All about Provence: capital, cities, history, attractions, recreation. #4. Luberon and Roussillon. Simple, stylish furniture

What is Provence? This is a corner of France with a rich history and picturesque nature. In the 17th century, it became fashionable among the bourgeoisie to build houses in the provinces.

Life in the bosom of nature made it possible to move away from the clear canons of the classics and strict conventions.Beautiful natural landscapes inspired the simple design of houses, but with a characteristic French charm. Provence is currently one of the most popular tourist places where travelers from all over the world flock.

Geographic location

Located in several natural and climatic zones in France, Provence is bounded by the Alps on the east side, it is washed by the Rhone River from the west, and South side- lovely and warm Cote d'Azur, famous for its resorts and wonderful nature. The center of the Provence region is colorful city Marseille, which has ancient origins and beautiful architecture.

History of Provence

Having rich history, Provence has been inhabited for half a million years BC. Archaeologists have found confirmation that these settlements were among the oldest found on Earth. From the 6th century BC, this area, inhabited by the Ligurians, received a new development. Greek sailors, as a result of negotiations with local tribes, were able to establish port cities on the sea coast:

• Massalia (currently Marseille);
• Nicaea (Nice).

The Greeks not only built cities, but also began to farm, planting olive trees and planting vineyards. The territory became known as the Massaliot Empire. But already in the II century AD. Rome, under the plausible pretext of helping in the fight against warring tribes, brought in its soldiers. The Romans began to call the region "province", which gave the name to Provence.

During this period of Roman rule, infrastructure developed, new cities and roads were built. The fall of the Roman Empire also affected Provence. The region that lost its patronage became subject to capture and plunder by various neighboring tribes.

In 732, the hordes of the Moors were detained by K. Martel. But the troubled times of wars and plunder continued for centuries. In addition to the incessant captures by various noble dynasties, the region was very often robbed by pirates, and a plague overtook, causing damage no less than wars.

Since the 16th century, this territory has been part of France. Despite the then claims of Italy. The region finally gained a foothold in France only in the 19th century, when fashionable resorts for the rest of the aristocracy from all over the world began to appear on the Cote d'Azur.

Second World War contributed to the Italian occupation of the territory of Provence. But at the end of the war, the Allied army regained control of the territory, driving out the Italian troops.

Famous cities of Provence and sights

rich historical heritage makes Provence France interesting not only for the beaches and the style that designers embody in interiors country houses and apartments around the world. The south of France is the center of historical monuments, examples of architecture and colorful paintings of various eras.

Arles

Mentioned as far back as BC, the city of Arles is a major cultural and historical center of the region. Attracting creative people, Arles is famous for its art.

Ancient Arelat is one of the most famous historical monuments of Arles. This ancient city with a well-preserved amphitheater, large Roman baths and part of the city fortifications. And the ruins imperial palace today they stretch for as much as 300 meters.

Another attraction is the Aliskan necropolis. City museums, the embankment on which Van Gogh painted his paintings, as well as local bullfights, attract travelers from all over the world.

Avignon

being cultural and religious center France, Avignon is located in a beautiful place where the Durance and Rhone rivers merge. The city center is so flooded with historical architectural monuments that is included in the register of the historical heritage protected by the state.

The fortress walls of Avignon were erected in the XIV century and were intended to protect the popes, nine of which were located here. The Grand Palais des Papes is one of the most attractive tourist spots, offering visitors the beauty of the Tower of the Angels, the Treasury and ancient gardens.

The suburbs of Aviyon are the mansions of cardinals, immersed in luxury, rich villas and ancient ruins.

Aix-en-Provence

Conservative and aristocratic, Aix-en-Provence was considered the capital of the province until the 12th century. Famous not only for historical sights, the city is rich in markets with souvenirs that are unique to this region. These are, for example, anise liqueur and lavender oil. Lavender itself, as a symbol of Provence, is often depicted in paintings, textiles and ceramics.

Fountains, statues and medieval buildings surround tourists in this ancient town, where even the town hall itself is a historical monument.

