WELCOME TO PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR
Transcript of WELCOME TO PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR
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Serre-ChevalierVallée
Montgenèvre
Puy-Saint-Vincent
VarsRisoul
Les Orres
Isola 2000Auron
Valberg
OrcièresMerlette
1850
Super Dévoluy
La Joue du Loup
Pra Loup
Val d’Allos
Le Sauze
La GraveLa Meije
Le Castellet
Grimaud
Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer
Lérins Islands
Valréas
Marignane
Istres
Miramas
Pertuis
Les Mées
Saintes-Maries-de-la-MerMartigues
L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Gordes Roussillon
Cassis
Bandol
Menton
Sainte-Maxime
Fréjus
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
Sisteron
Saint-Véran
Ramatuelle
Grasse
Mandelieu-la-Napoule
Cagnes-sur-MerBiot
Vence Èze
Forcalquier
Manosque
Brignoles
Gréoux-les-Bains
Saint-Maximin-la Sainte-Baume
Six-Fours-les-Plages
Orange
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Pont du Gard
MARSEILLE
NICE
Arles
Avignon
Aix-en-Provence
ToulonHyères
Saint-Tropez
Saint-Raphaël
CannesAntibes
Monaco
Briançon
Digne-les-Bains
Barcelonnette
Gap
Embrun
Castellane
Draguignan
Aubagne
La Ciotat
Carpentras
Cavaillon
Salon-de-Provence
ITALY
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
CAMARGUE REGIONALNATURE PARK
LUBERON REGIONALNATURE PARK
LE QUEYRASREGIONAL
NATURE PARK
LES ÉCRINSNATIONAL PARK
VERDON REGIONALNATURE PARK
LA SAINTE-BAUME REGIONALNATURE PARK
CALANQUESNATIONAL PARK
PORT-CROSNATIONAL PARK
PRÉALPES D'AZUR REGIONALNATURE PARK
HAUTE-PROVENCENATURAL GEOLOGY RESERVE
LES BARONNIES PROVENÇALES REGIONAL
NATURE PARK
LE MERCANTOURNATIONAL PARK
LES ALPILLES REGIONALNATURE PARK
La-Londe-les-Maures
Calanquesand Cap Canaille
Camargue
MontVentoux
The OchreRange
Montagne Sainte-Victoire
VerdonGorge
Massif de l’Esterel
Vallée des Merveilles
LakeSerre Ponçon
Col de la Bonette
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CiansGorge11
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Varbeaches8
HyèresIslands9
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Pénitents des Mées6
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Mucem andFort Saint-Jean
Roman heritage of Arles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
Palais des Papes
Roman Theatreof Orange
Vaison-la-Romaine
SénanqueAbbey
SisteronCitadel
Fort ofAntibes
Briançonfortress
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Toulon fortsand harbour12
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Place Masséna14
BoscodonAbbey8
ThoronetAbbey 10
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Saint MaryMagdalene Basilica 11
WELCOME TO PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR
2400 - 4000 m
1800 - 2400 m
1200 - 1800 m
600 - 1200 m
0 - 600 m
LYON
PARIS
ITALY
SPAINMARSEILLE
AIX-EN-PROVENCE NICE
AVIGNON
TOULON-HYÈRES
P rovence Alpes Côte d’Azur, three destinations with incredibly varied landscapes. You can experience an exceptional region just 3 hours from Paris by train and
1 hour 10 minutes by plane. An invitation to a journey combining the sea, hills, lakes and mountains, with breathtaking natural sites and outstanding monuments.
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www.provence-alpes-cotedazur.com
Express Train TGV (High speed train)
TER (Regional Express Train)
Highway
Main link road
Department boundary
Waterway
Airport
Main port
Station served by TGV
Skiing resort
Exceptional Natural Sites
Exceptional Experiences
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PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR
1 Calanques and Cap Canaille
Sublime views and little creeks with crystal- clear waters can be found along the protected Calanques site near Marseille. A paradise for scuba- diving, climbing and rich animal and plant life, the Calanques are a 20km natural link from Marseille to the pretty port of Cassis and the sheer cliffs of Cap Canaille.
2 Camargue
An unspoilt land, unique in France, where the sea and the River Rhone meet: Camargue is an endless observation post for animals and plants.When you walk between the lakes and marshes, you will instantly feel far away from it all.This site has successfully preserved its traditions and can boast a wide range of activities: bird-watching, horse-riding, regional cuisine and many other gems to explore!
