Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is France's most sun-drenched region, stretching from the Rhône delta in the west to the Italian border in the east. It encompasses the world-famous French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) — Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez — the ancient Provençal heartland of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, Marseille's rugged port culture, the violet lavender plateaus of Valensole, the turquoise-water Calanques, and the dramatic Gorges du Verdon. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the region is France's premier year-round destination.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Savon de Marseille — the famous Marseille olive-oil soap. Look for the 72% huile d'olive label to identify authentic product. Best bought at La Grande Savonnerie (16 Rue Fontange, 13006 Marseille) or the Vieux-Port market.
Herbes de Provence — a blend of lavender, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savory. Packaged versions from the Cours Saleya market or Aix market run €3–8 / approx USD 3.30–8.70 for a ceramic pot.
Calissons d'Aix — almond and candied melon confections unique to Aix-en-Provence. Roy René (10 Rue Clémenceau, Aix) is the historic producer; boxes from €12 / approx USD 13.
Provençal fabrics (tissus provençaux) — the distinctive yellow-and-blue geometric patterns of Souleiado and Les Olivades. Souleiado has shops in Aix-en-Provence and Arles; fabric by the metre from €18 / approx USD 20.
Grasse perfumes — large format bottles of real perfume from Fragonard (20 Boulevard Fragonard, Grasse) or Galimard (73 Route de Cannes, 06130 Grasse); from €25 / approx USD 27 for 100ml Eau de Toilette.
Provençal olive oil — look for the AOC label (Baux-de-Provence, Provence AOC, Nyons AOC). The Moulin Jean-Marie Cornille cooperative in Maussane-les-Alpilles sells extra virgin olive oil direct from €12 / approx USD 13 per 500ml.
Santons — hand-painted terracotta figurines representing Provençal village characters; a Christmas tradition. The Ateliers Marcel Carbonel (47 Rue Grignan, 13001 Marseille) is the most prestigious producer; from €15 / approx USD 16.
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Cours Saleya Flower and Produce Market, Nice
Nice's legendary market; cut flowers, Provençal herbs, vegetables, socca, pissaladière, honey
Where: Vieux-Nice, Alpes-Maritimes
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 06:00–13:30 (flower and produce); Monday 06:00–13:00 (antiques)
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue Antiques Market
France's second-largest antiques market after Paris; 300+ dealers in antiques, brocante, and art
Where: L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Vaucluse
Hours: Saturday–Sunday 09:00–18:00 (permanent antique shops); Grand Antiques Fair in April and August
Marché Forville, Cannes
Fresh produce, flowers, charcuterie, cheese, and Provençal specialties; Monday is brocante
Where: Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 07:00–13:00 (closed Monday)
Arles Saturday Market
One of Provence's largest weekly markets; Arlésiennes fabrics, santon figurines, produce, clothing
Where: Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône
Hours: Saturday 07:00–13:00