Camargue

One of the most famous nature reserves in France, Camargue, spreads out on a majestic plateau, framed by the Rhone River and sea ​​coast. Tourists visiting this place have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful scenery and the population of pink flamingos that stop at the lakes during the annual migrations.

Camargue white horses and black bulls, along with flamingos, are the hallmark of the reserve. The bullfight with black bulls, which has survived to this day in Provence, is a spectacular performance in which animals are not allowed to kill them.

Luberon massif

Picturesque mountain range stretches for several tens of kilometers, separated by the river Ashburn. highest point- Moon Negre. Here is the national natural Park, on the territory of which there are small beautiful towns, immersed in the greenery of trees and flowers.

Bicycle, horse and foot tourist routes built in such a way that visitors can fully experience the beauty surrounding nature and spectacular views.

The largest canyon in Europe

The wonders of Provence are multifaceted and endless. One of these unique places is the Verdon Gorge, located between the cities of Nice and Avignon. A tourist road has been laid along this deep canyon.

Provence cuisine

Special attention should be paid to Provencal cuisine. Famous for growing spices, the region has a delicious hearty cuisine. Olive oil is also locally produced. Among the dishes of Provencal cuisine, there are a lot of vegetable and mushroom products grown locally.

Lavender fields

Since mid-June, Provence has been visited by those who want to admire the endless fields of lavender. The harvested plants are subsequently processed into an essential oil, which is used to make soap and cosmetics. It is Provence that holds the championship in terms of the volume of grown lavender. At the same time, a relatively small area gives the world about 80% of lavender raw materials. Answering the question of what Provence is, we can confidently say that these are endless lavender fields, vineyards, warm sun and original culture, which has absorbed centuries-old traditions.

Features of the Provencal style

The Provence style was sung by artists and poets, drawing inspiration from nature itself: warm sea, lavender fields, vineyards and lush orchards. The atmosphere of comfort created by Provence is conducive to relaxation, reflection, unhurried life away from the hustle and bustle of cities.

When decorating an apartment or a country house in the style of France Provence Special attention given to materials and shades.

The characteristic features of the style are:

• natural materials in the design;
• calm natural colors;
• a large amount of textiles;
• an abundance of flowers;
• old age;
• decor accessories.

Color palette and prints

Thinking through the interior in the Provence style, one should build on the warm natural colors characteristic of the Cote d'Azur. In shades of furniture, finishing materials and accessories prevail:

• white;
• milky and beige;
• brown;
• delicate shades of pink, yellow, mint and blue;
• lavender;
• gray, etc.

Dominant pastel shades can be diluted with terracotta or blue accents.

Solid surfaces in Provence are combined with patterns:

• strip;
• cell;
• floral motifs;
• prints that look like prints from old postal envelopes.

Materials and textures

Finishing materials include:

• a natural stone;
• tree;
• forging;
• natural linen and cotton;
• ceramics.

Interior decoration in Provence can have a somewhat rough look, which is designed to emphasize the natural textures of materials. This applies to textured plaster on the walls, and to the use of wooden ceiling beams. Wooden cladding is often complemented by exposed fragments of wild stone or brick on the walls. In this case, the surfaces can be painted white and artificially aged.

The flooring is tile or wood in warm light shades.

Cote d'Azur furniture

The style of the room is set by suitable furniture, which in Provence is interesting and beautiful with its authenticity. Furniture can be:

• forged;
• wooden;
• wicker.

Light colors for furniture are organically combined with the effect of aging - worn and slightly peeling paint, aged monograms. In this case, the texture of the wood and the dark metal of the forged elements show through most effectively. Furniture can include:

• cabinets;
• buffets;
• tables with chairs;
• bedside tables and chests of drawers, etc.

Upholstered furniture - comfortable and solid enough, should have natural upholstery in colors typical of the style, complemented by covers and decorative pillows.

All the charm of naturalness and European elegance is reflected in the French Provence style. A land that combines the ancient historical monuments And ancient traditions, unites the centuries-old heritage of cultures. beautiful scenery, original cuisine with good wine and warm climate do not leave anyone indifferent. Reproduction of the free way of provincial life of past centuries in the interior of your home is a guarantee of a natural and truly spiritual atmosphere for true romantics.