3 Montagne Sainte-Victoire
The Sainte-Victoire mountain was Cézanne’s favou- rite subject, and is one of the symbols of the Aix region. A vast “wave” of dazzling white stone, the mountain immediately inspires admiration.You can see it from every angle on the many hiking and walking paths. A chance to enjoy the Aix countryside and the villages nearby with their Provençal atmosphere.
4 The Ochre Range
A thousand colours in the Provence sunshine! Here the light plays on the nuances, providing a range of reds, oranges and yellows...Leaving from the hilltop village of Roussillon, right at the heart of Luberon, you can enjoy two hiking trails for an original experience or plunge into the tempting “Provençal Colorado” of Rustrel.
5 Mont Ventoux
This legendary mountain, nicknamed “the Giant of Provence”, rises to an altitude of 1,912 metres and contains a range of colours and atmospheres.It is recognised as a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO and blends Provençal nature and moon-like landscapes swept by the wind. This truly unique mountain is very popular with cycling fans.In summer, lavender blooms against the backdrop of the mountain with its mysterious atmosphere.
6 Pénitents des Mées
These strange silhouettes nicknamed the Penitents of Mées rise to 1,000 metres in altitude. According to legend, the monks from Lure Mountain were petrified in the rock for having coveted Moorish women during the Saracen invasions. In fact, the Mées formation results from a rock that is resistant to erosion.
7 Verdon Gorge
Plunge into a breathtaking spectacle! A unique site in Europe, this vast canyon boasts dizzying panoramas and a range of vantage points plunging down to 700 metres. With impressive views over the Emerald river that takes its name from the clear green waters. This is a land of adventure sports, including climbing, rafting, canoeing and bungee jumping...
8 Var beaches
The Var coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Some are now legendary, most are unspoilt and preserved. Pebble or fine sandy beaches for a family swim or for a nap in the shade of a stone pine, come and enjoy the beaches in Bandol, St Tropez, Pampelonne, Bormes-les- Mimosas, La Londe-les-Maures, Porquerolles, etc.
9 Hyères Islands
If you like sailing, diving or just a nice walk, the Hyère Islands are pure Mediterranean jewels.Porquerolles, Port-Cros or Levant: turquoise waters, white sand beaches, exceptional plant life and miles of signposted trails are on offer. You will see why the Hyère Islands are also known as “The Golden Islands”.
10 Massif de l’Esterel
Explore the “Corniche d’Or”, the “golden” coastal road between Mandelieu and Saint Raphaël. The surprising range of red volcanic rocks stands out jagged on the horizon. You look down on a mul-titude of small islands and creeks in the shade of forest pine. This range, rising to an altitude of 600 metres, is the starting point for many cycling or walking trails through a vast wooded and protec-ted area.
11 Cians Gorge
An encounter with a series of impressive, sheer red gorges. The erosive force of the Cians was increased in periods of flooding, helping shape a strange gallery of natural sculptures. You can see them along 25 km of winding roads. Giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scene.
12 Vallée des Merveilles
Filled with lakes and forests, this “wonder” of the Mercantour National Park is known for its rock art. An incredible place, 2,000 metres above sea level, this is a chance for fans of walking and nature to see the local fauna and flora, while admiring countless examples of historic and artistic heritage.
13 Col de la Bonette
Europe’s highest road, going up to 2,802 metres at the heart of the Mercantour National Park. The Cime de la Bonette links the Mediterranean and the Alps. With a host of spectacular landscapes, it provides breathtaking views in all seasons, from snowy peaks to wonderful panoramas over the larch forests... This mythical mountain regularly features in the Tour de France, and is very popular with cyclists!
14 Lake Serre Ponçon
The River Durance flows through a mountain setting. It turns into a 3,000-hectare artificial lake, one of the biggest in Europe, but most of all a wonderful playground for lovers of sailing and adventure.A chance for the more contemplative visitors to set off and explore the striking panoramas from the nearby trails.
1 Mucem and Fort Saint-Jean
At the edge of the Old Port of Marseille, the Fort Saint Jean, parts of which date from the 12th century, and the Mucem, an architectural feat and the new museum of European and Mediterranean civilisa-tions, are harmoniously combined. After a visit to an exhibition, you can enjoy a stroll in the sunshine or savour a drink looking out to sea.
