With its lavender fields, hilltop villages, and Roman heritage, Provence also boasts a wealth of urban charm: cobblestone streets, shaded squares, ochre- and pink-hued facades, and colorful markets… In this article, we share our selection of the most beautiful towns in Provence. The selection process was very difficult, but this is our final list of recommendations to consider during your trip, along with a map to help you find your way and plan your itinerary.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The Most Beautiful Cities in Provence: Map, Selection, and Video
Provence offers a wonderful variety of towns where different architectural styles coexist.
If you only need to visit 4, to get an overview of the different styles:
- Avignon for its medieval architecture
- Arles, with its Roman heritage and Camargue culture
- Menton, for its Provençal atmosphere and blend with Italian style
- Antibes, between the sea and the mountains
Note: This article discusses cities to visit. If you’d like to discover the most beautiful villages in Provence, check out our article on the topic.
1. Antibes
Why visit? Our review
Antibes is one of our favorites on the Côte d’Azur. It’s rarely mentioned first, but we’re going to make an exception! It may be less famous and luxurious than its neighbors Nice and Cannes, but it offers the charm of history, beautiful stonework and breathtaking views.
It’s a pleasure to stroll through this human-sized commune, which offers magnificent Mediterranean landscapes, with ramparts, a rich heritage, sandy beaches and views of the sea and mountains.
Last but not least, it’s an ideal place to relax: numerous beaches, water sports and leisure parks. In Antibes, you’ll immediately feel like you’re on vacation!
Attractions in Antibes
- Walk on the ramparts and admire the statue of Le Nomade
- Explore the narrow streets of the old town
- Enjoy the many sandy beaches with unforgettable views
- Visit Fort Carré
- Learning at the Picasso Museum
- Hike along the coastal trail to Cap-d’Antibes and its impressive Garoupe Lighthouse!
- …
See our article on the best attractions in Antibes.
Practical advice
- Allow at least 2 days to admire all the must-sees.
- The old town is easy to explore on foot. A large underground parking lot provides direct access
- Buses and shuttles take you to Juan-les-Pins, the beaches, and Fort Carré
Where to stay and eat
We recommend..:
- Hotel la Villa Cap d’Antibes, charm and calm – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel La Villa Port d’Antibes & Spa in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
- Alexandra Hotel in Juan-les-Pins – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
2. Chin
Why visit? Our review
Menton is the most unique town on the Côte d’Azur. It’s a fascinating destination to explore. The old town of Menton, with its narrow streets and colorful facades, offers an immersion in the authenticity of the region.
The city is famous for its lush gardens, notably the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden, which amazed us. Menton is the ideal place to relax on its sunny beaches, stroll through its gardens and sample local specialties. The town harmoniously combines the Mediterranean art of living with a peaceful, sunny atmosphere. We were spellbound.
Attractions in Menton
- Plage des Sablettes in the heart of the city, overlooking the colorful old town
- The staircase leading to St. Michael’s Basilica
- The Jean Cocteau Museum
- The views from the cemetery at the old castle
- And the Lemon Festival, if you’re visiting (usually between mid-February and early March)
- The villages of Sainte-Agnès and Roquebrune
See our article on the best attractions in Menton.
Practical advice
- Allow a minimum of 3 days to explore the city’s highlights, but it’s also a great place to spend a week.
- There are several large pay parking lots in the city, which are very convenient for parking and exploring.
- Beware: the old town is very steep and not easy to explore.
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Charming London hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Villa Genesis, Belle-Époque – prices, pictures and availability
- Riva Art Hotel, facing the sea – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Avignon
Why visit? Our review
Avignon is a city that has left a deep impression on us with its exceptional heritage and lively atmosphere. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval city is dominated by the imposing Palace of the Popes, the largest Gothic palace in Europe. We felt as if we had been transported back in time as we walked along the perfectly preserved ramparts surrounding the old town.
