Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur

The Provençal Alps and Prealps form the southwestern foothills of the French Alps. The highest mountain here is Mont Ventoux at 1912 metres. It is also called the Giant of Provence. The Ventoux rises to the west as the last high mountain that dominates the whole of Provence. The mountain is easily recognisable from afar with its striking bare summit, surrounded by an arid desert of rocks and scree.

The Tour de France has already climbed the summit 15 times. Like the cyclists, hikers are not short of climbing Mont Ventoux. There are many beautiful paths around and along the foothills of Mont Chauve that are waiting to be explored.

The Gorges du Verdon attract the curiosity of nature lovers. It impresses with its variety of landscapes and its unique character. It is one of the largest and probably most beautiful gorges in Europe, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of France’.

The Verdon, the third-longest river in Provence, rises in the French Alps and winds its way through the mountain range. Cutting through the foothills of the Alps, it has carved through the rock for thousands of years, creating powerful rocky gorges up to 700m high. The turquoise blue water contrasts well with the grey of the rock to amaze visitors.

Immediately behind Nice, the city of the rich and famous, you come across the Maritime Alps, whose foothills extend to the coast of the Mediterranean. There are numerous via ferratas to explore the mountains with the southernmost three-thousand-metre peaks.

The steep faces of the Maritime Alps offer experienced via ferrata climbers a demanding challenge, but sport climbing routes also offer a great experience with varied elements for ambitious recreational climbers.