The quintessential region of the south of France, the Provence is the location of the famous French Riviera – a picture perfect destination of glittering coastline meets luxury, jet-set living. The coastal towns of this area – also called the Cote d’Azur – have long been known for their charming appeal and association with elegant lodgings and moneyed visitors.
But look further back in time and this region has a positively ancient history. Many of the towns along the Provence coast were founded by Ancient Greek colonists well over 2,500 years ago; after which, many became part of the Roman Empire. Today, there are examples of this ancient history in the form of amphitheaters, aqueducts, and uncovered amphorae in archeological sites that make it a history lover’s dream.
Head inland, and there’s still more history. Hilltop villages full of rustic lifestyles hide medieval lanes and monuments, as well as some of France’s most famous vineyards; Roussillon, for example, is well known throughout the world. Combine all this with natural, rugged scenery, and the Provence seems more and more like a storybook than a real destination.
But it is real, and you can stay there. There are so many incredible towns, villages and cities to visit in the Provence, or why not stop off at a few different destinations and make it a road trip? Either way, the prestige of the Provence is waiting for you.
Nice

Set on the sparkling coast of the French Riviera, Nice has gone from Ancient Greek colony to a getaway for the well-heeled of Europe. Follow in the footsteps of the elite of yesteryear and stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, or get cultural and check out some of the artwork of famous resident Henri Matisse at the Musée Matisse, great for fans of impressionism.
Nice comes with a couple of tram lines, a central train station, and even its own airport – the third busiest in France! When it comes to accommodation in Nice, stay somewhere high-end and historic or book yourself into a budget apartment; it’s all here.
Where to Stay in Nice
- Hotel Negresco – Sporting exquisite masterpieces from the last five centuries, the glamorous beachfront 5-star offering has two fine dining restaurants, one of which is Michelin starred.
- Hotel 66 Nice – Set in an edifice that goes back to 1910, the family-run 4-star hotel has been recently refurbished in a contemporary décor to match with the new-age trends.
Cannes
Famous for its world-renowned film festival, Cannes is situated along the French Riviera west of Nice. This city is equally well known for its high-end living, with everything from designer boutiques and chic restaurants to elegant, upscale hotels.
Mid-range offerings are available here, however, so everyone can enjoy the luxe ambiance of this coastal city – complete with grand villas dating to the 19th century and millionaires’ yachts bobbing in the harbor. Getting in and out of Cannes is easy, thanks to its ferry services, railway stations, and multiple airports.
Where to Stay in Cannes
- Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes – Welcoming smiling faces since 1926, this epitome of legendary hospitality reflects both the traditional as well as voguish charms of Cannes.
- Hotel Club Maintenon – Boasting a prime location within the heart of Cannes, this astonishing 4-star hotel is a short distance from the ever-buzzing Plage du Palais des Festivals.
Marseille
Marseille is at the western end of the French Riviera and is known not only as France’s second-biggest city but also as the capital of the Provence. It has long been an important fixture for everyone from Ancient Greek colonists to the Roman Empire.
Expect a lot of history, from its Vieux Port (Old Port) area to the cobbled streets that twist throughout. Elsewhere, witness the elegance of the 19th century Palais du Pharo, catch a performance at the Opéra de Marseille, or try the famed bouillabaisse – the specialty fish stew of the city. Transport connections and a whole range of hotels – this city has it all.
Where to Stay in Marseille
- Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port – One of Sofitel’s finest, this ravishing 5-star hotel is located on the historic Old Port.
- NH Collection Marseille – Set in a historic edifice that was reportedly inaugurated in 1864 by Napoleon III, the beautifully preserved NH Collection Marseille offers a range of lavish accommodation units.
Avignon
Located along the banks of the River Rhone, Avignon is a city in the Provence that was once famous for being the home of the Catholic Pope. For a time, this was the seat of the Catholic Church, and there remains the enormous 14th century Papal Palace, the medieval Pont d’Avignon, and the 12the century Avignon Cathedral.
The entrancing city is full of history, but bubbles with modern life too; theatres, shops, restaurants, and bars now occupy the old streets. Hotels in Avignon are usually situated in charming old buildings in the oldest parts of the city, but more modern options are available a little further out, too.
Where to Stay in Avignon
- Hotel d’Europe – Tucked in a historic 16th-century structure which was completely refurbished in the 18th century, Hotel d’Europe is one of the oldest standing hotels in the country.
