The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in France. Its lavender fields, cicadas and enchanting climate are recognized around the world. If Marseille, Cannes or Nice attract many visitors each year, it is in the small villages that you have to go to fall totally in love with the region. Bathed by the sea or perched in the mountains, I have selected these ten common favorite.
10 - Gordes, pearl of Vaucluse
© Bertl 123 - istockphoto
Ranked among the "most beautiful villages of France", Gordes dominates the plain of Cavaillon. Many artists, such as Marc Chagall or Victor Vaserely, were seduced by this village. Its Renaissance castle, typical Provençal cobbled streets and dry stone houses are inexhaustible sources of inspiration. Located between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and the plains of Vaucluse, Gordes attracts many visitors each year.
9 - Gourdon, Provençal balcony
© raolison
Perched on a peak of 760m, Gourdon dominates the valley of the Wolf. In Provençal, Gordone means "fortified place on a rocky apic". This medieval village dates back to the 9th century, when the Counts of Provence wanted to isolate themselves from the county of Ventimiglia. Today, we come here to practice paragliding or admire its sublime panorama that stretches 80km, from Nice to Theoule, including the mouth of the Var or Cap d'Antibes.
8 - Lourmarin, a timeless village
© PHB.cz
The Renaissance castle is one of the treasures of this village. True cultural center, it hosts artists in residence throughout the year. Lourmarin was also rented by Albert Camus who decided to finish his life there. Indeed, how not to succumb to its winding streets, fountains and art of living in the Provençal? Epicureans also appreciate the market where stands abound with local specialties.
7 - Bargème, the Var seen from above
© photlook
Perched at 1097m altitude, Bargème is the highest village in the Var. This feudal village delights the lovers of the Middle Ages thanks to its castle destroyed by the wars of religion but which one sees, still today, the dungeon and the towers. Nestled in lush greenery, Bargème has many typical chapels such as St. Anthony's Chapel, one of the oldest in the department. Less than 20km from the Gorges du Verdon, this is one of the best places to immerse yourself in nature.
6 - Eze, a seaside resort of choice
© Tourist Office of Eze - P. Masson
Between Nice and Monaco, perched at 400m above sea level, Èze is a veritable green setting where it is good to take refuge. Its exotic garden allows you to discover the lush Mediterranean vegetation and to enjoy a splendid panorama on the Riviera. Its small beach is one of the most peaceful in the region. Uncrowded because it is difficult to access, wild areas are now rare on the French Riviera.
5 - Peille, charming medieval city
© lamio
Located in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the hinterland of Menton and Monaco, Peille is one of the most famous medieval cities in the region. In particular, she was leased to music by Léo Ferré, who took refuge there from time to time. Built entirely of stone from the country, we still breathe its glorious past on every corner. The palace of the Lascaris, built on the side of a cliff in the seventeenth century, is a brilliant example.
4 - Gigondas, oenophile city
© into the wild
The Romans had named it Jucunditas, "joy and jubilation". It is undoubtedly this name that destined Gigondas to become the wine-growing city that we know today! This village of 700 inhabitants is surrounded by more than 1250 hectares of vineyards, at the foot of "Dentelles de Montmirail", a sumptuous massif carved in limestone. We visit the Church of St. Catherine ninth century and the ruins of the medieval castle.
3 - Sainte-Agnès, a hilltop village
© Vouvraysan
A veritable mirador on the Mediterranean, Sainte-Agnès was once a defense post on the Franco-Italian border. At an altitude of 760m, it is today the highest coastal village in Europe. Easily accessible from Menton, Sainte-Agnès offers a breathtaking view of the Côte-d'Azur and the beginning of the alpine arc. Its narrow streets paved with pebbles give it an authenticity and an undeniable medieval look.
2 - The unavoidable Saint-Paul-de-Vence
© bbsferrari
It is certainly the most famous village in the Alpes-Maritimes. Saint-Paul-de-Vence enjoys an international reputation especially thanks to the various artists who came there to seek inspiration and tranquility, like Simone Signoret and Yves Montand or Picasso. Today, this true open-air museum also attracts visitors for its rich heritage: do not miss the Collegiate Church which houses relics from the catacombs of Rome.
1 - Roussillon, jewel of Lubéron
© Martin M303
Ranked among the "most beautiful villages in France", Roussillon is one of the largest ocher deposits in the world. The yellow, the brown and the red of the stone, the green of the pine forest and the blue of the sky form a true flamboyant color palette! The village has long benefited from the trade of its natural pigments: we discover the history of this industry by visiting the Conservatory of Ocher and Color, located in a former factory of ocher.
Very nice photos, I published an article about the beautiful city of greece hope you can read
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks, I'll check your blog :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit