Provence, a picturesque corner of France. Provence is magical and unique - video. Where does lavender grow in Provence?

Answer: style Provence(from French, means province) - called the rural style of France in the 19th century. It got its name from the French village, which was located in the southeast of the country. The provincial style is often referred to as country in the French manner. This style conveys the spirit of France - contrasting in the south and north, and uniting the desire for lightness, simplicity.

What characterizes the style of Provence.
Provence is a region located in the south of France. It has stunning landscapes, the cuisine is famous for the use of fragrant spices, delicious coffee, deep blue sea, joyful shining sun. Of these components, the style of the interior called Provence consists. Its tones muted by the sun, with inclusions of rich colors create a cozy atmosphere and make the mood upbeat.
Provence can be called one of the natural, and uniform styles. Such an interior looks great in his native country, and, moreover, without breaking away from the national color. The Provence style is based on barely worn surfaces, antique furniture, and walls deliberately plastered, tarnished textiles. The interior is discreet, seemingly poor. It has no fancy details. It is enough to identify a few iconic elements of the interior, like a wicker chair, a forged candlestick, standing against a rich wall background, and the desired effect will be achieved. Provencal style organically looks in a country interior, as it needs space. The walls are usually roughly plastered.

The main elements of the Provencal style.
The Provence-style interior is beautiful, discreet, reminiscent of antiquity. It has a light color scheme. For the color scheme of the walls, white, light yellow shades are chosen, and in some places the masonry of brick, stone, acts as a decorating element. Wooden beams are installed under the ceiling. Furniture items for Provence are made of wood. It can be forged, devoid of refinement, deliberately aged. Forged decorative elements, as well as woolen carpets, armchairs, sofas with linen covers, and a fireplace are a characteristic element of the style.

How did the style of Provence.
This style appeared in the 19th century in one of the provinces of France, a picturesque corner on the Mediterranean coast.
Provence fell in love with artists and poets. This area was more than once a theme for the works of art by Matisse and Picasso. And Provence had a great influence on the works of the famous Paul Cezanne, only here he had a special creative style. Van Gogh had a special love for Provence. His famous lines: "Nature here is such that you begin to feel what Color is."
The formation of Provence as a style fell on the 15th-17th century. At that time, France was very contrasting, as in southern corners, and northern. But all regions had a single feature - this is the chanting of lightness, weightlessness in everything. She became special for the Provence style in interior design.
Ease denoted the various achievements of France, it influenced art, music, and then moved to Provence interior design.

The main features of the Provence style.
Provence is the embodiment of a dream of a magical land where the sun shines brightly, the waves of the Mediterranean Sea carelessly splash, and small neat houses, bogged down in ivy and vines, beckon with their beauty.
The simple way of rural life and the contrasting colors of nature became the ideal basis for creating an interior in the Provence style. This is the use of stained, painted, and wooden furniture, aged chests of drawers, and peeling cabinets, carved beds, with patina or cabinets with massive wrought iron handles.
The Provence style is characterized by ceramic dishes with thick walls. From textiles - beige, pale milk, light blue towels, tablecloths, burnt-out curtains, paths that were laid on an ordinary wooden floor. The interior creates a feeling of simplicity and convenience.
Provence is characterized by naturalness, adherence to ancient traditions.
The interior in Provencal style denotes the finishes, pieces of furniture and selected colors. It is characterized by a delicate pastel color scheme, in which there are juicy cheerful accents, as well as rough plaster walls, and exposure of masonry in certain places.
Pastel shades for Provence are ideal for creating an interior. Paintings, tapestries, and upholstery textiles contrast on light walls. It can be both faded and pastel shades, as well as milky, white, lavender, and aqua, yellow (associated with sunflower), terracotta, ocher. Typical color combinations in the Provence style are a tandem of pale blue and pastel yellow, which symbolize the beauty of the flowering meadows of the French province.
Typical pieces of furniture for the Provence style are simple chairs, tables, armchairs, in which there is no frills. They can be both wooden and forged. Its advantage lies in the fact that it is exclusive, that is, specially ordered.
Furniture in the Provence style should be old, or with the effect of antiquity, as a rule, painted. Their main effect is to look like they've been worn down by time and have lasted for generations. Such furniture can be chairs with carved, but old legs, milk-colored chests of drawers, as well as cabinets for household utensils.
For the main material of furniture in the Provence style, the fronts of white flowers made of oak, walnut, chestnut are ideal. But a prerequisite is an aged look of the fronts. To give the interior a Provencal charm, authenticity, wooden surfaces are deliberately aged, imitating chips, blackening. The floor is equipped with unhewn boards, tiles. The wooden surfaces of ordinary cabinets, chests of drawers in the Provencal style are treated with wax, or painted in green, blue, and even terracotta shades, while bright accents are formed on the light background of the walls.

A wrought iron chandelier is ideal as a lighting fixture for the Provence style. It can perfectly harmonize with the "forged" fittings that decorate the furniture.
Forged details are considered a typical feature of the Provencal style. Plant themes are widely used to decorate the room, and it does not matter where it is located in paintings, bedspreads, or curtain textiles.
The main fabrics for the Provence style are linen, cotton with a floral or striped print.
The most important drawing of the Provencal style is flowers. They can be different, both large and small. Flowers look beautiful on chintz curtains, and a regular quilted bedspread. In addition, a cell is typical of the Provencal style. It can be white and red, white and blue. Chairs are decorated with linen covers. Ordinary homemade woolen carpets of striped colors are placed on the floor. It is relevant to decorate the interior with ceramics, linen napkins.
Provence style in a residential interior is the use of natural wood, natural stone. This is a soft metallic sheen, and the unevenness of terracotta.
To make the Provencal style look more expressive, they use a characteristic texture. For example, part of the walls can be decorated with brickwork, or natural stone, a material that imitates it. In such an interior, mosaic looks beautiful, ordinary brick, which is covered with colored glaze, as well as painted ceramic tiles.
Typical Provencal style walls have an accentuated rough texture. Rough plaster fits perfectly here, and wallpaper with relief.
For the arrangement of the floor, ceramic tiles that imitate wood are used, porcelain stoneware that imitates natural stone, or wooden boards is suitable. The signature style of the Provencal style is black or dark wooden beams. They are placed on the ceiling. Their imitation is allowed.
Provencal style is harmonious for a country house. An important attribute is a fireplace with a stone or wooden facade, time-beaten beams for the ceiling, rough plaster, with stone or brick masonry protruding in some places. Wooden shelves in such an interior are built into niches. All elements of the interior look aged.
A typical Provence-style courtyard is decorated with trees: cypresses, green walls that are wrapped in vines, ivy, pots of lavender, sometimes heather. Chairs and tables are made of wood.
IN modern design interior Provencal style is welcome. It is used in kitchens, children's rooms, dining rooms.
A Provencal-style room does not have to have a high ceiling, as well as large windows. The spirit of a cozy French province fits perfectly into standard apartments.

Summary:
Provence style is concise. To decorate the interior in this style, it is not necessary to have large funds, in addition, it is diverse and charming.
Interior in Provence style creates a comfortable, warm atmosphere. It can be customized to your liking - modestly or expensively.

Each of us has heard about Provence. The French province will not leave indifferent any tourist. historical region located in the southeast of the country, at the foot of the Alps on the Mediterranean coast. Visiting Provence is the dream of every traveler.

A bit of history

Provence is currently the most attractive region of France. The region has absorbed the most unique historical traditions, surprisingly beautiful nature and ancient monuments of architecture. Where is Provence located? His lands are located in the south-east of France. The region is located in several natural and climatic zones. From the west it is organic and in the east it borders on Alpine mountains. Well, in the south, the coast of Provence is washed by the sea. coastal zone often referred to as the Côte d'Azur. Enviable lands have always aroused great interest among neighbors, and therefore, throughout the history of the region, there has been a fight for the right to own it more than once. It is for this reason that the region has such a rich and complex history. Over the centuries, the region has absorbed a combination of a variety of cultures. In the history of Provence there were periods of prosperity and decline.

