Destinations > France > Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur

Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur

The region in the south of France includes the beach resorts of the Côte d'Azur and the scenic countryside of Provence. The Côte d'Azur may have lost some of its sparkle, however the legend of resort cities such as Monte Carlo, St Tropez and Cannes lives on. The coast from Marseille to the Italian border now harbours a wide variety of attractions from the exclusive yachts of the jet-set to quaint towns and secluded beaches. Be careful though, its major towns and cities are some of the most expensive towns in France.

Aix-en-Provence

If you're looking for a place to meander around elegant tree-lined streets and traditional cafés, Aix marks the spot. While you're there take the Cézanne walking tour of the city.

Practical Information

Aix-en-Provence Tourist Information Centre

2, place du Genéral de Gaulle, Aix-en-Provence

Tel (04) 42 16 11 61

Website www.crt-paca.fr

Accommodation

Auberge de Jeunesse - Le Jas de Bouffan

3 Avenue Marcel Pagnol, 13090 Aix-en-Provence

Bus 4

Tel (04) 4220 1599

Avignon

This was a really happening place back in the 14th century when the pope decided to move into town. It main attractions include the Papal Palace, the old city walls and loads of other old stuff.

Practical Information

Avignon Tourist Information Centre

41, cours Jean Jaurès, Avignon

Tel (04) 90 82 65 11

Website www.crt-paca.fr

Accommodation

Hostel & Camping Bagatelle

Île de la Barthelasse, 84000 Avignon

Tel (04) 90 86 30 39

YMCA/UCDJ - Avignon

7 bis, Chemin de la Justice, 30401 Avignon

Bus 10

Tel (04) 90 25 46 20

Cannes

Made famous by the International Film Festival, its casinos and the waterfront, Cannes is the quintessential Côte d'Azur resort, encompassing everything that makes the coast famous. However, like Nice, it is big enough to find supermarkets and hostels and other things to make your stay there a little cheaper.

Practical Information

Cannes Tourist Information Centre

1, boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes

Tel (04) 93 39 24 53

Website www.crt-riviera.fr

Accommodation

Hostel Les Iris

77, boulevard Carnot, 06400 Cannes

Tel (04) 93 68 30 20

Le Chalit

27, avenue Marechal Gallieni, Cannes 06400

Tel (04) 9399 2211

Monaco

This three-square-kilometre pincipality is independent from France, and they pack a hell of a lot into this tiny country. In Monaco-Ville you can see the Prince's Palace, and Jacques Cousteau's famous Oceanographic Museum, while down in Monte Carlo you have beaches, casinos, and a harbour packed full of awesome yachts. While the Monagasque Royal Family gets the attention of the French tabloid press, the whole world watches each May for the Monaco Grand Prix.

Practical Information

Monaco Tourist Information Centre

2a, boulevard des Moulins

Tel (04) 92 16 61 66

Accommodation

C-de-J Princesse Stephanie

24, avenue Prince Pierre

Tel (04) 93 50 83 20

Nice

This place is worth visiting. It's only half an hour by train from Monaco and half an hour from Cannes which makes Nice a good spot on the Riviera to base yourself. With is diverse population and cheaper prices, Nice also has plenty to offer the budget traveller.

Practical Information

Nice Tourist Information Centre

avenue Thiers, Nice

Tel (04) 93 87 07 07

Website www.crt-riviera.fr

American Express

11, promenade des Anglais, Nice

Tel (04) 93 16 53 53

Website www.americanexpress.com

Accommodation

Auberge de Jeunesse - Les Camelias

3, rue Spitalieri, Nice 06000

Tel (04) 93 62 15 54

Auberge de Jeunesse - Mont Boron

Route Forestiere du Mont Alban, Nice 06300

Tel (04) 93 89 23 64

Backpackers Chez Patrick

1st Floor, 32 rue Pertinax, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 80 30 72

Backpackers Les Myosotis

19 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice

Tel (06) 24 72 49 36

Hostel Faubourg Montmartre

32 rue Pertinax, 06000 Nice

Hostel Meyerbeer Beach

15 rue Meyerbeer, Nice

Tel (04) 93 88 95 65

Hotel Antares

5 avenue Thiers, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 88 22 87

Hotel Baccarat

33 rue d'Angleterre, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 88 35 73

Hotel Belle Meuniere

21 rue Durante, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 88 66 15

Hotel des Alizés

10 rue de Suisse, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 88 85 08

Hotel les Orangers

10 bis, avenue Durante, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 87 51 41

Hotel Paradis

1 rue de Paradis, 06000 Nice

Tel (04) 93 87 71 23

Villa Saint Exupery

22, avenue Gravier, 06100 Nice

Tel (04) 93 84 42 83