Provence is the lavender region of France. Provence - interesting facts. The largest canyon in Europe

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 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 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 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 lavender fields and get to know the most beautiful region of the country more closely.

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 ancient city 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

Worth a visit and big cities 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 - to the small town of Luberon, where there are vast purple lavender fields that bloom 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 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

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 the 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 beneficial? 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 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 carried out both from international Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) and from domestic airports - Orly and a little less often Le Bourget.

Provence is an interior design style that is well suited for both country houses and small apartments with a standard layout. It originated in France, in the town of Provence. The everyday customs of its inhabitants, the way of their daily life, the spirit and color of the local nature are reflected in the canons of interior design.

The main features of the style:

• finishing with natural materials: metal, wood, stone;
• the color palette of the style - as if burnt out from long exposure to the sun, light pastel colors;
• small floral ornaments;
• good illumination due to large windows and local sources of artificial light;
• vintage, aged or restored furniture of elegant forms;
• decoration with the help of manual labor: artistic painting, woodcarving, weaving, knitting and sewing;
• an abundance of live and dry bouquets, indoor plants;
• light, translucent;
• textile decorations - ruffles, richelieu, lace;
• mandatory presence of forged elements. At the same time, forging is allowed only in French openwork, thin and elegant;
• clay, ceramic or porcelain decor details;
• open racks and shelves with accessories placed on them;
• slight negligence in the arrangement of furniture.

Zoning

Living quarters in Provence may or may not be divided into rooms. The layout of each room is based on the principle of freedom of space in the center and its fullness at the edges. If separation occurs, it is desirable that the rooms are not too large. If it is not there, then the zoning of a large space into functional areas is carried out with the help of finishing materials, furniture, large potted plants or curtains.

Walls

Usually the walls are covered with paint or plaster, which do not hide their natural defects: irregularities and roughness. Partially or completely, the walls can be decorated with brickwork or natural stone laying, friezes and stucco. On a light wall background, any decor items look good. A vaulted wooden ceiling or exposed beams against a whitewashed background will perfectly emphasize the style. A simpler solution is painting in one of the traditional Provence colors.

floors

Plank wood floors showing signs of wear should be bleached or painted a lighter shade. Laying tiles or parquet will not break the style either.

Windows and doors

Doors and window frames are wooden, aged in appearance, painted in one of the shades of white or retained their natural color. It is desirable that the fittings be made of wrought iron. The wider the window openings, the better, even the option of panoramic glazing is possible - from ceiling to floor. Floral painting on the inner door surface will add originality and romance to the interior, and a glass insert will allow light rays to penetrate through it.

Furniture

Despite a touch of wear and tear, furniture in Provence looks much lighter and more elegant than in others. Whitewashed or pastel-colored wooden furniture with wrought iron elements, high arched legs, carvings and monograms - each piece of furniture is selected to solve not only functional, but also decorative tasks.

In the interior of the French province there are always low pot-bellied sideboards, painted chests of drawers, cabinets and mezzanines. Small dressing tables are placed throughout the house and decorated with ceramic plant pots.

Rooms can be furnished with self-restored antiques or purchased antiques. In addition, on sale you can find collections of brand new stylized furniture with artificially applied elements of aging.

To create a light summer mood, the Provence style involves the use of wicker rattan furniture, in particular, rocking chairs.

The colors of Provence are pastel, soft. No annoying screaming splashes are allowed. Warm shades of white set the background against which sandy yellow, brown, green, blue, pink accents are placed. Whitened pale blue, lemon, olive, lavender colors are also used.

Textile

Textiles play one of the leading roles in creating an interior in the Provence style. The most important criterion for choosing a fabric is its naturalness. The most commonly used here are cotton, linen, wool, muslin, chintz. The ornament and color of all textiles in the room must be identical. Most often, this is a small floral or floral pattern. Less common are geometric patterns: a cage and a strip. Hand embroidery, knitting and handmade rugs will make any interior sentimental.

Traditionally, windows in Provence overlook the garden. To enjoy the view of fresh greenery and flowers, the curtains are made transparent and light or removed altogether.

Lighting

Also, one of the most important conditions for the Provence style is a sufficient supply of natural light. The houses of the inhabitants of the French province of the same name are flooded with the sun most of the time, which causes blurry, faded colors of the interior. At night, lighting should also be well organized. Its direct participants are a massive central chandelier with crystal pendants on a metal frame or in the form of several candlesticks, decorated tabletops and stylized kerosene lamps.

