DK Travel : Provence and Côte d'Azur

Provence’s top sights span the region’s rich and varied history, from Roman arenas, isolated abbeys, and the palace of the medieval popes, to the more recent opulence of the belle époque era and the glamorous resorts beloved of the 20th-century jet set. Sunsoaked beaches, pretty villages nestled among lavender fields and a mountainous hinterland have inspired generations of artists, and continue to enchant every visitor to the area.

Elephant Beach, Le Lavandou

Le Lavandou has a total of 12 beaches, covering the full seaside spectrum, from the great sandy stretch of the Grande Plage to the nudist creek of Rossignol. Most appealing of all, however, is l’Eléphant. The approach is only by sea or by scrambling over rocks, a feature which usually ensures relative tranquillity.
Ernest Hemingway

Another US visitor to Provence, Hemingway (1898–1961) set The Garden of Eden in La Napoule.
Escale Borély

A collection of beach bars and restaurants with a stunning setting.
Essential Oils

Taken internally or applied externally, Provençal plant distillates have been part of the regional healing armoury for centuries. They need a lot of dilution – follow instructions.
Eygalières

This village was the source of Arles’s water supply in Roman times, via an aqueduct. A 12th-century church and ruined castle stand in the village.
F. Scott Fitzgerald

The US writer (1896–1940) stayed at Juan-les-Pins in 1926 to write his novel Tender is the Night .
Faïencerie Figuères

Extraordinary enamelled terracotta figures of fruit, vegetables and meat. Artisan works which literally look good enough to eat.
Feria du Riz, Arles

Bullfighting and festivities to welcome the Camargue rice harvest.
Ferme-Auberge du Bas Chalus, Forcalquier

A wonderful, simple inn serving typical dishes of the region, simply prepared.
Fernand Léger

Léger (1881–1955) is known for his strong Cubist paintings and his love of bold lines and pure primary colours. First a figurative painter, he worked in the Cubist style before returning to painting that seems to echo poster or graphic art.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €30
- €30–€40
- €40–€50
- €50–€60
- over €60