Top 10 Historic Sites in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France

November 1, 2021 Mikaela Didonna

Discover the best top things to do in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France including Musee Escoffier de l'Art Culinaire, Villa Kerylos, Chateau d'If, Cathedrale St. Sauveur, Palais des Papes, Eglise St-Trophime, Site Archeologique de Glanum, Amphitheatre (les Arenes), La Synagogue, Cite Episcopale.
Restaurants in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

1. Musee Escoffier de l'Art Culinaire

3 rue Auguste Escoffier, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet France +33 4 93 20 80 51 http://www.musee-escoffier.com
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 327 reviews

Musee Escoffier de l'Art Culinaire

The home of Auguste Escoffier is a now a museum with several exhibits on this famous French cook, considered by many the father of modern culinary art. The Museum is closed until 21 December 2018 inclusive. We will welcome you from 22 December 2018 : from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, every day.

Reviewed By Jeanbart16 - Bordeaux, France

This is a definite must place to visit for gourmets! The well-designed and well-run museum in the house where Escoffier was born is now run by the city. The 6 euros entry fee even included a Peach Melba dessert and coffee on our visit! The precious collection of menus and the well preserved period cooking utensils are enlightening: one comes away with a better understanding of how French cuisine was born and its historical influence on the New York dining scene.

2. Villa Kerylos

Impasse Gustave Eiffel, 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer France +33 4 93 01 01 44 [email protected] http://www.villa-kerylos.fr/
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 675 reviews

Villa Kerylos

Discover this Cote d'Azur seaside Palazzo, luxurious reconstitution of an Ancient Greek Villa. At the edge of the sea, facing the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, the Villa is a magic place that takes you back in time. Entirely furnished and decorated, the Villa's many rooms bear witness to the art of living and refinement of Ancient Greece. The Villa is also a place for wedding and receptions organization.

Reviewed By MickyB199 - Craiova, Romania

Villa Kerylos is an amazing place on the Cote D'Azur, situated on Beaulieu sur Mer , that is worth it to pay a visit. Built in 1900 by french archaeologist Theodore Reinach and his wife Fanny Kann , of the Ephrussi family. They wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a luxurios greek villa in a new building and they succeeded ! This beautiful villa inspired Baroness Beatrice de Rothschild to built Villa Ephrussi de Rotschild at nearby Cap Ferrat vhich i visited an year ago (see my review about it) .

3. Chateau d'If

1 quai de la Fraternite, 13001 Marseille France +33 4 91 59 02 30 [email protected] http://www.if.monuments-nationaux.fr
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,725 reviews

Chateau d'If

This famous fortress, standing on a rocky island off the coast of Marseille, was immortalised by Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo as the prison where the novel’s hero, Edmond Dantes, was incarcerated before ultimately escaping. The castle was built by Francois I in 1524 and over the centuries it gained a fearsome reputation as many opponents of royal power were jailed and died in the fortress. The Castle of If has been perfectly preserved and is one of the most impressive historical sites on the Mediterranean coastline. Open: > 15th May to 20th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.15 p.m. > 21st September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The last visit depends on the timetable of boats, information at the tourist information center, on our website monuments-nationaux.fr or on Frioul If express. Closed: > Mondays from 21st September to 14th May. > 1st January, 25th December and subject to bad weather. Admission fees: Adults : 5,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups.

Reviewed By tanyac179 - Surrey, United Kingdom

We opted for this trip as part of our Marseille tourist pass. Enjoyable boat ride (great views on boat) in lovely warm weather and you can spend as much time as you like walking around. Fascinating history - there is no lift & area is uneven which was a little bit difficult for our elderly relatives but we had plenty of time to explore which helped. Walk up is steep in parts too. Nice cafe with wonderful view and prices not too bad - we just had drinks & ice cream.

4. Cathedrale St. Sauveur

Place des Martyrs de la Resistance, Aix-en-Provence France +33 4 42 23 45 65 http://www.cathedrale-aix.net/en/
Excellent
53%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 978 reviews

Cathedrale St. Sauveur

Reviewed By EdwinP278 - Charlotte, United States

Wonderful historic cathedral - great visit to a beautiful old church. We loved our walk to the cathedral enjoying the market in Aix, viewing the sidewalk cafes, and then our visit to St. Sauveur. Recommend stopping at a sidewalk cafe and enjoying a nice Rose from Provence, sampling sausages and cheese in the market, and enjoying a strill along the pedestrian friendly streets and alleys. One of our favorite stops on our cruise.

5. Palais des Papes

Place du Palais des Papes, 84000, Avignon France +33 4 32 74 32 74 [email protected] http://www.palais-des-papes.com
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10,840 reviews

Palais des Papes

The residence of the soveriegn pontiffs in the 14th century is the largest Gothic Palace in the world. 25 areas to visit : ceremonila halls, chapels, cloister, the Pope's provate apartments with their priceless frescos, as well as a scenographic area, the Musée de l'Oeuvre, wich presents the development and history of the building since it was build. Ranked as UNESCO world heritage.

