Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

Provence

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DESTINATIONS france provence Do & See Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

The Eden Theatre opened in June 1889 as a theatre and music hall but also played host to boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, opera performances, and concerts. It is recognised as the world's first public cinema, and it remains the oldest functioning one. In 1982, it closed after its proprietor was killed in a robbery. However, it re-opened once a year for a week to organise small film festivals, until it eventually closed down in 1995 and fell into disrepair. In 2013, when Marseille was declared the European Capital of Culture, the theatre underwent a €6.5m renovation, returning it to its former glory. It's a must-visit in the region — not only to enjoy the movies and the festivals but also because of its remarkable long history.

Do & See

From exploring its stunning lavender fields to skiing in the French Alps to wandering through its picturesque hilltop towns to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous in the French Riviera, there's definitely something for everyone in Provence. The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing grapes, and wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the region's vineyards, which produce some of the finest wines in France. Visitors can also explore the region's ancient olive groves, learn about the history and production of olive oil, and even participate in tastings to discover the diverse flavours of this culinary treasure. The Côte d'Azur's beautiful coastline is another major draw, with glamorous cities such as Nice and Saint-Tropez offering sun, sea, and sand in abundance. Culture vultures will love exploring the region's historic landmarks and fascinating museums, such as Cézanne's Studio and the Vincent van Gogh Foundation.

Provence's Lavender Fields

Provence's Lavender Fields

Immerse yourself in the captivating aroma of Provence by visiting its famous lavender fields. While the duration of the lavender season varies across different areas of Provence, it generally takes place from the last week of June to the beginning of August when the flowers are harvested. This is the perfect time to capture …

Arles Amphitheatre (Arles)

Arles Amphitheatre (Arles)

The Arles Amphitheatre (Arènes d'Arles) is the most prominent tourist attraction in the town. It was constructed in 90 AD and could seat up to 20,000 people. The design of the amphitheatre was influenced by the famous Coliseum in Rome and it features 120 arches, galleries, staircases, and two levels of seating. The venue …

Palais des Papes (Avignon)

Palais des Papes (Avignon)

The Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent historical palace located in Avignon and one of the most grandiose medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. It once served as a fortress and palace and housed 9 Popes throughout the 14th century. Visitors can explore the palace and gain an insight into …

Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)

Vincent van Gogh Foundation (Arles)

The Vincent van Gogh Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to celebrating the works of this prolific artist whose creativity blossomed during his stay in Arles between 1888 and 1889. But the Vincent van Gogh Foundation is more than just a museum showcasing the artist's works; it is a platform that explores the impact of …

Pont du Gard

The Pont du Gard is a remarkable ancient Roman aqueduct bridge located near the town of Vers-Pont-du-Gard, less than 40 min from Avignon. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in the country. The bridge is renowned for its impressive engineering, stunning beauty, and historical significance, serving as …

Calanques National Park

Calanques National Park

Located between the communes of Marseille and Cassis, the Calanques National Park is a sequence of stunning inlets boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of outdoor activities. The Park includes coastal mountain ranges, a vast expanse of the Mediterranean Sea, several islands, and one of the world's most bountiful submarine canyons. …

Picasso Museum (Antibes)

Picasso Museum (Antibes)

The Picasso Museum in Antibes is housed in the stunning Château Grimaldi, where Pablo Picasso took up residence following an invitation by the then-curator of the Grimaldi Museum. During his two prolific years in Antibes, Picasso produced numerous works that he later donated to the castle. The museum displays an impressive collection of Picasso's paintings, …

French Riviera Day Trip with Monaco & Cannes from Nice

French Riviera Day Trip with Monaco & Cannes from Nice

Explore the south of France's playground of the rich and famous on this day trip to Cannes & Monaco from Nice. Prepare yourself to feel like a movie star as you tour the Côte d'Azur's elegant coastal towns like Cannes, Èze, and Juan-les-Pins, as well as the glamorous city-state of …

Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon

Carved by the Verdon River, Gorges du Verdon is a remarkable natural setting that is among the most spectacular in Europe. This 25-kilometre limestone canyon is characterised by turquoise waters and reaches depths of over 700 meters at some points. Travellers have several options for experiencing this breathtaking landscape, including driving along the top, climbing …

Museum of Civilisations of Europe & the Mediterranean (Marseille)

Museum of Civilisations of Europe & the Mediterranean (Marseille)

The MuCEM (Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée) is an award-winning museum dedicated to the rich history of the civilisations of Europe and the Mediterranean. It was designed by French-Algerian architect Rudy Ricciotti and built in 2013, the year in which the city of Marseille was named the cultural capital of …

