Hotels in Côte d'Azur

Whenever people think of Provence and Côte d’Azur they always conjure up two very distinct images. The former would be flower beds, olive groves, and vineyards. They would think of wine and the hum of cicadas in the distance. It is always in this state of dreamy that lures in visitors seeking for a retreat. On the other hand, Côte d’Azur is vastly different because it makes people think of the sea, yachts, and sunbathing. It is home to the most glamorous beaches of St. Tropez and Cannes which conjures up the most luxurious vacations.

How to Get There

Depending on where you are going, the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is extremely accessible. Côte d’Azur is easily reached by taking a flight to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE). This is the third busiest airport in the country and it services most European cities. The Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) is smaller but still accommodates several locations in Europe and Africa.

Two more airports are available, the Toulon-Hyères Airport (TLN) and Avignon Provence Airport (AVN). These are smaller and the latter only operates in the summer. Train connections are also available if you are coming from another part of France.

Getting Around

The entire region is similar to most of France. Getting around is easy using a car or bicycle because the roads are easily navigated, and they are tourist friendly. Public transportation via the train is another option. This would get you to places faster with most sightseeing destinations just a stone’s throw away. Walking would be a great option when you are here because you get to encounter places that locals frequent that you may miss if you were moving faster.

Top Things to Do

There is more to the region than beaches and vineyards. In a city like Avignon, you will find building and structures that are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. The Pope’s Palace is a great example of this. It has been around since the 14th century and it was once the seat of the papacy.

In Marseille, travel to the old port that has been around since the 6th century BC. It was one of Europe’s busiest trading hubs, but now it has transformed into a place where locals come and dine on the rows of yachts with their friends and family.

Moreover, the region has an amazing art scene. In the city of Les Baux-de-Provence, you will find the Carrières de Lumières, an audiovisual experience that is held in a limestone quarry. The exhibit changes everywhere, but it has hosted artists like Cèzanne, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

If you opt for a more relaxing time lounging on a boat, the beaches of Cote d’Azure surely would not disappoint. Every year, St. Tropez and Cannes attracts thousands of visitors to get away from the buzz of cities.

What to Eat

You cannot go to Provence without having a glass of its most famous wine and rosé. Widely known for their vineyards, places like Cassis, Les Baux-de-Provence, and Coteaux Varois produce a wide variety. Normally, dining in restaurants of Provence and Côte d’Azur would require bookings because it is usually jam-packed especially during the summer months.

There are a lot of options to try, but the region standout would be their bouillabaisse. A stew dish that is normally served for two people. You will find the best kind in the seaside cities of Marseille and Nice. Another delicacy would be the soupe de poissons. Meat is diverse in this region with rabbit taking the lead in popularity. If you prefer vegetables, ratatouille is another popular dish that is served in most restaurants in the region.

Where to Stay

The region has a wide variety of accommodation to stay in. If you go to Provence, you can spend a couple of nights in bed and breakfasts owned by winemakers. You would be able to see how their typical day goes as well as techniques in harvesting and making wine. Côte d’Azur offers great spots for a beachside stay. If you wish to splurge a bit more, it would be worth it because it always has a stunning sunset view.

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