The Top 10 Landscapes in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

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The Ochres of the Luberon

An intense light, a rocky landscape where hundreds of orange, yellow and brown shades come to life. Here you are facing the Ochres of the Luberon, an exceptional homegrown geological characteristic. To admire them, take the Sentier des Ocres on foot or bike from the village of Roussillon, built on one of the biggest deposits in the world. Or pop over a bit further east, to the Colorado Provençal in Rustrel. A guaranteed change of scenery! Finally, to explore the industrial epic of ochre’s exploitation, go to the mines of Bruoux, in Gargas.

Discover the Parc du Luberon

Stride

The Underwater Trails

In Ramatuelle, Port-Cros, Hyères or Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, let yourself be tempted to try an underwater hike. All along the coastline, the underwater trails of the Mediterranean lead you to discover treasures of the marine coastal environments. Monitored by a professional and equipped with a diving suit, a mask and a snorkel, dive into the mysteries of marine fauna and flora. Enjoy moments of peace and quiet as you explore this extremely well-preserved coastline.

Discover the Coastline

Explore

The Rocks at Ristolas-Mont-Viso

Located on the edge of the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras, the Réserve Naturelle de Ristolas-Mont-Viso is a geological and floral treasure. Established in 2007, it houses an impressive diversity of rocks, including gabbros, oil shales and basaltic lavas. Its rugged relief is evidence of its special location, a place where the African and European Plates collided 66 million years ago. Around a thousand plant species bloom in its lawns, meadows, moors and rocks. Want to know more? Head to the Arches des Cimes de Ristolas, an eco-museum dedicated to local biodiversity.

Discover the Parc du Queyras

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At the Marais du Vigueirat

A precious place for photographers and lovers of protected environments, the Parc Naturel Régional de Camargue​​​ is fascinating. In this natural setting, a rough jewel which looks like an unexplored territory is hiding: the Réserve Naturelle des Marais du Vigueirat. As you have your guided tour – on a horse, bike or even in a horse-drawn carriage you will discover a mosaic of natural wetlands that house 2000 plant and animal species, including 300 bird species, 5 bull farms and Camargue horses which graze at the reserve all year round.

Discover the Parc de Camargue

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The Gorges de Daluis

As soon as you arrive, you will understand why this place is nicknamed the Colorado of Nice. Here, the red and ochre cliffs form a canyon around the Var. This natural spectacle is best enjoyed by following one of the paths approaching the Gorges de Daluis. For photos that are a sure-fire success, head to the Clue d’Amen and its incredibly aesthetic peaks.

Observe the Animals

At the Monts d’Azur Réserve

Located in the heart of the Haut-Thorenc estate, in the hinterland of Nice, the Réserve Biologique des Monts d’Azur is home to ancestral animal species like ​elk, Przewalski’s horse, European bison, and red deer. To fully appreciate this extremely well-preserved natural setting, go snowshoeing or sledding in winter, or on a safari on foot or in a horse-drawn carriage when the weather is fine. In summer, take a dip in the reserve’s natural swimming pool to refresh yourself. Want to extend your visit? Open the door to one of the estate’s ecolodges.