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50 km

Serre-ChevalierVallée

Montgenèvre

Puy-Saint-Vincent

VarsRisoul

Les Orres

Isola 2000Auron

Valberg

OrcièresMerlette

1850

Super Dévoluy

La Joue du Loup

Pra Loup

Val d’Allos

Le Sauze

La GraveLa Meije

Le Castellet

Grimaud

Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer

Lérins Islands

Valréas

Marignane

Istres

Miramas

Pertuis

Les Mées

Saintes-Maries-de-la-MerMartigues

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

Gordes Roussillon

Cassis

Bandol

Menton

Sainte-Maxime

Fréjus

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

Sisteron

Saint-Véran

Ramatuelle

Grasse

Mandelieu-la-Napoule

Cagnes-sur-MerBiot

Vence Èze

Forcalquier

Manosque

Brignoles

Gréoux-les-Bains

Saint-Maximin-la Sainte-Baume

Six-Fours-les-Plages

Orange

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Pont du Gard

MARSEILLE

NICE

Arles

Avignon

Aix-en-Provence

ToulonHyères

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Raphaël

CannesAntibes

Monaco

Briançon

Digne-les-Bains

Barcelonnette

Gap

Embrun

Castellane

Draguignan

Aubagne

La Ciotat

Carpentras

Cavaillon

Salon-de-Provence

ITALY

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

CAMARGUE REGIONALNATURE PARK

LUBERON REGIONALNATURE PARK

LE QUEYRASREGIONAL

NATURE PARK

LES ÉCRINSNATIONAL PARK

VERDON REGIONALNATURE PARK

LA SAINTE-BAUME REGIONALNATURE PARK

CALANQUESNATIONAL PARK

PORT-CROSNATIONAL PARK

PRÉALPES D'AZUR REGIONALNATURE PARK

HAUTE-PROVENCENATURAL GEOLOGY RESERVE

LES BARONNIES PROVENÇALES REGIONAL

NATURE PARK

LE MERCANTOURNATIONAL PARK

LES ALPILLES REGIONALNATURE PARK

La-Londe-les-Maures

Calanquesand Cap Canaille

Camargue

MontVentoux

The OchreRange

Montagne Sainte-Victoire

VerdonGorge

Massif de l’Esterel

Vallée des Merveilles

LakeSerre Ponçon

Col de la Bonette

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CiansGorge11

7

Varbeaches8

HyèresIslands9

12

14

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10

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Pénitents des Mées6

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Mucem andFort Saint-Jean

Roman heritage of Arles in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Palais des Papes

Roman Theatreof Orange

Vaison-la-Romaine

SénanqueAbbey

SisteronCitadel

Fort ofAntibes

Briançonfortress

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Toulon fortsand harbour12

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Place Masséna14

BoscodonAbbey8

ThoronetAbbey 10

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Saint MaryMagdalene Basilica 11

WELCOME TO PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR

2400 - 4000 m

1800 - 2400 m

1200 - 1800 m

600 - 1200 m

0 - 600 m

LYON

PARIS

ITALY

SPAINMARSEILLE

AIX-EN-PROVENCE NICE

AVIGNON

TOULON-HYÈRES

P rovence Alpes Côte d’Azur, three destinations with incredibly varied landscapes. You can experience an exceptional region just 3 hours from Paris by train and

1 hour 10 minutes by plane. An invitation to a journey combining the sea, hills, lakes and mountains, with breathtaking natural sites and outstanding monuments.

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www.provence-alpes-cotedazur.com

Express Train TGV (High speed train)

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Highway

Main link road

Department boundary

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Airport

Main port

Station served by TGV

Skiing resort

Exceptional Natural Sites

Exceptional Experiences

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PROVENCE ALPES CÔTE D’AZUR

1 Calanques and Cap Canaille

Sublime views and little creeks with crystal- clear waters can be found along the protected Calanques site near Marseille. A paradise for scuba- diving, climbing and rich animal and plant life, the Calanques are a 20km natural link from Marseille to the pretty port of Cassis and the sheer cliffs of Cap Canaille.

2 Camargue

An unspoilt land, unique in France, where the sea and the River Rhone meet: Camargue is an endless observation post for animals and plants.When you walk between the lakes and marshes, you will instantly feel far away from it all.This site has successfully preserved its traditions and can boast a wide range of activities: bird-watching, horse-riding, regional cuisine and many other gems to explore!