To date, it includes the departments of Var, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhone, as well as partially the lands of the Alps haute provence and Maritime Alps. The center of the region is the famous city of Marseille, which can safely be called one of the oldest settlements in French lands.

History of Provence

Numerous archaeological excavations, repeatedly carried out in the region, indicate that the first settlements in Provence appeared about half a million years before our era. According to historians, at present these are the most ancient places of residence of people on Earth, which are reliably confirmed by archaeological finds. In the sixth century BC, Greek sailors who appeared on the shores of Provence agreed with the local Ligurian tribes and founded several large port cities on the coast - Nicaea, now called Nice, and Massalia, now Marseille.

It was the first Greeks who brought the basics of agriculture to the region, planting vineyards and olive groves on local lands. Some time later, the Massaliot Empire was formed in the province. And already in the second century BC, the Roman colonization of the region began. During this period, Roman troops entered the territory of Provence under the pretext of military assistance to the Massaliotes in the war with the Salien tribe. By the way, it was thanks to the Romans that the region acquired its current name, since the conquerors called it simply “province”.

The era of Roman rule had a positive impact on the history of the region. The Romans were excellent administrators, they managed to create an excellent infrastructure. It was they who built beautiful new fortified cities, interconnected by a network of roads. After the fall of the Roman Empire in Provence, not the most better times. The territory was alternately captured and plundered by barbarian tribes. Later from Spain and North Africa no less bloodthirsty hordes of Moors came, who managed to stop Charles Martel. At the same time, Provence was introduced to Christianity. From the tenth to the fourteenth century, clashes between different count dynasties did not subside in the province. Each family fought for influence in these lands. In addition, pirates raided Provence. In addition, the region suffered from plague epidemics.

And already in the sixteenth century, the region was annexed to France. Not only was Provence torn apart by religious conflicts from the inside, the province also took part in territorial disputes between Italy and France, which turned the region into a battlefield for many years.

The Cote d'Azur became fully French only in the middle of the nineteenth century. And the name "Côte d'Azur" was also fixed in the second half of the nineteenth century, when the largest coastal cities became fashionable resorts. After the railway connection appeared here, royal persons and famous aristocrats from all over Europe began to visit the region.

Arles

Speaking about the region, it is worth remembering its settlements. The cities of Provence are as interesting as the region itself. One of oldest cities is Arles, which is currently the most important transport hub of Provence. From the city it is incredibly convenient to get to the historical and natural corners of the region. Since Arles has the status of the historical center of the region, it attracts the attention of creative people, thanks to which the city has many examples of painting and architecture.

Attractions Arles

The cities of Provence are incredibly interesting in terms of their sights. So, for example, in Arles you can see the ancient Arelat - the ancient city of the Ligurian tribe, which is included in the UNESCO heritage list. In it you can see the Roman amphitheater, baths, partially preserved fortifications of the city, the ruins of the palace and more. No less interesting for tourists is the ancient Roman cemetery, turned into the Aliskan necropolis, in which the most noble citizens of the city were buried. It is also worth visiting the ancient museum of the city. On main square The city is home to the ancient Cathedral of Saint-Tropheme, dating back to the twelfth century. According to legend, the temple was founded on the site of the baptism of St. Augustine. The building is surrounded by ancient monasteries, each of which has its own history.

Interesting facts about the culture and history of Provence can be found in the Reato and Arlaten museums. The city has a beautiful embankment, known for that Van Gogh himself walked along it. Here he painted many amazing paintings. By the way, in the city you can visit bullfights, which are a source of pride for local residents. Bullfighting is held throughout the summer period. Interestingly, the townspeople are passionate fans of such a bloody entertainment.