Decor

Large round mechanical clocks with Roman numerals, mirrors, rectangular or round mirrors, landscape paintings, engravings, photos or just empty wooden frames, suitcases, boxes, vases, fruit bowls, candlesticks, vases, bird cages, beautiful painted porcelain dishes and figurines , decorative plates on the walls - it is these little things that make Provence Provence. Handicraft items emphasize the rustic charm of the interior, and even a wagon wheel can serve as a stylish interior decoration.

The symbol of Provence is lavender and lavender color. The inhabitants of this French province constantly decorate their homes with flowers: fresh and dried, meadow and domestic, arranging them in vases and pots of white and blue shades or hanging them around the room in flowerpots. For decorating with flowers, the most unexpected items are sometimes used, for example, a rubber boot, a teapot, a bucket or a box that has served its time. Sometimes the herbarium is simply hung on the wall.

Another recognizable attribute of Provence is the rooster, the symbol of France. Especially often his figurines and images are found in the kitchen or in the dining room.

Provence style bedroom

The decoration of the rest room warms and soothes with warm, delicate shades. The unobtrusive floral ornament on the wallpaper looks great. In this case, a combination of finishes is allowed, for example, one of the walls is crumbled, upholstered with wood or decorated with paintings. The ceiling is traditionally flat and white.

The main attention in the bedroom is given to the bed, which is its compositional center. Wooden models of natural light colors or warm shades of white, decorated with carvings, harmoniously fit into the interior of the French hinterland. A vintage forged model with simple, smoothly curved outlines will also be a good choice. The rug next to the bed warms bare legs.

A light canopy that creates a feeling of airiness and hand-embroidered lace bedding perfectly convey the romanticism of Provence.

In addition to the bed, furniture in the Provencal bedroom usually contains wooden or wrought iron armchairs and chairs woven from rattan, banquettes, bedside tables with thin legs, antique dressing tables, chest of drawers or wardrobe.

Decorative pillows, rugs, bedspreads, and other various textiles soften the interior and bring comfort, which is so necessary in this room. The upholstery of upholstered furniture is stuffed, made of natural coarse fabric or cashmere.

Curtains with all kinds of frills, flounces and ruffles protect from sunlight and decorate the window. The color palette of curtains, wallpapers, furniture upholstery, linens and other decorative elements must be completely or partially identical.

The main chandelier is usually installed in the center of the ceiling, with glass shades on forged holders or a dense fabric lampshade with a fringe. Quieter light, suitable for night reading, is provided by curly table lamps on bedside tables, sconces or floor lamps.

Often found in the French bedroom. A natural or artificial hearth will undoubtedly add comfort, help relieve stress and distract from disturbing thoughts.

Cute little things like flower vases or animal figurines bring the room to life. Wood-framed prints of rural scenery or flowers are appropriate wall decorations. Mirrors in an elegant frame help to create a special intimate atmosphere.

Provence style bathroom

Tiles are commonly used in bathroom cladding. The color palette includes gentle tones of blue, pink, sand. For finishing the floor, darker terracotta and brown shades are acceptable. Forged metal parts, which Provence abounds in, are painted in gilded, silver, mother-of-pearl colors. For walls, it is recommended to choose options with patterns that match the style, and for the floor, a texture that imitates natural wood is well suited. From bright elements of tiles or mosaics, you can fold a kind of rug in front of the bathroom, in the center of the room, or decorate your mother's bath, and decorate the wall with a colorful panel.

It is desirable that the room is filled with natural light and fresh air through the window. Glass in such a window should be divided into several cells.

Plumbing in Provence-style bathrooms has all the modern features, but has smooth curves and an antique look, such as brushed brass faucet with two valves.

The oval-shaped bathtub stands apart on curved legs. Made from either cast iron or acrylic, it can be protected by a wood grain draped tablet screen.

A metal, porcelain or marble sink is built into a wooden cabinet or chest of drawers. In other cases, it has a console on forged, faience legs or with a cast base.

A shower cabin with wood-like side panels can also safely fit into the style, despite its modernity.

The central chandelier in the bathroom on a whitewashed ceiling is not much different from the chandeliers in other rooms.

Aged wooden furniture with wrought iron fittings is also relevant for the bathroom. For example, a solid chest of drawers, a cabinet, a pencil case, a wall cabinet will successfully fit into the interior. Folded towels and linen are conveniently laid out on open wooden shelves. If space permits, a leather or wicker chair can be placed here.

As style accessories in the bathroom there are thin forged or rural-styled towel racks, wicker baskets made of wicker, a mirror framed by a handmade frame.