At the foot of the Alps on the Mediterranean coast, Provence is comfortably located. This is one of the French provinces historic district in the southeast of the country. Many travelers who have visited Provence call it fabulous place. And for good reason. This region captivates both with its natural attractions and architectural masterpieces.

The wonderful climate and fertile lands of Provence have become the reason for the abundance of olive groves and vineyards, fields of heather, sunflower, and, of course, lavender, which can be quite called the hallmark of this region.

The capital of the province - the city of Marseille - ancient French city, founded in 600 BC. Today Marseille is big industrial center France and its largest port.

The capital of the province of Provence is the city of Marseille

A special atmosphere reigns here, as in any other southern port city: a breathtaking panorama of the bay, walks on lovely boats along the rocky coast, the specialty of local restaurants - bouillabaisse - delicious fish soup, cozy old courtyards ... All this is worth seeing when staying in one of the cozy local hotels.

Cities and sights of Provence

There are a huge number of attractions in Provence, especially they will appeal to lovers of antiquity: the Roman amphitheater in the city of Arles, which is already 2000 years old, the Maison Carré temple in Nimes, also built by the Romans under Emperor Augustus, the Saint Trophime monastery, built in the Middle Ages, papal palace in the city of Avignon and many other monuments of architecture, it will take a very long time to visit each of them.

From the top of Mont Ventoux, a stunning panorama of Provence opens up.

One of the most beautiful places Provence - Mount Mont Ventoux, located in the department of Vaucluse near the city of Carpentras. From its top, a stunning panorama of Provence opens up, and at the foot is Fontaine de Vaucluse, a natural spring that is the fifth largest in the world.

The Papal Palace in Avignon is one of the most important medieval buildings in Europe.

by the most romantic city The province is called Avignon. This is the already mentioned palace of the Pope, and the fortress walls of the XIV century, and the Saint-Brezene bridge, which was sung in a song, and magnificent gardens Rocher de Dome, with a beautiful view of the Rhone.

Avignon is within easy reach of Orange. Along the way, there will be a wonderful opportunity to admire the endless lavender fields. Orange itself has Triumphal Arch, erected to the glory of the victories of Julius Caesar and the Roman theater of the times of Augustus.

The interior of Van Gogh's cafe is completely identical to the one depicted in the painting of the painter, and has been maintained this way for many years.

It will be interesting to travel along the famous triangle of Provence - Beaucaire, Tarascon and Arles. The famous post-impressionist Vincent van Gogh lived and worked in Arles, it was this city that inspired the artist to many of his masterpieces, and it was here that the style of his painting finally took shape.

Here you can follow in the footsteps of the artist and see the landscapes captured on his canvases live.

Arles is also known for its Hotel Jules Cesar, which is a miniature copy of the palace of Louis XVI. It houses one of the best Provencal restaurants.

A very picturesque place is the village of Les Baux-de-Provence, famous for the remains ancient fortress buildings of the 11th-15th centuries and stunning views of the valleys.

The picturesque sights of the lavender region do not end there. Proud of Provence and others

Provence cuisine - will please everyone

Provencal cuisine deserves special mention. After all, a huge variety of spices are grown here, which, of course, are included in the constant diet. local population. Among them are cumin, fennel, basil, rosemary, and, of course, truffles.

Exquisite Provencal cuisine with lots of spices

Provence is also famous for its olive oil and vegetable stew called "ratatouille", the main components of which are eggplant and tomatoes, an abundance of fresh fruits that can be purchased at small markets, and wonderful wines with a rich, unforgettable taste.

In addition to the diverse attractions in Provence, there are many ways to have fun and have fun.

All sorts of festivals and cultural events are constantly held here, and both in major cities as well as in small villages. Theatrical and dance performances, jazz, opera and much more.

Lavender fields in Provence

It is also worth mentioning separately lavender, without which it is impossible to imagine this wonderful land. To admire the endless purple carpets of fragrant flowers, it is worth coming here in the summer, especially from mid-June to the end of July. In August, farmers start harvesting lavender essential oil, which is used to make soaps, perfumes and other cosmetics.

