Continuing our journey along the last coastal area, we drove towards the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel. The transition from the serene coast to the rugged hills was striking. The road gradually climbed into the Esterel Massif, where the landscape transformed dramatically. The Estérel Massif extends approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) …

As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular. The Route des Crêtes isn’t just about the views—it’s also about the experience of driving it. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp hairpin turns and steep grades that test your skills as a driver. There were moments when it …

For all our time spent in Provence, I’m embarrassed to admit that we had never been to les Gorges du Verdon. And it’s not far from Lourmarin, only about an hour and a half, in the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We’d heard it was worth a visit, but what …

One of the life experiences I cherish the most is spending time along the Côte d’Azur. However, I must confess that I’m geographically challenged, so the more I visited, the more confused I became about something relatively straightforward. “Which seaside towns are below which hilltop villages?” To settle the question, …

One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …

Parisian art, architecture, and fashion have shaped the country. However, it might be surprising to learn how the customs of countries bordering the Mediterranean have impacted the South of France. The Spanish influence in Provence is undeniable, from paella to corridas and ferias (horse and bull) sporting events. Barcelona is …

When students join me in Provence for a French immersion stay, I want to make sure that they improve their language skills and also get a chance to visit the region. Below are a few excursions from Aix-en-Provence that I have taken with students during their visits. Some of these …

In the tiny town of Vergèze, near the fabulous Roman city of Nîmes, stands the mega powerhouse producer of bottled water bubbles known worldwide as Perrier. The Perrier Museum The story behind this “Champagne of table waters” becoming a globally recognized brand began over 160 years ago. While on a …

A large group of friends were visiting us in Provence in September. Our dilemma was introducing the first-timers to the highlights of the Alpilles and keeping everyone else interested in discovering some (new to them) hidden gems of the region. After some back-and-forth, we created a car rally itinerary that …

Are you looking for ideas on the perfect French Riviera day trip? We turned to Céline O’Donnell, a private tour guide in Nice, for her recommendations on a day trip along the coast to Italy from the city. She has lived in this Côte d’Azur city for 40 years and …