Avignon

The green hills of the Rhone Alps region gives way to the pastoral plains of Provence and the low hills keep you company till just before you hit the Paris-Marseilles National Highway. That's when you know you are in Avignon.

Must-See Sights

Pope's Palace: A grand architectural icon looking down on the town and its river. Through the massive building, you could go up to its battlements to get superb city views - in particular of the Broken Bridge.

Broken Bridge: Go over as dusk falls. The bridge looks beautiful with its subdued lighting - the river flows silently and the bridge looks almost forlorn but peaceful.

Arles

Forty km from Avignon, an hour from Nims, four hours by train from Paris and close to the Riviera - little wonder why Arles prides itself on its accessibility.

Must-See Sights

Forum Square: Lies at the centre. Just by the square, stands Hotel D'Arlatan, which is built over Roman ruins, so that if you stood on the glass floor, you could stare down at what was once a Roman bath.

The Amphitheatre: Often used for bullfights. The top level provides stunning town and country views.

Le Baux De Provence

This little village perched on a hill, with a rich architectural heritage is considered among France's most beautiful villages - cobbled streets wind up the hill, flanked by little houses, shops, cafés, hotels, gourmet restaurants and museums.

Must-See Sights

The Castle: The entrance is through the History Museum, which boasts an exhibition of local life - past and present. Enclosed by huge ramparts are the fortified old castle, the Sarrasine and Paravelle towers, and the Chapel of Saint Blaise.

Cathedrale D'Images: A former limestone quarry at the foot of the hill, this is now used as a giant gallery and auditorium for sound and light shows with excellent acoustics.

Aix-En-Provence

This stopping place en route to Italy from Northern France, draws its origin, name, and reputation from its thermal springs. As Provence's capital, it saw the successive rule of the Celts, Romans, Counts and the Monarchs until 1790.

Must-See Sights

La Rotonde: It's the great fountain at the place where the roads from Avignon, Nice and Marseilles meet.

Cours Mirabeau: A promenade in beautiful harmony with fountains, trees and 17th and 18th century houses. While smart offices and banks occupy one side of the street, cafes and bars line the other.

Fontaine des Neuf-Canons, the famous Rue Joseph Cabassol, the Fontaine d'eau chaude and the Arbaud Museum are definitely not to be missed.

While here, shop at Monoprix - famous for haute couture brands like Hermes, Chanel, and Lacroix.

Marseilles

Another Provencial delight. The heart of French romance, Marseilles is a prime tourist destination. Founded by the Greeks some 25 centuries ago, Marseille is a classy city of sea and style.

Must-See Sights

Notre-Dame De La Garde Basilica: The Basilica is a superb example of Romanesque-Byzantine architecture - its multi-coloured stone is skilfully highlighted with domes, gold and mosaics. Don't miss the view of the magnificent harbour.

Quai des Belges: Stretching over 70 km of shoreline, the old port is France's largest and busiest. Visit the daily morning fish market.

Le Chateau d'If: A white rock island, formerly a fortress and then a 17th century state prison.

While you're here, simply stroll along the sea face, smelling the salt and feeling the water spray over you. You will pass little cafes that speak for entire generations, with romantic images of rugged pipe-smoking sailors in peaked caps, seated at quayside bistros, playing cards and drinking in the shadow of long masts and fishing nets.

Saint Tropez

A sleepy little village by the sea, Saint Tropez is pedigreed, classy, expensive, chic yet non-glitzy, and the haunt of the rich and famous.

Must-See Sights

The beaches, the old buildings with tiled roofs, the tiny cafes with a strong aroma of coffee and cakes, the spice and herb markets, and the fruit, cheese and olives sold in the shadow of an 18th century church, are to be experienced.

La Pesquiere Restaurant: Part of 'Le Ponche', a former salt-house - with its tables out on the patio providing guests a bay view.

Rue de la Ponche: An old street with 17th and 18th century houses.

The old harbour: The fashionable boulevard that doubles as a quay is tourist turf, packed with famous shops and restaurants, all with stories to tell. There's Senequier Patisserie, the regular haunt of celebrities like Brigette Bardot and music king Eddie Barclay.

Castle of Suffren: A museum with late 19th and early 20th century paintings.

Fact File

Getting There: Air France operates direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Paris, and daily flights from there to Marseilles. The super-fast TGV Express from Paris is also a good option.

Where To Stay: From deluxe 'Palais' Hotels to large business establishments to more modest hotels and guest-houses, there is accommodation for everyone. Tariffs range from 60 to 600 Euros.

What To Eat: While ordering a meal, look for the 'Specialty of the Day' as it usually turns out to be a good deal. Most restaurants will provide vegetarian food when asked. If you find the food bland, don't hesitate to ask them to spice it up.

At Le Baux De Provence, Chez Maxime serves up genuine Provencial cuisine. And every street has cafes with mouth-watering displays of nougat, candled almonds, chocolates and calissons - a local delicacy.

For More Details: Local tourist offices are located in all destinations and provide literature, maps and advice. Prior hotel and theatre bookings are recommended.