Capital of Provence

There are many interesting cities in the region. But it is worth remembering the capital. Aix-en-Provence can safely be called historical and cultural center the edges. In all his appearance there is a certain aristocracy and conservatism.

It is worth noting that until the twelfth century the city was the capital of Provence, and therefore attracted talented individuals who contributed to its appearance. The city is located thirty kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. It is located among thermal springs who played a significant role in the history of Aix-en-Provence.

City `s history

The history of Aix-en-Provence begins with the Roman era. From the fourth century BC, Ligurian tribes inhabited the lands of Lower Provence. And a little north of the territory The current capital of Provence was the ancient Antremont. However, after the arrival of the Romans, a new colony for legionnaires was built on the territory of the destroyed Antremont among the thermal springs.

The very first mention of the city dates back to 122 BC. Aix-en-Provence was originally built for preservation trade route between Rome and Massalia. But already in the fourth century the city became the capital of Narbo. In the future, the capital of Provence was repeatedly captured by different tribes. The city reached its greatest prosperity during the reign of the counts. It was at this time that it became a university and cultural center. Lush carnivals and grandiose festivities were held here. After the region became part of France, the viceroy of the king moved to the capital of Provence. Until the French Revolution, the city had its own parliament and Supreme Court. Aix-en-Provence created and lived The city was badly damaged during the 1909 earthquake.

The city's attractions

If you are planning a vacation in Provence, then you should definitely see its cultural capital. The city is beautiful in every way. What to see in Aix-en-Provence? The city is full of historical and cultural places. The tour should start from Mirabeau Boulevard, which is the main street of the city. The boulevard was laid in the eighteenth century. It connects the beautiful Rotunda fountain with the monument to King René. Walking along the street, you can look at the beautiful mansions of the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, built of yellow stone. Tourists will certainly be interested in the Saint-Lazare Chapel, the Madeleine Church, the Tapiseri Art Museum and the Old Town Museum. A lot of various shops with souvenirs and books have been built on the boulevard. The building of the Archbishop's Palace houses the Tapestry Museum, where you can see furniture and tapestries from the period of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

Numerous museums of Aix-en-Provence allow you to learn a lot of interesting things from the history of the city. So, for example, in the Suzey of old Aix, you can see vivid illustrations from the life of the nobility of the era of the reign of Louis the fourteenth. The interior of the house clearly demonstrates the dazzling luxury in which the nobles lived. It is said that Louis XIV visited this mansion.

In the Mazarin quarter, you can see the outstanding sights of Aix-en-Provence. One of them is the church of Saint-Jean-de-Malt, dating from the thirteenth century. An interesting fact is that services are still held in the temple. It is known that the building is the first Gothic church in the city. Not far from the temple is the Granet Museum, which contains art objects, archaeological finds and artifacts. But the main pride of the institution is the largest collection of Cezanne's works.

Numerous tourists are attracted by the Place d'Alberta, which was built in the middle of the eighteenth century. Of interest is the harmonious combination of a beautiful fountain with the square. Nearby is most beautiful palace Boyer d'Aiguille, which houses the Museum of Natural History. Its exposition consists of the remains of dinosaurs, a large collection of insects and plants. This place attracts many tourists from all over the world.

Avignon

Avignon is another stunning city in the region. While traveling in Provence, you can see many interesting cities, each of which certainly boasts an interesting history. Avignon is located in an incredibly picturesque place at the confluence of two full-flowing rivers: the Durance and the Rhone. The city is an outstanding cultural and religious center countries. IN historical center Avignon has numerous historical monuments, beautiful buildings and ancient churches, which are included in the UNESCO heritage lists.

Sights of Avignon

The old part of the city is surrounded by a chain of fortifications built in the fourteenth century. Such powerful fortifications were erected to protect the monastery of the popes, nine of them lived here in different times. The fortifications did not have a special military significance, they rather fulfill an architectural role. It is the walls that separate the historical part of the city from the modern quarters. Tourists are always attracted by the huge papal palace, consisting of the tower of angels, the treasury, gardens and the building of the palace itself. Nearby is the Rocher-des-Dome park and the ancient Pont-Saint-Benez bridge, which old times connected the city with the suburbs.

