13 Iconic Buildings to Explore in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Abbaye De Lérins is a Cistercian monastery situated on the island of Saint Honorat off the coast of Cannes. A monastic culture has existed there since the 5th century. The monks are planting vineyards today, making wine and liqueur.

Abbaye de Montmajour is a fortified Benedictine monastery that was founded between the 10th and 18th centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was a major pilgrimage site. Today, the abbey ruins are preserved by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux as a historical monument.

Thoronet Abbey is one of three Cistercian abbeys in southeast France. This iconic building was built in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. One of the first buildings in France to be listed as a historic monument is Thoronet Abbey.

The Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is one of the purest examples of primitive Cistercian architecture Located deep in its Provençal valley.

Saint-Victor Abbey is a former abbey situated in Marseille. It was founded during the late Roman period and named after the saint and martyr of the local soldier, Victor of Marseilles.

Located in the city of Aries, Arles Amphitheatre is one of city’s most important and impressive Roman structures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arles Amphitheatre was built in 90 AD and during its prime time, it had a seating capacity of over over 20,000 spectators. It was built to conduct chariot races and bloddy hand to hand battles.

Notre-Dame de la Garde is a Catholic basilica in Marseille city. The basilica is located at the south side of the Old Port of Marseille, on the highest point in Marseille- a 149-meter high limestone outcropping. It was built on the foundation of an ancient fort.

Château d'If is a famous castle in southern France. It was built by Francis I in 1524, the castle was used for several centuries as a state prison. The island is uninhabited except of the fortress.

The Château de la Napoule is a restored castle and a historical landmark located in Mandelieu-la-Napoule. The castle was built by the Countess of Villeneuve in the fourteenth century. Over the centuries it was rebuilt several times. The present structure was built by American artist Henry Clews in 1919.

The Citadel of Saint-Tropez is a historic building containing one of the most visited attractions in Saint Tropez, as well as the Maritime History Museum. The museum displays the work, artifacts, and other objects related to the lives of sailors as well as the sea activities that took place many centuries ago. The Citadel was constructed based on the drawings of engineer Raymond de Bonnefons in 1602 and 1608.

Villa Kerylos is a house designed in Ancient Greek style by the French archaeologist Theodore Reinach in the early 1900s. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1966.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Palais des Papes is a historical and architectural landmark and primarily a tourist attraction. It is also part of Avignon’s thriving cultural scene and hosts concerts and exhibitions as well as the Festival d’Avignon in its courtyard, making it an integral part of the city’s modern artistic traditions.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a French seaside villa located at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera. The mansion is filled with antique furniture, Old Master paintings, sculptures, objets d'art, and assembled an extensive collection of rare porcelain. The gardens are classified by the French Ministry of Culture as one of the Notable Gardens of France.