PROVENCE-ALPES-COTE D'AZUR : map, cities and data of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - France Hotel Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Le Coin Fleuri Le Coin Fleuri is located in the town centre of Digne-Les-Bains. Its restaurant serves traditional and local cuisine in the dining room or on its shaded terrace. Free Wi-Fi internet acce... Rate : from 55.00 € to 85.00 € Address : 9 Bd Victor Hugo 04000 Digne-les-Bains Hotel Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Le Petit Saint Jean Le Petit Saint Jean offers pet-friendly accommodation in Digne-les-Bains. Pra-Loup is 42 km from the property. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. The accommodation comes with ... Price : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Contact : 14, cours de Ares 04000 Digne-les-Bains Hotel Hautes-Alpes T2 Vintage centre ville avec parking T2 Climatisé Vintage Beau Soleil offers accommodation in Gap.

The air-conditioned apartment is 47 km from Pra-Loup. Free WiFi is available . The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, a... Prices : from 132.00 € to 132.00 € Contact : 8 rue Grenette 05000 Gap Hotel Hautes-Alpes T2 à Gap Set in Gap, this apartment features a balcony. The property boasts views of the city is 47 km from Pra-Loup. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property. The kitchen features an oven an... Rate : from 69.00 € to 89.00 € Contact : 2e étage 16 rue saint antoine 05000 Gap Hotel Alpes-Maritimes Joli Studio en centre ville Set 1.4 km from MAMAC in Nice, this apartment features a balcony with city views. The apartment is 3.6 km from Ancient Fort of Mont Boron. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. ...

Price : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Address : Les Guesclins 12 Rue Trachel 06000 Nice Hotel Alpes-Maritimes Trachel apartment Situated 1.3 km from MAMAC in Nice, this apartment features a balcony. The unit is 3.5 km from Ancient Fort of Mont Boron. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. The kitchen has ... Prices : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Contact : 2ème étage 7 rue trachel 06000 Nice Hotel Bouches-du-Rhône Kyriad Marseille Blancarde - Timone Kyriad Marseille Blancarde - Timone offers accommodation in Marseille. It features a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar. The property is 4 km from the Old Port of Marseille. Free W...

Rate : from 74.00 € to 104.00 € Contact : 2-4 Rue Emile Duclaux 13004 Marseille Hotel Bouches-du-Rhône Adamo Situated 3 km from Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, this air-conditioned apartment features free WiFi and a balcony. Adamo features views of the city and is 3.1 km from Palais du Pharo. T... Price : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Contact : 2 éme étage 171 Rue Horace BERTIN 13005 Marseille Hotel Var Toulon Apartment Set in Toulon, Toulon Apartment offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi. The apartment is 200 metres from Zénith Oméga Toulon. There is a dining area and a kitchen complete w...

Prices : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Address : 3E ETAGE 452 Boulevard de Tessé 83000 Toulon Hotel Var Le Jardin De Tesse Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Le Jardin De Tesse is situated in Toulon, 200 metres from Zénith Oméga Toulon. This B&B offers two guest rooms and access to a shared garden... Rate : from 60.00 € to 65.00 € Contact : 452 Boulevard De Tesse 83000 Toulon Hotel Vaucluse Maison Mademoiselle Avignon Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Maison Mademoiselle Avignon is located in Avignon, 700 metres from Papal Palace. Pont d'Avignon is 900 metres away. All units include a flat-scr... Price : from 0.00 € to 0.00 € Contact : rue de la masse 84000 Avignon Hotel Vaucluse La Masse La Masse offers accommodation in Avignon, 700 metres from Papal Palace.

The apartment is 900 metres from Pont d'Avignon. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The kitchen has a... Prices : from 60.00 € to 160.00 € Contact : 19 Rue De La Masse 84000 Avignon Map of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur | region, France | Britannica.com Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur region, France Alternative Title: Provence-Côte d’Azur Related Topics Hyères Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur, formerly Provence–Côte d’Azur, région of France encompassing the southeastern départements of Alpes-Maritimes, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Vaucluse. Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur is bounded by the régions of Languedoc-Roussillon to the west and Rhône-Alpes to the north. Other boundaries include Italy to the east and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

The région is nearly coextensive with the historic region of Provence . The capital is Marseille . The Serre-Ponçon reservoir in the Hautes-Alpes … Hubertus Kanus/Shostal Associates Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur région, France. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The southern flank of the Alps dominates the région and rises abruptly from the eastern coast, which is the Côte d’Azur . The plains of Comtat, Crau, and Camargue lie to the west and are drained by the lower Rhône River . Other principal rivers include the Durance, Var, and Verdon. A Mediterranean climate prevails along the coast, but in winter the cold, dry northerly wind known as the mistral may bring sudden cold spells to a significant portion of the région. Annual precipitation approaches the national average but varies sharply from year to year. Provence–Alpes–Côte d’Azur is one of the most demographically dynamic régions of France. In the 1990s all of the région’s départements gained population through both migrational and natural increase, with the exception of Alpes-Maritimes, where there were fewer births than deaths.

Aging of the population occurred as a result of the growing number of retired persons who settled in the région. Immigrants came from a variety of Mediterranean countries as well as other French régions, notably Île-de-France . Population is highly concentrated along the coastal fringe and in the lower Rhône valley. The area is highly urbanized, with approximately 90 percent of the population living in towns. The Fontaine de la Rotonde in the Place de la Liberation off the cours Mirabeau, Aix-en-Provence, … © NANCY/Fotolia Aquitaine Agriculture is of limited importance in the economy but has become increasingly specialized, with irrigation playing a major role. The focus is on the production of fruits, vegetables, and wines. Fruits and vegetables are intensively cultivated especially in the Comtat-Venaissin to the east of Avignon , as well as in the major river valleys such as the Durance. Vineyards cover many of the hillsides of Var and Alpes-Maritimes. The vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône in Vaucluse are renowned for such wines as Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Rice is grown in the marshy delta below Arles , known as the Camargue . Flower crops, including lavender, roses, and jasmine, are also significant and are used by the perfume-manufacturing industry centred in Grasse . The raising of sheep and dairy cattle has become less important. Fields of lavender in Provence, France. © Digital Vision/Getty Images Antibes, France. © Arthur R./Fotolia The région has never been heavily industrialized. Traditionally, industry was associated mainly with processing imported raw materials and energy products, shipbuilding, processing agricultural products, and supplying the needs of the agricultural sector by manufacturing such goods as farm machinery and chemicals. However, in the 1970s heavy industry developed at the port and industrial complex of Fos (to the west of Marseille), while high-technology firms and research-related activities were attracted to the Sophia-Antipolis science complex located near Nice . Since then an increasing number of high-tech companies that focus on microelectronics, information technology, and telecommunications have become established in the région.

The majority of employment is in the service sector, partly reflecting the importance of tourism , which is concentrated in the coastal belt to the east of Marseille, especially along the Côte d’Azur. The fashionable and picturesque resort towns of Le Lavandou, Saint-Tropez, Sainte-Maxime, and Saint-Raphaël are dotted along the coast west of Cannes . The French Riviera extends from Cannes in the west to the Italian frontier in the east and is the site of such renowned resorts as Nice, Menton , Antibes , Monte-Carlo , and Juan-les-Pins. The growth of tourism has resulted in the proliferation of second homes, new hotels, marinas, and other visitor facilities, contributing further to the built-up character of the coast. Tourist activities are not restricted to the coastal zone, however, and inland sites are increasing in popularity, particularly the Ecrins and Mercantour national parks. The Alpine region contains a number of winter resorts, such as those near Briançon . The Mediterranean-washed pebble beach at Nice on the French Riviera.

© Nedra Westwater/Black Star Regions of France | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region of France Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Description A Trendy Location In the extreme south-east part of France, stretching from the southern Alps to the French Riviera and adjacent to Italy and Monaco to the east, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a land of many contrasts. Second home owners along the coast include the fast car and yacht-loving ex-film stars, over-tanned wannabees and wealthy casino-addicted pensioners from all over Europe. Most of these visitors live in white modern villas with pools or apartment blocks clustered about resorts like St Tropez, Cannes, and St Raphäel. Further inland, the rugged Provençal scenery is also very appreciated. Don't go searching for a wreck around here as properties have all been renovated years ago, not long after the publication of that Peter Mayle book! Gorgeous Surroundings It is not difficult to see why so many people want to live in this region. The climate and quality of life are among the best in France. The landscape of inland Provence is alluring with stunning rock formations and rich coloured dazzling soils.

(Don't visit the village of Roussillon in flip-flops, as the bright red soil will stain your feet and ankles for days!) Between the rugged hills and mountains, there are deep gorges, fertile valleys filled with carpets of lavender, almond groves and ancient olive trees and vines. You can everywhere smell the pleasant aromas of wild herbs such as lemon verbena, rosemary, thyme, or basil. This land smells so sweet that it is no wonder that perfume is a big local industry. Outstanding Landscapes On the Cote d'Azur, February is a particularly lovely time when the mimosa vibrantly blossoms and in summer it is a real heaven to sit beneath the shade of an umbrella pine and watch the blue water sparkle. It is easy to understand why the dazzling light of this area attracted so many artists such as Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and Cocteau. If you want to get away from the 'playground of the rich and famous' you can visit the Camargue in the west; which is an important national park with lagoons, wild white ponies and pink flamingos.

A Touristy Area As it is much sought-after, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is one of the most expensive French regions and property prices are very high. Parts of the area, especially near the coast, are highly populated. It is such a popular tourist destination (especially with northern Europeans), that in summer beaches are packed, however less crowded 'wild' beaches are to be found. The pretty fortified hill-top villages are full with visitors following the arrows of the sightseeing tours. These pretty villages are ideal to visit with shops selling all sorts of gifts, postcards, pottery and pot pourris gifts. A Diversified and Thriving Economy Average salaries are the second highest of France, just after Ile-de-France. With 7.6% of the country's population (including a substantial number of retired persons), the region contributes to 6.8% of France's GDP. Marseille, the region's capital hosts hundreds of companies operating in diverse sectors: logistics (mainly in Vitrolles), computing, business services (Aix-en-Provence), and industry (Aubagne).