Lavender Museum located in the city of Kustel

Provence gives the world about 80 percent of lavender. Some farms conduct special tours, during which you can learn in detail about some of the nuances of growing and processing lavender. There is also a lavender museum located in the city of Kustel, it was opened in 1991.

The museum has a shop where you can buy lavender soap, perfume, lavender honey, textile souvenirs soaked in fragrant aroma or just a bunch of dried flowers.

Provence is magical and unique – VIDEO

Provence is a wonderful place where you can forget about daily worries and find yourself in a fairy-tale world.

Provence is a mosaic. Iridescent light composition of all colors and shades: sky blue and piercingly bright blue south sea; hot, almost white rays of the subtropical sun and warm pastel tones of local stone from which ancient buildings are built; bright green of young grapes and deep purple lavender fields.

Provence is a puzzle. It is woven from so many contradictory fragments that it is very difficult to understand how Roman theaters and Christian churches, the eternal noise of the Cote d'Azur and the eternal calm of the most beautiful villages of the Luberon, the scorching summer heat and the winter mistral piercing to the bones are linked into a single dense whole.

Provence is a mystery. It is often called the least French region, and there is a grain of truth in this: over the past three millennia, many peoples considered Provence theirs, but Provence outlived the next owners with calm dignity - and always remained itself. Others believe that Provence is the most that neither is France, its essence and symbol. And they are right too: the endless lavender fields, the Croisette and the beaches of Nice have long become the "trademarks" of the country - no less recognizable than the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower.

Some interesting facts

• Of all the regions of France, Provence has the greatest climatic diversity: from the subtropical zones of the Camargue and the Cote d'Azur to the harsh climate of the Alpine foothills.
• Provence is home to the largest and deep canyon Europe. From the peaks of the Verdon Gorge to its bottom is more than 700 m!
• In the Provencal town of Menerbes there is a Corkscrew Museum with more than 1200 exhibits. It is curious that even the Louvre has competitors, but this museum does not - it is the only one in the world.
• Provence is the birthplace of French bullfighting. Its main difference from the Spanish one is that here the bulls are not only not killed - they are not even injured (only the bullfighter risks his life and health).
• Provence and only Provence is the birthplace of troubadours. Therefore, the troubadour from the popular cartoon " The Bremen Town Musicians” is not really a troubadour, but a German minnesinger.
• The province of Provence is "butter oil". During the Empire, the Romans were so accustomed to claiming Provence as theirs that they called it provincia nostra ("our province") or simply provincia - hence the modern name.

Although Provence was Roman for half a millennium and thoroughly romanized, the Gauls still retained one cultural feature: it was not for nothing that the Romans sarcastically called it Gallia bracata (“Gallia of pants”) - because of the stubbornness of local residents who did not want to wear Roman togas.

How to get there

The simplest and fast way- direct flight to Nice. Unfortunately, due to high airport taxes such a ticket, as a rule, will cost more than a ticket to Paris (also very expensive). The second most popular route is from Paris by TGV train. The combination of a plane to Paris plus a train can be cheaper than flying to Nice if you book a train ticket in advance - online sales on the SNCF website start three months before the expected date of travel.

Traveling to Provence from Paris in a rental car makes sense only if you are not limited in time and are ready to move along narrow local roads - otherwise the cost of the A7 toll highway will “eat up” all the estimated savings. The same advice applies to traveling in your own car.

Shopping and stores

The main highlight of Provence is not in outlets and boutiques of expensive brands (they are on the Cote d'Azur, but differ little from Paris ones), but in small fairs and farmers markets which are held in almost every town on a weekly basis. It is there that you should buy sachets (sachets with natural lavender perfume), real olive oil, Provencal fabrics with original patterns and bright local ceramics.

Cuisine and restaurants

In addition to the widely publicized bouillabaisse, Provencal cuisine has something to lure even an experienced gourmet: these are, first of all, the famous Cavaillon melons (they are easy to distinguish from ordinary ones by their bright green stripes); grilled octopus with tomatoes and aioli sauce (this sauce also comes from Provence); the best nougat in France, and even in the world (if this delicacy is made by hand, it contains local honey, and sugar is added to the factory one); lamb stewed in olive oil with local spices.