What particularly appeals to us is the contrast between the majestic medieval architecture and the lively atmosphere of its squares and cafés. The famous Avignon Bridge, also known as the Saint-Bénézet Bridge, remains a powerful symbol of the city. Place de l’Horloge, the beating heart of Avignon, invites you to take a leisurely stroll around its shaded terraces.
Attractions in Avignon
- The Palace of the Popes, a true 14th-century papal fortress
- The medieval ramparts that surround the old town
- The Saint-Bénézet Bridge (Avignon Bridge) and its legendary arches
- Place de l’Horloge and its Provençal atmosphere
- The Rocher des Doms and its gardens, offering panoramic views
- The many Gothic churches and chapels
- The Halles Market: A Place to Discover Local Products
See all the attractions in Avignon.
Practical advice
- In northern Vaucluse, on the banks of the Rhône
- From Marseille: 100 km (1 hour by car)
- From Aix-en-Provence: 80 km (50 min by car)
- From Arles: 37 km (35 min by car)
- Plan to spend at least 2 days exploring the city
- The historic center is easy to explore on foot (with a few hills near the ramparts)
- There are several paid parking lots around the city walls where you can park your car
- The TGV station provides direct access from Paris (2 hours and 40 minutes)
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Le Chardonnay Hotel Boat, docked at the pier with a view of the Avignon Bridge— see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel de Cambis, a beautiful 4-star hotel near the train station— see prices, photos and availability
4. Arles
Why visit? Our review
Arles is a fascinating city where Roman heritage blends with modern art and Camargue traditions. We were amazed by the exceptional quality of its ancient monuments, which are among the best-preserved in France. The Roman amphitheaters, which are still used for shows and bullfights, bear witness to the grandeur of the ancient Roman colony.
The city has also left its mark on art history: Van Gogh created more than 300 works there during his stay. We especially appreciate the authentic atmosphere of its narrow streets lined with colorful facades. The Saturday morning market, one of the most beautiful in Provence, sets up its stalls along Boulevard des Lices in a quintessentially Provençal atmosphere.
Attractions in Arles
- The 1st-century Roman amphitheaters, impressive for how well they have been preserved
- Ancient Roman Theater
- The Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis that became a source of inspiration for Van Gogh and Gauguin
- Forum Square and its cafés, reminiscent of Van Gogh’s paintings
- The Saint-Trophime Cloister, a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art
- The Vincent van Gogh Foundation
- The banks of the Rhône for a peaceful stroll
- The Saturday morning market—a must-see
See our article on the best attractions in Arles.
Practical advice
- In southwestern Provence, at the gateway to the Camargue
- From Marseille: 90 km (1 hour by car)
- From Avignon: 37 km (35 min by car)
- From Aix-en-Provence: 75 km (50 min by car)
- Plan to spend at least 2 days exploring the city and its surroundings
- The historic center is easy to explore on foot (it’s flat)
- There are several paid parking lots providing access to the city center
- The perfect starting point for exploring the Camargue
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Jules César Hotel, a charming hotel housed in a former convent with a spa— see prices, photos and availability
- Maison Volver Hotel, with a terrace – see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel du Forum, in the Old Town— see prices, photos and availability
Learn more with our articles: Best Hotels in Arles (coming soon) – Best Restaurants in Arles
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5. Aix-en-Provence
Why visit? Our review
Aix-en-Provence is the epitome of Provençal elegance. We were captivated by its countless fountains, its 17th- and 18th-century mansions, and the refined atmosphere that permeates its streets. The famous Cours Mirabeau, lined with century-old plane trees and dotted with historic cafés, is the main thoroughfare of this vibrant university town.
What we particularly love is the Aix lifestyle that you can feel on every street corner. The old town features a maze of picturesque alleys lined with facades in warm colors. The daily markets, including the one at Place Richelme, offer a riot of colors and scents typical of Provence. Aix was also the birthplace of Paul Cézanne, whose artistic legacy still leaves its mark on the city.