No less interesting is Notre-Dame-des-Dome - Cathedral built in the twelfth century. Its building majestically rises above the city, located on the Rock de Dome. The buildings of the complex belong to completely different architectural styles, which causes a lot of controversy among connoisseurs.

Lavender fields

The lavender fields of Provence are something without which it is impossible to imagine this beautiful region. Endless purple fields stretch so far that you can not see their edge. If you want to admire such beauty, then you should use summer tour to Provence. After all, it is in summer that stunning flowers bloom (from early June to mid-July). But in August, farmers begin to harvest, later using essential oils for the production cosmetics- perfumes, soaps, etc.

Huge lavender fields cover the northern regions of Provence. It is in these parts that you can see the largest and most beautiful lavender fields. Tourists are even specially brought to look at such an attractive beauty so that they can wander through the flower thickets and inhale the wonderful aroma. By the way, next to the flower plantations there are abbeys and synagogues, which are also interesting to see.

From lavender oil they produce not only cosmetics, but also expensive alcoholic drinks, balms. Locals use lavender in cooking.

During the flower harvest, some farms organize excursions, during which you can learn more about the nuances of growing plants and processing. In the city of Kustel there is even a real lavender museum, it was opened in 1991. At the institution there is a shop that sells perfumes, soap, honey and other souvenirs made on the basis of lavender.

Provence cuisine

If you go on vacation to Provence, then the local cuisine will certainly win you over. Amazing dishes deserve the attention of tourists. It's no secret that in Provence they grow a wide range of spices, which are invariably used by the inhabitants themselves. Among them there is basil, fennel, cumin, rosemary and others.

In addition, it is worth remembering that Provence is also famous for its olive oils and the famous ratatouille stew, which is made from eggplant and tomatoes. Local markets sell a large number of fruits and unique wines with a rich taste.

Sea holidays in Provence

Many tourists traveling to Provence prefer to relax in Marseille. This ancient city is incredibly beautiful and has developed infrastructure. As you know, the region is known for its stunning coastline. Therefore, many holidaymakers choose Provence for a beach and sea holiday. What other sea can compare with the beautiful waters washing the shores of the resort?! No wonder the local coast is called Azure.

Tourists note the incredibly beautiful beaches of Marseille, which are equipped with everything that is needed for vacationers. Therefore, going to Provence, you can count on a comfortable stay. One of the most famous places on the coast is the Prado beach, nestled in the greenery of the plantations. Despite all the fame given place can safely be called calm and harmonious. But for a romantic getaway worth a visit pebble beach with the characteristic name of De Love, which is known for its stunning landscapes.

If you prefer relaxing on the sandy coast, then you should pay attention to Corbières and Forten.

Resorts on the Cote d'Azur have long been considered one of the most prestigious in the world. And because here you can meet celebrities relaxing by the sea. Only in Nice there are more than twenty beaches, among which you can find more peaceful places. The local coast has a pebbly surface and excellent infrastructure. It is difficult to find such an abundance of entertainment anywhere else.

There are beautiful sandy beaches in the vicinity of Nice. And many also go on holiday to Cannes. By the way, not all tourists are aware that the sandy coast of Cannes is artificial. But that in no way makes it worse. And, of course, it is worth remembering the most prestigious places on the coast near the Croisette. These beaches are well equipped and suitable for even the most demanding guests. Not far from the building of the Palace of Festivals there is a public beach, which is open to everyone, and you can relax on it completely free of charge.

Provence is a paradise for holidaymakers. Very popular place recreation is also the city of Antibes. It is usually considered as a single entity with Juan-les-Pins. The length of the sandy coast of this area is about 24 kilometers. Here you can find not only private, but also public places. Antibes is very popular among yachting fans. In addition, the city is also loved by active young people, since an incredible number of bars and nightclubs operate on its coast.

