Climate
The wonderful climate of Provence is not a myth. The summer is hot and dry with temperatures easily reaching 30c or more due to the sun during daytime while nights are cooler (20-25c). Even during winter the weather is relatively cool as the sunshine still dominates. Nevertheless you may be surprised by the strength of Mistral wind or the rain when it occurs in the region.
The French Riviera enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate characterized by exceptional sunshine (nearly 300 days a year) and mild temperatures most of the year. Rainfall, infrequent but abundant, occurs mainly in March-April and October-November. In winter, frost is rare.
Food & Drink
Local products:
Olive Oil
Honey
Truffe
Rice (Camargue)
Salt (Camargue)
Cheese
Charcuterie (pork butchery)
Fish and sea-food specialities:
Bouillabaisse (Fish soup)
Anchoiade
Hot meals:
Ratatouille
Soupe au pistou (basil and garlic soup)
Sweet specialities:
Fruits confits d'Apt
Berlingots de Carpentras
Calissons d'Aix-en-Provence
Alcohol:
Pastis
Beautiful cities & places of interest in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Aix-en-Provence
Home town of Paul Cezanne, Aix en Provence is one of the most famous cities of Provence located in a warm and sunny area close to the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Have a walk in the city centre's small shadowed streets, seat at a café and try a Calisson!
Arles
Arles could be summarized with two words: Camargue and roman heritage; but it wouldn't be true. Arles is also a vibrant sunny city which inspired Van Gogh, still reflects the pure Provencal traditions as the city is caught in-between the Camargue, the Alpilles Mountains-small mountains, and the Crau-an arid rocky area leading to eastern Province.
Avignon
Located centrally close to many natural wonders, Avignon also has its own thanks to a rich religious and historic heritage mixed with the Provencal spirit and way of life making the city so unique.
Bandol
Sunny town of the Var on the down from Marseilles to Toulon, Bandol is mostly famous for its mixture of sunny beaches and rocky coast but also for is delicious refreshing wine.
This small seaside resort is worth a stop if you are planning to travel along the Southern coast of France.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
One of the most beautiful places in the Var, a visit to the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas is not to be missed so you can have a view on the Mediterranean sea. Blessed with a mild climate and exceptional light, plants and flowers grow easily here, the village takes its name from the numerous mimosas (more than 60 varieties) on the surroundings.
Digne
Located between the Provence and the Alps, Digne les Bains offers you to discover a preserved and majestic environment but also a heritage full of history and traditions.
Forcalquier
Located in the Alpes de Haute-Provence, Forcalquier and the Montagne de Lure area are the precise blend of sunshine and countryside you need to go to to discover lavender fields and the essence of remote Provence. Have a walk during the huge market taking place on Mondays and discover the old streets of this village built on top of a hill.
Fréjus
Fréjus, located in Provence in the Var county, was the very first naval base in the Mediterranean in the days of the Ancient Romans. This prosperous town, steeped in emotion and history, is now a centre for Art and culture as well as a well-known and appreciated seaside resort, in the heart of the Riviera.
Gap
Gap, capital of the Southern Alps, has a unique location between Provence and Dauphiné. Its rich historic past and its blend of mountain and Provencal influence provides its with a special architecture and traditions. Gap is an ideal location if you which to mix, rest, fresh air, outdoor activities under a bright sunshine.
Gordes
This village can boast about being amongst one of the most beautiful villages in France. It has narrow cobbled streets which thread their way through tall houses; built against the rock, clinging onto its flanks. Gordes also extends its territory to include the Bories village, those curious igloo-shaped structures made of stones. It has sheltered many a famous artist such as André Lhote, Marc Chagall, Jean Deyrolle, and Victor Vasarely, and now keeps its cultural heritage thanks to many exhibits.
Marseille
Formerly an antique Greek merchant port, Marseille is still one of the biggest cities on the Mediterranean Sea. You will find there the essence of Southern France's way of life walking from the "Corniche", passing by the port and the famous Canebiere to the ancient district of La Plaine to drink a pastis on Cours Julien. Enjoy the sea discovering the marvellous calanques and Frioul islands.
Orange
Between the Rhone River and Mount Ventoux, the contemporary Orange is built within numerous testimonies of its glorious Roman past, the main attraction would be the Triumphal Arch and the theatre where many cultural events are still taking place. Quite close you will also be able to discover some of the finest wines from South-East France in the villages of Gigondas, Chateauneuf du Pape or Beaumes de Venise which will irresistibly attract you.
Saint Raphael
Located half-way between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphael is a delightful Mediterranean seaside resort set at the foot of the magnificent Estrel Hills. Sea lovers will be delighted by the variety the coast has to offer here with more than 30 beaches, from fine sand, pebble, shady shorelines to creeks. Originally a small fishing village, Saint-Raphael is now world-renowned for its great choice of activities, wonderful climate and beautiful environment as well as its cultural vivacity.
