Sortir en PACAYour guide to going out in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, homeHistory enthusiasts, nature lovers, hikers, or mountain bikers, you’ll find plenty here to satisfy your curiosity. Our articles cover the cultural heritage of PACA, with a special focus on the areas around Nice, Marseille, Avignon, and Aix-en-Provence. From time to time, we also take a detour into our Italian neighbors’ territory, in the Liguria region, a natural extension of the French Riviera.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) may be small in size, but it boasts a remarkable diversity. No visit to the PACA region would be complete without exploring its many Regional Natural Parks. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, this iconic region stands out with its fortresses overlooking the terraced hills, nestled between valleys and dense forests. The surrounding areas also reveal natural treasures, with breathtaking mountain scenery and landscapes.
Villages in the valleys, churches on the hills, rocks above the churches, castles on the rocks.
Tempting, isn’t it? So, if you want to know everything about PACA and plan an unforgettable holiday, just scroll a little further down this page.
Hilltop villages · most beautiful villagesTowns and villages
Castles · abbeys · arenasHeritage
Gorges · lakesGreat valleys
Cellars · estatesVineyards
Hiking · boat tripsCalanques National Park
UndergroundCaves and chasms
Coast · mountainsBetween land and mountains
Santons · nativity scenesChristmas
Markets · olive oilLocal produceFrom the Camargue to the peaks of the Écrins, choose your starting point.
MarseilleContinue your getaway by boarding a pleasure boat at Marseille’s Old Port, the beating heart of the Phocaean city. From the Mediterranean waters, admire the colourful façades and the majestic Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde perched on its hill, then explore the calanques, passing the legendary Frioul islands and the Château d’If. A unique view from the sea, perfect for photography enthusiasts and lovers of intoxicating sunsets.
ProvenceTake to the winding roads of the Provençal hinterland, in the footsteps of knights and troubadours. From fortified villages such as Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes and Sisteron to impregnable castles overlooking the hills, every turn tells a medieval story. Explore these legend-steeped bastides, stroll along the cobbled lanes and soak up the timeless atmosphere of these hilltop gems.
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ViaRhônaExplore the region by bicycle along its 2,000 km of cycle routes, greenways and cycle-touring itineraries. From the lavender roads of Valensole to the corniches overlooking the Mediterranean, by way of the ViaRhôna, the region offers a variety of routes for every level. An authentic, sustainable way to savour the contrasting views between the Alps, the coast and the Provençal hills.
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MarseillePicture yourself climbing the heights of Marseille up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, affectionately known as “la Bonne Mère” (the Good Mother). At the top, a breathtaking view opens up over the city, the calanques, the harbour and the surrounding islands. This iconic sanctuary, the spiritual guardian of the people of Marseille, displays its Romano-Byzantine style and dazzling mosaics. An essential stop to capture the vibrant, multicultural soul of the city.
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ProvenceProvence is a living stage for age-old traditions. Village festivals, colourful markets, craft workshops, history and contemporary art museums: PACA is a crossroads of emotions. Watch Camargue bullfights, discover the art of lavender or admire modern works at the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Every corner invites you to immerse yourself in a generous, sun-drenched culture.
Read the getawayExploring the calanques of Cassis, discovering the Matisse Museum in Nice, soaking up the sun on the beaches of the French Riviera, wandering along the hiking trails of the Calanques National Park… Live out your dreams in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur!
With its picturesque villages, exceptional craftsmanship and impressive heritage, the PACA region has kept a strong, resolutely epicurean identity, along with unique traditions. A real change of scenery, full of elegance, with charming accommodation and exquisite cuisine: a true festival of well-being.
A hand-picked selection of great places, visits and walks… to inspire you without moderation!
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What to do in the PACA region in July?2 November 2026Lavender, swimming, skiing, santons: the region month by month.
The calendarGetting aroundZOU! regional trains and coaches, boat shuttles to the islands.
InformationSummer access to the massifsIn summer, access to the forest massifs depends on the day’s fire risk, set by each prefecture.
Check before you goTickets and toursBook your tickets, boat trips and guided tours.
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