The cities of Nice and Cannes embody the Riviera culture while Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are cities of culture and academic excellence. Agriculturally, Provence produces three-quarters of France's rice, almost two-thirds of the country's olives, and half of its eating grapes. Apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries and pears are also widely cultivated, as well as cut flowers (43% of France's roses and 63% of its carnations are grown here). Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur | The real French foods The real French foods Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is an administrative region of southeastern France. It is often referred to by the acronym PACA. It is bordered by Italy, separated by the Southern Alps. To the north it borders with the Rhône-Alpes region and the west with the Languedoc-Roussillon which marks the boundary by the Rhône river. The PACA region is bordered to the south by the Mediterranean Sea.

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has six departments, from the provinces of the old regime of Provence and the Dauphiné. A part of Vaucluse was added, after the annexation of Comtat Venaissain during the revolutionary period, and the left bank of the Var in the Alpes-Maritimes that was the County of Nice, attached to France in 1860 during the Second Empire (County of Nice was a old part of the duchy of Provence until 1388, until the dédition of Nice to Savoy). This is the third region that produces more the wealth in France. Provence, between Camargue and the Bay of Saint-Tropez, delights us with Ubaye canyons, the Gorges du Verdon and large fields of lavender around Valensole. Marseille has exuberant rivals, the quiet Luberon or the Papal city, a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The Hautes Alpes lead us to the Barre des Ecrins and the borders of the Italian Alps, the Côte d’Azur allows us to mix the Mercantour wild deer or the underwater fauna of the beautiful Blue Sea.

The “PACA” gourmet is found in the scents and flavors to enjoy in the shade of olive trees, sheltered from the Mistral or the Tramontana. Everything feels good in this region: the wormwood which is actually a great liquor, fruits and vegetables on the colorful market stalls, herbs like thyme, rosemary, garlic which embellish the specialties of Camargue, bull or merino sheep. In the land of Auguste Escoffier, “King of Chefs and Chef of Kings,” creator of the Peach Melba, let us try the anchovy paste. Marseille and its old port offers its bouillabaisse while in Gap we acclaim the fresh pasta gratin with spinach and country cheese. At the peak of the heat, salad nicoise refresh us, lest we forget the sweet treats of the favorite Madame de Sevigne. Provencal markets, often traditional markets – some dating back to the Middle Ages – occur in all department of the region.

Occupying space and alleys, they allow local and tourists to discover the place and provide for tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, green and black olives, onions, garlic, apricots, peaches, figs, grapes, truffles, etc.. After the fruit and vegetable production, artisans present through the stalls colorful fabrics, including tablecloths, napkins, placemats and bedspreads, cushions, quilts and fabric by the meter. The tableware is always present with local artisans that offer pottery and Provençal pottery in the form of plates, dishes, bowls, jugs, cruet, salt, pepper, etc.. This is a milestone in the life of the town or village that looks like a celebration of local identity, a collective ceremony, each of them is both actor and spectator, a meeting place where everyone is treated on an equal footing and where no one is excluded. Two principles govern this type of market, the price of goods is secondary and everything should remind us of fun and entertainment Le Bistrot is committed to providing services that no longer existed in the village, bread, tobacco, newspapers, grocery store, etc.. Its external customers are also provided with tourist information: flyers, postcards, etc..

Its main objective is the promotion of local products, which requires it to hold at least three times a year, festive and cultural events on this topic. When Bistrots provides a complete menu in the establishment, it must offer on tyhe menu a maximum of local produce and regional recipes. Otherwise, it provides at least a snack at any time, based also on local products. As part of the Mediterranean region, and close to the Italy basin to which the County of Nice was even once attached, the region is marked by the influences of the Mediterranean cooking: use of olive oil, olives, as in tapenade, garlic, herbs (thyme, rosemary, thyme, sage, etc..). Vegetable consumption is important: eggplant, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, etc.. In the south and center of this region, lamb and mutton are widely used (both for meat and for sheep milk), as are the products of the sea. In the North and the Alps, the cooking is richer, with an abundance of meats and cheeses. The thirteen desserts after the “big dinner” of Christmas are part of the Provencal Christmas tradition, ancient tradition when it comes to desserts and young regarding the number thirteen.

In Marseille, from the seventeenth century, fresh fruits, dried fruits and pumps “feast people the last two days” before Christmas. In the 1820s, in the Bouches-du-Rhone, the “big dinner” Christmas ended with a “more or less splendid according to the families, consisting of cakes, dried fruits, jams, biscuits and sweets “chestnuts and pompes. Before the twentieth century, there apparently is no proof of an association of Christmas desserts with the number thirteen. Frédéric Mistral, meanwhile, does not mention the number thirteen, but evokes the exquisite treats of Christmas Eve. In 1885, a columnist notes: “The big dinner is no more than a legend.” In the early twentieth century, as a result of Mistral and its Félibrige, nostalgia for Christmases is fashionable in Provence. In 1925, in a special Christmas issue of the newspaper La Pignato, an Aubagne writer, Dr. Joseph Fallen, writes about desserts: “It takes thirteen, yes thirteen, more if you want, but not less, our Lord and his apostles! “.

