DK Travel - DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Provence and the Côte dAzur

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t Pont St-Bnzet over the Rhne, Avignon

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t Sunflower field in Vaucluse at sunset

Fragrant fields of lavender and relics of ancient realms. Restaurants that rank among the worlds finest and glamorous Riviera nightspots. Lush vineyards, snow-capped peaks and sun-soaked beaches: this region has it all. Whatever your dream trip to Provence entails, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

Provence might just be Frances most alluring region. Its cities have something to seduce every visitor, from the vibrant streetlife of Marseille and Nice to the sun, sand and bling of Riviera resorts such as St-Tropez and Cannes. Roman amphitheatres, papal palaces and medieval abbeys hark back to the power and glory of vanished empires, and fabulous galleries celebrate the work of some of the greatest artists of modern times.

Stretching from the sunny shores of the Mediterranean to the snow-capped peaks of the French Alps, Provences amazing diversity of terrain and terroir make it a paradise for foodies. Vineyards produce luscious reds and extraordinary bone-dry ross. From mountain pastures and fishing harbours come culinary treasures like truffles, saffron and a cornucopia of seafood. Lovers of the great outdoors are spoiled for choice, too: hikers can watch the sun rise from the summit of Mont Ventoux, kayakers can tackle the rapids of the Gorges du Verdon, and wildlife watchers can spot flamingos on the lagoons of the Camargue.

With so many different things to discover, Provence can seem overwhelming. Weve broken the region down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a weekend, a week, or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best the region has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Provence.

Les Arnes, Nmes.

Basket filled with freshly picked Provenal lavender.

Yacht docked in the harbour at Monte Carlo.

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Magnificent Roman architecture, picturesque vineyards, excellent cuisine and fine modern art: there are so many reasons to love Provence and the Cte dAzur. Here, we pick some of our favourites.

t Within the white limestone walls of Avignons , echoing vaulted chambers and serene courtyards evoke the power and the glory of a succession of pious yet cunning medieval pontiffs.

Discover Reasons to Love Provence

t Whether you are looking to be pampered at a private beach club or splash around with the kids, Provences have something for everyone.

Discover Reasons to Love Provence

t From the Chteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards in the Rhne valley, the hinterland of Ctes de Provence and the sandy coasts of Camargue come complex red , flinty ross and luscious vins doux.

Discover Reasons to Love Provence

Celebrity Spotting

t Ever since the 1950s, the beaches of St-Tropez, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and Monaco have been bywords for celebrity glamour. If youre hoping to photograph the stars, is the place to be when the worlds greatest film festival is in full swing.

Discover Reasons to Love Provence

ABBAYE DE SNANQUE

t Vast sunflower prairies and purple lavender fields surround the serene , where blossoms create a bee-buzzing haze of colour, scent and sound around the cool medieval cloisters.

Discover Reasons to Love Provence

Roman Arenas

t At Roman arenas like those at its easy to imagine audiences roaring as gladiators battled to the death. These days, events range from concerts to operas.