When discussing the resorts of Provence, it is also worth remembering the beautiful Saint-Tropez. The city is sure to appeal to nature lovers. Close to local sandy beaches pine forests. Tourists can combine beach holidays with walks and excursions around picturesque places. The most prestigious beach of Saint-Tropez is De Pampelonne, which is often visited by world celebrities.

Provence is not only luxury resorts, but also numerous natural beauty. Tourists recommend going to the Grand Canyon, in which the gorge is located, which is considered the largest in all of Europe. In addition, the place is incredibly picturesque. awesome emerald river Verdon and the beautiful Sainte-Croix lake are harmoniously combined with the natural greenery of the Provencal vegetation.

If your path through Provence runs through Marseille, then it is worth visiting famous castle If, which was built to protect the city from attacks, but by coincidence became famous prison. The castle was made famous by Dumas' novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Now the fortress is open to visitors, and you can see the camera of Edmond Dantes in it, although in fairness it should be noted that the main character of Dumas' novel is fictional.

Provence is a stunningly beautiful and interesting region, overflowing with all sorts of historical places and attractions. There are so many of them here that one trip is simply not enough to see at least the most significant objects.

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 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 the French province of Provence, you want to pick up a brush and draw all this splendor 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 bloom 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 the major cities if you speak enough 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 by 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 the northern regions of Provence, which include Upper Alpine, Haut-Vaucluse, Drome-Provencal. The capital is considered small cozy town Sol, which is located in Haute-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 ports. Cote 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 the summer, local residents organize many various festivals, parades, holidays to honor 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

Let's 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 major cities Provence has 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 you are drawn to the sea, then a good choice is 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 take one of the types of 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

Having devoted the day to Saint-Remy-de-Provence, the villages of Glanum and Egalier, you can stay overnight in Egalier or drive to a large locality 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 an 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. Every day, over 25 flights are made along the most popular route in France. You can use the services of Air France, EasyJet, british airways and others. Departures are operated from International Charles de Gaulle(Roissy), and from domestic airports- Orly and a little less Le Bourget.

There are a huge number of trends in interior design that can bring comfort to the house. The Provence style in the interior is considered to be the lightest and most airy among them. In this article, we will tell you how to create a French oasis in your own nest, how to choose finishing materials, what shades and colors will add purity and sophistication to your home, what furniture is used in the design. Elegant simplicity is the true concept of this style.

History of origin

The Provencal style got its name thanks to the picturesque French province of the same name. This enchanting corner is known for its purple carpets of lavender fields with a rich intoxicating aroma, picturesque landscapes, endless skies with blue tints, the crystal smooth surface of the Cote d'Azur, as well as excellent traditional dishes with the addition of juicy greens, as well as sweetish-tart spices.

It was this tandem of factors that attracted, and still attracts artists to the French province, thanks to which the Provencal style of design has gained wide popularity in the European expanses.
What are the houses of the Provencal village? These are cozy dwellings, through the windows of which daylight seeps through. The aromas of homemade pastries, the fabulous energy of hospitality and warmth, intertwined with the surrounding landscapes…

Many people believe that Provence is a simple, unpretentious style, but "all the salt" is in the details. To recreate the atmosphere of Provence, you must have an impeccable refined taste.

Provencal colors

Designers pay special attention to creating a color scheme for the interior. After all, this aspect is the most important for creating the atmosphere of Provencal houses. To decorate rooms, you can use light pastel colors to create the effect of “burnt out” surfaces. Let's not forget that southern part France, where Provence is located, is caressed by playful sunshine almost all year round.

Ecological colors enjoy great love among the owners of French houses: delicate green, blue, earthen, sand. Provence-style interiors are also characterized by white color, but you need to be very careful with its use. Otherwise, the bright hospitable will evoke thoughts of a hospital ward. It is also appropriate to use mustard and saffron, lavender and cornflower blue shades, which embody the beauty of Provencal meadows.

