The beautiful PACA region
The PACA region is often shorthand for sunshine and holidays. Let us show you what you'll be doing this summer ;)…
We're back for the 6th stop on our Régiontrip! Next up: south-east France with the PACA region!
A hugely popular destination during the summer months, this region is rich in landscapes and activities.
Its iconic cities:
Known the world over, the French Riviera is the stuff of dreams, and with good reason: it is home to legendary cities such as Saint-Tropez, Nice with its Promenade des Anglais, and Marseille. Between fine sandy beaches and things to do, each of these cities has its own charm. We particularly recommend a visit to the Museum of Marseille; it is the first museum devoted to Mediterranean cultures. For those looking for a walk and a dose of history, Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas will more than meet your expectations. In my view, Avignon is an essential stop when visiting the region! Its nationally famous bridge and the Palais des Papes are absolute must-sees.
Numerous tours are also available to visit the town of Grasse and its perfume factories.
Its exceptional natural assets:
Blessed with a remarkable territory, the PACA region hides genuine natural wonders. There are plenty of options along the spiritual trail of the Provence Verte. The Sainte-Baume Sanctuary, also known as the Grotto of Mary Magdalene. Along with the Basilica of Mary Magdalene in Saint-Maximin. And finally the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Grâces in Cotignac. The region has also set up a Provence by bike scheme, letting you discover the area and its treasures along cycle paths. It runs notably through the Luberon Regional Nature Park via the Calavon greenway, or you can explore the Dentelles de Montmirail via the Venaissia route. The Saint-Roch peninsula and its Fort Carré will reward you with a magnificent viewpoint.
Canoeing in the Verdon Gorge is a must for discovering these natural wonders. And afterwards, we suggest losing yourself in the Camargue, that legendary nature park.
The hinterland behind Nice is no less impressive when it comes to landscapes and has nothing to envy of the coast! And for a hint of the American West, the region has something for you too: take the time to discover the Provençal Colorado and its sensational colours. Finally, we couldn't talk about this region's natural assets without mentioning those sublime calanques. They can be reached all along the coast and are especially renowned around Marseille and Cassis. I promise you, the climb isn't always easy, but trust me: arriving there will make you forget everything!
Its historic heritage:
Rich in history and heritage, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is home to many ancient remains, such as the very well-known Roman theatre of Orange and the ancient site of Puymin in Vaison-la-Romaine. The Cimiez site in Nice is also a notable spot for anyone keen on historic ruins.
But that's not all: you can also experience the region's history by visiting its many villages, still intact and perfectly preserved. Les Baux-de-Provence, set within the Alpilles Regional Nature Park, is exceptional. In the same vein, the village of Gordes, perched in the Provençal hills, is particularly delightful. In a different style but no less deserving, Martigues, a former fishing village, is nicknamed the Provençal Venice.
For art and painting enthusiasts, there's an organised trail just for you! The region is brimming with artworks and museums, such as the Picasso Museum in Antibes and the Mamac in Nice. Also take the time to visit the island of Porquerolles and the Fondation Carmignac.
The abbeys of the south, such as Boscodon Abbey near Lake Serre-Ponçon, Sénanque Abbey and Le Thoronet Abbey, are open to visitors and will share their stories with you.
Lastly, a number of islands can be visited and reached from the coast. We're thinking in particular of the Golden Isles: Porquerolles and Port-Cros, and the Lérins Islands. Of course, and as I always like to point out, the places and activities mentioned in this article are only a fraction of what the region has to offer. A personal selection of my own little favourites. I hope you enjoyed it and that you're thinking of visiting this region and drawing up your own list of favourites!
Your welcome book is a valuable guide: keep it up to date! See you soon ?
Frequently asked questions
What should I see in the PACA region if I only have a few days? The coast holds the best-known names, from Saint-Tropez to Nice and its Promenade des Anglais, with Marseille in between. If inland appeals more, Avignon is worth the trip for its bridge and its Palais des Papes, and Grasse offers guided tours of its perfume factories. Better to pick two or three areas than to attempt the whole region.
Are the calanques easy to reach? They can be reached all along the coast, and the most famous ones lie around Marseille and Cassis. The climb is not always easy, and it is better to know that before setting off. Arriving there makes you forget the way up.
Can you explore Provence by bike? Yes, the region has set up Provence à vélo, a network of cycle paths leading to its highlights. The Calavon greenway crosses the Luberon nature park, and the Venaissia route takes you to the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Which islands can you reach from the coast? The Îles d’Or, Porquerolles and Port-Cros, along with the Lérins islands, can all be visited from the shore. Porquerolles is also home to the Carmignac Foundation, so the crossing can be paired with a visit.
Where can you see Roman remains in the region? The ancient theatre of Orange is the best known, the Puymin site can be visited at Vaison-la-Romaine and the Cimiez site is in Nice. For another period, the southern abbeys are open too: Boscodon near Lake Serre-Ponçon, Sénanque and Le Thoronet.
Should I put all of these ideas in my welcome book? The places listed here are a personal selection, only a fraction of what the region offers. Build your own list, the one you genuinely recommend to your guests. And keep it up to date: a welcome book is only worth what it gets right.
Here is an overview of the main areas and attractions that the PACA region offers, organized by type of visit.
| Area | Iconic sites | Type of visit | Main feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean coast | Saint-Tropez, Nice, Marseille | Beaches and culture | Promenade des Anglais, Museum of Mediterranean cultures |
| Avignon and central Provence | Avignon Bridge, Papal Palace, Grasse | History and heritage | Perfume manufacturing plants |
| Natural landscapes | Verdon Gorges, Camargue, Calanques, Colorado Provençal | Outdoor activities | Canoeing, cycling and hiking |
| Hilltop and coastal villages | Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, Martigues, Cassis | Preserved heritage | Intact medieval architecture, former fishing village |
| Art and museums | Picasso Museum in Antibes, Mamac in Nice, Carmignac Foundation | Culture and painting | Modern and contemporary art collections |
| Religious and ancient heritage | Theatre in Orange, Vaison-la-Romaine, Cimiez, Boscodon Abbey, Sénanque and Thoronet | Ancient and spiritual history | Roman remains and preserved monasteries |
| Accessible islands | Porquerolles, Port-Cros, Lérins islands | Island exploration | Crossing from the coast, Carmignac Foundation in Porquerolles |