The following year, the novelist Marie Gasquet wrote in Provencal of a childhood at Christmas “there must be thirteen desserts, thirteen candy dishes, twelve gracing the country’s products, from the garden, the more beautiful is the thirteenth filled with dates “. In the early 1930s, the Museum of the Terroir in Marseille devotes a room for a Christmas dinner, the tradition begins. All the southern departments of the region are producing truffles. Vaucluse is in France leading producer of Tuber melanosporum. Its market is outsized because it is the only production to evade inspectors tax administration, no transaction being paid by check. In season, this is the market of Carpentras, one of the largest in the region, which sets prices. Since the end of November 2008, it is held every Friday in the courtyard of the Hôtel-Dieu. It is at the market of Richerenches, Enclave of the Popes, that is traded every Saturday almost a third of the national production. The rabassiers (truffle gatherers) will say to justify the price that the “black diamond” comes from the rains of the two Virgins.

The abundant rainfall should be between the Assumption (15 August) and the Nativity of Our Lady (September 8). This is far from being false because experts have verified that a good year depends on both a summer of strong sunshine followed by rain between mid-August and mid-September. The truffle is harvested between 500 and 1000 meters. Preferring calcareous soils, it is still growing in symbiosis with white or green oak, ash and hornbeam. It is said that the finest grow in the shade of the lime. The truffles come in the preparation of many dishes. They are inserted into parts of meat, poultry, foie gras pâté, pies or terrine. They also mingled with some stuffings or sauces or pasta (gnocchi Truffle) or bouchees a la reine. Whole, they can be baked in the ashes, braised in wine, be the sole component of a stew, or, sliced, stewed in cream. Truffles are also used in recipes containing eggs, in two ways. One is to sprinkle small clippings over an omelette.

The other is to enclose fresh eggs with a piece of truffle placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eggs quickly take the scent of truffle, without having to use them. Pastis (the Provençal Occitan Pastis block or mixture) is the name given to alcoholic beverages flavored with anise. It is the result of the maceration of several plants: fennel and licorice. Fennel has been replaced by the Chinese star anise which are much richer in anethole. It is drunk as an aperitif, supplemented with water. It is usually added five to seven volumes of fresh water to a volume of pastis. But everyone is free to drink more or less “thick”, depending on your tastes and the outside temperature. When the mixture is done by pouring water, a rather transparent amber color with a slightly milky cloudy yellow occurs. This cloudy effect results from the precipitation of anethole, slightly soluble in water, and if you wait a few hours, the precipitate disappears. This phenomenon also appears in the refrigeration of pure pastis (we say that the pastis “paille”).

The herbs de Provence are a set of fresh or dried herbs originate in the Mediterranean regions and historically from Provence. You should know that the term “Herbes de Provence” is a generic term and that 95% of the mixtures come from the Central and Eastern European countries (Poland and Albania in the lead), North Africa and China. This term includes different varieties of plants like thyme, thyme, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, basil, chervil, tarragon, lovage, savory, sage, bay laurel and fennel. Some of these plants enter in the composition of the bouquet garni. These plants have long been subject only to a gathering in the wild. This practice has become obsolete and are now increasingly cultivated. Beside the production of family-type herbs growing in the garden or in pots on balconies, this organized production represents half the market. The entire regional harvest, mainly concentrated in Haute Provence, is absorbed by the production plants that market herbs or dried or vacuum-frozen. There are no figures for the market of fresh herbs but their massive presence on the markets of Provence, Nice and Comtadins ensured the reputation of those.

They are accompanying grilled meats, sauces, stews, roasts, fish, pasta and tomato dishes. Olive oil of Provence has several soils classified Designation of Origin (PDO). Like all other olives from the periphery of the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean climate, it is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean cooking (or Cretan diet and the main source of omega -9). Organoleptic characteristics vary depending on the soil and agronomic practices, variety (or cultivar), and stage of maturity at harvest. It can be used both raw (in salad dressings or in place of butter in the pasta, for example) or cooked (for cooking meat or vegetables or frying). This oil has beneficial health properties, including the cardiovascular level, thanks to its vitamin A, vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids. The benefits related to vitamins are especially observed in cold oil consumption, as in salads, as vitamins are destroyed beyond 40 ° C. Compared to other unsaturated fatty acids, olive oil is fairly stable during cooking and stores in this case its beneficial effects on cholesterol. With few exceptions, all the local wines are red, rose and white.

Depending on their colour, they can traditionally accompany red or white meats, game or venison, freshwater fish or seafood, all Provencal cuisine, and even desserts with natural sweet wines of the Vaucluse department . Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region | Expats Radio Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE d'AZUR Are you like me dreaming of living in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region? If not, you may well be after reading more about it. Where is the Provence Alpes Côte d Azur region? In the far south-east corner of France, bordering Italy in the east, you come to one of France's most exclusive areas, the Provence Alpes Cote A Zur. Northwards lies the Rhône Alpes region and to the west Languedoc Roussillon. There are 6 departments: Alpes de Haute Provence (4), Alpes Maritimes (6), Bouches du Rhône (13), Hautes Alpes (5), Var (83) and Vaucluse (84).

The capital is Marseille, an ancient port (founded 600 BC) on the Mediterranean with a real cosmopolitan atmosphere. This fascinating city has numerous historic buildings and churches and many famous writers and painters have lived here. Zinédine Zidane's city of birth boasts good sports facilities as well as interesting museums and galleries. Its location has meant that millions of immigrants have entered France through this port and many have remained here. In the last few decades it has seen a lot of economic development but unemployment is high. The fishing industry still plays an important role. What is there in the Provence Alpes Cote A Zur region? When you mention the Côte d'Azur , also known as the French Riviera, it conjures up images of luxury yachts and beautiful people but the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region has so much more to offer than only great beaches and fashionable resorts such as St Tropez, Juan les Pins and Cannes with its world famous Cannes Film Festival .