Attractions in Aix-en-Provence
- The Cours Mirabeau, an iconic avenue lined with plane trees and fountains
- The Old Town and its cobblestone streets
- Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, which blends several architectural styles
- The many fountains scattered throughout the city
- Paul Cézanne’s studio, preserved exactly as he left it, is scheduled to reopen in July 2026
- The Mazarin neighborhood and its elegant mansions
- Daily Markets in Provence
- The Granet Museum for Art Lovers
- The Vasarely Foundation
- All of the city’s museums
See our article on the best attractions in Aix-en-Provence.
Practical advice
- In the center of the Bouches-du-Rhône department
- From Marseille: 30 km (30 min by car)
- From Avignon: 80 km (50 min by car)
- From Arles: 75 km (50 min by car)
- Plan to spend at least 2 days exploring the city and its surroundings
- The downtown area is easy to explore on foot (it’s relatively flat)
- Please note that parking can be difficult in the city center. Prioritize parking lots on the outskirts
- A vibrant college town all year round
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Le 28 Mansion: Authentic charm in this 17th-century building— see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel des Augustins, located in a former 15th-century convent— see prices, photos and availability
- Escaletto Hotel, a charming hotel across from the Sextius Thermal Baths— see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
6. Nice, the largest city on the French Riviera
Why visit? Our review
Nicknamed “Nissa la Bella” by its locals, Nice is an unmissable destination that has truly charmed us. Between its omnipresent nature in the city, its seafront, its captivating museums, its architectural gems and its thriving gastronomic scene, we had no time to get bored in this idyllic Côte d’Azur location.
But what charmed us most was the architecture and elegance of the city’s streets. Just look up and be amazed!
Attractions in Nice
- The seafront promenade (Promenade des Anglais)
- The old town with its Italian influence
- The ancient heritage
- Numerous museums, especially art museums
- The Views from the Castle Hill
- Belle-Epoque and Art-Déco architecture
- St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
- The Saint-François Tower
- …
See our article on Nice’s top attractions.
Practical advice
- Easy access by train and plane
- Plan for at least 3 days, but a week is ideal if you want to enjoy all the museums
- Nice is quite large and hilly, and it’s difficult to do everything on foot. But parking is difficult. We recommend city buses, hop-on-hop-off buses or Uber.
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Hotel Anantara, palace by the sea – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Apollinaire, elegant and bright – see prices, photos and availability
- Aparthotel AMMI, very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
7. Saint-Tropez
Why visit? Our review
Nestled on the Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez is a legendary town that combines glamour and authenticity. We were pleasantly surprised, as the town has managed to preserve a real Mediterranean charm (despite the huge yachts in the harbor that block the view of the colorful facades).
The old town remains on a human scale, where it’s a pleasure to stroll along the narrow streets. The Old Port, with its terrace cafés and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, is an iconic location.
But what struck us most was the surrounding peninsula, which has remained largely undeveloped. It’s the ideal place to recharge your batteries, with vineyards, impressive views and sandy beaches with azure waters.
Attractions in Saint-Tropez
- Stroll along the harbour and through the narrow streets of the old town
- Relax on a terrace to enjoy the atmosphere
- Explore the 16th-century citadel and visit the museums. Enjoy beautiful views over the bay.
- Discover the most beautiful beaches in the area, such as Pampelonne Beach and Escalet Beach
- Discover French popular culture at the Museum of the Gendarmerie and Cinema (with a focus on films starring Louis de Funès)
- Explore nearby villages such as Grimaud, Gassin, and Ramatuelle
See our article on the best attractions in Saint-Tropez.
Practical advice
- The town is quite small, so put your car down and explore on foot.
- Allow at least one day to explore the town center and citadel, but to enjoy the region and its beaches, it’s best to stay several days.
- The town is on a peninsula with few access roads. So there’s a lot of traffic in and out of town.
