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.

Oppède-le-Vieux

Flourishing in Renaissance times, Oppède was deserted by 1900 – no one wanted to live on a barely accessible rock. Now some of the houses are being restored but the spot remains profoundly atmospheric, with medieval castle ruins.
Pablo Picasso

The driving force behind the Cubist movement, Picasso (1881–1973) was influenced by the sights and colours of Provence, where he lived in exile from his native Spain for much of his life. He learned to make ceramics from the potters of Vallauris and helped revive the craft (see Vallauris).
Palais des Festivals

Perhaps not the most luxurious beach in Cannes, but it is no more crowded than the pay beaches and it’s free.
Palais des Papes

The honey-coloured walls and towers of this medieval palace, the seat of 14th-century pontiffs, dominate the delightful town of Avignon (see Palais des Papes).
Palais des Papes

The medieval papal palace dominates the town (see Palais des Papes).
Palais Longchamp

Longchamp is the greatest expression of Marseille’s 19thcentury “golden age”. What is essentially a water tower is embellished in palatial Second Empire style. Fountains, columns and animal sculptures evoke abundance and fertility. The central gallery is flanked by two ornate wings, home to the Fine Arts and Natural History museums. Lush gardens stretch behind.
Pampelonne Beach, St-Tropez

Everyone has his or her “place” on St-Trop’s largest beach. Famous beach clubs cater to the super-rich and glamorous, to nudists, to gays, as well as to everyday families. The 5-km (3-mile) sandy stretch across the headland from the town also has extensive public areas. There’s space in which to escape the crowds and appreciate natural beauty (see Plages de Tahiti and Pampelonne).
Parc de la Colline St-Eutrope, Orange

One of the best preserved theatres from the Roman empire, built during the reign of Augustus (c.27–25 BC), is the highlight of the Parc de la Colline St-Eutrope. Nearby, a triumphal arch decorated with relief carvings commemorates Julius Caesar’s victories over Gaul (see Roman Theatre, Orange).
Parc de Vaugrenier, Antibes

Many rare plants can be seen in this park, with its 11 km (7 miles) of walking trails and fresh-water lagoon.
Parc Floral Phénix and Musée des Art Asiatiques

This large floral park is a themed wonderland of world horticulture with, at its centre, Europe’s biggest greenhouse. Inside the metal and glass “marquee”, one wanders through recreated warm-climate zones, from equatorial forest to the Natal desert. Also in the park is the Asian Arts Museum, a marble and glass construction built over an artificial lake. It contains classical and contemporary creations from the principal Asian civilizations.