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Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur - French Region

The French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, or PACA, makes up the south-eastern corner of French. 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.

Bormes-les-Mimosas

One of the prettiest towns I've ever seen, in France or elsewhere.

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!

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.

Menton, France

Menton is the last town before the Italian border. Thanks to its subtropical microclimate, Menton has an exceptional natural heritage and an incredible annual Lemon Festival.

Mougins

A lovely village filled with artists' workshops and great restaurants.

Port-Grimaud

This charming "old" town was actually built in the 1960s.

Toulon

Toulon is the third largest city in PACA and worth a visit.

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.

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.

Calendars and Christmas tips

As Christmas approaches, so do tip-seekers with calendars.

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