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.

La Partie de Campagne

Fernand Léger overlays bold colours on bold, comic-book outlines in this 1954 painting.
La Pérouse, Nice

A hidden luxury retreat, La Pérouse has the most outstanding views of Nice’s promenade. Choose a sea-view room with its own terrace.
La Petite Fontaine, Collobrières

Excellent, no-frills regional cooking (soupe au pistou or game in season) in a characterful restaurant on the village square.
La Pie Margot, Dauphin

It really is worth travelling 6 km (4 miles) south-east out of Forcalquier to experience the classic cuisine of this small, welcoming restaurant, with views over the valley.
La Playa, Fréjus

This hotspot livens up the beachfront with outside dance floors. Thursday evenings offer a buffet dinner then dancing till dawn.
La Ponche, St-Tropez

Stylish, individual and hidden away in a tiny square with a view of the fishing port, this hotel is in the perfect place to escape the mayhem of the town in summer.
La Réserve, Beaulieu

Opened in the late 19th century this pink palace in its semi-tropical grounds is a grand place to stay, still retaining the glory of its 1920s heyday.
La Riboto de Taven, Les-Bauxde-Provence

The “valley of hell” may seem an unlikely location for a romantic hideaway, but the Riboto de Taven, beneath the twisted rocks of the Val d’Enfer, is just that. Great scenery, gardens and a pretty pool add to its appeal.
La Tamarissiere

This beautiful, tranquil village is set at the mouth of l'Herault. A couple of years ago my husband and I, together with our three children and two friends, went camping at Vias Plage.

Whilst driving around exploring the area and taking the children karting, just off the D612, we decided to try to find the sea.

Continuing down the narrow country lane we passed through this wonderful village with restaurants and bars just literally feet from the river.

As we arrived at the point where the river met the sea, the quai continued out into the Mediterranean, at the end of which proudly stood a small lighthouse. All along the quai were places amongst the rocks where the children could fish for crabs or, more adventurously, use a fishing pole for larger prey.

As we rested there, the sun began to set, giving that wonderful golden glow that is unique to the south of France. The lights in the village along the opposite bank of the river began to twinkle in the twilight, making the spot a veritable fairyland.

This is one of the nicest holiday places we have ever visited throughout our family lifetime, and one day we would love to return.
La Tarasque, Tarascon

Tarasque, a dragon-like beast, terrorized Tarascon in the 1st century AD, until St Martha sprinkled it with Holy Water. Tarascon converted to Christianity (see Château de Tarascon) and Tarasque remains central to the town’s June festival.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €100
- €100–150
- €150–250
- €250–350
- over €350
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