Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) is one of the eighteen administrative regions of France. It’s one of those places that is unlikely to get overlooked. Sitting between the sea and mountains embracing the hills of Provence, Alpine Mercantour Massif, and Côte d’Azur, the region offers a great diversity of landscapes. So much so that it’s an impossible deed to run out things to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) is one of the eighteen administrative regions of France. It’s one of those places that is unlikely to get overlooked. Sitting between the sea and mountains embracing the hills of Provence, Alpine Mercantour Massif, and Côte d’Azur, the region offers a great diversity of landscapes. So much so that it’s an impossible deed to run out things to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
The region pretty much follows the borders and extent of the former French province Provence, with the addition of a few a adjacent areas: the former papal territory of Avignon; the former Sardinian-Piedmontese province of Nice (the good old French Riviera); and the southeastern part of the former Dauphiné province (French Alps). The capital of the region is the sunny and seductive Marseille.
PACA - especially the area of former Provence - invites you on a lyrical journey through history. Over two thousand years ago, Provence formed part of the Roman Gaul which legacy still resonates across the countryside in the form of monuments, structures, and buildings. Not to mention, some of Provence’s first vineyards were the part of the Roman legacy as well. Roman amphitheaters, bridges and even whole towns will make feel like a part of a living history book. Medieval or art deco influences also aren’t scarce.
Lovers of the outdoors will also find plenty to indulge in. It seems like Mother Nature made Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur specifically to delight the hearts and minds of explorers. The coast itself boasts an indefinite variety of sights. For instance, you can soak in the stunning “Calanques” fjords stretching from Marseille to Cassis. Turning inland you can lose yourself in the green Maures hills covered in extensive forests full of oak and sweet chestnut trees. If you set your attention east, towards Fréjus, you will be greeted by the Esterel hills’ fiery red rocks boasting incredible views of the Mediterranean. Or simply tour the back roads soaking in the fields of lavender, olive groves, cliff tops and snowy peaks of the nearby mountains.
On the other hand, if you are after sand, sea and sunshine head to the vast beaches of French Riviera, the Côte d'Azur part of the region. The entire area has an incredibly well-established infrastructure inviting you to stay in the best beach resorts, hotels, villas or cottages as well as experience the cream of social and cultural entertainment. An array of festivals and celebrations bring the coast to life with all forms of art. The biggest and most iconic cities on the coast include Nice, Marseille, Saint Tropez, and Cannes. This is the place to suntan, relax and spot celebrities.
Also wherever you end up in this region, you won’t need to worry about going hungry. Food is at the center stage of French lifestyle Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur takes it to a whole new level. Here, the food is a matter of all-consuming passion. Ingredients such as olive oil, wine, tomatoes, and garlic dominate the region's cuisine and turn every meal into a self-sufficient travel adventure.
Check out the rest of the page to find ideas on what to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur!
This sun-drenched French Riera is a quintessential summer oasis with beaches, incredible views, picture-perfect blue water, yachts and seaside hotspots such as Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo dipped in glitz and glamour. So, when it comes to deciding about what to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, French Riviera offers possibilities aplenty. Just dive in and enjoy!
Rolling across eight different European countries, the Alps reach their height in France, at Mont Blanc. This region provides the perfect entry point into this enchanting realm. If you are after places to visit in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur that are hard to forget, the Alps’ mirror lakes, thick forests, ice-cold rivers and scarred glaciers will do just that!
This region takes French food obsession to a whole new, delightfully delicious level. This sumptuous cuisine is the result of the warm and dry Mediterranean climate that grooms its plentiful produce to perfection. So, sample and indulge because eating is by far one of the best things to do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.