Looking for the quintessential French experience? Visit the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region!
British TIPS team member, Jenni, has explored some of the amazing locations in this region (with many more on the bucket list…), and highly recommends bidding au revoir to Paris for a visit to the Southern regions of France.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, often simply referred to as PACA, is a region in the south-eastern corner of France that encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and experiences. From the glorious sun-soaked beaches of the French Riviera to the rugged mountains of the Alps, PACA offers something for absolutely everyone. And, with the fantastic French rail system, you can be there within a few hours from Paris! Here are just a few reasons why you should opt to explore the PACA region.
Spectacular coastal scenery – and plenty of glitz and glamour
The glamorous French Riviera, known for its stunning Mediterranean coastline, sparkling azure waters, and chic resort towns like Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez, is in the PACA region. Sunbathe on glamorous beaches, stroll along glamorous promenades, and admire luxurious yachts bobbing in the harbours. Even if you’re not a ‘beachy’ person, there’s so much to see and do – and the food is fantastic.
Enchanting hilltop villages and gorgeous gorges
If you’ve been watching Netflix series, “The 7 Lives of Léa”, you’ll know how breath-taking the landscape is. It’s filmed around the Gorges du Verdon (Verdon gorge), with Sisteron (featured image) featuring prominently. This region is indeed as beautiful as it looks on TV, with charming hilltop villages, old bridges, crags and rolling hills, and vineyards. Places like Gordes, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Eze offer a glimpse into traditional Provençal life. Bear in mind, they get super busy in summer, but you can visit all year around – it’s beautiful.
Culture
The PACA region is steeped in history and culture, and a particular favourite of many artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. There are many incredible museums, galleries, and historic sites to explore, such as Roman ruins in Arles, Orange and Frejus, a medieval papal palace in Avignon, and more.
Foodie paradise
The gastronomy of the region is second to none. There’s rich seafood bouillabaisse from Marseille, delectable sweet treats called calissons from Aix-en-Provence, rose wine from Cassis, decadent nougat from Montelimar, Tarte Tropézienne from St Tropez, crisp Socca pancakes from Nice, and many more French treats like olive tapenade, ratatouille, aïoli, and pastis, as well as fantastic fresh produce. If you love food, you simply must visit the PACA region.
Vibrant markets
Always dreamed of visiting those classical French markets, bursting with colourful fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices, fresh seafood, crusty breads and more? You’ll find them here. The most famous are markets like the Cours Saleya in Nice, the Forville Market in Cannes, and the Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence, but most villages will have one of their own. Just be aware that they may not be open every day, so plan carefully.
Festivals and events
Of course you’ve heard of the Cannes Film Festival and the Nice Carnival, but there are dozens of events and festivals throughout the PACA region, year around, from music and art to food and wine. You are absolutely spoilt for choice.
Accommodation options galore
Whether you want ultra-luxurious or simple, rustic or modern, coastal or countryside, there is so much great accommodation in the region. You could even stay in a historic chateau. British TIPS is experienced in finding excellent options in this region for our clients!
Outdoor adventure
With its diverse terrain, PACA is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise (and even those who are not so enthusiastic about exercise!). In the summer, you can hike in the rugged mountains of the Mercantour National Park, go kayaking in the Verdon Gorge, or cycle through the vineyards of the Luberon. In winter, hit the slopes in popular ski resorts like Isola 2000 and Serre Chevalier. Or simply enjoy a cruise around the Calanques (France’s version of fjords) and watch the little fish swim beneath you in the azure water and the pink cliffs above you.
Wellness and relaxation
With its mild climate and magnificent natural surroundings, PACA is the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether its out in rugged nature or in a high-tech spa.
It’s easy to get to
Within a few hours of Paris, you can get to places like Marseille, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and more with France’s excellent rail system (SNCF). While the tiny villages can’t be reached easily by rail, the main ones are super accessible and, once there, very easy to navigate.
And so much more…
There are lavender fields in summer, parfumiers, olive trees, vineyards galore – the list goes on. Find out more about the region at the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur tourism website here: https://provence-alpes-cotedazur.com/en/
The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and luxurious indulgence that makes it a truly unforgettable destination. We love it – and so will you.
British TIPS can book your rail, accommodation, excursions, and car hire in the PACA region, so get in touch – we’re looking forward to assisting you! sales@britishtips.com
