Arles

Arles sits on a low hill where the Rhône river branches in two parts to the sea. The town dates back to the 7th century BC, and was a major Gallo-Roman city. The major Roman sites, such as the Arena and the Theater, are unique in that they are integrated into the houses and buildings of the town, rather than sitting apart as they do in places such as Orange. Vincent van Gogh also lived in Arles from 1888-1889, where he completed some of his most famous paintings.

Points of Interest

  • Arènes d’Arles: One of the biggest attractions in Arles, this Roman Amphitheater was built in 90 AD and could hold up to 20,000 spectators. Like other Roman Amphitheaters, the one in Arles was to entertain the masses with chariot races and hand-to-hand combat. Today it is used for bullfighting in September and April and concerts and plays during the summer.
  • Musée de l’Arles antique: One of Arles’ many museums, this antiquities museum is a must see for anyone who enjoys archeology, art, or history. The contemporary style and architecture of the building is a complete contrast to its permanent collections and exhibitions depicting daily roman life through artifacts, mosaics, statues, etc,.  
  • Musée de Reattu: Founded in 1868 around the art and work of Jacques Réattu, this museum has exhibitions on work from the 17th – 19th centuries. For example, some of Picasso and other contemporary artists’ drawings and paintings are on display. 

Avignon

Avignon charms visitors with its ancient streets, restored medieval ramparts and the immense Gothic architecture of the Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes—the papacy was based here in the 14th century). The annual Festival d’Avignon, a major arts festival, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors for theater, dance, film and street performances.

Points of Interest

  • Jardin des Doms: Situated next to the papal palace, you can walk up through the gardens and fountains to admire the view of the Rhone, the famous bridge, and the town itself. If the weather is clear, you should also be able to see Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. The statue  is Venus who is in the middle of a small lake – there is a café there or space for picnics.
  • Palais des Papes: One of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. The papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th Century. A series of themed tours are given throughout the year for varying prices depending on the time of year and day. Tickets can be bought online on the Palais des Papes website under booking: http://www.palais-des-papes.com/en
  • Pont du Gard: Built over 2000 years ago, the Pont du Gard is a three-level stone aqueduct crossing the Gardon river valley, about 25 km west of Avignon. A road bridge was added to the structure in 1743 and used until 1996. The site is now well maintained and a very popular tourist attraction.
  • Saint Bénezet Bridge: is a famous medieval bridge and city landmark built between 1177 and 1185. The bridge spans the Rhone between Villeneuve-lès-Avignon and Avignon. The bridge is open every day all year long. Tickets can be purchased online at https://avignon-tourisme.com/en/

Bandol

Bandol has many sandy beaches and natural coves nested between hills of pines, willows, and rivieras. The clarity of its waters and its rich seabed are loved by scuba diving enthusiasts. Its famous vineyard made Bandol appear on major gastronomic tables.

Points of Interest

  • Kayaking: For information on kayaking as well as biking, canoeing, and other activities, visit https://naturevasion.com/
  • Beaches: Bandol takes the cleanliness of its beaches seriously, doing more tests than need to be done. There are water quality tests done at the beginning of each season. If the beach’s analysis comes back negative, the beach will be closed.  Its beaches are cleaned every morning from May until September, there are no dogs allowed, no camping, and no fires. To get a list of Bandol’s beaches visit bandol.fr.
  • Scuba diving: For information on scuba diving, visit http://www.bandol-plongee.com/

Cassis

Cassis is a small fishing port and town on the Cote d’Azur east of Marseille. The main appeal of Cassis is its picture postcard harbor and the very impressive position in which it is located with tree-dotted cliffs rising on both sides of the town. It falls within the boundaries of the recently created Calanques National Park.

Points of Interest

  • Les Calanques: You can visit the calanques by boat from the Cassis harbor or go hiking. The boat tour of the calanques cost between 16-22 euros. You can sit back and relax while taking in the beautiful turquoise waters and these massive rock formations. Visit the Tourist Office to see schedules and more information.
  • Musée de Cassis: The museum is free of charge. There are exhibitions of Roman artifacts found from various shipwrecks in the area. It features ceramics from Italy and Africa, as well as stone work, wine, fishing, and other aspects of the culture of Cassis.   
  • Les Plages: Cassis has a few small beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and enjoying magnificent views of the coast. La Plage de la Grande Mer and the Plage de Bestouan are two popular options.

Èze

Eze is a medieval village perched like an eagle’s nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle (torn down in 1706), sitting on a narrow rocky peak. The castle hosts the well-known Jardin Exotique as well as a beautiful view of the coast.

Points of Interest

  • Le Jardin exotique d’Eze: This garden is located 429 meters above the Mediterranean in the old medieval fortress which is the city of Eze. The panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea and the French Riviera are extraordinary. The garden is home to dozens of species of succulents. The north part of the garden hosts mediterranean plants of the region with caves and a waterfall.
  • Vieux Eze: Meander through the cobblestones streets of this ancient town. You will find many shops, art galleries, restaurants, and of course spectacular views of the sea. Known for its tranquility, it has attracted many writers and artists in the past such as Nietzsche and Walt Disney.
  • Eglise Notre Dame de l’Assomption: Dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, this church has been a historical monument since 1984. It was built on the foundations of a 12th century church but was then rebuilt between 1764 and 1778 by an Italian architect. It is a beautiful neoclassical 18th century building.  

