Page 196 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Provence & The Côte d'Azur

194  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO STAY

The diversity of Provence is reflected in the are more customary than mod cons.
wide range of hotels it has to offer. Accom­ S S Self­elf­elf catering holidays are a popular and
modation varies from luxurious palaces like inexpensive option and on pages 196–7
the InterContinental Carlton in Cannes to information is given on renting a rural home
simple country inns where a warm welcome, or gîte, and on camping, as well as how to
peaceful setting and often excellent cuisine find B&Bs and youth hostels in the area.

Where to Look Hotel Types
There is no shortage of hotels Hotels in Provence can be
in Provence and the Côte divided into several categories.
d’Azur. Ever since the crusades The region’s famous luxury
of the Middle Ages, the region establishments include some
has been hosting travellers in of the most spectacular hotels
a variety of hotels across all in France. Many of these are
price levels. Some of the best located near the Mediterranean
value coastal accommodation, Sea, or in beautiful inland or
especially for families, is found hilltop settings. They come with
along the shores of the Var a wide array of sports and spa
between Toulon and St-Tropez. facilities, private beaches, and
The glamour and glitz come usually a gastronomic restaurant.
further east – the coast from Known for its art, Provence
Fréjus to Menton is predictably and the French Riviera also have
extravagant, but you can find some of the country’s most chic
accommodation to suit all Palm trees shading the garden pool, Pastis and contemporary boutique
budgets, from the exclusive Hotel St-Tropez (see p199) hotels and B&Bs, many featuring
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, minimalist or exotic interiors by
popular with film stars on Travellers seeking tranquillity hip designers. These tend to be
Cap d‘Antibes, to the 15th- can travel north to the wilds of located in the cities and resorts,
century inn of the Hôtel des Haute Provence where several and come equipped with all the
Arcades in Biot. historic châteaux, auberges modern conveniences, from
Inland, the major towns of (country inns) and relais de poste iPod docks to rain showers.
Provence offer a good variety (post-houses) provide excellent Many of them have spas or
of hotels, from the luxurious accommodation and regional beauty and wellness centres.
mansions of Aix-en-Provence, cuisine in rustic surroundings. Provence and the Cote d’Azur
Avignon and Arles to the more Those looking for a country also boasts beautiful historic
simple hostelries of the Luberon idyll should head to the hills hotels and charming B&Bs.
and the Var. Boutique hotels and and valleys of the Central Var, Located in castles, farmhouses,
deluxe chambres d’hôtes (B&Bs) the Luberon National Park or convents, medieval inns or
have become very fashionable, the foothills of Mont Ventoux. mills, these establishments
making the picturesque fantasy For an exciting, cosmopolitan offer guests a chance to immerse
of a converted farmhouse or base, Marseille is a great choice, themselves in the region’s rich
medieval priory set in lavender with excellent hotels and past. Rooms here are generally
fields a reality. restaurants on offer. furnished with antiques, and

Stylish guest room at the luxurious InterContinental Carlton, Cannes (see p198)
Antique shop, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue