Things to Do in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Travel Themes

• Interests (rated ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation-Holidays ★★★★

Nature-Adventure

Culture

Relaxation-Holidays

By Department

Interest level for each department:

By Department

Highlights and special features of the region's departments.

Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

This is essentially the hinterland of the Provençal coastline. Quieter and pleasant in summer, it offers stunning landscapes and natural sites, including some of the most popular parks in the South of France, such as the Luberon, the Verdon, or the Mercantour. There are also plenty of old villages and historical sites to discover scattered throughout the department.

Hautes-Alpes

Sparsely populated and nestled in the mountains, the Hautes-Alpes combine nature (the Queyras, the Écrins...), heritage (Briançon, Fort Queyras, etc.), and opportunities for outdoor activities in both summer and winter, with numerous ski resorts. In short, it’s a paradise for ecotourism enthusiasts.

Alpes-Maritimes

Nice, Cannes, Antibes-Juan les Pins, Menton, Mougins, Saint-Paul de Vence, and many other renowned spots give this department a chic appeal that has long attracted visitors. Beyond the pleasures of the beach (and often the nightlife), you can still find charming medieval villages like Coaraze or natural spaces like the Mercantour.

Bouches-du-Rhône

Synonymous with Provence and the South of France, the Bouches-du-Rhône boast some of the region’s top tourist destinations, starting with cities like Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Marseille, and the must-see Les Baux-de-Provence, along with the stunning Calanques, the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, and the unique Camargue. That alone is enough to fill a trip...

Var

The sea, famous seaside resorts (though some are overrated...), charming little towns (Fayence, Tourtour, Gassin...), and a hinterland perfect for walks, whether in the Maures Massif or the Esterel, make the Var a well-rounded holiday destination. Add to that two renowned natural sites—the Verdon and the Port-Cros National Park—and the choice becomes even more appealing. The only downside: overcrowding in some places at certain times of the year.

Vaucluse

With Avignon, the "famous and chic" village of Gordes, and the Luberon, the Vaucluse has at least three major attractions. Beyond these, there are also other towns and natural sites worth exploring...

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

Water Activities

Diving:

Water Sports:

Sailing:

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

Hiking

Hiking on Foot

Cycling

Horseback Riding

Skiing and Winter Activities

Outdoor Sports

Golf

Whitewater Activities

Climbing and Mountaineering

Paragliding and Aerial Sports

Cultural Life and Activities

Nightlife and Going Out