The beautiful PACA region

We’re back for the 6th leg of our Régiontrip! Head for the south-east of France with the Paca region!
A popular destination during the summer months, this region is rich in scenery and activities.

Known to all, the French Riviera is the stuff of dreams, and for good reason, home to such legendary towns as Saint-Tropez, Nice and the Promenade des Anglais, and Marseille. Between sandy beaches and activities, these towns all have their own charms.

We recommend a visit to the Museum de Marseille, the first museum dedicated to Mediterranean cultures. For those looking for a walk through history, the Fort de Saint-Jean and the Fort de Saint-Nicolas will meet your expectations.

In my opinion, Avignon is a must-see when visiting the region! Its nationally famous bridge and the Palais des papes are a must-see.
Many tours are also available to visit the town of Grasse and its perfume factories.

The PACA region boasts a wealth of natural wonders. Numerous spiritual itineraries in green Provence. Sanctuaire de la Sainte Baume or Grotte de Sainte Marie Madeleine. Also includes the Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine in Saint Maximin. Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de Grâce de Cotignac. The region has also set up a ” Provence à vélo” system enabling you to discover the region and its treasures on cycle paths. It crosses the Luberon natural park via the Cavalon greenway, and takes in the Dentelles de Montmirailvia the Venaissia route.

The Saint-Roch peninsula and its Fort Carré offer a magnificent viewpoint.
Canoeing in the Gorges du Verdon is a must for discovering these natural wonders. And after that, we recommend getting lost in the Camargue, this mythical natural park.
Nice’s hinterland is no slouch when it comes to scenery, and has nothing to envy the coast! And for a taste of the great American West, the region also has something for you: take the time to discover the Colorado Provençal and its sensational colors.

Finally, we couldn’t talk about the region’s natural resources without mentioning its sublime calanques. They can be found all along the coast, and are particularly popular around Marseille and Cassis. I assure you, the climb isn’t always easy, but trust me, when you get there you’ll forget all about it!

With its rich history and heritage, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is home to numerous relics, such as the famous ancient theater of Orange and the ancient site of Puymin in Vaison-la-Romaine. Nice’s Cimiez site is also a popular spot for those interested in historical relics.
But that’s not all: you can discover the region’s history by visiting its many perfectly preserved villages. Les Baux de Provence, in the heart of the Alpilles nature park, is an exceptional example. In the same spirit, the village of Gordes perched in the mountains of Provence is particularly pleasant.

In another spirit, but no less deserving, Martigues, a former fishing village, is nicknamed the Venice of Provence.
For art and painting enthusiasts, there’s a tour organized just for you! The region abounds in artworks and museums. Like the Musée Picasso in Antibes or the Mamac in Nice. Take the time to visit the island of Porquerolles and the Fondation Carmignac.
Southern abbeys such as Abbaye de Boscodon near Lac de Serre-Ponçon, and Abbaye de Sénanque and Abbaye du Thoronet, for example, can be visited and their stories told.
Finally, many islands can be visited and accessed from the coast. The golden islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros come to mind, as do the Lérins Islands.

Of course, as I like to point out, the places and activities mentioned in this article are only part of what the region has to offer. A personal choice of my little preferences. I hope this has been of interest to you and that you will consider visiting this region and making your own list of preferences!
Your booklet is a valuable guide – keep it up to date! See you soon 😊