DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Provence and the Cote dAzur (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top:The fishing port of Cassis; carved stonework at glise St-Trophime, Arles; flamingoes in the Carmargue; the Calanque dEn-Vau, Cassis; interior of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille; Les Arnes, Arles; cypress trees at Chteau de Berne

Provence is the most dazzling corner of France. The regions perfect light drew artists such as Renoir and Matisse, while its Riviera glamour has enchanted movie stars and tourists alike. It is a place of history and mystery, fantastic food and unbridled fun. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Provence and the Cte dAzur, its yours to explore.

Thousands of years of migration have left a lasting cultural legacy in Provence, and historic sites such as the Roman amphitheatre in Nmes, the medieval Abbaye de Snanqueand the papal vineyards of Chteauneuf-du-Papestill operate today. The 20th century shone an even stronger spotlight on the regions timeless villages and towns. Picasso painted Antibes, Van Gogh lost an ear in Arles, and Czanne captured the Provenal countryside around Aix-en-Provence on canvas.

The Cte dAzur is the south of France at its most cosmopolitan and lively, from the multinational restaurants of Marseilleto the glamorous beach clubs of St-Tropez. If you grow tired of the high life, it is easy to escape to the perched villages of the Alpes-Maritimesand the Var, to the wild Camarguewetlands or to the les de Lrinsoff Cannes. The region is filled with places where you can savour your own off-the-beaten-track paradise.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything the region has to offer, from the museums of Marseilleto the nightlife in Nice. The guide gives you tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, as well as ten easy-to-follow itineraries designed to cover a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Provence and the Cte dAzur.

EXPLORING PROVENCE AND THE CTE DAZUR

Provences most important sights are scattered widely across the region, but a world-class public transport system, with the Nice-Cannes-Aix-Marseille-Avignon TGV train along its spine, connects every hilltop village and coastal town. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time.

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Two Days in Provence

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Day 1

Morning

Start your day in .

Nices promenade du Paillonoffers a leafy stroll in the heart of the busy city.

Afternoon

After a lunch of salade Nioiseon the seafront promenade des Anglais, relive the French Rivieras glamorous past in the .

Day 2

Morning

Take an early TGV train to explore Avignons historic .

Afternoon

Hire a car and drive through lavender fields to the Roman town of .

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Seven Days in Provence

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Day 1

As Day 1 of Two Days in Provence.

Day 2

Nothing says .