Attractions

Cannes

Cannes is a lovely city full of culture, history, and beauty. Admire the extravagant hotels that cater to the rich and famous during the annual Cannes Film Festival. Take in the astonishing views of the Mediterranean Sea from the hilltops. Go Ahead and explore!

Promenade de la Croisette: This is the street to walk along to explore Cannes. It winds along the Cannes’ shoreline with palm trees and flowers bordering it along the way. It was Lord Brougham of England that wintered here from 1834 until he died in 1868. His accolades of the town’s beauty started the flood of English visitors, and made Cannes the tourist destination it is today.

Avignon
In Provence, Avignon is definitely not a place that should be ignored. It is a city of medieval and modern wonders, with something for everyone. Whether you wish to view the shrine of Mary Magdalene, or take a stroll along the posh shopping areas full of food and fashion—Avignon is the place for you.

Pont du Gard The Pont du Gard is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. It was built in 19 B.C. to supply water from Uzès to the large, ancient city of Nîmes. The aqueduct spans for 30 miles both above and underground. The Pont du Gard is the magnificent three-tiered bridge that crosses the riverbanks of the Rive Gauche and the Rive Droite.

Ste.-Baume Ste.-Baume is famed for the relics of Mary Magdalene. There has been much controversy over the true final resting place of Mary Magdalene after she was exiled from Palestine, and it is said that her pilgrimage path led her to Ste.-Baume, where her shrine lies. Supposedly, the mausoleum that holds her remains is located in the crypt of the town’s church.

Palais des Papes (The Palace of the Popes) It was the French pope, Pope Clement V, who was elected in 1309 who decided to move the papal palace to his home country. The Catholic Church then purchased the small town of Avignon and it became the seat of the Pope until 1403. Though now the furnishings are scant, audio guides are available to tour its interior and learn the history of Europe’s largest preserved Gothic palace.

Le Musée du Petit Palais (Petit Palace Museum) Stop here before touring the Palace of the Popes and you’ll be able to view what once adorned the palace’s walls. Its fine collections hold 350 Italian paintings as well as many Roman and Gothic sculptures.

Pont d'Avignon (St. Bénezet Bridge) As the only bridge crossing the Rhône River in the Middle Ages, the Pont d’Avignon was quite a thoroughfare. Its size was enormous, stretching 3,000 feet in length with 22 arches. Only four of the original aches remain today due to flood damage.

Le Musée Calvet (Calvet Museum) The mansion dates from the 18th century and houses an array of paintings and sculptures made between the 15th and 20th centuries.

Place de l’Horloge Starting in 1854 this square gained its present day popularity, thanks to the many cafes that have a wonderful ambience—with high priced meals. During Roman rule, it served as the town forum. In the Middle Ages it transitioned into a market square. The square’s name is derived from the medieval-style clock tower, which is now blocked by the City Hall.

Parc des Rochers des Doms (Park) This park offers stunning views of the Rhône River Valley and St. Bénezet Bridge. There are several terraces in the park, and on the north end is the largest with informative tables that explain the sights in view.

Cézanne’s Studio Paul Cézanne is the famed Provencal Impressionist painter from Aix-en-Provence. Though he was renounced by his contemporary Parisian painters for his peasant flare, Cezanne never abandoned his Provencal heritage. Cezanne drew out the true essence of Provence’s rich landscapes in all his paintings. Cezanne had several studios at different times in his life, but his last workshop, Atélier Cezanne, is open for tours.

Vinon sur Verdon

Vinon sur Verdon is the location of some of France’s finest natural beauties. Your experience in this city is something that you’ll cherish always.

Gordes Though the town is small, is it bustling with fun gift shops and boutiques set in 11th century stone buildings. These shops sell an array of local crafts. Items to look for are lavender products and clothes made with traditional provencal patterns. Just below the town is the Abbey de Sénanque. Tours are available of this 12th-century Cistercian abbey that is still in use today. The nuns have a gift shop that is not to be missed. They harvest their vast lavender fields and make prized products such as lavender honey, perfume, soaps and teas.

