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.

Paul Signac

The masterful exponent of pointillist style, Signac (1863–1935) came to St-Tropez in 1892. He found, in the glittering reflection of sun on sea, the perfect subject for pointillism’s technique of using a myriad of tiny rainbow dots to depict swathes or blocks of colour, giving an almost psychedelic effect.
Peasant Market, Velleron

Provence isn’t short of food markets, but this one is special. It’s held in the evening and stall-holders must sell homegrown or raised produce only. Monday to Saturday from 6pm, April to September and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 4:30pm the rest of the year.
Peillon

Peillon’s red-tiled houses seem to grow out of the hilltop itself, rising in tiers to a cobbled square with great views of the forested valley. It seems barely changed since the Middle Ages.
Perfumerie Fragonard

One of the handful of places where you can go on a short tour of the perfume process, very important in France and only a few professional "noses" exist in the world. Then, you can shopping in the small boutique for some lovely presents (and items for yourself).
Pétanque World Championships, Marseille

Four days of boules , culminating in a final on the Vieux Port.
Petrarch

The Italian Renaissance poet (1304–74), who lived in Avignon, was a critic of the ostentatious French papacy.
Pieds et paquets

Lamb’s feet (pieds ) and stuffed sheep’s stomach (paquets ) in white wine.
Piémançon Beach, The Camargue

This is the beach beyond civilization. You must thread around salt-flats and lagoons before arriving at the flat, exposed sands. Life is a little rugged, but ideal for wilder beach elements.
Pistou

Thick soup of white, red and kidney beans, pasta and other vegetables, flavoured with basil, garlic and olive oil.
Place de l’Horloge

Built on the old forum, the city’s nerve centre is fringed with restaurants, bars and the 19th-century town hall.