While the local rosé is heavily marketed, it's easy to find better wines in France - but the local "pastis" is really worth a try! It is customary to dilute this strong anise tincture with water to a light pearl color: in this concentration it has a slight creamy aftertaste and does not intoxicate, but warms and uplifts.

Popular hotels in Provence

Entertainment and attractions of Provence

Significant events for Provence are the February feast of lemons and the July theater festival. During the first, the small seaside town of Menton becomes a desirable destination for half a million tourists, and this is not surprising: it is not every day that you get to see hundreds of sculptures built from lemons and taste the local cuisine prepared from them! The theater festival in Avignon completes the half-year begun by the Menton festivities. For a few weeks country town attracts the attention not only of the whole of France, but of the whole world, which is not surprising - this festival has long received international status. A characteristic and very charming feature of this festival is democracy. Unlike stiff Nice, everyone can try themselves as an actor, and the narrow medieval streets turn into impromptu theater stages for a while.

If you are not thrilled with the hustle and bustle of people, Provence is ready to offer you the age-old tranquility of Gordes, Menerbes and Roussillon, members of the association "Most beautiful villages France"; the finely preserved Roman-era monuments at Orange and Arles; masterpieces of the Middle Ages - the palace of the Avignon popes and the castle of King René the Good in Tarascon; unique nature the Camargue Nature Reserve, which is under the protection of UNESCO; silence and spaciousness of lavender fields blooming from June to September, vineyards and olive groves ... Thirty centuries of history have not been in vain for Provence, he knows how to fall in love with anyone - and he will pick up the key to anyone.

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In the east, the region is bounded by the Alps, in the west by the Rhone, in the south by the Mediterranean Sea.

Caesar in the Gallic War says go out Provincia V Narbonnensis at the moment of crossing the Rhone, which explains, perhaps, the fact that only that part of the old Narbonne Gaul, which is located east of the Rhone, later became known as Provence.

Story

In ancient times, on the territory of present-day Provence, there were settlements of the Phoenicians, Greeks, then, in the 2nd century BC. e. where the Romans settled. As a result, Provence became one of the most Romanized provinces of Gaul. Christianity spread here in the 3rd century. After the decline of the Roman Empire, the province was overwhelmed by invasions of Germanic barbarians - Visigoths and Franks. The Arab invasion followed in the 8th century. In the years 855-863 there was a kingdom of Provence (king - Charles of Provence), which included, in addition to Provence itself, also most Burgundy. From 1032 to 1246 Provence was part of the Holy Roman Empire, then it became part of the French kingdom.

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Notes

An excerpt characterizing Provence

We are waiting for the sights, cities and resorts of the warmest region of France - Provence! And also local delicacies for real gourmets and just lovers like us.

Provence is a place where you can go to relax from the hustle and admire the unforgettable rural and natural landscapes. Here is a dive into majestic world medieval castles, churches and monasteries. Numerous villages are scattered on the hills and slopes of the Alps, which originate here. Often you can see that the villages are located around the old castles and fortresses left over from the time of the Roman Empire.

Provence - interesting facts

Life here is unhurried, in summer the air is filled with floral aromas and the sounds of cicadas. Like nowhere else, in French province Provence I want to pick up a brush and draw all this magnificence of nature. It was here that the world-famous artists Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne created their priceless canvases.

By the way, Provence got its name from the ancient Romans, they came here to rest after the conquests.

Where is Provence

Provence is a fairly large region in the south of France. Its exceptional landscape is defined by the foothills of the Alps starting here, fields and a sea of ​​flowers. To understand and explore these places as fully as possible, you can stop in one of the villages from where you can make trips in a rented car. This is very convenient and allows you to travel at your own discretion and at any speed, stopping at places you particularly like.

Of course, you need to get a reliable guide and book a hotel room in advance, especially if the trip is planned for the summer. Farmhouse-hotels with their unique rural flavor are very interesting as rentals.

