Going inland, almost as if guided by its fabulous scent, you will find yourself in Grasse, the capital of perfume. Strolling through its gardens, allow yourself to be captivated by its charm: you will be surrounded by its lavender fields, and the fragrance of eucalyptus and mimosa... Even further up, Saint Paul de Vence with its superb landscapes which inspired Maeght, Miro, Chagall, Kandinsky, Leger. In Vence, the chapel was decorated by Matisse. All of these artists were seduced by these places of light.
As soon as you come off the motorway, you will be amazed by the wild countryside
of the Camargue, kingdoms of birds, bulls and wild horses; by the fantastic cliffs overhanging the clear sea; by the
fortified villages on the crests of the hills, and by the gentle pace of life behind the village walls; by the roads that wind through
the shade of the forests,
the vineyards and lavender fields and up into the mountains; by the archaeological sites, the medieval cities, the ancient
theatres, the amphitheatres, cloisters and basilicas. And by the towns, built by History, and the ports which tell story of
the great odyssey of Mediterranean culture. You'll find new experiences on every one of the maby roads which cross the
region.
Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur is made for sport of all kinds ! It is ideal for every kind of sport,
due to the wide variety of hills and plains and countryside:
Summer and winter here are positively packed with arts festivals, many of which are famous the world over: music and opera in Orange and Aix-en-Provence, dance in Chateauvallon, theatre in Avignon, photography in Arles, the "Nuits de la Citadelle" in Sisteron, the Feeries in Montgenevre, to name but a few.
Each year too, the region organizes more than 2000 international art events. Painting and literature are
closely linked to this area, which has inspired fondness in great masters and writers-for example, Van Gogh,
Cezanne, Giono, Pagnol, whose works can be found everywhere.
The art of living in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur is based on regional traditions,
apparent both along the coastline and in the countryside or in the mountains :
Return to the coast in May.. for a film festival: Cannes! Both the Celts and the Romans made this their colony.. a walk along the Croisette (promenade), encounters with the stars..