Provence style kitchen

French country is the coziest style. Every detail of its interior is impregnated maternal love and care. The tones are soft and calm. Sometimes in French kitchens there is furniture made in dark colors. In this case, the interior decoration and the rest of the decor should be light.

The walls in the kitchen are plastered and painted. Aged wood, tile, stone and brick are most often used locally, to highlight any zones. For example, the "apron" of the working area is lined with natural stone, tiles with a discreet floral pattern or mosaic masonry. The same materials are used for finishing the floor.

A Provence-style kitchen set is easy to purchase from any major furniture manufacturer. But you can also collect assorted items in the kitchen, found in a single copy and restored. This solution is especially relevant for country houses.

A cabinet with a stone top, a sink with a brass valve mixer will successfully fit into a stylized interior. A small square table successfully conveys the atmosphere of a country house. A cupboard with glass doors or simply nailed wooden shelves show off the dishes. Cute little things are placed on open shelves: beautiful ceramic plates, vases with dry flowers, candlesticks, wicker baskets.

Textile is the most recognizable style attribute. Its color and pattern is repeated on all elements: tablecloths, napkins, chair upholstery.

Dining room

In the dining room, decorated in the Provence style, the textures of brickwork or relief plaster are most acceptable. It is recommended to stick to matte milky, beige, pale yellow, light green tones.

Furniture

Solid vintage furniture plays with warm shades of white or natural wood colors. An aged wooden table, round or rectangular, with carved legs, marks the visual center of the room. Chairs, most often, are selected with a classic look, upholstered in natural coarse fabric. The dining room is often combined with a kitchen or living room.

Provence style living room

The floors in the living room are usually wooden, plank or natural stone or tile. Replacement with laminate is not allowed.

Furniture

Graceful. The art of the designer is to make the touch of wear not repulse, but enchant. The furniture is arranged slightly casually. A chest of drawers with a mirror suspended above it, a sideboard with porcelain services, vases and other cute little things, other pieces of furniture merge into a single composition of the French country house. And of course, it is hard to imagine Provence without a fireplace in the living room! A chair by the fireplace, covered with a blanket, attracts attention, creating an incredible comfort in the room.

The group of upholstered furniture consists of a sofa and several armchairs with natural fabric upholstery, placed around the table. The latter can be round or rectangular, with carved or curved wooden legs. Light curtains, carpet on the floor, sofa upholstery and other textiles echo each other in color and ornament. Lots of decorative pillows and knick-knacks set the sentimental mood.

As accessories, everything that causes nostalgia for home, for example, family photos in frames, old canvases.

The hallway is usually the smallest and darkest room in the house. Therefore, for finishing materials it is better to choose colors lighter. On the walls in the hallway, the texture of the brickwork looks interesting, bleached or covered with paint in a warm light shade.

Stylish decoration relies on a wooden front door with wrought iron handles and a large mirror in a beautiful frame. From furniture, small mezzanines, cabinets, chest of drawers are preferred. It is good if there is a place for a sofa made of wood or wrought iron, painted white. Chintz, cotton or linen with a small floral pattern are suitable as upholstery.

Provence style nursery

Provence style is well suited for a nursery. Natural materials will preserve health, and natural colors will have a beneficial effect on the emerging psyche of the child.

To decorate the walls in the nursery, pastel-colored wallpaper is most often used, with or without patterns. For boys, a checkered or striped pattern is well suited, and for girls - in the form of small bouquets or individual flowers.

It is better to cover the floors with parquet, board or tiles with a rug so that the child does not catch a cold and does not slip. Multi-level plasterboard structures on the ceiling would be out of place here. It is better to choose a fabric stretch fabric.

Artistic painting of walls, doors or furniture with acrylic paints, made with the help of professionals or independently, will add uniqueness to the interior.

A bed, a bedside table, a children's sofa, a table and a chair for classes, a wardrobe - this is a modest set of items for furnishing a child's room. You can choose neutral furniture that does not stand out in the interior, or, on the contrary, you can focus on it with the help of an interesting color and ancient graceful shapes. Stylish wicker boxes and baskets are perfect for storing toys in them.

The girl’s sleeping place is decorated with rich textiles and many pillows; a canopy is hung over the headboard. In boys, the bed has a more ascetic look.

The child's room should be well lit. In addition to the main chandelier, additional local lamps are installed by the bed, above the study table, above the play area.

Photos of the Provence style apartment

Provence style perfectly adapts to the modern conditions of urban life. This can be clearly seen in the example of a stylish in Barcelona, ​​owned by a family with three children.

