PROVENCE is a Mediterranean region in France and because of that, it is one of the most desired places in the country. There are a lot of things the region can offer, foremost of this is food of course. After all, we literally can’t survive without food and eating a balanced and healthy diet can assure one of a longer life here on earth. Provence has one of the most adored exemplars of the Mediterranean diet which basically consists of fruits, seafood and vegetables. Provence has one of the largest olive plantations in France and from these olive plantations of course beget the olive fruit as well as olive oil which is the healthiest olive oil in the world because of its low fat content. Also, the Mediterranean has rich harvests of redfish, grouper, lobsters and mollusks and one can even order these direct from the aquarium of the restaurant to be cooked in whatever way you want it so that you can be assured of really fresh seafood.

Actually, Provence is a very big region and the most famous city in the region which has long been cited in popular culture such as novels and films is Marseilles. You can come in from Marseille through many transnational flights and even transcontinental flights from across the Atlantic and from the Middle East. There’s one international airport there, the Marseilles-Provence International Airport. Of course, you can reach here through car or train since France is locked to the European mainland. There are daily train trips coming from Spain as well as the rest of the countries bordering France. But when you come here by car, be sure to accompany someone with you because it will be one heck of an adventure ride.

Your companion will fill you in if you’re about to doze off and you must also ensure that you have everything in tow – credit card for the gas as well as your food, water and motel expenses. If you’re coming in from Spain, there will be no border guards to accost you because France is a signatory of the Schengen agreement, the policy which binds most countries in the European mainland not to erect border outposts.

But generally, Provence is rural country and each day is market day here. It’s not just olives that you see along the road, there are lots of other goods as well such as cheese, bread, sausage and preserves. Also, try to remember that France is the capital of meticulous preparation in the world and that influence is not exempted here in Provence. And of course, wine is a staple drink here because it is also one of the contents of a Mediterranean diet. And do not forget that wine is good for the heart. So that’s about it. Whether it’s January or June, Provence can be a very happy and heartwarming place to stay. It’s not just the attractions here that are wonderful after all. It’s more of the people.

PROVENCE is the Mediterranean region in France. The most famous tradition here during Christmas is the serving of the 13 desserts. People here have sweet teeth but they do not dangerously fall into the realm of unhealthy ones who have diabetes since the 13 desserts are only served during Christmastime. And it is served only during the Christmas Eve feast here anyway which happens only once a year and at one meal only. The desserts are a sure consolation because it may be shivering here in Provence during Christmastime because it is the peak of winter here even though it’s in the middle of the Mediterranean which has a relatively temperate weather. Temperatures here can dive as low as -3 degrees Celsius but that’s only at the peak of winter which begins no less than the second week of January. But beware because these climate patterns are a little bit unpredictable and so there may be a slight possibility that the peak of winter may come in any second on the midnight of December 24 so be prepared with your parkas, sweaters, jackets and every apparel that is not made of cotton. Why? Simply because cotton absorbs moisture.

The folks in Provence are said to be one of the most intellectual but shy beings in the planet that’s why they are considered to be the most romantic. So if you’re a singleton, whether you’re male or female, then consider having a Christmas vacation here in Provence. Who knows, you can catch up here with a homecoming queen or with a college football varsity. Anyway, there are lots of places to stroll around during New Year’s Eve. One of them is by the bay where you can watch the fireworks during New Year’s Eve. Or you can stay at the bay resorts themselves. They offer spectacular accommodations such as a nursery to be kids to be placed on for couples whose Christmas and New Year honeymoon doesn’t want to be disturbed. Besides, beach resorts here have blue flag accreditation by the European Union and so their service is quite excellent. They also serve the best catch from the Mediterranean which will help liven up your already shivering winter. There are even live lobsters, redfish and grouper presented at the aquariums in the resort restaurants and you can pick them up to be cooked in whatever menu you want them eaten. Also, beach resorts here double as dive resorts with experienced diving instructors and golf clubs with PGA-certified instructors and caddies.

Ingredients in the 13 desserts are green melon, apples, pears, raisins, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, figs, oranges, mandarins and nougat. These are fruits indigenous to France, a country which also has an abundance supply of olives, one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Another Christmas treat in Provence that gets the chill out of your holidays gone is the Le Musee du Santon, a collection of the biggest Nativity tableaus on Earth.