Côte d'Azur

The sleepy villages, sunny vineyards and pretty lavender fields of Provence sit in stark contrast to the cosmopolitan towns and thronging beaches of the Côte d’Azur, one of France’s most popular destinations

The glittering Côte d’Azur, perhaps better known as the French Riviera, is a beautiful stretch of coast studded with sophisticated towns such as the famous Monte Carlo, Nice, and Cannes, not forgetting the other famous and arguably the most glamorous resort of St Tropez. With its vast golden sandy beaches and long lazy hours of sunshine, this is a paradise for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. It’s a spectacular coast of rugged coves and warm seas. The quaint harbours and fishing villages have become chic destinations, now full of pleasure yachts, harbour-side cafés and crowded summertime beaches. Inland, St Paul-de-Vence with its shops and galleries, and Grasse, perfume capital of the
world, are popular destinations for visitors.

Further up in the hills are quieter medieval villages with winding streets and white-walled houses with terracotta roofs, which have attracted artists for many years. In St Paul-de-Vence visitors browse through shops and galleries set on narrow winding cobblestone streets and inland Grasse is the perfume capital of the world, surrounded by the Provençal lavender fields and shady olive groves that fill the air with a magical scent at certain times of the year.Roman monuments can be seen at Orange, and Vaison-la-Romaine, and the spectacular Palais des Papes at Avignon is a ‘must see’. The extinct volcanic cone of Mont Ventoux provides dramatic views and is one of the most gruelling stages in the Tour de France.

Places of interest

Aix-en-Provence: Old town; cathedral of St. Sauveur; Cézanne museum.

Antibes: Old city with 17th-century ramparts; 12th-century castle.

Camargue: Wetland and nature reserve with white horses, flamingoes and bulls.

Cannes: Popular for conventions and festivals; la Croisette; old city.

Marseille: Bustling port city with boat trips to the Château d’If prison on a nearby island.

Menton: Warmest of coastal cities, year round resort.

Orange: Roman city, gateway to the Midi;- Colline St Europe.

Cuisine of the region

Aigo Bouido: Garlic and sage soup with bread (or eggs and cheese).

Aïoli (ailloli): A mayonnaise sauce with garlic and olive oil.

Bagna Cauda: Raw vegetables in a fondue of hot olive oil, garlic and anchovies.

Bouillabaisse: Fish soup served with rouille sauce, saffron and aioli.

Pissaladière: Provençal bread dough with onions, anchovies, olives.

Porquetta: Stuffed suckling pig.

Salade niçoise: Salad of anchovies, tuna, tomatoes, peppers, eggs and olives.

Socca: A crêpe made with chick pea flour and cooked in a wood-fired oven.