Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - PACA - French Region
The French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, or PACA, makes up the south-eastern corner of the country. It's one of the most famous areas in France as it includes Cannes, Nice, and much of what Peter Mayle wrote about.
Abbaye du Thoronet
Located in the Provençal countryside, 30 kilometers south-west of Draguignan, Le Thoronet Abbey is a masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art.
Alpes de Haute-Provence
The Alps in Haute Provence are renowned for their ski resorts, but a summer visit to the region is interesting too. Read about my visit to Seyne-les-Alpes and Le Lauzet-Ubaye.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
One of the prettiest towns I've ever seen, in France or elsewhere.
Briançon
Station de ski, plus haute ville de l'Union européenne, Briançon (05) a une double personnalité.
Étang de Fontmerle
The largest colony of lotus flowers in Europe - be sure to visit in July, at the height of the flowering season. Great for bird watchers, too!
Gassin
Gassin, in Provence, is officially one of France's most beautiful villages.
Grimaud Village
A beautiful old town dominated by an 11th century castle.
La Grave
Beautiful village famous for its telepherique and the mountains surrounding it.
Mediterranean Gardens, Rayol, France
34 kilometers east of Hyères, the Mediterranean Gardens are a beautiful and fascinating group of landscapes inspired by several different regions of the world.
Mougins
A lovely village filled with artists' workshops and great restaurants.
Port-Grimaud
This charming "old" town was actually built in the 1960s.
Risoul
A lovely village in the Hautes Alpes.
Saint-Véran
The highest commune in Europe is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Toulon
Toulon is the third largest city in PACA and worth a visit.
Tourtour
This official Most Beautiful Village is nicknamed "the village in Provence's sky."
Calendale - Christmas in Provence
The Christmas season lasts nearly 2 months in Provence, during the period called "Calendale."
Fête de la Châtaigne
Dans la ville de Collobrières (Var), les châtaignes sont fêtées durant les trois derniers dimanches d'octobre.
Fête de l'Olivier
The southern French town of Ollioules celebrates the olive harvest by holding an Olive Tree Festival every year during the first weekend of October.
Fête des Vins de La Londe
Comparison of the wine tasting events in La Londe and Hyères.
Foire aux plants à La Londe
Buying flowers at the annual flower marché isn't necessarily cheaper than at a store.
Les Médiévales 2009 à Brignoles
Don't miss this annual weekend celebrating the Middle Ages.
Menton Lemon Festival
If you're in Nice for Carnaval, you might like to head east to Menton - the town's Lemon Festival is held around the same time.
Nice Carnaval
Celebrate Mardi gras in Nice.
Apéro provençal
Introduction to cocktail hour in the south of France - what they eat and drink.
Blé de la Sainte Barbe
On 4 December, the traditional Provençal Christmas season begins with the planting of blé de la Sainte Barbe.
Bûche de Noël et Lou Cacho-fiò
You might know the log-shaped cake, but what do you know about the real bûche de Noël and the tradition of lou cacho-fiò?
La crèche provençale
Nativity scenes offer an interesting look at the traditional Provençal way of life.
Le Gros Souper et ses 13 desserts
Typical Christmas Eve feast in Provence.
Le Pastrage
Traditional offering of Provençal shepherds.
Pompe à l'huile
One of Provence's traditional Christmas desserts.
Calendars and Christmas tips
As Christmas approaches, so do tip-seekers with calendars.