The varied and beautiful scenery from the rolling hills of the Provence to the Camargue with its wild horses and flamingos – just leave me here, please - the fields of lavender and endless vineyards, the mountains and rivers, the spectacular canyons and lakes. It is not surprising that this region with its national parks and nature reserves is favoured by many and we have not even touched on its markets, festivals, exhibitions, concerts etc. Apart from Marseille there are other places worth mentioning such as Avignon, with its impressive Palais de Papes which was once the residence of the Popes, and let's not forget the famous 'pont d’Avignon'– go on sing it, I know you want to - beautiful Aix-en-Provence with its spa and so much more. Orange, Nice and its carnaval, Grasse so well known for its perfume industry and Arles, nowadays associated with the great and much misunderstood Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, The landscape as well as the wonderful clear light has attracted painters to this region. Needless to say both in summer and winter there is lots to do in the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur region.

Obviously watersports – on the sea and also on rivers like the Verdon - but also paragliding, hang-gliding, fishing, walking, rock climbing and in winter the ski areas such as Pra-Loup, Foux d'Allos and Chabanon are in demand. This region is not just a big playground though, it is said to be France's second most important economic region. Just under 5 million people live here but some departments are more densely populated than others. Climate of the Provence Alpes Cote A Zur region: The lovely warm climate plays a big part in this region's popularity. The sun shines often and the summers are long and warm/hot with very little rain. Just to show you that you can’t have it all, the Provence is prone to forest fires. It is estimated that on average some 15,000 hectares of forest are destroyed by roughly 3000 fires a year. The winters are mild but watch out for the mistral, a strong cold wind that blows for 3 to 9 days at a time mostly in winter and spring.

Am I convincing anybody not to move to la Cote d Azur or Provence because of the mistral and forest fires, horrendous though they are? No, I didn’t think so. Property in Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur: You will have to dig deeper into your pockets than almost anywhere else in France to acquire a property in this region. Despite this, many foreigners are attracted to the area – there is one touching these keys! Do keep an eye on our property pages where you may well spot a place that ticks most if not all of your boxes. And if you should decide to buy a property that you have found on Expatsradio you may qualify for a special 5% discount on agency fees! As you should know by now, we are here to help you in any way we can. Food and wine in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur: This is the land of garlic, herbs, olives, lavender honey, truffles, goats’ cheese, mountain ham and fine wines, a land where local produce is used to create superb dishes. Why is it that my legs go in the direction of the fridge whenever I come to writing the food and wine sections? Have some control, woman!

There is a noticeable Italian influence, hardly surprising so close to Italy, or even a Mediterranean influence with the hot spices and fish features heavily on the menu, in soup – bouillabaisse - or grilled/baked with fresh herbs. You will taste the difference from e.g. the area around Nice to the Alpine cuisine. Amongst the many fine wines of the Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur are rosé wines. Among the famous people associated with this region are : the painter Cézanne who was born and died in Aix-en-Provence, a place where Émile Zola spent his childhood, Renoir and Van Gogh both painted in this region, Picasso lived and worked here for quite some time, as did Albert Camus, the singer Mireille Mathieu comes from Avignon and many famous people have a house in this region, especially on the Côte d'Azur.

Sadly, your writer hasn’t, then again I’m not famous but who knows what the future holds… Getting to the Provence Alpes Cote A Zur region: Airports: The main airports in the Provence Alpes Cote A Zur region with direct/indirect flights to the UK are Marseille Airport, Nice Airport and Toulon-Hyères Airport. Avignon Airport can be used for indirect flights to the UK. The main airlines serving Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur are Flybe, easyJet, British Airways and Air France. As always, beware of the low cost airlines, we do not know how long the service will last. Need a quick overview/ search for flights? Road network: There is a good road network but it will take roughly 10 hours from Calais to Marseille – the Autoroute du Soleil or Motorway of the sun starts in Paris – and it will probably take longer in the summer months when the roads to the south can be very busy. Railway network: The region is served by the TGV high speed trains so it will take only about 3 hours from Paris to Marseilles or you can go on to Toulon, Cannes or Nice.

And the TGV to Avignon, which is also served by Eurostar, takes just 2hrs 40 min from Paris. Regions de France - South South Les Regions au Sud de France Rhone Alpes: Matt F Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur: Nick M. Corse: Matt H Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur The Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur covers over 31400 km. It contains a population of about 4,452,000 people. The great thing about this region is how it has the beaches to the south and the Alps to the north. The French Riviera is one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. The beachside resorts offer music and entertainment. Also, the climate stays relatively warm during the winter, since the cold winds are blocked by the Alps. cannes villa rental south of france Throughout the region, there is a variety of sports that one can play or do. Some of them include; swimming, hiking, mountain bike riding, trail walking, mountain climbing, and sailing. Marseille has one of the most important harbors on the Mediterranean. It is also one of the biggest ports in France.