La Ciotat

La Ciotat offers a long stretch of beaches to the east, extending along “Golfe d’Amour” bay. A colony of Marseille named Citharista in ancient times, La Ciotat boasts an honored maritime industry and is still home to large shipyards. The old town overflows with ancient monuments, standing witness to its tumultuous past. The Old Port has all the charm of a little fishing harbor and is overlooked by the clock tower of the Renaissance-style former town hall (1863), now home to the town museum.

Points of Interest

  • Parc du Mugel: A botanical park and a natural reserve with beautiful views of Le Bec d’Aigle (The Eagle’s Beak) and the Ile verte (the only wooded island on the Bouches-du-Rhône coastline). You can visit the pebbled beach within the park, go hiking, have a picnic, go swimming, and soak in the gorgeous colors of the turquoise waters.
  •  Eden Theatre: This theatre is the oldest cinema venue in the world. It became famous when the Lumière brothers hosted La Ciotat’s first film screening in 1895. The Eden Theatre became a historic monument in 1996 and was reopened in 2013 after much needed renovations.  

Lacoste

Lacoste is a very picturesque medieval village between the Plateau de Vaucluse to the north and the Luberon to the south. The top of Lacoste is marked with the very medieval looking ruins of the Chateau-de-Sade; looking like a castle from a storybook, and with a history even more sinister, once the home of the Marquis de Sade, Lord of Lacoste. The chateau ruins look great from a distance, and a close visit reveals moat-like passages and other interesting images.

Points of Interest

  • Château de Lacoste: From ruined castle of the Marquis de Sade, one can see the valley of the Calavon, Mont Ventoux, Monts de Vaucluse, neighboring village Bonnieux, and even the Alps. The castle is listed as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture, and its current owner hosts Festival de Lacoste there every summer.
  • Sainte Trophime: church built in the 12th century
  • Architecture: Lacoste is a village full of old buildings, giving the impression that not much has changed since the 9th century. The nearby Pont Julien is one of the last remaining working examples of a 1st century BC Roman bridge, and the whole village offers similar historical sites throughout.

Les Calanques

The Calanques are limestone cliffs that plunge into the Mediterranean and connects Marseille to Cassis with almost 20 km of marked trails. The first national park in France placed in an urban setting since 1979, this classified site extends over 4000 hectares. Magical and enchanting coves are a paradise for snorkeling, climbing, hiking, and discovery of the fauna and flora.

Points of Interest

  • Hiking: The Calanques offer a wonderful opportunity to hike along the rock structures, explore new beaches, and experience the mediterranean terrain and climate. There are a string of three calanques which can be reached from Cassis, which take approximately 1.5 hours to reach from the start to the third. The trail can become difficult and steep, especially going from the second to the third calanque, so be sure to bring proper equipment (sturdy shoes, water, snacks, etc.) and check the weather before leaving, especially in high summer when there’s risk of fire. Stop by the Tourist Office for more information– it is a 30 minute walk from the city center to reach the start of the calanques trail.
  • Boat Tour: Another option to experience the beautiful natural landscape is taking a boat tour. There are different options available (3 calanques vs. 5 calanques etc.) at different price points, but all will offer an opportunity to see the Calanques from a relaxing perspective. To take a tour, contact the Tourist Office for ticket reservations or some boats offer the ability to just walk up and purchase tickets.

Marseille

Travelers visit the port city of Marseille, the second largest city in France, for the meeting of style and history. The bay, flanked by Fort Saint-Nicolas,and Fort Saint-Jean, shelters the Castle of If, of Count of Monte Cristo fame. Watched over by the basilica Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the city’s pedestrian zones and shopping areas (including the colorful French-African quarter) mix with historical sites. Travelers looking for a fun time go to the OK Corral, a cowboy themed amusement park.

Points of Interest

  • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde: This church sits on the summit of Marseille. Outside the church, the panoramic views of the sea and the city are breathtaking. You can see the red rooftops of Marseille, the old harbor, and the Frioul Islands. It was built between 1853-1864 and has a beautiful Neo-Byzantine-style interior of light and dark marble arches.
  • Vieux Port (Old Harbor): Located in the west of the city, this is where Marseille began. It started as a Greek port around 600 BC. The harbor is always buzzing with tourists, and is said to be the best place to find the authentic bouillabaisse, a seafood stew filled with Mediterranean flavors. It is the speciality of Marseille. The port mainly holds fishing boats now as opposed to back in the day when it was a large commercial port. This is a great place to walk around and see the “birthplace” of Marseille.
  • Château d’If: The Château d’If is a worthwhile visit because of its location on the Ile d’If in the Frioul Islands. It is surrounded by coves, teal water, beaches, creeks, and limestone cliffs. It is a nature conservation area just a short ferry ride away from Marseille. It was originally built in the 16th century by King Francois as a fortress. It then became a prison in the 17th century where Protestants were held. It is featured in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
  • Le Panier (Old Town):  Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest quarter on the hillside just above the Vieux Port. It exists as the cultural and historic center of the city. There are a lot of art galleries, food shops, local artisan boutiques, and Algerian restaurants that can be found inside the beautiful pastel buildings within the quarter. Other monuments in this area are the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the Cathédrale de la Major (a beautiful and enormous cathedral), and other worthwhile museums.

