PROVENCE

While there is much to see in France, many say that Provence is one of its most charming and romantic regions. Located in the southeast, Provence has breathtakingly beautiful scenery and continues to be one of its most visited areas.

Provence stretches from the border of Italy, found near Nice, straight to Marseille at the mouth of Rhone. The Romans called this amazing breadth of land Provence. Today, that area has been more strictly defined to exclude the Cote d’Azur (or Cote Varoise near Saint-Tropez), and the Mediterranean coast. All in all, covers about 150 kilometers or so.

The place is a rustic paradise, peaceful and serene. Tiny villages, lush vineyards, and fields that are embroidered with trees and flowers. Some say that Provence looks like a painting, especially the places around Aix-en-Provence and Avignon.

PERFECT WEATHER

There are many things in Provence that would attract not just tourists but also people who wish to permanently live in the area. For one thing, it has an idal climate. This Mediterranean paradise boasts of more than three hundred days of sunshine a year. What glorious weather, and so many ways of enjoying it! You can take a refreshing swim at the nearby seaside beaches or enjoy a relaxing hike on its hills. You can have a picnic or you can go boating.

Province is a popular summer escape but there are those who say that its winters are equally delightful. Not only are there less tourists but the weather is always mild, with lots of sunshine despite the cold. Even when it’s at its most “freezing” the temperature usually stays comfortably between 3° to 15° degrees centigrade (37° to 59° Fahrenheit).

The snowfall is light but for those who want to get a lot of skiing action then the major ski resorts in the Alps are very nearby. It will only require a drive of two hours or less from most parts of Provence—and when you’re done having fun on the slopes you can go home to warmer weather.

HISTORY

Provence also has a fascinating history. Its first villages were established by Greeks and Phoenicians, who were mostly fishermen and traders. They built their homes on the coastline. Then when the Roman legion arrived, these villages were united under a province of the Roman Empire. You can see many legacies of the Roman era, including churches, monasteries and cathedrals. The surviving structures were built as early as the Middle Ages. In many villages you can find the original ramparts that were built in the medieval era, which were used as defenses against invasions.

THE APPEAL OF THE COUNTRYSIDE

People love Provence because of its rustic charm: small villas, charming vineyards, especially in the areas of Luberon just east of Avignon, where you’ll find the villages of Gordes, Bonnieux, Lacoste and Roussillon. Other popular property areas are the Alpilles area south of Avignon, which is famous for Saint-Remy-de-Provence (Van Gogh himself lived here and made many paintings here), Eygalieres and Les Baux-de-Provence.

THE COSMOPOLITAN SIDE OF PROVENCE

While Provence is most famous for its countryside and the “Rustic Life” it does not in any way lack sophistication. In fact, due to the influx of Europeans and North Americans who regularly rent here or have even bought their own homes, Provence has a thriving international community and world-class facilities. In the city of Marseille, France’s second largest, you’ll find a large port and very premium boutiques. Both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are acknowledged centers of education and have excellent universities. Orange, which is north of Avignon, and Aix hold a well-respected and well-attended opera festival every year. Aside from this, Avignon has a thriving theatre scene and has a festival every July. for its world-renowned theatre festival in July.

CUISINE

French cuisine is loved and respect all over the world. In Provence this tradition is upheld. Restaurants can be found everywhere in the region, and vary from sidewalk cafes to family-run diners to fine dining. You’ll also find Michelin-starred restaurants such as Bistro d’Egaylieres at Eygalieres, and the famed L’Oustau de Baumaniere at Les Baux-de-Provence.

Provence is a beautiful region that is full of charm, beauty and romance. It is impossible to go here without feeling that you’ve entered another world, one where time slows down and everything—color, scent, the sound of bird song—seems more vivid and intense.

The first and earliest settlements of province date back as early as 3,000 BC. Over the centuries the region’s history and culture developed, carved by the people who fell in love with its countryside and made it their home. In fact one characteristic of the people of Provence is that they are fiercely protective and proud of their roots. They love it with a passion.

The Romans settled in Provence in the second century BC. Provence was one of the first and most Romanized province. Today you’ll find some remnants of their presence, such as Roman ruins. The influence of Roman architecture can also be seen in the bridges, aqueducts, roads, arches, almost intact amphitheaters in Nimes and Orange, andremains of an entire city in Vaison la Romaine.

Provence became a political and cultural power in the 12th and 14th century when Popes resided in Avignon. The Palais des Papes (Popes’ Palace) still stands in the heart of the old part of the city. It is built like a fortress which reflects the uncertainty of the times. At the time, Provence was part of the Pontifical states, and was very independent. It was only in 1791 that Provence (also named Comtat Venaissin) joined France.

One of Provence’s oldest traditions is its open market, held in Carpentras since the 13th century. There you will find street vendors sprawled on the grounds selling every imaginable product. The market is abuzz with vendors proclaiming that he or she has the best salad or the tastiest cheese. Aside from those in Carpentras you can find smaller markets in the oldest towns and villages. This is the best place to get local goods. Markets are a social event and everyone dresses up for the occasion. This is just one of the charms of Provence, which has continued to uphold its rich history and tradition even as it has embraced the conveniences of modern times. It is truly one of the jewels of France.