Visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Stroll through the beautiful streets of Nice's old town district, a veritable maze of pastel-colored buildings, ancient churches, charming narrow streets and crowded cafés. The coastal river Paillon separates the old town from the rest of the city. At the end of the promenade, join Place Garibaldi, decorated with ochre and yellow arcaded facades, then climb up to the hill of the château, of which only the remains remain. Located on the seafront, this 19-hectare wooded park is a veritable invitation to travel. Its shady walkways, superb waterfall and many vantage points offer exceptional panoramic views over the Bay of Angels, the city, the hills and the Pre-Alps.

The city of Hyères is renowned for its island paradises, stretches of white sand and flower-filled alleyways. First, discover the secrets of the archaeological site of Olbia, an ancient fortified colony once populated by fishermen, farmers and soldiers. If you're the more athletic type, you'll be tempted to take a stroll along the "parcours des Arts", a steep path through the medieval town. For contemporary art enthusiasts, the Villa Noailles follows in the footsteps of Giacometti, Man Ray, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dali. The view from the garden is breathtaking, as are the surrounding coves bathed in turquoise water. The island of Porquerolles, a real gem in the region, is well worth a visit for hiking and mountain biking, as well as some of the country's finest diving spots.

Looking for a thrill? Voted France's sportiest town in 2013, Gap offers hiking, rafting, canyoning, climbing, caving and paragliding. The Alpine town also boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the majestic Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Arnoux cathedral, the Tour de l'horloge, the church of Saint-André-les-Cordeliers and the Kapados manor house. Between two visits, take a stroll through the Parc de la Pépinière, with its wide tree-lined paths and petanque courts. Along the alleyways lining Place Jean-Marcellin, numerous restaurants offer regional specialties such as tourton, a kind of doughnut filled with mashed potatoes, or oreilles d'âne (donkey's ears). Then climb to the top of the Céüse mountain, where the panoramic view of the Gap furrow is astonishing.

Slip into the heart of Marseille's traditional Vieux-Port, one of the heritage symbols of the country's second-largest city, so representative of the Sud of France. The myriad of fishing and pleasure boats under the gaze of the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde is proof of this. After a stroll along the quays under the Ombrière, stroll through the legendary fish market and lounge on the terraces of the restaurants and cafés on the Quai de Rive-Neuve. And don't forget to take a stroll around the port in Marseille's famous neighborhoods. This is also where you can board the ferries to discover the wonders nestled between Marseille and Cassis: the Calanques national park, the Frioul archipelago and the Château d'If.

In the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region, at the confluence of three rivers, Digne-les-Bains is the ideal place for spa enthusiasts. The historic center is dominated by the picturesque Saint-Jérôme cathedral and the clock tower. At the end of the pedestrian streets, the Saint-Jérôme cathedral offers an exceptional view over the city's rooftops. Another treasure: the Musée Gassendi, dedicated to local history, art and science. The historic heart of the lavender trade, Digne-les-Bains hosts the Corso de la Lavande in early August, a five-day festival with float parades, farmers' market and shows. Digne-les-Bains is also a popular destination for outdoor activities and thrills (hiking, paragliding, climbing, canyoning, via ferrata, etc.).

Miramas is a little corner of Provence as charming as it is unexpected. Perched on a rocky "mamelon", the fortified village of Miramas-le-Vieux dominates the wild coastline of the Etang de Berre, offering an exceptional panorama. This historic gem offers a unique stroll from the Jubilee Cross to the Notre-Dame gate, passing by the Saint-Julien chapel, the famous Aleppo pine, the remains of the castle and the picturesque alleyways. You can then immerse yourself in the park of the former Poudrerie Royale, a 135-hectare showcase of incredible biodiversity, or in the Domaine de Cabasse, a wooded area surrounding the eponymous château. Committed to sustainable tourism, the site is ideal for outdoor activities. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer, you'll be delighted to discover the sumptuous 18-hole golf course.