Marseille is the second largest city in France. Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde is one of the major attractions of this region. I also found interesting that French law forbids taking any data related to race or religious group. Major imports include petroleum, wine, fruits, olive oil, hides and skins, and tropical agricultural products. Major exports are wines, liqueurs, processed foods, cement, and metal products. Marseille is also France's center of oil refinement. Two other major cities of the region are Cannes and Nice. Marseille, Port La region s'appelle Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. La region et au sud de la France. Le capital de Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur est Marseille. Il y a les Alpes, le Mer Medoteramee, and fermes. Les attractions touristiques sont la plages, le Riviera Francais. Les activities sont le ski, planche a voile, faire de velo, et nager. Le specialities de mon region ils sont le terre de festivals. Rhone Alps Geography- Its major geographical features are the Alps Mountains and the Rhone river. 80% of the population density is located in Lyon.

The flat marshlands of the Dombes lie to the north. The Bresse plain also lies in the north and they serve as a rich farmland. The east is made up of mostly snow capped peaks. Along the shore of Lac Leman there are two of the most impressive nature reserves in France. In the south Castles and old towns line cover the landscape. The Beaujolais vineyards that run along the Rhone River provide France with some of its best tasting wine. Sports- The Alps mountains are host to millions of skiers every year. The main mountain is Espace Killy. It covers over 300km. It has a variety of runs and ski lifts, the breakdown is: 20 Green runs, 60 Blue runs, 35 Red runs, 16 Black runs, 44km of cross country skiing, two snow parks, two glaciers, 90 total ski lifts,10 free ski lifts. You can even network your way into Italy. The Col de Galibier stage of the Tour de France is 18 kilometers long and has a vertical difference 1200 meters is located inside the Rhone-Alps region.

Simple water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and tubing can be enjoyed along the Ardeche. There are several water sports schools along the bank. The mountains surrounding the river are great sources of recreational rock climbing and mountain biking. Ma region sappelle le Rhone-Alps. Le Rhone Alps est dans la sud de France. Le capitale est Lyon. Le geographie a chaines de montagnes et les fleuves. Le Lyon a beaucoup des attractions comme Sainte Marie de La Tourette, Cathédrale Saint-Jean, et le Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Le region a beaucoup des activites dehors comme randonnée, peche, et VTT. Le Rhone Alps a grande Beaujolais vignobles. En Lyon il y a Fête des Lumières en Decembre 8. Hary and Phil Le Tour History In 6th century BC, the Celts started to populate the Rhône-Alpes. They were no match for famous ruler Hannibal of Carthage or later on the Romans. Early settlers used the rivers to create large aqueducts to transport water around their small cities. The Middle Ages saw two large ruling families.

The Counts of Savoie were the guardians of the higher Alps and the “Dauphins” ruled over Dauphiné, which was in the lower lying area. The Dauphins eventually sold their last piece of land to the king in 1349. The title of Dauphin was reserved for the heir of the French King. The Wars of Religion in the 16th century destroyed many of the cities. In 1628 the region started to economically prosper. In 1860 the region was voted by the plebiscite to become in union with France. During WWII Lyon was a center of resistance. Industry- The main industry of the Rhone Alps is tourism. Tourism attracts many people year round and this causes a major hotel industry. The Rhone Alps are responsible for 12% of the French hotel business capacity with over 1,900 hotels. Corse Industry- In Corse tourism plays a big role and the major towns for tourism are Port Veccio, Bonifacio, and Calvi. The islands pleasant climate beautiful mountains and breathtaking coastlines play a part in that big tourism role.

The food industry is lead by products like olives, fruit, and grapes. The repair industry is very big along with the transportation. Some other industries are fishing, winemaking, and food processing. Main exports are granite, marble, cork, cheese, wine, olive oil and citrus fruit. They have a need to import fuel, machinery and need better farming methods. La region s'appelle Corse. La region et au sud de la France. Le capital de Corse est Ajaccio. Dans le Corse il y a plus que 200 plages. Certain du principal touriste attractions sont le principal villes aiment Corte, Basta et Sartene. Des autres interessant fait dans mon region est il y a 1,000km du littoral. Il y a les faits du mon region. Geography- Ajaccio is the capital in Corse but the other major towns include Corte, Sartene, and Basta. Corse is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and it has more than 200 beaches. It also has 1,000km of coastline and the island of Corse is separated by the Strait of Bonifacio.

Its highest peak is Monte Cinto at 2706m and it has twenty other summits of more than 2000m. Town of Montemaggiore in Corsica which is verymountainous Town of Montemaggiore in Corsica which is very mountainous Cuisine- In Corse they have sort of a different style of food than us in America. They have Corsican honey which is supposed to be really good and a variety of meat. Some of the meats include Prizuttu (raw ham), Salamu (dry sausage), Figatellu (liver sausage. The cheeses include Brin d’Amour, Niolo, Brocciu, goat cheese, and Fleur du Maquis. They get wines from all over France and their main wine is Patrimonio. That is the many types of Corsican cuisine. History- The history of Corse begins when the Greeks in 565 B.C. It was under Carthaginian influence until 237 B.C. then taken over by Roman Republic. The Vandals had control until 430 and the Byzantine Empire had control from there until 522.