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Hotel Sezz, with its excellent restaurant – see prices, photos and availability
- Le Pré-de-la-mer Hotel: Peaceful and Charming – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Lou Pinet, right in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
8. Marseille, the region’s largest city
Why visit? Our review
Marseille, a Phocaean city founded 2,600 years ago, is a multifaceted city that captivates us with its authentic and cosmopolitan character. The Old Port is the historic heart of this vibrant Mediterranean city. We were charmed by the lively atmosphere of its waterfront, where fishermen, strollers, and bustling outdoor cafes all come together.
What particularly stands out to us is the diversity of atmospheres from one neighborhood to the next: from the picturesque Panier to the modern Euroméditerranée district. The Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica, perched on its hill, watches over the city and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the Frioul Islands. Marseille combines a rich historical heritage, a vibrant culture, hearty cuisine (the famous bouillabaisse), and close proximity to the rugged Calanques.
Attractions in Marseille
- The Old Port and its authentic atmosphere
- The Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica overlooking the city
- The Panier neighborhood, Marseille’s oldest neighborhood
- The MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations)
- The Major Cathedral, built in the Roman-Byzantine style
- Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint-Nicolas
- The calanques accessible from the city
- La Canebière, Marseille’s historic boulevard
- The fish market at the Old Port every morning
See our article on the best attractions in Marseille.
Practical advice
- In southern Provence, on the Mediterranean coast
- From Aix-en-Provence: 30 km (30 min by car)
- From Avignon: 100 km (1 hour by car)
- From Arles: 90 km (1 hour by car)
- Plan to spend at least 3 days exploring the city and its surroundings
- The city is sprawling and hilly. Combine walking, the subway, and the bus
- There are several paid parking lots in the city center. Prioritize public transportation
- Easy access by train and plane (international airport)
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Hotel C2, a 19th-century mansion— see prices, photos and availability
- InterContinental Marseille – Hôtel Dieu, a luxury hotel overlooking the Old Port – see prices, photos and availability
- Les Bords de mer Hotel – Fontenille Collection, Art Deco building – see prices, photos and availability
Learn more: Best Hotels – Best Restaurants (coming soon)
9. La Ciotat
Why visit? Our review
What a wonderful discovery! La Ciotat is a discreet town, but one that really knew how to enchant us. We appreciated its less touristy atmosphere, the charm of its port, dominated by an elegant church, its long golden sandy beaches and its calanques, all within easy walking distance!
What more could you ask for?
La Ciotat offers a peaceful atmosphere that we recommend if you’re looking for a bit more authenticity.
Attractions in La Ciotat
- Stroll along the harbour and admire the traditional boats
- Visitthe Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption with its beautiful stonework
- Swimming along the Plage des Lumières
- Take a 20-minute walk to reach the magnificent Figuerolles cove (pictured below) or the Mugel cove
- Take a drive to enjoy the scenery along the Route des Crêtes, which leads to Cassis
- Take a tour around Île-Verte off the coast of La Ciotat, with beautiful views of the coast
- Learn more about the shipyards.
See our article on the best attractions in La Ciotat.
Practical advice
- The town isn’t big, but it does lack parking. Put your car down and explore on foot
- Allow a day to discover the city, but a few days to soak up its atmosphere. If you’re looking for something a little less touristy on the Côte d’Azur, this town is still a little unspoilt.
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Best western hotel Premier vieux port where we loved swimming! – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel A Deux Pas de l’Eau, right next to the main beach – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
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10. Cassis
Why visit? Our review
Cassis is a small fishing town that has preserved its authentic charm despite its growing popularity. The iconic harbor is lined with lively cafés and seafood restaurants.
What we liked most was that Cassis combines the charm of a Mediterranean village with magnificent natural playgrounds: the calanques on one side and the Soubeyranes cliffs on the other.
The town is also famous for its white wine, Cassis, which you can taste in the surrounding vineyards.
Attractions in Cassis
- Wander around the port and through the narrow streets
- Hop on a boat to tour the most beautiful calanques
- Hike along the Port-Miou cove toward the Port-Pin cove and, if you’re up for it, the En-Vau cove
- Enjoy the beaches in the city center with a view of the Soubeyranes Cliffs
- Take a drive to enjoy the scenery along the Route des Crêtes, which leads to La Ciotat
See our article on the best attractions in Cassis.
