The Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur region is ideally situated between
the Mediterranean coastline and the Alps. Its location and climate are extremely
attractive. Extraordinary scenery combined with a rich historical past of
exceptional archaeological and architectural interest, together with a multitude
of celebrations and festivals, make it an exciting area to visit.
The capital of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is Marseille.
The other principal cities are Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Cannes, Nice and
Toulon. The cities of Marsailles and Toulon are located along the western
coast of the region. To the east, the area from Cannes to the Italian boarder,
is known as the French Riviera.
Second home owners along the coast include the fast car and yacht-loving ex-film stars,
over-tanned wannabies and wealthy casino-addicted pensioners from all over
Europe who live in white modern villas with pools or apartment blocks
clustered about resorts such as St Tropez, Cannes, and St Raphäel. Further
inland, the rugged Provencal scenery is inhabited by consumers of the more
rustic sort of chic. Don't go searching for a wreck around here as they were
all renovated years ago, not long after publication of that Peter Mayle book!
It's not difficult to see why so many people want to live in this région. The
climate and quality of life are among the best in France. The landscape of
inland Provence is alluring with stunning rock formations and rich coloured
dazzling soils (don't visit the village of Roussillon in flip-flops as the
bright red soil will stain your feet and ankles for days!) Between the rugged
hills and mountains, there are deep gorges, or fertile valleys filled with
carpets of lavender, almond groves and ancient olive trees and vines.
Everywhere you can smell the pleasant aromas of wild herbs such lemon verbena,
rosemary, thyme, and basil. This land smells so sweet that it's no wonder that
perfume is a big local industry.
On the Cote d'Azur, February is a particularly lovely time when the mimosa
vibrantly blossoms and in summer it's heaven to sit beneath the shade of an
umbrella pine and watch the blue water sparkle. It's easy to understand see
why the dazzling light of this area attracted so many modernist artists such
as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and Cocteau. If you want to get away from the
'playground of the rich and famous' you can visit Camargue in the west, which
is an important national park with lagoons, wild white ponies and pink
flamingos.
The French Riviera-Côte d'Azur stretches along the Mediterranean
at the foot of the last outcrop of the Alpine chain. Thanks to its southern
situation, the proximity of the sea, the full southern exposure and, above all,
to the screen of high mountains which protect it from the cold continental
winds, it enjoys an exceptionally high winter temperature. Its privileged
position means that the slopes are covered with tropical vegetation : orange and
aloe, cactus and eucalyptus, rose-laurel, bougainvillea and mimosa.
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