It was under various influences until Genoa controlled it in 1282. Then in 1768 France took control of the country by buying it. Some important people are Pasquate Paoli a Corsican general and patriot who fought for Corse independence. Also an interesting fact is that Napoleon Bonaparte was born there. Toute-la-Corse < > "Economy." Marsielle. 10 Oct. 2007. 8 Oct. 2007 < #Economy>. "Helping to Discover the Keys to France." France Keys. 2007. World Travel Assistance. 8 Oct. 2007 < "MARSEILLE." Maps of the World. 2006. 4 Oct. 2007 < "Provence-Alpes-CôTe D'Azur (RéGion, France)." Crwflags. 21 Aug. 2003. FOTW Flags of the World. 4 Oct. 2007 < >. "Economy." Annuairerhonealpes. 2000. 11 Oct. 2007 < >. "Rhone-Alps a Brief History." France.Com. 2004. 12 Oct.

2007 < >. "Tourism in Rhone Alps." The CCIs of the Rhone Alps. 2005. 14 Oct. 2007 < Regions of France | Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region of France - Geography Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur stretches on 31,400 km², it is the 8th largest French region. Departments The region consists of 6 departments: Alpes de Haute Provence, Alpes Maritimes, Bouches du Rhône, Hautes Alpes, Var, Vaucluse. Three of them are bordered with the Mediterranean Sea (Bouches du Rhône, Var and Alpes Maritimes), and neighbouring Italy shares common borders with Alpes de Haute Provence, Alpes Maritimes and Hautes Alpes, separated only by the Alps. Communes Paca is composed by more than 960 communes. Coast and Water in PACA Mediterranean Paca's south border is lined with the Mediterranean Sea. The region offers 833km of coast and seashore.

Beaches The region includes no less than 410 beaches of different types and adapted to everyone. Here are some examples: Beaches with services on offer: Plage de la Grande Mer in Cassis, Plage d'Argent in Porquerolles, Antibes Juan-les-Pins Plage 'Wild' beaches: Plage de la Baie des Singes in Marseille, Calanque du Fournas in Saint-Raphael, Crique de la Douane in Ramatuelle Beaches Blue Flag (Eco-label symbol of environmental quality): Plage de l'Almanarre in Hyères-les-Palmiers, Plage de la Croisette in Sainte-Maxime, Plage du Ponteil in Antibes Naturist beaches: Plages des Pissarelles in Cap d'Ail, Plage des Engraviers in Bandol Rivers and Lakes The region is crossed by the Rhône River and encompasses many lakes. The artificial Serre-Ponçon Lake in Hautes Alpes is the 2nd biggest in Europe. Sainte Croix Lake between Var and Alpes de Haute Provence is also artificial and with its turquoise waters attracts lots of visitors in summer.

The impressive Gorges du Verdon form the vastest canyon in Europe, with five lakes laid out along the green watercourse. A must-see. Mountain ranges in PACA Mountains The Mount Ventoux is part of the Baronnies Range in Vaucluse and culminates at 1,912m. It is listed by UNESCO as biosphere reserve and is nicknamed 'the Provence Giant'. The Authion Range gathers several peaks near the Nice Prealps, in Alpes Maritimes. It nestles many remains of fortifications and offers stunning views. Spreading on both Hautes Alpes and Isère in Rhône Alps, Massif des Ecrins is a huge mountainous range surrounded by other mountains. The highest peak, named 'barre des écrins' culminates at 4,102m. Ski Resorts Paca boasts 12 nice ski resorts, adapted for both cross-country and downhill skiing. Valberg has the 'Family Plus Mountain' label and is therefore particularly suitable for families. Auron is the vastest ski area of Alpes Maritimes. It is a very traditional village-resort.

Isola 2000 is probably the trendiest resort of the region and offers no less than 120km of slopes. Forests and Natural Parks in PACA Forests Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur travel guide - Wikitravel Time Zone UTC +1 and UTC +2(DST) Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is one of the most popular holiday regions in the south of France . The region covers a large area from the Mediterranean Sea up to the French Alps . Its identity as a geographical region is a hold over from the days of the Roman Empire. Its western border is the Rhône River and its eastern border is Italy . The Provence includes the French Riviera and is famous for its sunny weather, colourful countryside, tradition, wine, food, and language ( Provençal ). Its main attractions include the city of Avignon and the wide variety of villages which can be easily explored by car or bicycle on the networkcountry roads and highways. Van Gogh spent a respectable amount of time in Arles painting the countryside.

Understand[ edit ] The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region covers all the historic Provence area east of the River Rhone, together with the French Riviera, the eastern end of which used to be the County of Nice. The low lying parts of this region are generally dry and warm for most of the year, but the higher parts, stretching up into the Alps, are dry and quite cool. This southern part of the Alps is the sunniest part of the range. Provence is now a part of the official administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, but the region's identity is associated more closely with its history and culture. Although a bit stereotyped now (those lavender fields all over postcards and guidebooks, that you'll have a hard time finding!), Provence culture is rooted in what was once a lively regional culture and language. Luberon mountain is a highlight of Provence, often referred as the "Chic" Mountain that rises up the valleys of Calavon in the north, to the Durance in the south. The views of this Valley are most sought after and the lifestyle of the "pays du Luberon" are an inspiration since the Roman days.

