Introduction to Provence and the Riviera

Provence and the Riviera are among France's most evocative destinations, a land of sun-drenched lavender groves, trestled vines, and noisy cicadas. The brilliant sunlight has seduced artists like Van Gogh and Picasso for more than a century. It's one of France's most enchanting destinations, from the papal city of Avignon to the port city of Marseille, along the coast and beyond to Cannes and Nice, from amazing art museums to fabulous beaches, Roman ruins, white-hot nightlife, and a distinctive cuisine that blends the best of the mountains and the sea.

Cities

Vaucluse capital Avignon keeps visitors busy with medieval streets, Renaissance mansions and Gothic palaces, while 18th-century Aix-en-Provence provides a lovely, flower-filled backdrop for the cafes once frequented by Cézanne and Zola. On the coast, bustling Marseille wows with a colorful assemblage of urban villages, beaches and offshore islands. Cannes, capital of the film festival, takes over with palace hotels and Cistercian abbey islands. For old-school glamour, trace the pebbled shores to beautiful Belle Epoque Nice.

Countryside

The rocky outcrops of the Provencal countryside are studded with hilltop villages. Travel past vineyards and onto mountains like Mont Ventoux, the 1,912-meter thigh-killer cycled during the Tour de France. From here it's a picturesque drive through Fontaine de Vaucluse with its mysterious water-source, to higgledy-piggledy Gordes, cascading elegantly down the hillside. For a flirt with the outdoors head to Moustiers Sainte Marie, gateway to the Verdon Gorges. These dramatic ravines offer breathtaking panoramas, especially when you're canoeing the twisting, cliff-lined waters.

Coast

St. Tropez's iconic beaches still attract polka-dot-bikinied crowds, but the Riviera's coastline is more than just bronzing bodies. Twentysomethings flock to St-Raphael for watersports in the shadow of the volcanic Massif de l'Estérel. While families invade nearby Fréjus with bouncing beach balls and dripping ice cream, golfers head to Toulon's Dolce Frégate, one of Europe's prettiest golf courses, with fine sea views. Domaine du Rayol's cascading Mediterranean gardens meet the turquoise sea in a blur of green.

Eating and Drinking

Fertile soil, generous sunshine and ample rain provide all the right ingredients for growing olives, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, herbs and those cherished black diamonds, truffles. In Menton, France's lemon capital, treat yourself to tangy tarte au citron. Head west to Italian-influenced Nice for pizza-like socca, loaded with anchovies and caramelized onions. Cavaillon loves its melons, while Marseille turns to the sea for saffron-infused bouillabaisse. For wine, sample rosé from the Var hills and reds from Bandol.