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde (Marseille)

An emblematic figure of Marseille, the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, known to locals as la Bonne Mère, towers on a hilltop 154 metres above the city, with the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary stretching skywards. The views from up here are simply stunning. Take the shuttle for convenience or embark on a …

Ride the Cable Car to Mount Faron (Toulon)

Ride the Cable Car to Mount Faron (Toulon)

A must-do activity when in Toulon is to ride the cable car up Mont Faron, a towering limestone crag that stands at an impressive 584 meters above the city. The seven-minute ascent in the charming red cable car — featuring a sizeable glass floor panel — offers magnificent vistas throughout, including a panoramic view …

Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

Eden Theatre — The Oldest Cinema in the World (La Ciotat)

The Eden Theatre opened in June 1889 as a theatre and music hall but also played host to boxing and Greco-Roman wrestling, opera performances, and concerts. It is recognised as the world's first public cinema, and it remains the oldest functioning one. In 1982, it closed after its proprietor was killed in a robbery. However, …

Place Masséna (Nice)

Place Masséna (Nice)

Located in the heart of Nice's historic quarter, Place Masséna is a charming 19th-century square with striking black and white geometric tiles. The square is surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings and cafés, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the city's ambience. Throughout the year, Place Masséna hosts a variety of …

Prado Beaches (Marseille)

Prado Beaches (Marseille)

Located at the end of the corniche are the Plages du Prado, Marseille's stretches of sandy beaches. With a steady sea breeze, the beaches are excellent for kite-flying or a first windsurfing lesson. Prado encompasses several compact beaches with multiple shopping and dining opportunities in the …

Château d'If (Marseille)

Château d'If (Marseille)

Château d'If is a historic fortress located on a small island off the coast of Marseille. Built in the 16th century, the castle served as a military prison until the end of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the castle's narrow cells and see the exhibitions about the fortress's history and its use as …

Cézanne's Studio (Aix-en-Provence)

Cézanne's Studio (Aix-en-Provence)

Located on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence, just a 20-minute walk from the Cours Mirabeau, Cézanne's Studio or Atelier de Cézanne was the home and studio and is now a museum of 19th-century Impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. During the years 1902 to 1906, Cézanne worked daily in this bright studio, creating many of the works …

Cours Mirabeau (Aix-en-Provence)

Cours Mirabeau (Aix-en-Provence)

Cours Mirabeau is a picturesque, tree-lined avenue that serves as a hub of commerce and entertainment in Aix-en-Provence. The avenue boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, catering to both locals and visitors. The thoroughfare is also home to a diverse array of markets, offering locals a convenient spot for their regular shopping …

Old Town (Aix-en-Provence)

Old Town (Aix-en-Provence)

North of Cours Mirabeau lies Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town (Vieil Aix), the city's ancient heart. This area has been inhabited and used for commerce since Roman times and boasts some of the city's grandest historical buildings. Today, it is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood, with an abundance of shops, cafés, restaurants, and …

Place de l'Horloge (Avignon)

Place de l'Horloge (Avignon)

Place de l'Horloge (Clock Tower Square) is the main square and heart of Avignon. It gets its name from the city's Gothic clock tower, which is, ironically, barely visible from the square as it's obscured by newer Neoclassical City Hall buildings. The square is a melting pot of culture and history, housing the City …

Museum of the Roman Docks (Marseille)

Museum of the Roman Docks (Marseille)

The Museum of the Roman Docks is situated on the site of a Roman docks warehouse discovered after World War II. Here you can find a range of impressive artefacts discovered during the reconstruction of the old harbour. One of its primary attractions are the "dolia" — large ceramic containers once used to store …

Marseille History Museum (Marseille)

Marseille History Museum (Marseille)

Step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Marseille at the Marseille History Museum. The museum boasts an impressive collection of historical and archaeological artefacts that date back to the city's founding times. With 3500 m2 of exhibition space, an auditorium, and a documentation centre, there is plenty to see and do …

Parc Borély (Marseille)

Parc Borély (Marseille)

Parc Borély is a stunning development covering many hectares, situated not too far from the Prado beaches. Apart from the 18th-century château, there are the superbly well-maintained English and French Botanical Gardens and a rowing …

Saint-Victor Abbey (Marseille)

Saint-Victor Abbey (Marseille)

A few steps from the Vieux-Port lies Saint-Victor Abbey, Marseille's oldest church. Built by the graves of Marseille's first martyrs, the abbey has served various purposes throughout history, including as a church, prison, warehouse, and barracks. And despite a history that is lined with war and destruction, this remains one of the most beautiful …