3 Montagne Sainte-Victoire

The Sainte-Victoire mountain was Cézanne’s favou- rite subject, and is one of the symbols of the Aix region. A vast “wave” of dazzling white stone, the mountain immediately inspires admiration.You can see it from every angle on the many hiking and walking paths. A chance to enjoy the Aix countryside and the villages nearby with their Provençal atmosphere.

4 The Ochre Range

A thousand colours in the Provence sunshine! Here the light plays on the nuances, providing a range of reds, oranges and yellows...Leaving from the hilltop village of Roussillon, right at the heart of Luberon, you can enjoy two hiking trails for an original experience or plunge into the tempting “Provençal Colorado” of Rustrel.

5 Mont Ventoux

This legendary mountain, nicknamed “the Giant of Provence”, rises to an altitude of 1,912 metres and contains a range of colours and atmospheres.It is recognised as a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO and blends Provençal nature and moon-like landscapes swept by the wind. This truly unique mountain is very popular with cycling fans.In summer, lavender blooms against the backdrop of the mountain with its mysterious atmosphere.

6 Pénitents des Mées

These strange silhouettes nicknamed the Penitents of Mées rise to 1,000 metres in altitude. According to legend, the monks from Lure Mountain were petrified in the rock for having coveted Moorish women during the Saracen invasions. In fact, the Mées formation results from a rock that is resistant to erosion.

7 Verdon Gorge

Plunge into a breathtaking spectacle! A unique site in Europe, this vast canyon boasts dizzying panoramas and a range of vantage points plunging down to 700 metres. With impressive views over the Emerald river that takes its name from the clear green waters. This is a land of adventure sports, including climbing, rafting, canoeing and bungee jumping...

8 Var beaches

The Var coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Some are now legendary, most are unspoilt and preserved. Pebble or fine sandy beaches for a family swim or for a nap in the shade of a stone pine, come and enjoy the beaches in Bandol, St Tropez, Pampelonne, Bormes-les- Mimosas, La Londe-les-Maures, Porquerolles, etc.

9 Hyères Islands

If you like sailing, diving or just a nice walk, the Hyère Islands are pure Mediterranean jewels.Porquerolles, Port-Cros or Levant: turquoise waters, white sand beaches, exceptional plant life and miles of signposted trails are on offer. You will see why the Hyère Islands are also known as “The Golden Islands”.

10 Massif de l’Esterel

Explore the “Corniche d’Or”, the “golden” coastal road between Mandelieu and Saint Raphaël. The surprising range of red volcanic rocks stands out jagged on the horizon. You look down on a mul-titude of small islands and creeks in the shade of forest pine. This range, rising to an altitude of 600 metres, is the starting point for many cycling or walking trails through a vast wooded and protec-ted area.

11 Cians Gorge

An encounter with a series of impressive, sheer red gorges. The erosive force of the Cians was increased in periods of flooding, helping shape a strange gallery of natural sculptures. You can see them along 25 km of winding roads. Giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scene.

12 Vallée des Merveilles

Filled with lakes and forests, this “wonder” of the Mercantour National Park is known for its rock art. An incredible place, 2,000 metres above sea level, this is a chance for fans of walking and nature to see the local fauna and flora, while admiring countless examples of historic and artistic heritage.

13 Col de la Bonette

Europe’s highest road, going up to 2,802 metres at the heart of the Mercantour National Park. The Cime de la Bonette links the Mediterranean and the Alps. With a host of spectacular landscapes, it provides breathtaking views in all seasons, from snowy peaks to wonderful panoramas over the larch forests... This mythical mountain regularly features in the Tour de France, and is very popular with cyclists!

14 Lake Serre Ponçon

The River Durance flows through a mountain setting. It turns into a 3,000-hectare artificial lake, one of the biggest in Europe, but most of all a wonderful playground for lovers of sailing and adventure.A chance for the more contemplative visitors to set off and explore the striking panoramas from the nearby trails.

1 Mucem and Fort Saint-Jean

At the edge of the Old Port of Marseille, the Fort Saint Jean, parts of which date from the 12th century, and the Mucem, an architectural feat and the new museum of European and Mediterranean civilisa-tions, are harmoniously combined. After a visit to an exhibition, you can enjoy a stroll in the sunshine or savour a drink looking out to sea.

