Hoteliers, proud of their regions
- The INTER-HOTEL des Princes team in Orange
Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur , a secret land
" When you think of the Cote d'Azur, it's sun, warmth and lazy days "But this region has so much more to offer. Between the sea and the mountains, you'll be suprised by unexpected treasures.
When you ask him to speak about his region, René Reinbolt, Assistant Director for 15 years at the INTER-HOTEL des Princes in Orange, in the Vaucluse, is inexhaustible: " Provence is the most beautiful region of France." He originally comes from Sete (in the Languedoc Roussillon), he's never left his region as he's so happy there. "You can find the whole of humanity in Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur: prehistory, roman and greek antiquity, and medieval history... Traces of these different civilizations can be found in our land."
The town of Orange is situated at a real geographic crossroads and enjoys a privileged location, in spite of being, too often, just a stopover. " If you spend a week , the location of the town is perfect and you can, in a very short time, access the different tourist sites of the region: Arles, the Ardeche gorges, Vaison la Romaine, Gordes or Roussillon..." The festival of Orange, "Les Choregies ", is one of the biggest lyric music festivals in Europe.
- The botanical garden of the Lautaret - Hautes Alpes
Avignon enjoys a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Who has not heard of the City of the Popes or the world-famous theatre festival ?
Still in the Vaucluse, at the foot of Mount Ventouse, the highest summit in Provence, you'll find the town of Carpentras, a few kilometers from Entraigues-sur-la-Sorgues. If you go further in the direction of the Alpes, Cavaillon will open the doors to the Luberon: Gargas, Greoux-les-Bains everything here is colours and savours. The region is known especially for its lavander fields.
Crossing the barrier of the Alpilles, the mountains slowly appear in front of you. Gap, with 300 sunny days per year, is a natural site located close to one of the 6 national parks of France " le Parc des Ecrins ."
- The Calanques of Marseilles
But the PACA region, considered as the European sun belt, is known above all for the French Riviera: Grasse, world perfume capital, Mandelieu-la-Napoule, Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, Antibes and the nearby seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins, Villeneuve-Loubet, Cannes and its historical centre Cannes-la-Bocca, Nice...Towns you can discover all along the famous Route de la Mer.
Impressive landscapes, where the mountains slide into the sea - Since the 19th century , the region has attracted stars and aristocracy - Palaces, casinos, world-famous international festivals, the coastline sparkles with a thousand lights!
Further west is the coastline of the Var. The small fishing port of St. Raphael became a village and seaside resort in the 19th century, and enjoys an exceptional situation, at the foot of the Esterel mountains. Often thought of as an industrial town, Toulon has opened up to tourism and unveils numerous natural attractions.
If you continue in the direction of Marseille, you'll be enchanted by the magical, typically Mediterranean landscapes of the Calanques: turquoise sea against massive rock formations, in the shadow of a pine forest...Even if some creeks are only accessible from the sea, the little port of Cassis is the embarkation point for mini-cruises, allowing you to discover the natural treasures which extend to the town of Marseilles.
As you approach Marseille, Aubagne famous for its figurines and the birthplace of Marcel Pagnol, opens its doors. You may find yourself 'singing' with the local accent when you talk about the small ports of Martigues, the 'Venice of Provence', or Salon de Provence, home of the famous Marseilles soap.
- Entrance of the harbour of Marseilles
Finally, Marseilles, the unbeatable Phoenician city, has always claimed its cultural identity. The oldest town in France, cosmopolitan, secret, unveiling it's charms only to the knowing observer...The beaches, fishing ports, the old port and Notre Dame de la Garde, the symbol of the town. A strong identity, chosen by the Ministry of Culture as 'the capital of european culture in 2013'.
Provence is full of savours and perfumes: lavander, olives, honey, truffles, local sweets. It's highly likely, during a walk, that you'll discover one of the numerous provencal markets. Go on, let yourself be tempted, and enjoy the effect!
Finally, the region of Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur is ideal for sporting activities: hiking and ski-ing in the Alpes, watersports on the coast. Or simply relax. Those who enjoy action will love the 'Feria' in Arles, as well as the 'warm and welcoming smile of the southerners'
'It's an unmissable destination, to be rediscovered every time, a region that dazzles' concludes M. Reinbolt. It's true that the attractions exceed the clichés of nice weather and lazy days.
INTER-HOTEL is a brand of the