Housing is provided, as a rule, with a kitchen, and it is possible to cook your own food. But it's best to try gourmet dishes in local restaurants. Truffles are mined in the vicinity, there are a lot of them, which affected the assortment of restaurants. A wonderful earthy aroma with nutty notes fills the air. The collection of truffles in Provence lasts from November to April. Restaurants also offer a lot of seafood, vegetable and fruit dishes, and this is the healthiest food.

Where is it and how to get to Provence

Lavender fields of Provence - when and where to go

France is famous not only for its wines and high fashion and amazing architecture. The symbol of the country is lavender, whose fields, surrounded by wheat, are depicted on tourist postcards. Provence is considered the capital of the flower, in the countryside of which thousands of bulbs of this plant are planted. Because of this, hundreds of hectares of purple landscapes and landscapes have adorned the department, which from afar seem alien and very fantastic. Thanks to photographs, postcards, publications on the Internet and special travel magazines, a huge number of travelers come to Provence every year.

The peak of visitation falls on two summer months - July and August. It is at this time that you need to plan a vacation in Provence 2019 in order to catch the blooming lavender fields.

lavender flowering period

The climate of Provence does not allow flowers to bloom in early spring, only individual buds may open in late May or early June. At this time, the fields look impressive, leaving the horizon, but without lavender blooms. Its period begins only at the very end of June and lasts until the middle of the last summer month, sometimes longer, depending on the weather and the number of sunny days.

Lavender is the most common gift from Provence!

Visiting tourists begins in July, and continues almost until September. In August, lavender flowers are harvested, which coincides with the grain harvest. Thanks to this, the whole region looks even more colorful.

Excursions to the lavender fields of Provence 2019

You can inspect the fields, both independently and as part of organized tourist groups. In any case, you need to do this by car or bicycle.

The ideal solution would be to rent a car in one of major cities if you are fluent in French. But even more convenient is to order a car rental in Provence in advance, pick up the car at the airport and then plan your vacation at your discretion. So it will be most convenient to move around the landscapes in order to slowly see the sights and admire the flowers.

You can get to the fields and public transport. True, in this case, travelers will depend on the bus schedule and a specific route scheme.

Where does lavender grow in Provence?

Flowers are planted mainly in rural areas, where there are farms for the production of oil, esters, drying lavender. Also, almost every resident of the region plants small bushes of a plant on his plot. The centers of intensive cultivation of lavender are northern regions Provence, which include Upper Alpine, Haute-Vaucluse, Drome-Provencal. The capital is a small cozy town of Saul, which is located in Haut-Vaucluse. It is here that the fields resemble an endless fluffy carpet, the aroma of which is felt far beyond the region. For the convenience of tourists, numerous walking paths have been laid here. They have different levels of difficulty during the passage, as evidenced by special signs.

In Drome-Provence, lavender is adjacent to other fields - sunflowers, wheat, vineyards.

In every region of Provence there are villages that specialize in the production of cosmetics and lavender essential oils. In one of the settlements - Kustelle - various mechanisms are collected that have been used for many centuries when working with flowers.

Travel itinerary in Provence

Now we know that Provence is associated with lavender fields, as well as Nice and the ports of the Côte d'Azur, crowded with expensive yachts.

However, this one can open up from a different side if you start a journey through it from the outback. Namely - from small towns and villages located high in the mountains and on the banks of picturesque rivers. Try to realize our Provence travel option - you will see the lavender fields and get to know the most beautiful region countries.

Route map

The total length of the Provence travel route by car is 300 km.

#1. Saint Remy de Provence

Streets and serpentines of Saint-Remy-de-Provence (France)

You can start your journey through the Provence region from the town of Saint-Remy-de-Provence, captured in the paintings of Van Gogh, along the streets of which the artist used to walk a lot. Van Gogh painted here the Alps, olive groves, many of which have survived to this day, because the life of an olive tree reaches a thousand years.

#2. Glanum and Egalier

Here is located the ancient city of Glanum with beautiful bas-reliefs and a mausoleum in honor of Emperor Augustus. Many tourists visit this attraction every year.