Practical advice
- Be careful, there are always lots of tourists! The parking lots fill up fast. Arrive early.
- Plan a day to explore the center and take a boat tour of the calanques. But there’s also plenty to keep you busy over several days
- The hikes to the calanques are quite slippery, so wear good shoes.
Where to stay and eat
We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches, luxury in front of the cliffs – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Eden, in the center of town – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel HPC Suites, for longer stays – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
11. Sisteron
Why visit? Our review
Sisteron is a spectacular little town nestled in an exceptional natural setting. We were captivated by its strategic location, at the confluence of the Durance and Buëch rivers, framed by impressive limestone cliffs. The citadel, perched on its rock, majestically overlooks the town and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpes de Haute-Provence.
Known as the “Gateway to Provence,” Sisteron marks the transition between the Alps and Provence. We love the authenticity of its historic center, with its narrow, steep streets lined with tall houses featuring colorful facades. The town retains the atmosphere of a quiet Provençal village, far from the tourist hustle and bustle of the region’s larger cities.
Attractions in Sisteron
- The citadel, a fortified complex combining medieval ruins, 16th-century ramparts, and elements from the Vauban era
- The Notre-Dame-des-Pommiers Cathedral, built in the Provençal Romanesque style
- The medieval towers and gates of the old town
- The Rocher de la Baume, an impressive geological formation
- The steep alleys of the historic center
- The banks of the Durance for a refreshing stroll
- Les Nuits de la Citadelle in the Summer (theater and music festival)
See our article on the best attractions in Sisteron.
Practical advice
- In northeastern Provence, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
- From Aix-en-Provence: 135 km (1 hour 30 minutes by car)
- From Avignon: 165 km (2 hours by car)
- From Marseille: 160 km (1 hour 45 minutes by car)
- Set aside a day to explore the city
- Please be aware that the historic district is very steep and rugged. Bring good shoes
- Several parking lots below the citadel
- Ideal as a stopover between Provence and the Alps
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Le Grand Hôtel du Cours, a comfortable hotel in the city center— see prices, photos and availability
- Le Tivoli Théopolis Hotel, near the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
12. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Why visit? Our review
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a small, elegant town that perfectly embodies the charm of authentic Provence. We were charmed by the peaceful atmosphere of its shaded squares, lined with century-old plane trees, where it’s a pleasure to sit on a terrace. The historic center, dotted with murmuring fountains and flower-lined alleyways, invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll in a relaxed atmosphere.
The city is closely linked to Vincent van Gogh, who lived there for a year and produced nearly 150 major works while he was there. We also appreciate the site’s immediate proximity to the archaeological site of Glanum, a remarkably well-preserved ancient city, and to the Roman monuments that bear witness to the region’s rich past. Saint-Rémy harmoniously blends cultural heritage, the Provençal way of life, and the surrounding landscapes of the Alpilles.
Attractions in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
- The archaeological site of Glanum, an exceptional Gallo-Roman city
- Les Antiques: A perfectly preserved Roman triumphal arch and mausoleum
- The Saint-Paul-de-Mausole Monastery, where Van Gogh was treated
- The historic center and its fountains
- The 19th-century Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
- The Estrine Museum, dedicated to modern and contemporary art
- Provençal markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings
- Hiking Trails in the Alpilles
See our article on the best attractions in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
Practical advice
- In the heart of the Alpilles, in the Bouches-du-Rhône
- From Avignon: 20 km (25 min by car)
- From Arles: 25 km (25 min by car)
- From Aix-en-Provence: 70 km (50 min by car)
- Plan to spend at least 2 days exploring the city and the Alpilles
- The downtown area is easy to explore on foot (it’s flat)
- There are several free and paid parking lots around the center
- The perfect base for exploring the villages of the Alpilles
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Sous les Figuiers Hotel, surrounded by century-old fig trees— see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel de Tourrel, an elegant 18th-century mansion— see prices, photos and availability
- Hôtel Gounod: Provençal charm in the city center with a pool— see prices, photos and availability
- Le Vallon de Valrugues Hotel & Spa, a luxury hotel— see prices, photos and availability
13. Orange
Why visit? Our review
Orange is a city that impressed us with the exceptional quality of its Roman ruins, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient theater, with its perfectly preserved monumental stage wall, is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in Europe. We were struck by the imposing size of this 1st-century structure, which still hosts performances today as part of the famous Chorégies d’Orange.