An important note: a Provence-style interior, by definition, will not tolerate too contrasting combinations. It is characterized by a pastel color scheme with small splashes of bright colors. It is very important to feel this edge so that a scattering of “spots” in the form of decorative elements does not become one catchy “spot”.

Decoration Materials

If desired, plastered walls can be decorated with wallpaper with floral ornaments. But most often, lovers of Provence decorate the rooms of their house or apartment with the help of plaster - classic or decorative. It must be deliberately applied with roughness, irregularities. Walls can be white or wood paneled. The latter needs to be given a somewhat shabby look. But for the kitchen, you can use mosaic or ceramic tiles.

Ivory walls are perfect for small rooms. Light colors visually expand the space.

The Provence-style ceiling can be white and inlaid with dark ceiling beams. A win-win option is an ensemble with masonry elements. Also, to recreate the beauty of French houses, you can use stucco molding, which will add elegance to your home.

For a Provence-style room, there is nothing better than a natural wooden floor from an unfinished board. To decorate the floors in the bathroom, as well as the kitchen, you can use plain tiles in muted colors.

Let's say a word about Provencal furniture

For French Provence characterized by furniture with open hanging shelves, sideboards and with a rough texture. Often, designers design milky-colored furniture with an unobtrusive floral motif for this style.

To create a French oasis at home, natural wood furniture is used. Especially popular are such types of wood as: light walnut, chestnut or oak. Thanks to the patination technique, you can give your old furniture a new life. After all, the Provence interior style just means painted facades with scuffs.

Provencal style and lighting

Chandeliers and lamps for the kitchen or living room should maintain the same concept of naturalness and natural materials. You can choose light sources from metal, porcelain or wood. Their key task is not to take away attention from pieces of furniture or pastel-colored finishes.

Also pay attention to the colors of the chandelier. They should not be too colorful, two tones are enough - white and some pastel. For example, "burnt out" yellow, purple or pale pink. Such color schemes are ideal for a bedroom or living room, but for the kitchen, you can take cream or muted turquoise shades. Do not forget that retro lamps should be combined with each other. Forged lamps with floral ornaments will also look original in the Provencal style of the interior.

Floral interior motifs

It is known that Provence combines sophistication multiplied by simplicity. The main element is a floral ornament, which can be seen in the upholstery of upholstered furniture, curtains and decorative pillows.

An obligatory accent is flowers - rose and lavender, which personify the beauty of the Provencal village. They can be traced not only in decorative elements, but also in interior decoration. For example, wallpaper with delicate flowers or a floral pattern on ceramic tiles.
Since the French province is famous for the beauty of nature, this style implies an abundance of living plants in artificially aged planters placed around the house. You can decorate the living room with cute bouquets of wild flowers, dried flowers. Ivy branches hanging from the walls look very interesting. From indoor plants, give preference to bluebells, violets and hydrangeas.

Provencal style and decor

The key task is not to overdo it with decorative elements. The interior of French rural houses is characterized by aged vases, vintage frames and candlesticks, figurines and antique table sets. It also needs to be said about the great love of Provence admirers for wicker baskets. They can be used to store children's toys, books and clothes. As you can see, even decor items can become original and functional helpers.

Many supporters of this style attribute excessive asceticism to it. It really has smooth lines and a certain minimalism. But you can always decorate the walls with neat or family photos. Speaking of painting, please note that landscapes and are appropriate in the Provence style. Modern modular paintings and abstractions have no place in a measured and smooth stylistic direction.

Creating a special atmosphere in a private house

Due to its elegance and simplicity, Provence in the interior has become popular among owners of country houses. In addition to general recommendations, they should pay attention to a very important element of decor - a fireplace. It's hard to imagine French without it. cozy house, the atmosphere of which the Europeans are trying to recreate at home.

