The carved decoration of the 12C-14C cloisters is most remarkable, in particular that of the capitals and the magnificent corner pillars in the north gallery (on the left on entering). Those in the east gallery, next to the refectory, depict the Life..

When strolling around historic Aix, look up and admire the wrought-iron balconies of the Cours Mirabeau , pause on Place Albertas (1745) and join the bustling Saturday morning crowds as they flock to the colourful flower market on Place de l'Hôte..

The Massif des Calanques stretches almost 20km between Marseille and Cassis. This rocky limestone landscape is dazzling white and culminates in the 565m-high Mt Puget. Its outstanding charm can be ascribed to the creeks deeply chiseled into its coast..

Founded in the 11C on marshland, the pink-tiled roofs and small belfry of this Cistercian abbey stand near the banks of the River Durance. Abandoned and in decline from the 14C, following the Wars of Religion, it was bought by the State in 1949 and..

Templar knights and wayward soldiers are among the previous inmates of this tower. After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1683), however, it was full to bursting, mainly with Protestants from the Cévennes or Vivarois regions, including Camisard..

Walking around the ramparts gives visitors a useful overview of the town with fine views of the marina and salt marshes. Started in 1272, the walls of Aigues-Mortes are a good example of military architecture and have survived down the centuries rema..

Designed in the 18C by military engineer JP Mareschal, this garden is at the foot and on the slopes of Mont Cavalier, atop which stands the Magne Tower . It was laid out in accordance with the classical layout around the Nemausus spring, spreading f..

This Romanesque vestige (12C) of the old cathedral is the sole example in France of a round bell tower. The name derives from its five storeys of twinned windows surmounting a blind-arcaded first floor.

The west front of St Gilles is a remarkable example of Romanesque sculpture in the South of France. Created in the 12C by artists of several schools (five different styles in all), it draws its inspiration from antiquity: high relief, draped and plea..

A signposted path with informative signs leads to the famous Giants’ Causeway , overlooked by the Aiguilles de fées (Fairies’ Peaks), which have been sculpted by erosion. This walk provides an opportunity to see the flora of the ochre hills (holm ..

A collection donated to a couple of Avignon painters by the Paris dress designer, Jacques Doucet : paintings by Cézanne, Sisley, Manet, Derain, Picasso, Modigliani ( The Pink Blouse ) and Foujita, and The Railway Waggons , painted by Vincent Van Go..

The Pope bought Cardinal Arnaud de Via’s palace in 1335 to install the bishop’s house there. It now houses the Petit Palais Museum’s paintings, of which the Campana Collection of Italian paintings from the 13C and 16C is the high point. Don’t miss ..

The «Bridge of Avignon» which was in fact built for pedestrians and cavaliers was about 900m long with 22 arches and ended at the Tower of Philippe-le-Bel de Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Situated on one of the bridge supports, the chapel of St-Nicholas ..

Erected c 20 BC this remarkably large and extremely well preserved triumphal arch is one of the most imposing examples from Ancient Roman times in existence. Furthermore, the north façade has retained a good deal of its original decoration, which com..

An excellent example of Cistercian art, this monastery founded in 1148 has retained its ancient layout, with the exception of the lay wing (18C). The medieval parts are made from local stone and boast finely sculpted joints. The church does not face ..

Musée de l’Habitat Rural. The museum is comprised of twenty or so buildings, houses, sheepfolds and barns of various shapes and sizes, two to five centuries old and built with materials found on site (mainly flagstone) and all arranged about a baker’..

There are several circuits that take you around the earth pillars, the Sahara, the Cirque de Barriès, waterfalls, the river of sand, the tunnel… the shapes and landscapes of today are the result of human activity (stopped in 1956) and erosion.

This huge 15ha field of ruins reveals the daily life of antique Vasio. The remains are those of the outer quarters of the Gallo-Roman city, with heterogeneous housing. Its centre (forum and outskirts) is covered by the modern town of Vaison. Digs are..

Its classical 17C façade, terraces and balustrades decorated with lions and flower urns overlook a pond and Italian-style park. The interior of the château, designed by Louis-François de Valfenière, features an 18C décor of Italian inspiration. The f..

One of the favourite residences of King René of Anjou , who commissioned the highly refined exterior decoration. Don't miss the outer bailey and apothecary, the royal court with the cantors' chapel and the many-sided turret housing a stairway. The..