[1] All about provence], food, history, climate is unique and aspirational. Provence is a vast and beautiful region, and merits a long trip, not just a few days or a week. To truly appreciate this region you must be the type of traveler who likes food, wine and local crafts. It is recommended to make your own itinerary, and make it flexible enough to enable you linger at an outdoor cafe or winery or take in an interesting Roman ruin when the moment takes you. There is a "joie de vivre" attitude throughout this area that is contagious, especially after two glasses of the regional rose and a picnic of cheese and sausage from the local farmers. Read[ edit ] Most French cities have their own websites and tourist offices (which offer a wealth of information in many languages), allowing anyone interested the means to find what they are looking for. Those interested in literary interpretations of provincial life should look up the works of Marcel Pagnol and Peter Mayle (the latter only if wealthy British expatriates are your thing).

Specifically, Mayle's "French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew" also gives a bunch of practical tips and recommendations for every territory of Provence--and what every territory is best from a gourmet point of view. Talk[ edit ] French is of course the official language of this region, but you'll find that many people from here have an atypical accent. The e at the end of words is often pronounced softly in Provence, where in standard French they are not pronounced at all. An example: the word "Provence" in standard French ends with an "s" sound, as "proh-VAHNSS", where in Provence itself, it will often be ended with a sound resembling a short English "eh", as "proh-VEN-seh". Many vowels are changed as well, being pronounced in a manner somewhat closer to the English pronunciation of the written vowels. [2] Of course, standard French will be understood by the locals. This is because several generations ago, they spoke a different language - Langue d'Oc - and so learned French only in school.

The dialect of Langue d'Oc spoken in Avignon was Provençal, and is the object of a strong preservation effort in the early 1900's on the part of a group of writers and artists known as the Felibrige. The most famous was Frédéri Mistral, Nobel Prize of Literature in 1908. The language has, however, now largely disappeared, though it is still taught in some regional universities and courses run by non-profit groups. Recently (around 2004) signs on the highway are printed with the village names en Français and in Provençal . Get in[ edit ] Train connections from Lyon and Paris are excellent. The TGV fast train gets you there from Paris in about three hours. Typical gateway cities include Aix-en-Provence , Avignon , and Valence. From these cities, one can easily explore the beautiful region. On Saturdays in the summer season, a Eurostar service operates to Avignon direct from London (see the Eurostar website for more information [3] ). Get around[ edit ] The best way to explore is by car or bicycle. The network of country roads and highways are easily navigated.

With a village every ten minutes by car, Provence is one of those places where getting lost can work to your favour. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] The Pont du Gard is an aqueduct in the south of France constructed by the Roman Empire to supply water to Nîmes, one of the areas key towns. But there are many Roman sites worth a visit - Vaison la Romaine and Orange for example. But don't miss one or more of the marchés hebdomadaires or weekly markets, laden with local produce and products. Visit the Lac de Saint Cassien - This beautiful Lake located just outside of Montauroux is a must visit in the warm, summer months. You can try plenty of activities on the lake including; fishing, rowing and kayaking, with rental opportunities in many places. Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Centuries of intense study of the culinary arts has produced a country where the food is almost invariably excellent. It is difficult to have a bad meal because the French standards are so high. But in the tourist spots there are places where the standards slip - to avoid this the classic tip is to choose busy restaurants. Each village in this region has a market day.

You can buy local fare from the farms of each region (breads, cheeses, sausage, olives and preserves) and have a picnic while exploring the countryside. If you are going for a sit-down meal, you have many types of dining experiences to choose from. Restaurants are more formal in France, serving full dinner menus and at a pace that is slower than in, say, North America. You are expected to enjoy the food and it should be the main reason for going out. It is considered inappropriate to request that a dish be prepared in a different way than is stated on the menu. Restaurants usually have a selection of set menus, each with a different price range. You can also choose from a list of a la carte items. A bistrot is more casual and has more individual items. A café is even more casual, serving press coffee, drinks, sandwiches (like the ubiquitous croque monsieur) or pizzas. Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] All wine in this region must be tasted. While all are of fine quality, a local favorite is the rosé.

Unlike the sweet, cheap stuff many of us remember from the seventies, Provencale rosé is dry, light and a perfect accompaniment to an afternoon picnic of bread and cheese. Sniff (Inhale), Grasse (inland from Cannes/Nice). Perfume capitol of the world surrounded by fields of fragrant flowers, tour the museum of perfume as well as one of the three factories, Fragonard, Molinard, or Galimard. edit Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] As expected with such a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of different options for accommodation in Provence in addition to the hotels, ranging from renting beautiful villas, to staying in a traditional rural Gite which normally come fully furnished. There are many different holiday sites which offer good quality accommodation in the region, particularly in the most popular months; May-September, when the weather is at its best. Stay safe[ edit ] If you decide the Provence is your place to stay, you might as well stay safe. The last 10 years have seen a sharp rise in the crime rate on Côte d'Azur, with many houses burgled and people having their belongings stolen.

Help and information for victims of burglary and those who want to check or improve the security of their property is best done with the local police chief. If you decide to make the Provence your base and you are looking to buy a property, you also need to be safe. Don't just buy your property without doing the necessary research. Make sure you buy your property through a listed agent who is in possession of a 'permit". In recent years, Marseille has gained a reputation as one of France's most dangerous cities, while cities like Nice have seen their fair share of crime growth. Get out[ edit ] Monaco is a sovereign country completely surrounded by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. It can easily be visited as a day trip.

Question: What is the capital of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region of France?
Answer: Marseilles