2 Roman heritage of Arles - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence
The Roman heritage of Arles is listed by UNESCO, and the city is filled with some remarkable, not- to-be-missed monuments. The Arles Amphitheatre still has its original impact and the Roman Theatre is today a major venue. As you enter Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Arc de Triomphe and the Mausoleum of the Julii appear in a beautiful green setting near the archaeological site of Glanum.
3 Palais des Papes
The result of the popes’ residence in Provence in the 14th century, this majestic, medieval Gothic building was both a fortress and a palace at the heart of the town. The monument is a site for exhibitions and visits, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It hosts incredible theatre performances during the Avignon Festival. The highlight of the summer, it takes over all the town, turning it into a living scene for contemporary theatre.
4 Sénanque Abbey
Our Lady of Sénanque Abbey, a wonder of simpli-city nestling at the bottom of the valley for over 800 years, is one of the purest examples of Cistercian architecture. This Romanesque masterpiece at the heart of Luberon is an ideal place to relax and enjoy walks. In summer, the flowering lavender adds beauty to the site.
5 Roman Theatre of Orange
A remarkable product of Antiquity, this is the best preserved Roman theatre in Europe, owing its reputation above all to its beautifully preserved stage wall. A major venue since the Roman era due to its exceptional acoustics, it welcomes visitors from all over the world for the opera festival, “Les Chorégies”.
6 Vaison-la-Romaine
Go back in time in Vaison-la-Romaine. A major landmark in the history of Provence, the town can boast an impressive heritage and is well worth a visit. While the medieval remains and the modern buildings stand side by side, it owes its reputation and nickname, “The Roman Town”, to the age of Antiquity. For history buffs, a theatre and archaeo-logical museum round off the visit.
7 Sisteron Citadel
Looking down on the majestic River Durance, the Citadel gives visitors a chance to enjoy fine views, recalling Sisteron’s fortress past. The inventive architect Vauban made his mark on the site.Today the Citadel is a tourist site and also famous for its music and theatre festival, “Les Nuits de la Citadelle”.
8 Boscodon Abbey
The abbey was founded by monks from the order of Chalais, who were attracted to the purity and harmony of the site. Now restored, the abbey has again become a place of worship at the heart of one of the biggest pine and larch forests. Also worth visting is the village of Embrun, overlooking the Durance valley with its monumental cathedral.
9 Briançon Fortress
A fascinating immersion in history at the heart of the Alps! Due to its strategic position, Briançon is one of the most important fortified mountain sites in the world. The fortified town designed by Vauban nestles in a magical environment. Also worth visi-ting is the Mont-Dauphin fort, looking down on the Guil and Durance valley, just 30 km from Briançon. These 2 buildings are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.
10 Thoronet Abbey
An experience of grace at the heart of Provence. Nicknamed “the Wonder”, it was built in the 12th century on the wooded hills. Thoronet Abbey is practical and simple in design, with exceptional acoustics. It is recognised as a remarkable example of Cistercian architecture.
11 Saint Mary Magdalene Basilica
The basilica is a pilgrimage site containing the relics of Mary Magdalene, who brought the Gospel to Provence... The most important religious edi-fice in Gothic style in Provence is ideally suited to meditation. A chance to set off in the footsteps of the saint through the majestic forest of Sainte-Baume and to continue the climb to the cave where she is said to have lived as a hermit until her death.
12 Toulon forts and harbour
Toulon is described as an impregnable site and contains one of Europe’s finest harbours. Once a refuge for Greek and Roman ships, Toulon Harbour is encircled by several forts designed by Vauban, illustrating a rich military heritage and an eventful history. 24 forts, towers and batteries were built in three areas: the harbour, the small and the large ring.
13 Fort of Antibes
From the terrace, you can enjoy a 360° view over Antibes and the area. The fort stands on the Saint-Roch peninsula. It was once a defensive structure, and today is a proud emblem of the town and a museum listed as a Historic Monument. During your visit you can explore the preserved park and admire the view over the old town and the sea.
14 Place Masséna
At the centre of Nice, this mythical square with its Pompeii red buildings and Italian atmosphere, delights visitors with its harmonious style. This refreshing haven is the town’s “lung” with its vast arcades, sun fountain and nearby reflecting pool that illuminates the evening. It has an ideal spot between the garden leading to the Old Town and the Albert Premier Garden, winding its way to the Promenade des Anglais.
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