Some fragmentation overcome thanks to spatial continuity interior decoration. The dazzling white color of the walls and ceiling, decorated with stucco, fills the rooms with air and light. Against this clean background, the patterned tiles on the floor look especially bright. Thanks to the changing details of patterns and color accents, it brings amazing dynamics to the interior and at the same time serves as a zoning of space. The heating system and the beauty of the ornament led to the absence of rugs and rugs. It is worth noting that it is much easier to care for tiles than other floor coverings. This is important for a family with growing children.

The dining room and living room are combined. In the living area, simple rectangular-shaped furniture is arranged a little chaotically, which creates a natural, playful mood. Children in such an environment feel very comfortable.

The sofa is upholstered in gray natural fabric with a slightly rough texture in the spirit of the Provence style. The flamboyant design of the table and decorative pillows are designed in the color scheme of the floor tiles.

A few mirrors framed in wrought iron, a poster, globes and other little things complete the look of the room, making it whole.

The dining area appears larger and deeper thanks to a large mirror on the wall. On a snow-white background, an angular old-fashioned sideboard focuses attention, flaunting wine glasses, salad bowls and dishes. The composition of dry plants also emphasizes the style, being its indispensable attribute. She brings a touch of naturalness to the overall composition of the interior. Family photos in colored frames dilute this rather compressed environment, denoting the true values ​​of the apartment owners.

Sunlight, fresh breath of the sea, natural color - all these are integral features of the Provence style. Together with him, the warmth and comfort of the rural life of southern France come to the house.

The Provencal style can be formed by more than one generation, absorbing all the new details and acquiring its own, unique character. But he will always be characterized by elegance and softness, freshness and lightness, simplicity and airiness, romanticism and subtle sensuality.

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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 the kingdom of Provence (King - Charles of Provence), which included, in addition to Provence proper, also most of 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

The face of Provence

Provence is multi-layered and diverse. It is illuminated by unusually rich sunlight and painted with dazzling colors that inspired the famous artists who worked here. The image of Provence is painted by the sun and the sea, mountain plateaus and river gorges blown by the wind, medieval villages clinging to impregnable mountain steeps, and lavender fields that fill the surrounding towns with a magical fragrance, which resemble the scenery for films about fairy kingdoms. Whether you choose to climb dry, bushy hillsides and sun-bleached cliffs, or explore verdant river valleys with rushing streams and waterfalls, this corner of France is a great travel destination.

Provence is a luxurious sea and ski resorts, beautiful historical museums, galleries of modern art, the splendor of the architecture of ancient towns. Travelers from all over the world flock here during the days of the theater festival in Avignon, bullfights in Arles and Nimes, carnivals, lavender festivals taking place in many cities.

Provence is the place where the legend of the lively and open French character was born. There are many smiles, laughter, divine food and excellent wine. Market day in any city of Provence is a real noisy and bright holiday, imbued with the aroma of peaches, wild strawberries, honey melons, figs, mushrooms, spicy cheese, herbs. And right next to the noisy square, you will certainly find a charming quiet cafe where you can relax from the hustle and bustle with a glass of cool rose wine or a glass of fragrant anise pastis liqueur.

Story

After the decline of the Roman Empire, this territory was invaded by German barbarians - the Visigoths (480), then the Ostrogoths and, finally, the Franks (VI century). In the 7th century, Provence was invaded by Barbary pirates who sailed here from North Africa, later part of its territory came under the influence of the Umayyad Caliphate.

At the end of the 7th century, Provence was formally subordinate to the Frankish kings, from 742 to 814 it was part of the empire of Charlemagne. As a result of the Treaty of Verdun, which divided the empire into three parts in 843, Provence found itself in the very center of the Burgundian kingdom, whose rulers, however, had little interest in these lands, entrusting their management to local lords, the counts of Arles and Avignon.

From the end of the 12th century, the French kings, seeking to strengthen their influence in the southern regions, began to use political and marriage unions for this purpose. As a result of one of them, power in Provence passed into the hands of the royal offspring - the Count of Anjou. In the 15th century, after the happy years of the reign of King René the Good (15th century), who also belonged to the House of Anjou, the French king himself became Count of Provence. By the way, René the Good is known as the last troubadour king. At his court, poets, musicians, artists prospered, he himself was considered one of the most generous patrons of art.

In 1486, Provence was legally included in the French royal domain. Local lords lost many of their privileges, and the region itself became involved in the "war of religions" that engulfed France in the 16th century. The following centuries brought suffering and oppression to the people of Provence, which caused protests against the authorities in the 17th century, during the Fronde, and in the 90s of the 18th century, during the French Revolution.

