Top Things to do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
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Things to do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France including Gorges du Verdon, Parc National des Calanques, Point Sublime - Mont Faron, Sentier Blanc-Martel, The Camargue, Montagne Sainte Victoire, Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze, Iles de Lerins, Calanques, Gorges du Loup.
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1. Gorges du Verdon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,811 reviews
Europe's only grand canyon.
Reviewed By B_Brierley - London, United Kingdom
We visited for 1 day in August 2020, and even in the height of summer with many other tourists, this was still an incredible experience. We arrived at La Base Nautique de l'Etoile which is the closest pedalo/kayak rental to the Gorge opening (on the left bank when looking at the Gorge) at 8:45am and joined the already formed queue of people (opens at 9am). We rented a pedalo for 40Euros for 2 hours - this allowed us to pedal as far as the Gorges allows (in terms of signposts, not in terms of ability) and enjoy some swimming while docked at the side before heading back. We could have used more time to relax and just enjoy. Arriving that early in the morning affords you some quieter time in the Gorge, even in summer, before it gets really filled up with boats/people. Due to our next stop, we ended up driving the D952 to Castellane by total chance which turned out to be one of our TOP drives of all time - just stunning and highly recommended.
2. Parc National des Calanques
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,949 reviews
Reviewed By milgil24 - Sydney, Australia
The stunning natural beauty of the Calanques along the South Coast of France is a must do. We went on a boat tour which departed from Marseille (booked through Airbnb experience) which was amazing, but there are so many ways to visit this national park.
3. Point Sublime - Mont Faron
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 380 reviews
Reviewed By PDJLD123 - Watford, United Kingdom
I struggled to find any good information on a demanding day hike from the cruise port up to Point Sublime at the top of Mont Faron. I did read that you must not follow Google maps as it leaves you at the end of dead end path looking up at a sheer rock face! So we kind of followed the road and the following notes give you a safe tarmac road based route with a reasonable amount of shade as you wind up the Western side of the mountain. Cars do pass but not in any large numbers. It will get you to the viewing point in about 2.5hrs. We then came down on the cable car (€5 one way) and walked the 35mins back to the cruise port. The whole round trip took us 5.5 hours including a coffee stop (€2 each) at the cafe next to the cable car. Leave the cruise ship, put the “Zenith Omega” into your maps app. I think it’s a conference centre. It’s doesn’t matter how you walk there as it will take you though a tunnel under the railway. Once on the other side of the railway with the Zenith Omega in front of you, turn left and walk to Boulevard Bianchi, which is the start of a steep climbing road that changes name to Boulevard Emile Jacquemin. At the junction with Chenin du Fort Rouge turn right and then it’s all up hill on a one way road (cars going up only) into Route du Faron until you reach the cable car (Telepherique du Mont Faron). Staying on the road, keep walking past this to the zoo and then past that towards the Point Sublime. You will see a path with a barrier and no entry sign (for cars) on the right which you walk along for about 15 mins. The sign says 25 mins which is not true. The viewing point at the cross gives a wide open view of the harbour, the town and the mountain. It’s impressive. Then walk back to the cable car, take it down to the edge of town and it’s a 35 min stroll back to your ship through the old town. Overall 12 miles or 19 km and about 24,500 steps. Enjoy.
4. Sentier Blanc-Martel
5. The Camargue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Reviewed By LindaE798 - Parrish, United States
My longtime friend invited me to visit her in Lyon, with a side trip to the Provence and the Camargue. It was an amazing trip. We stayed at her sea Flat in Port Camargue. From there we visited Aigues-Mortes. It is a medieval walled city, with working gates. The crusaders under the lead of St Louis, the French King Louis XI, started their crusades from there. The city is surrounded by salt flats, where the locals still get salt. The Camargue is worth a trip for history buffs, nature lovers, and beach goers. The cuisine is very palatable with many dishes from the region.
6. Montagne Sainte Victoire
7. Le Jardin Exotique d'Eze
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,263 reviews
Garden of tropical plants on the crest of the hill that dominates Eze.
Reviewed By Butterflies22 - Northern Norway, Norway
The entrance to the garden is near the top - after you have strolled the narrow streets of the amazing Eze Village. The entrance fee is 6 Euros pr person. It is a beautiful garden with so many different cactuses living next to delicate, sensual and mysterious earth goddesses from by Jean-Philippe Richard. And the view = the very best you can get!
8. Iles de Lerins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,094 reviews
Two islands just a boat ride from Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, are covered by eucalyptus and pine forests and are home to Fort Royal.
Reviewed By Rightriviera - Cannes, France
so worth the visit, either by charter crossing or a private hire boat, the views back looking onto Cannes are stunning, the water is fresh and clear, perfect for a picnic and a cool swim
9. Calanques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,961 reviews
Reviewed By SarahKraus - Edmonton, Canada
We had 2 boat tours cancelled for bad weather so we braved the rain and wind and hiked from Cassis to Port Pin Calanque and went for a swim! 2.5 hours of parking was enough for us to do it all. Beautiful, peaceful bay. Very calming.
10. Gorges du Loup
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