Nice Ecochard 1

A Breathtaking Coast

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur is home to 700 km of exceptional Mediterranean coastline that brims with little coves, creeks, capes and peninsulas. A breathtaking sight, with magical vistas over the Med…

All Along

The Mediterranean coast

Camargue : between river and sea

Born out of the wedded waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Rhône River, the Camargue is a truly remarkable site, boasting a rich biodiversity, infinite variety of landscapes and wealth of culture. A land of contrasts and traditions, it unveils its thousand and one facets throughout the seasons. You can spend countless hours observing Camargue’s plant and animal life, including roaming bulls, horses and pink flamingos… Don’t miss the town of Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, Salin-de-Giraud saltmarshes and Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône.

The Côte Bleue coast and its sea beds

Set between Martigues and Marseille, the Côte Bleue, spanning around 30 km, is reputed for its stunning sea beds. The coastal footpath, perfect for nature walks, alternates magnificent cliffs and fjords. Along the way, you can stop off at the picturesque little ports of Carry- le-Rouet, Sausset-les-Pins, Niolon, L’Estaque or Carro to sample some local seafood specialities. You can also opt for a ride on the delightful coastal train departing from Marseille, offering breathtaking views over the entire Côte Bleue. Not to be missed too: Martigues, nicknamed the “Little Venice of Provence”.

The Calanques

The most magical fjords

The Calanques, a jewel at the gateway to Marseille! Wild and rocky, swept by the wind and sea spray, the beautiful Calanques fjords are dotted with viewpoints offering sumptuous vistas over the Med and islands off the coast of Marseille. The Frioul and Riou archipelagos, both Natura 2000 sites, are inhabited by many, often little-known plant and animal species. Enjoy a must-do stop-off at the charming little port of Cassis – you can also admire it from the heights of Cape Canaille.

The Var Coast

Discreet beaches and crystal-clear waters

A haven of wild fjords, steep cliffs and little villages with shaded terraces, the Var coast literally overflows with exceptional sites and confidential beaches lapped by translucent waters. Head to the ports of Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol, where you can still admire traditional “pointu” fishing boats – genuine emblems of the Mediterranean – bobbing at the quayside. The breathtaking Port-Cros National Park lies just off the coast of Hyères.

The Gulf of Saint-Tropez

A world-renowned gem

With its magnificent bay famed the world over and mythical port where the jet set and artists alike come to rub shoulders, Saint-Tropez is an absolute must. Appreciated for its inimitable lifestyle and pretty old fishermen’s cottages, it is also the perfect place for a peaceful walk once you step outside the buzzing village centre. Enjoy a tour of the nearby village of Ramatuelle and waterside town of Grimaud. Not to be missed too: Musée de l’Annonciade, boasting a fine collection of Pointillist, Fauvism and Nabi paintings celebrating the Mediterranean’s unique quality of light.

The Esterel Massif

Astonishing rocks

Lining the “Corniche d’Or” coast road between Mandelieu and Saint-Raphaël, the astonishing volcanic rock of the Massif de l’Esterel forms a ragged, jagged relief of cliffs and red stone. Down below, a multitude of little islands and shaded creeks stand out against a backdrop of turquoise waters. The vast, tree-filled Esterel hill range rises to an altitude of over 600 metres. Not to be missed: the Sémaphore du Dramont, a superb viewpoint overlooking the Maures Hills and porphyry rocks of the “Lion de Mer” (Sea Lion) and “Lion de Terre” (Land Lion) guarding the entrance to the Gulf of Fréjus.

The Côte d’Azur

Aka, the French Riviera

Stretching from Cannes to Menton, the charm of the Riviera knows no bounds… The buzzing atmosphere of Nice, famed for the Promenade des Anglais and Bay of Angels, could fittingly be compared to that of Los Angeles. A city of flowers and venue for a magnificent annual Carnival, Nice also boasts a beautiful hinterland, where olive and fruit trees thrive on steep, sun-drenched hillsides.

Close