Roussillon This town is ablaze with fiery reds and oranges from the surrounding ochre cliffs. At one time the ochre quarry, which gives paint its pigment, was this town’s main source of revenue. A protected town since 1943, Roussillon is untouched from modern renovation and buildings.

Bonneiux This quiet town cascades down a hillside in the Luberon Valley. It has great views of Calavon Valley, which it directly overlooks, as well as the Vaucluse and Ventoux mountains. This was a fortified village in Roman days and has been inhabited since the Neolithic and Bronze ages.

Lacoste The highlight of this tiny town is the Chateau de Marquis de Sade that crowns the top of the hill. This castle was the home of the infamous writer for over 30 years. Fashion designer Pierre Cardin bought and renovated the castle to use as a seasonal residence. Every summer, he hosts the Festival de Lacoste, which welcomes international actors, dancers, musicians and vocalists to the amphitheater located in a quarry behind the castle.

Moustiers-Ste.-Marie This tourist town is strikingly set amongst trees and overhanging cliffs. It is home to the stunning, preserved 12th-century church of Notre Dame adorned with a Romanesque bell tower. Since the 17th century, is has been known for its fine blue and white pottery called faïence ceramics.

Lake d’Esparron This lake is a beautiful body of water that is formed by the Verdon’s famous gorges. It is the perfect place for kayaking and boating.

Gorges du Verdon Over many years the Verdon River has cut away at the earth, creating the “Grand Canyon of France,” known as Gorges du Verdon. The river itself runs for 21 kilometers and can reach depths of 1,500 meters (4,921 feet). From the top of the gorge to its base at the riverbed is 700 meters (2,300 feet), making it the world’s second largest canyon. There is a road that loops the gorge, which offers scenic views of this natural phenomenon.

Nice

The capital of the French Riviera is a place out of a fairytale with its glamorous casinos, sweet smelling perfumes, and sparkling beaches.

Fragonard Perfume Factory This factory is actually part of the town of Grasse—the French capital of perfume. Surrounded by the very flowers used to create the perfumes with their signature aroma, the Fragonard Perfume Factory is definitely a destination that must be visited in France.

Nice City Beaches Whether you find a cozy spot on a public beach or rent a chair at a private one, these beaches offer the perfect way to relax on the French Riviera. Unlike most beaches in the United States, Nice’s beaches are made of smooth pebbles and rocks that vary in size.

Promenade des Anglais This wide, pedestrian boulevard stretches the length of Nice’s coastline right along the beach. A popular option is renting a bicycle and wheeling down the promenade. There are always activities to watch and sights to see, such as the elegant Hotel Negresco. The promenade’s name comes from the many British tourists (Anglais is French for English) that use to stroll along the promenade on their vacations.

Hotel Negresco This hotel is Nice’s most lavish and pricey hotel. Its Salon Royale’s elaborate interior design is the hotel’s main attraction, housing an extravagant chandelier made of 16,000 pieces of crystal.

Cours Saleya Since the Middle Ages, this plaza has been the heart of Nice’s market square. Every morning until noon markets still rule the square with vendors selling beautiful fresh flowers, gifts, produce, spices and other Riviera specialties.

Castle Hill Castle Hill is the prime place to view a majestic sunset, or sunrise over the French Riviera. From the top you can see all of Nice and the Mediterranean Sea. It was this spot where ancient Greeks first settled here around 400 BC. During the Middle Ages, a giant castle watched over the surrounding area, but this fortress no longer exists.

Chagall Museum This museum is a must for art lovers and novices alike. It is the world’s largest collection of work from French modernist painter, Marc Chagall. The primary theme of this architecturally simple but beautiful museum is the exhibition of 17 larger format paintings based on biblical themes from Genesis, Song of Songs and Exodus. These paintings display vibrant colors with a rich palette of blues, greens, purples and reds.