Between its turquoise coastline and fields of lavender, the landscapes of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur offer a wide palette of colours to appreciate. That is why the region is worth visiting over and over again! Here are 7 landscapes in PACA that you'll love.
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The Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region is famous for its turquoise blue waters and lavender flowers. And there are many places worth the visit. Here are the 7 most beautiful natural sites to photograph to your heart’s content!
7 photos of must-see sites in PACA:
The Calanques National Park
This one is obvious! No list of the most photogenic places on the Cote d’Azur would be complete without the Calanques National Park. The Calanques de Marseille extend over 500 hectares of water, rocks and greenery before plunging into the sea, creating a landscape you can’t see anywhere else in the world. The most famous calanque is undoubtedly in Cassis, but our favourite is in Morgiou, a lesser known location with a charming little marina.
From hiking to snorkelling or even sailing, there are many ways to discover these natural wonders. But be warned: while the colour of the water may be inviting, the water is actually quite cool.
>> Discover the Calanques of Marseille
Getting there:
Take a train to Marseille, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
The centre of the Calanque d’En Vau, at sunset, is a perfect spot for a photo.
The Alpilles
The quintessentially Provençal Alpilles mountain range covers 50,000 hectares in the northwestern part of the Bouches-du-Rhône. In addition to being home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, some of the most beautiful villages in France, such as Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Les Baux-de-Provence, are also located in the Alpilles.
Between the picturesque villages and breathtaking natural landscapes, there are plenty of subjects for some magnificent photos!
Getting there:
Take a train to Avignon, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
In Baux-de-Provence, a picturesque village in an incredible natural setting.
Port-Cros and Porquerolles
Across from Hyères, you will find three small slices of heaven. They are known as the islands of Hyères: Port-Cros, Porquerolles and the Ile du Levant. While the first is famous for its protected marine plants and animals, the second is a little slice of heaven with a delightful mix of picturesque villages and wild landscapes.
We especially love the island of Port-Cros, which is the largest national land and sea park in Europe. It is so well protected that there are very few permanent residents or hotels. It is one of the few wild islands on the coast.
Getting there:
Take a train to Hyères. From there, you can take a ferry straight to Porquerolles.
Where to take the best photo
From any of the many coves on the two islands.
The Esterel mountains
The Esterel mountains, too, seem to plunge into the sea. Indeed, Victor Hugo used to say that “Here, the Alps die with dignity”. And with good reason: in this natural site, just steps away from Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus, you can enjoy a unique view of the Alps and the Mediterranean at the same time. The Esterel mountains, which are nearly 250 million years old, were once part of Africa, which explains their reddish colour. They separated from the African continent when the Mediterranean Sea was formed.
If you venture into these mountains, take time to appreciate the plants and animals that flourish here. From the summit, on a clear day, you may even be able to see Corsica!
Getting there:
Take a train to Saint-Raphaël, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
From the summit, in cloudy weather. It will look like you are floating in the sky!
Sénanque Abbey
On a clear day, Sénanque Abbey offers the perfect postcard image of Provence! The Notre-Dame de Sénanque Abbey in Vaucluse is still used for its original purpose. Monks live here year-round. If you wish to see the inside, some parts of it are open to the public.
The best option is to walk around the outside of the abbey among the fields of lavender. The monks also make numerous products using the lavender, which are sold at the abbey.
>> 5 good reasons to go to Provence
Getting there:
Take a train to Cavaillon, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
From one of the surrounding lavender fields, with the abbey in the background
The Colorado Provençal
The Colorado Provençal awaits you in the heart of the Luberon, just steps away from the village of Rustrel. Amidst its large ochre mountains, you will feel like you are in the Grand Canyon. Visitors to the Colorado Provençal feel like they are walking through a natural wonder, yet these landscapes were actually shaped by human hands, after years of mining the naturally-occurring ochre deposits.
Nevertheless, there are some fascinating natural sculptures, such as the Fairy Chimneys, delicate columns scattered here and there throughout the Colorado Provençal.
Getting there:
Take a train to Avignon, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
The chimneys are what make this area truly unique. Stand in front of one with the Colorado in the background at sunset for a stunning visual effect!
The Gorges du Verdon
If you are looking for a place where time stands still, head to the Gorges du Verdon! Here in the largest canyon in Europe, the cliff faces, anywhere from 250 to 700 metres high, tower above sparkling emerald water down below.
The most peaceful setting is undoubtedly Lac de Sainte-Croix. It is located at the end of the Gorges, and its calm, brightly coloured water beckons you to take a dip!
>> An incredible week in the Gorges du Verdon
Getting there:
Take a train to Aix-en-Provence, then hire a car with AVIS® or Budget®. Take advantage of multiple discounts when you hire through the Ma Location service with AVIS.
Where to take the best photo
On the Galetas Bridge, which is the most viewed photo of the region on Instagram! On one side, you can photograph the Gorges, and on the other, the beautiful Lac de Sainte-Croix.