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.

Avenue des Beaux-Arts and Allée Serge Diaghilev, Monaco

With plenty of cash floating around, Monaco is a magnet for designer shops and haute couture . Try these two streets for the latest look.
Avignon

Rather than the better-known and more touristy cities like Nice and Marseille, try staying in a smaller city like Avignon. It is truly beautiful with gorgeous architecture and parks, has its own museum, still has the big shops - and the hotels are roughly half the price of those in Nice! We found loads of gorgeous little outdoor restaurants where they do 2 courses for 8 euros in the Place de la Horloge, near the Palais de Papes. Try it - it's really worth it!
Avignon Festival

France’s greatest theatre event is really two festivals. The official one takes over the Papal Palace’s Courtyard of Honour and other venues for modern and classical drama. But it is the unofficial “off” festival which enlivens the town, with street performers and up to 400 shows a day, from dance to burlesque comedy.
Bandol

The home of the mourvèdre grape produces fine and vigorous reds.
Baou de St-Jeannet, St-Jeannet

The “baou” is the rock overlooking the village near Vence. Stiff but rewarding walk (3–4 hours).
Bar & Boeuf, Monte Carlo

Famed chef Alain Ducasse’s terrace restaurant serves only sea bass and beef. After dinner, skip the queue to get into Jimmy’z next door (see Jimmy’z, Cannes) via the private entrance.
Bar à Thym, Toulon

The city’s hippest late-night bar offers more than 200 beers, 100 whiskies and music from salsa to trip-hop. The restaurant specializes in fresh fish.
Bar de la Marine

Fans of the writer Marcel Pagnol (see Marcel Pagnol) will recognize the bar’s setting from his books. Lunch only.
Bar des Célébrités, Cannes

Billed as “the place to have a drink in the company of stars”, but even during the Film Festival, you are unlikely to rub shoulders with the A list. One of the best bars in Cannes, nonetheless.
Barcelonnette

Provence’s northernmost town stands in the rugged Ubaye valley. High in the Alps, its cobbled streets are ringed by peaks that have a scattering of snow until June.

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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