2 Roman heritage of Arles - Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

The Roman heritage of Arles is listed by UNESCO, and the city is filled with some remarkable, not- to-be-missed monuments. The Arles Amphitheatre still has its original impact and the Roman Theatre is today a major venue. As you enter Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the Arc de Triomphe and the Mausoleum of the Julii appear in a beautiful green setting near the archaeological site of Glanum.

3 Palais des Papes

The result of the popes’ residence in Provence in the 14th century, this majestic, medieval Gothic building was both a fortress and a palace at the heart of the town. The monument is a site for exhibitions and visits, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It hosts incredible theatre performances during the Avignon Festival. The highlight of the summer, it takes over all the town, turning it into a living scene for contemporary theatre.

4 Sénanque Abbey

Our Lady of Sénanque Abbey, a wonder of simpli-city nestling at the bottom of the valley for over 800 years, is one of the purest examples of Cistercian architecture. This Romanesque masterpiece at the heart of Luberon is an ideal place to relax and enjoy walks. In summer, the flowering lavender adds beauty to the site.

5 Roman Theatre of Orange

A remarkable product of Antiquity, this is the best preserved Roman theatre in Europe, owing its reputation above all to its beautifully preserved stage wall. A major venue since the Roman era due to its exceptional acoustics, it welcomes visitors from all over the world for the opera festival, “Les Chorégies”.

6 Vaison-la-Romaine

Go back in time in Vaison-la-Romaine. A major landmark in the history of Provence, the town can boast an impressive heritage and is well worth a visit. While the medieval remains and the modern buildings stand side by side, it owes its reputation and nickname, “The Roman Town”, to the age of Antiquity. For history buffs, a theatre and archaeo-logical museum round off the visit.

7 Sisteron Citadel

Looking down on the majestic River Durance, the Citadel gives visitors a chance to enjoy fine views, recalling Sisteron’s fortress past. The inventive architect Vauban made his mark on the site.Today the Citadel is a tourist site and also famous for its music and theatre festival, “Les Nuits de la Citadelle”.

8 Boscodon Abbey

The abbey was founded by monks from the order of Chalais, who were attracted to the purity and harmony of the site. Now restored, the abbey has again become a place of worship at the heart of one of the biggest pine and larch forests. Also worth visting is the village of Embrun, overlooking the Durance valley with its monumental cathedral.

9 Briançon Fortress

A fascinating immersion in history at the heart of the Alps! Due to its strategic position, Briançon is one of the most important fortified mountain sites in the world. The fortified town designed by Vauban nestles in a magical environment. Also worth visi-ting is the Mont-Dauphin fort, looking down on the Guil and Durance valley, just 30 km from Briançon. These 2 buildings are listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

10 Thoronet Abbey

An experience of grace at the heart of Provence. Nicknamed “the Wonder”, it was built in the 12th century on the wooded hills. Thoronet Abbey is practical and simple in design, with exceptional acoustics. It is recognised as a remarkable example of Cistercian architecture.

11 Saint Mary Magdalene Basilica

The basilica is a pilgrimage site containing the relics of Mary Magdalene, who brought the Gospel to Provence... The most important religious edi-fice in Gothic style in Provence is ideally suited to meditation. A chance to set off in the footsteps of the saint through the majestic forest of Sainte-Baume and to continue the climb to the cave where she is said to have lived as a hermit until her death.

12 Toulon forts and harbour

Toulon is described as an impregnable site and contains one of Europe’s finest harbours. Once a refuge for Greek and Roman ships, Toulon Harbour is encircled by several forts designed by Vauban, illustrating a rich military heritage and an eventful history. 24 forts, towers and batteries were built in three areas: the harbour, the small and the large ring.

13 Fort of Antibes

From the terrace, you can enjoy a 360° view over Antibes and the area. The fort stands on the Saint-Roch peninsula. It was once a defensive structure, and today is a proud emblem of the town and a museum listed as a Historic Monument. During your visit you can explore the preserved park and admire the view over the old town and the sea.

14 Place Masséna

At the centre of Nice, this mythical square with its Pompeii red buildings and Italian atmosphere, delights visitors with its harmonious style. This refreshing haven is the town’s “lung” with its vast arcades, sun fountain and nearby reflecting pool that illuminates the evening. It has an ideal spot between the garden leading to the Old Town and the Albert Premier Garden, winding its way to the Promenade des Anglais.

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