Aix-en-Provence
Founded by Roman consul Sextius Calvinus in 123 BC, Aix-en-Provence is a university town located to the southeast of Avignon, slightly north of Marseille. This is the hometown of impressionist painter Paul Cezanne, and features Cezanne’s Studio – the artist’s former studio now turned museum.
For more art, head to the Musee Granet, featuring works from Cezanne – of course – all the way to Rembrandt. The street of Cours Mirabeau runs along where the old city walls used to be and divides the old town, to the north, from the new town. Hotels here range from grand residences to casual lodgings housed in old buildings.
Where to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
- Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel – The interiors of this gorgeous 5-star hotel reflect a hint of Southern Provencal décor, with guestrooms and public areas flaunting the work of local artists.
- Aquabella Hôtel & Spa – While the 4-star hotel has a fantastic restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine and a summertime outdoor grill by the pool, you must come here to enjoy the out-of-the-world revitalization experience at the Sensoriel Spa!
St. Tropez
This is the place where, arguably, the coastal resort city was born. Saint-Tropez played host to the first jet set tourists of the world and has retained its status as a place to see – and be seen. With that in mind, the hotels here are traditionally mid-century wonders of luxury and retro design, which don’t come at budget-friendly prices – and neither do the more modern boutiques found here.
Connected by ferry and road only, this is the place to come to stroll along the beach, watch the yachts, enjoy sumptuous meals, and wander its narrow lanes.
Where to Stay in St. Tropez
- Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez – Inspired by 1960s and 70s style décor, this vibrant yet extremely sophisticated 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation a few steps away from the harbor.
- Le Mouillage – Surrounded by a plethora of fine dining restaurants, this magnificent 4-star hotel features a peach façade lined by well-maintained evergreen plants.
Sainte-Maxime
Sainte-Maxime looks south across the bay to Saint-Tropez; hotels here still don’t come cheap, but they’re mid-range – often boasting pools – and are much more affordable than its neighbor across the water. Plus, you get the same sort of views! Sainte-Maxime boasts several Blue Flag-certified beaches, where you can jet-ski, water-ski, or just soak up the sun until it goes down.
There are no less than eight golf courses within a radius of around a half hour drive, too. Visitors will also find a host of shops, boutiques, cafes, bars and eateries in Sainte-Maxime’s old town, situated opposite the harbor.
Where to Stay in Sainte-Maxime
- La Belle Aurore – Surrounded by the entrancing blues of the Mediterranean Sea, the La Belle Aurore is an impeccable abode in town, away from the bustling city yet in proximity to all the popular sightseeing places.
Arles
Along the coast to the east of Marseille, on the banks of the River Rhone, lies the historic city of Arles. This place is famous for its well preserved Roman amphitheater – a triumph of engineering that dates all the way back to 90AD.
Also famous for being a place of great inspiration to none other than Vincent van Gogh, Arles neighbors the tranquil wetlands that comprise the Camargue Natural Regional Park, an excellent place for bird spotting. With hotels in this city ranging from affordable to luxurious, and boasting an intercity railway station, Arles is a convenient place to stay.
Where to Stay in Arles
- Hôtel Arles Plaza – The solarium-style café is a great place to relax and opens out to the pool in case you want to dip your toes in.
Antibes
Antibes is set to the east of Cannes along the coast and was named by ancient Greek colonists around 400 BC. Taken over by the Romans in 43 BC, Antibes has few relics left of Roman rule, save a few aqueducts.
Head to the Archaeology Museum, however, and you will find many ancient artifacts from the city’s past. There’s also a Picasso Museum, a theme park, plus 48 beaches in the surrounding area where you can simply sit back and relax. Hotels in Antibes run from modest, affordable 2-star affairs to seafront luxury.
Where to Stay in Antibes
- Royal Antibes – With its private beachfront location and spectacular views over an adorable cove dotted with sailing boats, this 4-star hotel is a great choice for groups wanting to stay long-term in one of their fully-equipped self-catering units.
Frejus
Thanks to the Romans who once called this town home, Frejus – set between Sainte-Maxime and Cannes – is rich in history. Much of it is still visible too, including the ruins of an aqueduct, an amphitheater, baths, a Roman lighthouse, a bridge, and some of the old city walls and gates which used to lead into town.