Saint Rémy de Provence
Set at the foot of the Alpilles mountains, Saint-Remy inspired some of the brightest paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and on the verge of 21stcentury, Saint Remy has preserved its authentic Provencal style of living in the shade of the barrel-vaults and the Provencal traditional country houses in the countryside. The charming roads of the Alpilles Mountains are an invitation to discover amazing landscapes.
Saint Tropez
Saint-Tropez a true Provencal village whose History is deeply linked to the sea, with its traditional Heritage and mythical places which have made it famous: the Annonciade Museum and its pointillists works, the Place des Lices where players play bowls games, or the Citadelle as well as its long-time nightlife and glamorous reputation
Sainte Maxime
Sainte-Maxime, offers a completely particular climate with an exceptional sunning of almost 300 days per annum. Like all the villages of Provence, cultivates and commemorates, throughout the year, his feasts of long ago while being part of modernity and preserving its culture. You will find there one of the most elegant form of 1920's to 1940's architecture blended with Provencal tradition in the Riviera.
Saintes-Maries de la Mer
The village of Saintes Marie de la Mer, a place of warm reception, tradition and pilgrimage, is built between sky and sea, where the Rhone meets the Mediterranean Sea. Les Saintes Maries de la Mer rises as the capital of the Camargue for those who fall in love with this region, bewitched by its wild beauty, its culture and its lively and authentic traditions and the attraction of the dunes, the sandy beaches and the large marshlands with reeds and "manades".
Toulon
Enclosed between the Mont Faron and one of the most magnificent harbours in Europe, the former roman city of Toulon will give you the opportunity to discover its ancient fountains and the colourful daily market with the typical smells and sounds of Provence.
Valensole
Heart of the lavender country, Valensole will enlighten you senses with its whole magic from Provence. Lavender, sunflowers, honey and olive oil are the basis of the traditional region's wealth. You can also enjoy the Verdon River and its fresh water not far away.
Antibes-Juan les Pins
Antibes Juan-les-Pins is a Mediterranean town with 25 kilometres of coastline containing creeks, escarpments, rocky areas, and fine sandy beaches. Warm sun and blue skies are the perfect ingredients for a journey to Cap d' Antibes. Between Nice and Cannes and 13 kms from the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport, Antibes Juan-les-Pins has one of the most beautiful coastlines in France in one of the most glamorous French areas: the Riviera.
Cannes
Cannes, Jewel in the crown of the "Côte d'Azur" since the dawn of time, focal point for festivals throughout the world welcomes you. Accommodation in Cannes, amongst the most prestigious in the world, is unsurpassable. However, Cannes is also and perhaps more importantly the cultural cradle of this picturesque region where the past has been preserved. After a gastronomic voyage of discovery, you can relax in the palaces, the haunts of many famous faces, where you can rub shoulders with the stars.
Grasse
Grasse is a vast natural and cultural amphitheatre, rich in historic and architectural treasures. In the countryside of the French Riviera, Grasse is made of perched villages and gentle hills, covered with olive trees but moreover by flower gardens that made the town the capital of fragrance in France. Enjoy relaxation, dining and recreation, and natural and cultural discovery.
Mandelieu-la-napoule
Mandelieu-La Napoule is the Mediterranean's premier golfing resort with also a wide variety of water sports and leisure activities. Located close to Cannes Airport on the French Riviera, you will also find there a whole palette of vibrant colours splashed across the countryside: walking, mountain biking or horse riding along the region's footpaths and unspoiled landscapes.
Menton
Menton is on the borders of Italy, Monaco and Nice. Paradise of gardens with its warm climate all over the year and celebrates nature in a feast dedicated to the local limes and oranges. Menton is also a unique display of architecture. A melting pot of cultures, it has forged a very distinctive way of living in its gastronomy, and way of life. Discover amazing gardens, scents, colours and tranquillity, but also the diversity of the activities that can be practiced here throughout the year.
Nice
To the blue of the Mediterranean sea and the sky, the sun makes the yellow of flowers, ochre of the facades shine of houses: welcome in Nice. Nice and its region present a relief varied by ponds, by valleys and by mountains, at the origin of numerous microclimates. So, in the single day, it is possible to devote to the nautical pleasures and to ski at more than 2 000 metres in height. And with its airport, you are near the whole world.
Saint Laurent du Var
Located on the coast between Nice and Cagnes-sur-Mer, near Monaco and Cannes, St Laurent du Var is the ideal centre from which to tour the Riviera. Saint-Laurent offers more than thirty free events throughout the year, with a range of activities available such as windsurfing, sea, jet ski lesson. This is more than just a seaside resort; it is also a town filled with flowers and we have recently been awarded a third "flower" in the national urban flower competition.
Villefranche dur Mer
Villefranche-sur-mer is a village in the heart of the French Riviera. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate; mild in winter and hot in summer. Nestling in the heart of one of the most beautiful roadstead in the world, Villefranche sur-mer welcomes you in his haven of peace with one of the most amazing view on the Mediterranean Sea.
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