Reviewed By YairBarZohar - Qiryat Ata, Israel

After going through some of Avignon's other sites, you finally reached the highlight - the Pope's Palace. The palace, built between 1335 and 1352, is the largest Gothic palace in the world. This palace served as the residence of the popes in the 14th century and was also the place where six closed meetings were held, under which six popes were elected. This important site entered the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1995. As part of your visit to the Pope's Palace, you can tour more than 25 rooms open to the public. One of the highlights of the visit is the opportunity to see the Pope's living rooms from the time he lived here. Also, be impressed by the spectacular fresco paintings, which adorn a large part of the halls and chapels. You can hire an audio guide at the entrance. If you wish, you can choose to visit the Pope's Palace as part of a guided walking tour of Avignon, which includes a queue entrance to the Pope's Palace. Admission is reasonable. Children 8 and under come in for free. The card can be used with the San Benza Bridge. Opening hours: from April to the end of June and September to the beginning of November from 9:00 to 19:00, November to the end of February from 9:30 to 17:45, March from 9:00 to 18:30, July to 9 : 00-20: 00, August 9: 00-20: 30. How long should you visit? Between two and three hours. The Pope's Palace is adjacent to Avignon Cathedral to the south.

6. Eglise St-Trophime

Place de la Republique, 13200, Arles France http://www.pays-arles.org/e-patrimoine/communes/arles/article/eglise-saint-trophime
Excellent
45%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 901 reviews

Eglise St-Trophime

Reviewed By MaryannF650 - Clarksville, United States

During a river cruise, we participated in a shore excursion of Arles where we engaged in a historic and photographic walking tour. Located on the main square, Eglise St. Trophime was part of our visit. We were so fortunate to have had a tour guide who provided us with an extensive history of St. Trophime. What incredible architecture. How photographic! According to available literature, "The Church of St. Trophime was built in the late 11th and 12th centuries and was named after the city's first bishop. This fine Romanesque edifice is notable for its magnificent carved west portal, interesting furnishings and glorious cloisters containing impressive sculpture...they show all sorts of biblical scenes, like the Apocalypse and the Gospel of St. Matthew. If you look up at the tympanum you can identify Jesus seated above the 12 apostles, beneath some 40 angels in the archivolt. The interior of St. Trophime has early Christian sarcophagi, 13th century plaques and epitaphs, baroque paintings and nine Aubusson tapestries from the 17th century. Located in the Place de la Republique, not far from the Quai Lamartine pier. Don't miss it!

7. Site Archeologique de Glanum

Avenue Vincent Van Gogh, 13210 Saint-Remy-de-Provence France +33 4 90 92 23 79 [email protected] http://www.site-glanum.fr/
Excellent
53%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,405 reviews

Site Archeologique de Glanum

At the heart of the magnificent Alpilles mountains, the archaeological site at Glanum features the remains of an important Roman settlement that prospered from the 6th century BC to the third century AD. This fascinating site includes the ruins of both civic and religious edifices and is unique in Provence. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Mondays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 6,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Reviewed By 797tomc - Raleigh, United States

This was my 5th time to visit and I have written other rave reviews, so I will just repeat that this is well-worth a visit if you have any interest in Greek/Roman history and ruins. It is also been interesting to see how Glanum has changed and grown over the last 10 years, since discoveries are on-going. My wife's dream is to come work in the ruins for a few months--if anyone at Glanum reads this and wants another volunteer!!!

8. Amphitheatre (les Arenes)

Rond-Point des Arenes Arènes d Arles, 13200, Arles France +33 4 90 49 36 86 [email protected] http://www.arenes-arles.com
Excellent
45%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,291 reviews

Amphitheatre (les Arenes)

Reviewed By Solarbearz

We toured the amphitheatre during a recent visit to Arles. First, it was incredibly impressed from the street, being in such good condition considering its age. Entering the amphitheatre we walked through corridors of beautiful hewn stone that took us back to centuries past. We finally entered the arena and took seats in the cool sun to take it all in. It is in such good condition that it is hard to believe it is so old. The best part was knowing that the amphitheatre is still in use. The arena was set up for bull fights which I wish we could have seen. Provençal fighting bulls don’t end up as hamburger, but instead, the bulls become celebrities in their own right and have quite a fan following until they are retired. We were told that when these bulls finally died of old age they were buried standing up and facing the Mediterranean. I’m planning on doing this with with my hubby if I can outlive him. We were lucky to tour the amphitheatre on a cool day in November when the tourist count was extremely low. The only thing better would have been to arrive on a day when a bull fight was scheduled, as I am sure it is a magnificent event in such an historic setting!

9. La Synagogue

Place Maurice Charretier, Carpentras France +33 4 90 63 39 97
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 154 reviews

La Synagogue

Reviewed By RachelB344 - Jerusalem, Israel

Excellent guide in English. Very interesting and moving experience. learnt a lot of medieval Jewish history.

10. Cite Episcopale

Rue de Fleury, Frejus France +33 4 94 51 26 30 http://frejus.fr
Excellent
47%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Cite Episcopale

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