The fireplace must be made from organic materials. The most popular combination is natural stone and wood. An important detail is forged gratings or screens, which, in combination with wooden surfaces, will look great.
It is also worth considering a very interesting two-tone staining. As a base, you can use a delicate blue color, and apply white on top. It is recommended to go over the corners and protruding elements with sandpaper after the fireplace has dried.

Interesting options for decorating a fireplace for a summer residence

The interior in Provence style is characterized by scuffs and aging. We offer you several techniques that will help you change your fireplace beyond recognition, thereby giving it the appropriate look.
1. Coloring with patina effect. With the help of special paint, you can create a very interesting pattern on forged elements of the fireplace and other decor items.

2. Give the fireplace a cracked look will help craquelure. To do this, you can use the appropriate types of varnishes or even thin-layer plaster.

But what about the residents of multi-storey "blocks"? For them, the best option would be made in the style of Provence. There are very realistic models with charred logs that imitate the crackling sound of firewood. To decorate a wall with a fireplace, you can use live or.

Interior of rooms and kitchen in Provence style

Most often, the bedchamber looks most impressive. There are neat translucent curtains on the large windows, and in the center of the room there is a bed with metal forging. Light walls are harmoniously combined with the floral textiles of the bedroom, and neat lamps add calmness to the boudoir and create an atmosphere of tranquility. What else is needed for quality rest?

In the interior of the living room, it is necessary to use upholstered furniture with rounded lines, aged vintage cabinets, and in the center of the hall there is a fireplace with metal forging. For decoration, you can also use floor lamps with muted soft light.

Usually a Provence-style kitchen is filled with light-colored furniture with open shelves. On them are bright hand-painted plates. The dining area is necessarily a large wooden table with antique chairs or stools. Their colors can be contrasting: marsh, terracotta or dark blue.

Distinctive features of the Provence style in interior design:

• Its key components are simplicity and conciseness. And this is manifested in all aspects - from the color scheme to the selection of furniture and surface design. When creating an atmosphere in the spirit of Provencal houses, try to save as much free space as possible. Half-empty rooms flooded with streams of sunlight - this is a classic Provence. Pomp and redundancy are alien to him.
• Clear instructions for creating provencal color palettes does not exist. But in its interior it is necessary to use a boiling white color, its derivatives with a warm undertone. You can fill a gloomy living room with earthy tones. For the base color, choose ash or pale pink, delicate blue or lilac. And if you decide to add deep, rich "spots", use muted blues, dark browns, purples.
• Furniture inside Provencal houses can be light or dark. Don't be afraid to combine wood with metal. Wooden facades of kitchen cabinets, decorated with forged handles or gratings, look appropriate. Such decor options do not lose their relevance either in 2000 or in 2018.

Key differences between Provence and country

Many people who like the farmhouse style confuse the two. But the difference is significant:

• The first style is characterized by an abundance of floral motifs, which, most often, are focused on the textile components of the interior. In addition to berry, floral ornaments, country style is characterized by strict geometric patterns: a cage, a strip or peas. But in the Provencal style, the cage is not used.
• The country color scheme is dominated by warm tones, but the shades of French meadows - cornflower blue and lavender - are never used. Yes, and white has no place in a country house, decorated in country style. The Provencal interior is filled with cool tones dictated by Mother Nature herself.
• dominated by natural wood. Most often these are stained, and unpainted wooden surfaces. Decorative beams, like furniture, look like “tortured” wood. But the Provence style is also a tree, but, most often, painted in several layers (pastel, white tones, ivory is also very popular).

As you can see, the Provence style in the interior requires attention to detail. By combining eco-friendly materials with airy pastel shades, you can create a truly charming hospitable atmosphere in your home with your own hands. Provence combines nobility and tranquility. Decorating a house or apartment in this style is ideal for people who are tired of living in concrete "fetters". Therefore, if you strive to merge with nature, silence, then create a French oasis right in the middle of the metropolis - in your own home. Moreover, this year the popularity of Provence will not fade.