In the South of France, people are dedicated to the art of living. Whether it is the world-renowned cultural events, the devotion to gastronomy and food, or the vast range of festivals and festivities, this is a place where life is lived to the fullest.
- Gastronomy, an essential pleasure
First and foremost, the art of living in France is reflected in its gastronomy. In fact, the “gastronomic meal of the French" is listed as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO! French chefs have exported their know-how abroad, making French cuisine shine the world over. In the South of France, be sure to try bouillabaisse and ratatouille, and finish your meal on a sweet note with a slice of tarte tropézienne.
- Culture, an unforgettable journey
The South of France has long attracted artists from all disciplines and today it is one of the world’s great locations for culture. Exhibitions, concerts, theatres, cinemas… there are world-class options for all tastes and interests. Summer is festival season, with events across the region. It's the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in artistic creations, whether cinema, theatre, photography, or painting.
- A thrilling calendar of events
Throughout the year, the Sud Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region offers a vibrant range of events:
- Bol d’Or international endura race on the Paul Ricard du Castellet circuit (Var)
- Alpes Aventure Motofestival in Barcelonnette (Alpes de Haute-Provence)
- Rallye Monte-Carlo
- VentouxMan de Provence Luberon (Vaucluse)
- Alpine ski challenge 06
- IronMan(Alpes-Maritimes)
- The Tour de France à la Voile and the Semaine Olympique Française de Voile in Hyères (Var)
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (Var)
- 2024 Olympic Games
- 2030 Olympics Games - French Alps 2030
The region also plays host to a wide range of festivals (over 400, including several of internationally renowned festivals) and cultural events:
- Festival de Cannes,
- International d’Art Lyrique festival in Aix-en-Provence
- International de Piano in Roque d’Anthéron,
- Avignon theater festival
- the carnaval of Nice
- the Rencontres de la Photographie photography festival in Arles
The region also has a booming cinema economy, with more than 6000 days of filming per year. Learn more (in French)
Discover the artisans of the South of France
Learn French
To integrate successfully into a new country, it's essential to learn the local language. A good command of French will help you deal with administrative formalities, look for and find a job, follow your children's schooling more easily, communicate better with your doctor, and get to know your neighbors.
Find out where to learn French in the South of France:
Alliance Française Aix-en-Provence
4 place Niollon 13100 Aix-en-Provence
+ 33 (0) 973 104 391
S.L.Immersion
35 impasse des mûriers - Saint Saturnin-lès-Avignon 84450 Avignon
+33 (0) 6 26 57 25 10
Campus international Riera
15 Boulevard d'Alsace 06400 Cannes
33+ (0) 413 063 040
Alliance Française Marseille Provence
72-74 rue Saint Suffren 13006 Marseille
+ 33 (0) 496 10 24 60
Actilangue
2 rue Alexis Mossa 06000 Nice
+33 (0) 4 93 96 33 84
Alliance Française Nice Côte d’Azur
2 rue de Paris 06000 Nice
+33 (0) 4 93 62 67 66
Azurlingua
47 Rue Hérold 06000 Nice
33+ (0)4 97 03 07 00
Les ateliers FL Nice
65, bd Auguste Raynaud 06100 Nice
+33 (0) 493 13 78 88
Université Internationale d’Été de Nice
98, Boulevard Edouard Herriot 06000 Nice
+33 (0)4 89 15 19 77
Institut de Français
23 av. Gén. Leclerc 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer
+33 (0) 4 93 01 88 44