Monaco

Monaco is an independent microstate on France’s mediterranean coastline known for its glitzy casinos, yacht-lined harbor and prestigious Grand Prix motor race, which runs through Monaco’s streets once a year. Monte Carlo, its major district, has an elegant belle epoque casino complex, ornate opera house and luxe hotels, boutiques, nightclubs and French and Italian restaurants.

Points of Interest

  • Monte Carlo: Monte Carlo is the wealthiest district and most glamorous part of Monaco. Here you will witness the luxurious lifestyle Monaco is known for, seaside views, and the beautiful fountains and terrace of Place du Casino. The Casino and Opera House of Monte Carlo are must-sees as well. The Opera House was designed by the same architect that designed Paris’ Opera House. Its auditorium is lavishly decorated in red and gold with intricate bas-reliefs, frescoes, and sculptures. Monte Carlo is also a wonderful place to sit back at a cafe and watch as fancy cars and people pass by.
  • La Musée Oceanographique: This museum and its aquariums lie right on the water. It is home to one of the world’s oldest aquariums, opened in 1910. The museum also holds world-renowned exhibits of marine science and oceanography. The best parts are the aquariums that have rare species of fish and marine life. There are three aquariums in total: the Tropical Aquarium, Mediterranean Aquarium, and the Shark Lagoon. There is also a Touch Tank where you can feel a starfish, sea urchin, or hold a baby shark.
  • Palais du Prince: The Palais du Prince sits on the peninsula of Le Rocher, which has gorgeous panoramic views high above the sea. It is home to the oldest monarchy in the world. The noble Grimaldi family established Monaco in 1297. The Palais was originally a fortress but was later renovated and transformed into a fancy palace.  If you’re looking for luxury and gorgeous decor, this is the place to go. It is open to the public when the flag on the tower isn’t raised. If it is raised, it means that the Prince and his family are there, and it won’t be possible to visit.

Nice

The deep blue waters of the Cote d’Azur are the dramatic backdrop for elegant Nice. Breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air as you stroll the waterfront promenade or get an eagle eye of the whole city from atop Castle Hill. The pedestrians-only Place Rossetti is the heart of the city, with a grand fountain, vibrant buildings, and the beautiful Sainte-Réparate cathedral giving it a provincial French feel.

Points of Interest

  • Promenade des Anglais: This is Nice’s famous Promenade that follows the coast all the way from the airport to the old town. On the side closest to the sea there is a path you can stroll along admiring the beautiful blue sea of the Bay of Angels. On the land side the Promenade is lined with cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Following the Promenade is a perfect way to soak up the lifestyle of Nice.
  • Old Town: The Old Town of Nice is perfect for wandering through cobblestone streets and is a real contrast to the Promenade des Anglais. You can experience the flavors of the Mediterranean in the various shops, cafes, and bistros here. Don’t miss la Chapelle de la Misericorde, a beautiful Baroque church. While in Old Town, try the local socca, a type of pancake made from chickpea flour.
  • Le Parc de la Colline du Chateau: This park, also known as Castle Hill Park, is on the east end of Nice. It’s a little bit of a climb from Place Garibaldi but the panoramic views of the city below and the Bay of Angels is incredible.

Saint-Tropez

The seaside resort town Saint Tropez is still very popular with the tourists, although the jetset and the in-crowd have long since left it behind. Set on the lovely blue water of the Bay of Saint-Tropez, this modern version of a medieval town is most popular for the line of yachts along the quai, and the facing line of terrace cafés, divided by a parade of strolling tourists and slow cruising expensive cars.

Points of Interest

  • Vieux Port (Old Port): The Vieux Port is the heart of the city. Walking along the harbor you can see anything from small fishing boats to fancy yachts. Cafes with outdoor terraces line the harbor as well as picturesque and colorful Mediterranean houses. You can also usually find local artists selling their work along the water’s edge. It is a great place to soak in a Mediterranean city that lies on the coast.
  • Citadel: The citadel rests above the village of St. Tropez. This fortress was built in the early 1600s and is now home to the Musée d’Histoire Maritime (Museum of Maritime History). If you want to see a good view, going to the Citadel is highly recommended. From the Citadel you can see beautiful panoramas of the Gulf of St. Tropez and the Massif des Maures mountain range. 
  • La Ponche (The Old Town): The Old Town is near the Vieux Port and below the Citadel. It is the picturesque historic center of St. Tropez. While walking through the narrow alleys and on the cobblestone streets you can find little shops, expensive boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Public Beaches: If you want to see beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, Saint-Tropez is the place to go. There are several public beaches that are free. Most of these beaches have free public showers and restrooms. Each beach will indicate the water quality for sw