The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France is probably the most well-known and what you picture when you think about the South of France. It can be difficult to distinguish the different parts of this region (especially with the 3-part name!) and to complicate things further there are 6 ‘departments’ within this region.
Most people head straight to the coast to see the famous French Riviera in this area but there are so many quaint villages that can be found on the hilltops and are well worth the visit. Some of them even make the cut for the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (aka The Most Beautiful Villages of France).
A number of villages in the Provence region were once home to famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. And it’s no surprise the landscapes here inspired some of the artists’ most famous works. There are a few of these villages included in this itinerary. As you walk the streets and take in the views you can transport yourself into the artists’ breathtaking paintings.
It’s an easy flight to Nice from a number of countries so the area around it is a great place to start. The departments of Var and Alpes-Maritimes are most easily accessed from Nice so this itinerary centers around their highlights. All of these beautiful medieval hilltop towns are small enough to wander their tiny winding streets with their stone buildings surrounding you by foot. And the best way to get around to see them is by car. Who doesn’t love a road trip anyway?!
- Coaraze – for a colorful display of buildings in pastels (one of the Les Plus Beaux)
- Saint Jeannet – for the views & hiking the Baou
- Vence – to see where Henry Matisse once lived
- St Paul de Vence – to see the views through Marc Chagall’s eyes (Don’t forget La Colombe D’Or to see where Chagall, Picasso, Matisse and Miró once hung out)
- Torrettes sur Loup – for the City of Violets
- Gourdon – for the waterfall & castle (one of the Les Plus Beaux)
- Grasse – for the perfume
- Bargème – for the hilltop views (highest town in Var & one of the LesPlus Beaux)
- Tourtour – for the châteaux with towers (one of the Les Plus Beaux)
- Les Arcs – for the wineries
- Seillans – for the quaint squares and medieval castle (one of the LesPlus Beaux)
- Callian – for another castle
- Mougins – for the art galleries & Picasso’s former home (Don’t forget Le Mas Candille for celebrity sightings)
