Discover Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur

Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur brings together landscapes ranging from snow-capped Alpine peaks to Mediterranean calanques, lavender fields and the salt marshes of the Camargue. Its culture spans Roman monuments and medieval ensembles as well as art and heritage museums. The differences below can help you choose destinations within the region to suit your interests.

Landscapes and nature areas

Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur has four national parks and nine regional nature parks. Protected landscapes also include nature reserves and Natura 2000 sites. Around 60 percent of the region lies in protected natural areas, and more than 20,000 animal and plant species have been recorded there. These figures give an impression of the range of nature experiences to consider when planning your trip, alongside the cities and cultural sites.

Along the Provençal coast, calanques, small harbours, coves, wild stretches of coastline and sandy beaches extend between Cassis and the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Near Marseille, the Parc national des Calanques combines marine and terrestrial nature. Lavender fields and the Camargue salt marshes add further contrasts to the Alpine scenery. If you are planning a nature getaway, you can choose between coastal landscapes, protected areas and high Alpine scenery.

Roman heritage, medieval architecture and museums

Arles's UNESCO heritage includes Roman monuments, the Baths of Constantine, the Alyscamps necropolis and the Romanesque church of Saint-Honorat. Avignon's UNESCO-listed historic centre brings together the Palais des papes, the episcopal ensemble and the Pont d’Avignon in an exceptional group of medieval architecture. In Orange, a UNESCO-listed Roman theatre features a 103-metre-long façade. As of 22 September 2025, there were 2,402 protected historic monuments in the region.

Museums also offer their own highlights: the region's art and cultural heritage museums include the Matisse, Chagall, MAMAC, Renoir, Bonnard, Picasso, Parfum and Merveilles museums. The cultural selection thus ranges from ancient monuments and medieval urban landscapes to a wide variety of museums. This can help you shape your stay around architectural history, art or a combination of these themes.

Scenic train journeys and getting around the region

The Train de la Côte bleue runs on a 32-kilometre scenic route between Marseille and Miramas, passing calanques with turquoise waters. The Train des Merveilles connects Nice and Tende. Along the route, you can enjoy views over the Paillon, Bévéra and Roya valleys; the journey also includes commentary on the artistic and cultural heritage of the hinterland around Nice. The two train journeys therefore have different focuses: coastal calanques on one, and valleys and cultural heritage in the hinterland around Nice on the other.

The regional ZOU! visitor network features more than 300 places to visit and highlights direct train access to cultural and historic sites. If you are planning a train journey, check the timetable for your chosen connection in advance. Another regional visitor route shown on the tourist TER map is the historic railway line between Ventimiglia and Tende.

Activities, crafts and food

In the Provençal part of the region, you can go horse riding, cycling and hiking, and visit parks and gardens. Activities in Provence also include mountain biking, skiing, canyoning, climbing, paragliding, ultralight flights and golf. Cycling options range from Provençal trails alongside olive groves and lavender fields to Alpine passes and routes along the Côte d’Azur with sea views. Nature park experiences include marine and terrestrial nature, high-mountain landscapes, stargazing and the Via souterrata in the Préalpes d’Azur.

Provençal crafts include soap, pottery, ceramics and designer pieces. Culinary highlights range from olive oil and truffles to markets, country bistros, restaurants, vineyards and cooking workshops. This lets you make cultural visits, nature experiences, cycling or regional food your trip's focus, rather than reducing the region to a single landscape or activity.

Discover more destinations: Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Var, Alpes-De-Haute-Provence, Bouches Du Rhone, Vaucluse, Lorraine, Ile-De-France.

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