Away from all the history, families can have a fun day out at the waterpark of Aqualand Frejus or simply splash around on one of its beaches. Though not crawling with accommodation, a few casual hotels and more upscale options mean there is something for everyone here.
Where to Stay in Frejus
- Atoll Hotel – A stone’s throw away from the beach and not too far from some of the most popular attractions in the area, this charming 3-star hotel is the ideal combination of value and comfort.
Saint-Raphael
Next door to Frejus is another of the Cote d’Azur’s resort towns – Saint-Raphaël. Complete with nearby history and the fun of the waterpark, there’s enough to keep everyone entertained in this town. Head up to Bonaparte Gardens for some stunning views of the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea, complete with beaches. Those very beaches were used during World War II, when in 1944, the Allied forces landed here for Operation Dragoon – the invasion of southern France.
As well as being well connected by boat to St Tropez and Cannes, Saint-Raphaël features a number of seafront lodgings, with a few high-end options, too.
Where to Stay in Saint-Raphael
- Hotel Continental – Featuring a variety of spacious rooms and suites, including family rooms, this premium 4-star hotel is especially popular for the grand breakfast buffet served every morning.
Menton
Nicknamed the perle de la France (meaning the “Pearl of France”), Menton is a picturesque town located just to the east of Nice. This lovely town is famous for its gardens, including the tropical feeling Jardin Botanique Exotique de Menton and the walled garden of Fontana Rosa.
Its architecture is also impressive, particularly the Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, an ornate baroque building dating back to 1619.
There’s even a museum dedicated to its most renowned resident, French artist Jean Cocteau. Ranging from the modern and contemporary to the low-key and relaxed, you’ll find a variety of places to stay in this pretty town.
Where to Stay in Menton
- Quality Hotel Menton Méditerranée – Staying here, you are truly rewarded with some of the loveliest views of the surroundings from the hotel’s sun terrace. Relax with a delicious cocktail and make the most of the French Riviera sun setting in front of you.
Toulon
Toulon is the fourth largest city on the Mediterranean coast of France (after Marseille, Nice, and Montpellier). A stone’s throw from Marseille to the west, Toulon has a beautiful old town to stroll around, with many squares and narrow lanes and, famously, quite a lot of fountains to admire.
Here is where you will find Toulon Cathedral, which was under construction from the 11th to 18th century! The city created a series of sandy beaches in the 1970s at nearby Le Mourillon, making it a popular destination for Toulon’s residents. Looking for accommodation? You’ll find a handful of mid-range hotels around the station and a few seafront options to choose from.
Where to Stay in Toulon
- Hôtel Amirauté – Located near the fascinating Place de la Liberté, this superb pet-friendly 3-star hotel is ideal for leisure travelers. Set in an exquisite Haussmann-era building, the hotel is only a short walk from the port, as well as the train station.
Grasse
Grasse is world renowned for its perfume industry and is quite often known as the perfume capital of the world, with many perfumers trained in this historic city. Thanks to its location with an abundance of water and plenty of natural scents – like jasmine, brought to this region by the Moors in the 16th century – it’s the perfect place to make perfume.
There are some 27 tons of jasmine harvested here annually! Located north of Cannes, and with its own train station, Grasse features just a few hotels, including some out of town villas and high-end country retreats.
Where to Stay in Grasse
- Best Western PLUS Elixir Grasse – This 4-star hotel is located a short distance from the center of Grasse.
Cassis
Practically situated in the rugged stretch of coastline that is the Parc national des Calanques, Cassis is located just to the east of Marseille and is all about its natural scenery. The Cap Canaille, in particular, offers some stunning hiking opportunities just out of town.
Once you’re back in Cassis, you can sit at a terrace cafe on the pastel-colored street and watch the world go by. Nearby are vineyards where you can sample the famous Cassis white wine. While there isn’t a huge selection of hotels, Cassis boasts a few low key lodgings and high-end cottages.
Where to Stay in Cassis
- Hotel Les Roches Blanches – A private mansion during the 19th century, the edifice was transformed into a hotel in the 1920s. Winston Churchill and Edith Piaf stayed here – there are rooms named after them!
Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Around 12 miles south of Avignon, Saint-Remy-de-Provence is set within the rolling hills and majestic nature of Alpilles Natural Regional Park. This is a popular holiday destination, thanks not only to its pretty old town, with streets featuring terrace cafes and colorful florists, but also huge historic Roman ruins of Glanum, which is a mere one kilometer south of Saint-Remy-de-Provence.
