of these airports. Meanwhile the TGV service runs into many regional stations making the train a very viable option. Driving from Paris will take around nine hours, using the auto routes (toll roads).

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Holiday Guides to the Departments of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Alpes de Haute Provence Holiday Guide
The Alpes de Haute Provence is an intriguing department, which has a southern sector that is truly Provencal and a northern sector which is Alpine in character! Although the department is inland, it is easy to reach the Med from its southern parts, and it is also well placed for ski holidays and trips across to Italy.

Hautes-Alpes Holiday Guide
The Hautes-Alpes is the most northerly of all the Provencal departments, and, as its name suggests, is set in the mountains of the French Alps. The department boasts beautiful, Alpine countryside combined with a Provencal lifestyle and a great sunshine record!

Alpes-Maritimes Holiday Guide
The Alpes-Maritimes is a privileged department in almost every way. It sits in the far south-east of the country, and encompasses both the Alps and the Mediterranean, offering an almost embarrassment of possibilities to the holidaymaker.

Bouches-du-Rhône Holiday Guide
The Bouches-du-Rhône department is the gateway to the Côte-d'Azur, and home to the great southern capital city of Marseille. The landscapes are varied, incorporating the marshy Camargue to the west and the dramatic Calanques to the east of the coastline, and the department also boasts historic towns and Roman monuments.

Var Holiday Guide
The Var is one of those fortunate parts of France that glories in a stunning coast, a beautiful inland countryside, and a fabulous, Mediterranean climate. It contains some of the best loved resorts of the Côte-d'Azur, and has long been a favourite with holidaymakers of all nationalities.

Vaucluse Holiday Guide
The Vaucluse department is the inland department of Provence that perhaps most embodies the Provencal dream of lavender fields, sleepy stone villages, olive groves and home made honey. This is the Provence of Peter Mayle's book, "A Year in Provence", and it's irresistible.

PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR HOLIDAYS AT A GLANCE

WEATHER IN PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR
Mediterranean hot summers and short mild winters. Inland winters are colder, with snow in the mountains.
FOOD IN PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR
  • Olives
  • Olive oil
  • Ratatouille
  • Salade Nicoise
  • Bouillabaisse
  • Marseille lamb
  • Tapenade
  • Côtes du Luberon
  • Côtes de Provence
PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR WITH KIDS
  • Aqualand (Frejus)
  • Beaches
  • Marineland (Antibes)
  • Ski resorts
PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR - CAPITAL CITY
Marseille
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN PROVENCE-ALPES-CÔTE D'AZUR
French, but Occitan and Provençal dialects can still be heard.

COMPANIES WITH RENTALS IN THIS AREA

Newton Sud Immo
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