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.

L’Orage

Pointillist Paul Signac’s 1895 work glowingly depicts St-Tropez harbour.
L’Origan, Digne

There is an emphasis on herbs, with such dishes as fish in chives, and truffles with marjoram.
L’Oustau de Baumanière, Les-Baux-de-Provence

This up-market boutique hotel offers exclusive luxury at a price to match. Choose from suites or rooms in a complex of beautifully restored old buildings with immaculate garden terraces and a superb restaurant.
L’Oustau de Baumanière, Les-Baux-de-Provence

The converted farmstead dates from the 14th century; the food mixes the rusticity of fresh vegetables and other local produce with top-class cuisine.
Madame Zaza of Marseille

Now known well beyond Marseille, Zaza’s ethnic-style clothes are celebrated for their creativity and playfulness.
Maeva Les Mazets de Camargue Residence

Ideal for a family, this "vacation village" allows you to feel like you are on vacation without breaking the bank. Afternoon activity programs for the children.
Majestic Barrière, Cannes

Sip your drinks slowly on this deeply fashionable hotel terrace which attracts the crème de la crème of the film business during the International Film Festival. A glass of bubbly here costs as much as a meal in many other spots.
Majestic Hotel, Cannes

One of the flashiest café-terraces attracts some of the world’s brightest stars – Roman Polanski, Jude Law and Gabriel Byrne have been sighted – during the film festival and a high-spending, fashionable clientele year-round. Anything stronger than coffee costs a fortune (see Majestic Barrière, Cannes).
Malaucène

This was where Pope Clement V had his summer residence, and it remains a graceful spot of 17th- and 18th-century houses, fountains and avenues shaded by plane trees.
Man in the Iron Mask

Who was the Man in the Iron Mask? Louis XIV’s troublesome brother? A meddling royal priest? No one knows. Certainly, he was dangerous enough to be clamped in the mask and locked away in Château d’If from 1687. You may visit the island fort and see his cell (see Places to Eat).

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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