One of Europe’s most storied and sought-after destinations, Provence is a region in southeast France that stretches along 300 kilometres (186 miles) of the Mediterranean coast. Long favoured by artists and writers for its golden sunshine and luminous natural beauty, the landscape presents enchanting hills topped with picturesque villages, fields of lavender and mimosa, and groves of olive trees and vineyard.
Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche offers easy access to the glamorous Côte d’Azur. From the Four Seasons Resort, it’s just 30 minutes to Cannes and Grasse, 45 minutes to Nice, and Monaco / St Tropez are 1.5 hours.
Cannes Originally a small fishing village that was “discovered” in the 1830s, and ultimately became the preferred vacation spot amongst the international elite. The International Film Festival of Cannes in May is a must on the film world’s calendar, and year-round it offers superb dining and shopping, and delightful strolls along the famed Boulevard de la Croisette.
Grasse This hill town is known as the perfume capital of the world. The 3,000-year-old history of perfume is traced in the International Museum of Perfumes, which includes an exquisite display of perfume bottles used in the ancient worlds of the Orient, Greece, Rome and Egypt.
Nice is the main gateway to Provence, and the centre of many activities, including dining, shopping, sunbathing and swimming, movies, theatre, opera, museums – or just strolling along the 7-kilometre (4-mile) Promenade des Anglais, or around its charming “old town”.
Monaco This tiny principality sits on a 450-acre (18-hectare) rock peninsula. The old town of Monaco features the Prince’s Palace, the outstanding Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium and the panoramic Place du Palais. Monte Carlo is the crown of the principality, with high-rolling casinos, exclusive shops and a dynamic nightlife.
St. Tropez Otherwise known as “St. Trop”, this resort town has long been a favourite of the international jet set, for its parties as much as its beaches. Despite the glitz, the old town centre retains much of its Provençal fishing-port charm. |