Beyond its Roman heritage, we enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the historic center. The old town features narrow alleys, colorful facades, and several pleasant squares where it’s nice to take a break. Orange’s location, as the gateway to the Vaucluse, also makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding Provence region.
Attractions in Orange
- The ancient Roman theater, the best-preserved in Europe
- The Roman triumphal arch, a remarkable relic from the early 1st century
- The Orange Museum of Art and History
- Saint-Eutrope Hill for panoramic views of the city
- The Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth Cathedral, built in the Provençal Romanesque style
- The historic center and its Provençal alleyways
- The Chorégies d’Orange, a renowned summer opera festival
- The Parc de la Colline and Its Ruins
See our article on the best attractions in Orange (coming soon)
Practical advice
- In northern Vaucluse, in the Rhône Valley
- From Avignon: 30 km (30 min by car)
- From Aix-en-Provence: 110 km (1 hour and 15 minutes by car)
- From Marseille: 130 km (1 hour 20 minutes by car)
- Set aside a day to explore the city
- The downtown area is easy to explore on foot (it’s relatively flat)
- There are several free and paid parking lots around the ancient theater
- If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to make reservations for the Chorégies
Where to stay
We recommend..:
- Grand Hotel, an 18th-century residence with a spa— see prices, photos and availability
14. Cannes
Why visit? Our review
Cannes is one of the best-known cities on the Côte d’Azur. We were seduced by its golden sandy beaches, its special relationship with cinema, its museums and its famous Croisette promenade.
You probably know the city from the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. Does this event, which draws big-name movie stars to walk the red carpet, make you dream?
Beyond the movies, we enjoyed exploring the old town (especially the Le Suquet neighborhood, perched on a hill) and the Lérins Islands across the water.
Attractions in Cannes
- Stroll through the Suquet district and admire the views
- Visit the Museum of World Exploration and climb to the top of the tower for the best views
- Feeling like a star on the red carpet steps
- Find the fingerprints of your favorite actors
- Take the boat to Île Marguerite for a soak in nature and visit the famous Museum of the Man in the Iron Mask.
- Or chooseSaint-Honorat Island and its abbey
- Stroll along the seafront on La Croisette
- The nearby village of Mougins
See our article on the best attractions in Cannes.
Practical advice
- Allow one day to visit the city’s main sights or several days to visit the islands and surrounding area.
- The center is easy to explore, but the Le Suquet district is steep.
- Don’t try to drive once you’re in the city center, just park your car in one of the parking lots.
Where to stay and eat
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel with its huge rooms and rooftop pool – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial downtown – prices, pictures and availability
- Hôtel Le Suquet, where some rooms have a terrace with a view – see prices, photos and availability
Find out more with our articles: Best hotels – Best restaurants
15. Nîmes (in terms of travel, not official geography)
Nîmes deserves a special mention in this article. Although this magnificent city is geographically very close to Provence, it is administratively located in the Gard department, in the Occitanie region. Nîmes boasts an exceptional Roman heritage, including the famous arena, the Maison Carrée, and the Magne Tower.
If you’re in the area, we highly recommend visiting Nîmes for its remarkably well-preserved ancient monuments, its lively historic center, and its Jardins de la Fontaine. The town is only 45 km from Avignon and 30 km from Arles, making it easy to include it in an itinerary for exploring the south of France.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