As another claim to fame, this town is where Vincent van Gogh spent the last year of his life. If you want to stay in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, this place is all about its refined farmhouse and boutique style local hotels.
Where to Stay in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
- Hotel du Soleil et Spa – Set on the foothills of the Alpilles, this admirable 3-star hotel has a certain rustic charm to it. Once an old thistle factory, it now offers 24 well-decorated guestrooms, as well as three fully-furnished apartments tucked away at the end of a quiet street.
Roussillon
Far to the east of Avignon lies the beautiful town of Roussillon. This place is situated in the borders of the Natural Regional Park of Luberon, a stunning slice of nature with gorgeous, wild, mountainous terrain – perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors.
In the vicinity are many deposits of ochre, which is why some of the hills nearby are red. You can actually visit one by following the Sentier des Ocres – or “Ochre Trail” – to one of the former quarries. Roussillon is also famous for its wine, with many vineyards in the area. Staying here means upscale hotels and rustic country retreats.
Where to Stay in Roussillon
- La Maison des Ocres – If you are planning to beat the jetlag and unwind a bit before you paint the town red, the pool at this hotel and the enclosing gardens are a great spot for that.
Gordes
The western neighbor of Roussillon is the hilltop town of Gordes. This famous village is built on the foothills of the Monts de Vaucluse and boasts many picturesque white stone buildings set into the cliffs themselves, all connected with winding lanes and cobbled streets
A famous hub for artists over the years, Gordes hosts cultural events over the summer months. There is history too, with a 10th-century chateau overlooking the village, as well as the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque, a monastery dating back to 1148. When it comes to hotels, you’ll find posh spa hotels surrounded by lavender and refined lodgings in historic buildings.
Where to Stay in Gordes
- Le Jas de Gordes – Tucked away in a 1.5-hectare wooded park that oozes the aroma of rosemary, lavender, and thyme, this place is perfect for some R&R opportunities in complete tranquillity.
Saint-Paul de Vence
Slightly inland from the coast, not too far west of Nice (including its handy airport), Saint-Paul de Vence is another of the Provence’s attractive hilltop towns. In fact, Saint-Paul de Vence claims to be one of the oldest cities on the French Riviera.
The medieval stone walls around the town are now home to many modern art museums, like the Fondation Maeght – founded in 1964 by famous impressionist Marguerite, and Ami Maeght. The 14th century Eglise Collegiale Saint Paul and the iconic Fontaine de Saint-Paul de Vence (1615) are a testament to the town’s history. Accommodation here includes 5-star lodgings in 16th-century buildings and homely, contemporary guesthouses.
Where to Stay in Saint-Paul de Vence
- Hotel Le Saint Paul – This dreamlike 5-star accommodation is the true reflection of French elegance and hospitality. The 16 boudoir-like bedrooms combine the flowery Provençal charm with colonial exotica.
Hyères
Hyères is situated to the east of Toulon. It’s another place where you can find much of Provence’s history, with the hilltop-located old town home to a medieval castle, amongst other relics, while the 1920s modernist Villa Noailles is a masterpiece designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens.
Head out of town to the offshore island of Porquerolles for rugged terrain, beaches, a winery, and hiking trails. When it comes to finding a place to stay in Hyères, there are plenty of places – some on Porquerolles, some near the conveniently located Toulon Hyères Airport, and others in the center of town.
Where to Stay in Hyères
- Best Western Plus Hyères Côte D’Azur – A ten-minute walk from the center of Hyeres, this Best Western offers 48 wonderfully-decorated guestrooms set within a lush garden.
Juan-les-Pins
A small town situated just a few minutes from Antibes, Juan-les-Pins has its own train station, bakeries, and beaches, as well as casinos, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for fun times by the sea.
There’s a famous jazz festival here, Jazz a Juan, and this spot has been well known for hosting celebrities and famous faces for decades. The hotel Le Provençal opened in 1926 and has even played host to Charlie Chaplin, amongst others.
Where to Stay in Juan-les-Pins
- Hôtel Juana – Overlooking the pinewood park that hosts the annual Juan’s July Jazz Fest, this hotel is known to be the finest personification of the 20’s jazz age.
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