The Hinterland — Mountain Villages & Gorges du Verdon

The hinterland of the Côte d'Azur is the region's best-kept secret: medieval mountain villages (villages perchés), lavender fields, olive groves, gorges, and a silence that starkly contrasts with the coastal hustle and bustle. Many visitors overlook the hinterland — a mistake, for here lies the soul of Provence.

Villages Perchés — The Eagle's Nest Villages

• Mougins — The gourmet village: Picasso spent his last twelve years here. Today, Mougins is full of restaurants and galleries. The Musée de la Photographie (free) displays portraits of Picasso. The village once had more Michelin stars than inhabitants.
• Saint-Paul-de-Vence — France's most famous artist village: Chagall, Matisse, Prévert, and Yves Montand lived here. The Fondation Maeght (one of Europe's most important private museums for modern art) is located just outside the village: Giacometti sculptures in the garden, Miró mosaic in the labyrinth, Chagall paintings inside. Admission: €16. In the village itself: the legendary Auberge de la Colombe d'Or, where artists once paid with paintings — the walls are full of originals by Picasso, Braque, and Léger.
• Gourdon — The quintessential "eagle's nest village": perched on a 760-meter-high rock ledge, with a panoramic view that stretches to the sea. Tiny, steep, and photogenic.
• Tourrettes-sur-Loup — The violet village: violets for Grasse are grown here. In March, the Fête des Violettes takes place. Charming, less crowded than Saint-Paul.

Gorges du Verdon — Europe's Grand Canyon

The Gorges du Verdon are about 90 minutes from the coast and are one of Europe's most spectacular gorges: 25 kilometers long, up to 700 meters deep, with turquoise water that glows in the sun like molten emerald. The Lac de Sainte-Croix at the gorge's exit is a dream: kayaking, pedal boating, swimming in turquoise water against a dramatic rock backdrop.

• Route des Crêtes — The panoramic road on the north bank of the gorge with viewpoints that are dizzying (literally: you look 700 meters straight down).
• Sentier Martel — The gorge's most famous hiking trail (14 km, 6–7 hours, challenging). Through tunnels, over ladders, along rock walls — an adventure.
• Moustiers-Sainte-Marie — One of the "Plus beaux villages de France" (most beautiful villages in France) at the entrance of the gorge: stone houses, a star on a chain between two rocks, and excellent faience ceramics.