You can stay in Egallera - a small village of ancient Roman origin. Here you should definitely see the chapel of St. Sixtus, picturesque, as if descended from a picture, the ruins of a castle of the 12th century, many churches and monasteries. In summer locals arrange many different festivals, parades, holidays on the occasion of honoring the patrons of agriculture and animal husbandry. Celebrations are accompanied by costume processions. These can be seen almost every week.

#3. Arles and Avignon

It is worth visiting the major cities of Provence - Arles and Avignon. Arles was once chosen by Caesar as the capital of Provence, and there is an ancient Roman theater in which bull performances are still performed to this day. Widely known in Arles is the church of St. Trophime with its famous bas-relief depicting the Day of Judgment. The bas-relief carved a line of sinners chained and heading to hell - a very expressive reminder of human sins.

Avignon is located to the north, 25 miles from Arles. Once here for 70 years was the palace of the Pope. You can see the bridge over the Rhone River, which, however, was never completed. Therefore, it is only half of the bridge, but it looks quite grandiose and unusual.

#4. Luberon and Roussillon

Move closer to nature small town Luberon, where vast purple lavender fields are spread, blooming at the end of June. This is how we most often imagine Provence! Lavender is harvested in September and used in all kinds of cosmetics.

Another interesting town is Roussillon. The walls of all the houses here are red - the color of ocher, mined on the slopes of neighboring hills. So it was originally, and now this image is maintained for tourism purposes.

#5. Aix-en-Provence

You can also go to Aix-en-Provence - a lively student city with a huge number of fountains. The local market is replete with a variety of colors of vegetables and fruits and intoxicates with the aromas of coffee, lavender and spices - here you will surely find the best souvenirs from Provence, both gastronomic and cosmetic. In the major cities of Provence there is a market day every week, each city has its own, for example, Thursday or Saturday.

Aix-en-Provence is famous for the fact that it was there that Paul Cezanne painted his famous still lifes, which he considered animated.

#6. Cassis

If drawn to the sea, then a good choice- an excursion to the port fishing town of Cassis, where, in addition to the sea and the beach, there are vineyards and beautiful white rocks. You can use one of the sea ​​routes, many of which involve stops for a refreshing swim in the sea.

Where to stay in Provence 2019

To enjoy the beauty of Provence to the fullest, you will need to book a couple of overnight stays along the route. The first stop can be made in Egallières/Arles, the second in Roussillon or Aix-en-Provence.

#1. Overnight stay in Provence

After devoting the day to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the villages of Glanum and Egalier, you can stay overnight in Egalier or drive to a large settlement - the city of Arles.

#2. Overnight stay in Provence

After seeing Arles and Avignon, steer towards the Luberon Valley. You can stay in the heart of Provence both in Roussillon and a little further - in Aix-en-Provence.

How to get to Provence - flights

The Provence region has international Airport. It is located in the capital of the Cote d'Azur - Nice. Airport "Nice - Côte d'Azur" ("Nice Cote d'Azur") accepts direct flights from Moscow. IN high season(from May to October) the cost of tickets on the Moscow-Nice route starts from 11,500 rubles round trip. You can get to Nice from Moscow in just 3.5 hours.

Our compatriots first arrive at, at the airport. Charles de Gaulle. Then they move closer to the south to explore Provence.

Is it profitable? Perhaps only if you want to see Paris no less than Provence. And after spending a week in the capital, go to Nice. The fact is that Moscow-Paris flights are only a couple of thousand cheaper than a Moscow-Nice flight.

To get to Provence from Paris, choose one of three options:

• Own car(it can be pre-rented). The distance from Paris to Nice is about 1000 km. On the A6 and A7 highways, it will take you about 8-10 hours;
• Public transport. It can be either a train or an intercity scheduled bus. In the latter case, the journey will take more than 17 hours;
• Domestic flight Paris-Nice. Daily on your own popular route France is made from 25 flights. You can use the services airlines Air France, EasyJet, british airways and others. Departures are carried out both from international Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and from domestic airports- Orly and a little less Le Bourget.