In the XIX century, Provence entered the time of its prosperity. The ports of Marseille and Toulon connected it with the French colonies in North Africa and the Middle East. In the second half of the 19th century, Napoleon III annexed Nice to France, which had been part of the Duchy of Savoy since 1338, returning the region to its former integrity. At this time, the railway connected Marseille with Paris, then trains went from the capital to Nice and Toulon. Coastal cities, Antibes, Hyères have become prestigious resorts, a favorite vacation spot of the European aristocracy.

The dramatic events of the 20th century did not bypass Provence either. The region suffered particularly during World War II. In 1942, the Germans occupied all of Provence, thousands of people, mostly Jews and members of the Resistance, ended up in concentration camps. After the war, Provence faced the colossal problem of rebuilding its infrastructure. In the early 60s, French citizens poured here, who left Algeria after gaining this former colony independence, as well as emigrants from North Africa. Numerous North African communities settled in the major cities of Provence, mainly in Marseille and Toulon.

The construction of new motorways, notably the Paris–Marseille motorway, which opened in 1970, marked the beginning of mass tourism in the region. In 1981, these cities were also connected by the VGA railway network, through which high-speed trains deliver passengers from the French capital to Marseille in just over 3 hours.

Geography

The historical region of Provence includes various landscape zones in the south of France. In the north and east it is bounded by the Alps, in the west by the Rhone River, in the south its coast is washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Accordingly, the relief of this many-sided region is also very diverse. The backdrop to it are high mountain plateaus blown by the wind, hills, on the slopes of which olive trees grow green and grapes grow, valleys where fields are dotted with a myriad of flowers, herbs, swampy lagoons in the Rhone Delta, the sea and the sun, illuminating the coastal cities with amazing light.

If you try to describe Provence from the point of view of the modern administrative division, it turns out that it “split” into areas that are part of the departments of Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhone (Rhone Estuary), Var, Vaucluse. These departments form the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. A kind of geographical curiosity: a very miniature corner of historical Provence ended up in the Drome department, which is part of the neighboring region. This area is called the Drome of Provence.

The largest cities of Provence -, its historical capital, and Marseille, the main city of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

The climate of Provence

The climate of Provence reflects the diversity of its geography. So, on the coast the climate is much milder than in the continental regions. The difference between the average minimum temperatures on the coast and in the northern part of Provence exceeds 7 °C. If in the cities of Marseille and Toulon, located by the sea, precipitation falls 80 days a year, then, for example, to the north, in the city of Carpentras (Vaucluse department), the number of rainy days is 100.

On the territory of the Alpine foothills and high mountain ranges, the climate is much more severe. Winters bring frequent snowfalls and long periods of low temperatures, averaging -15°C to -12°C. Climatic conditions in different mountainous areas depending on the height above sea level at which they are located, on the direction of the wind. In summer, in the highlands, it is very hot during the day, and it gets noticeably colder in the evening.

A striking feature of the weather conditions of Provence, or rather, the region located in the Rhone Valley, is the famous mistral, the wind blowing here at a speed of 55 km/h to 200 km/h. In Marseille, for example, he hosts an average of one day out of three. Very strong wind it can be in any season, but in winter, when it carries masses of icy air with great speed, the cold at times becomes almost polar.

However, the mistral also has a great advantage - it disperses the clouds. It is to him that Provence owes the glory of the sunniest corner of France. The high season in Provence is the summer months. It is especially pleasant to relax here in June, when the daytime temperature does not exceed +30 °C. July and August are hot months, the thermometer often registers temperatures exceeding +35 °C. The water near the coast warms up to +23...+25 °C.

Provence is good in spring and early autumn - at this time it is warm and sunny here. The rains start in November. In winter, in the valley and on the coast, the temperature fluctuates between +8 ... +12 ° С, snow should not be expected here.

culture

Like other southern regions of the country, Provence maintained its independence from the French crown for a long time. It had its own Provencal language, formed on the basis of numerous Occitan dialects, in which the troubadours composed medieval ballads. After joining France in the 15th century, the Provencal language began to be replaced by French. But in the 19th century, its new heyday in literature came when Frederic Mistral, a poet and lexicographer, a fighter for the revival of the cultural identity of Provence, as well as other Provencal poets, founded the Felibrige organization. The organization that contributed to the revival of the Provençal language still exists today.

The writers who succeeded Mistral began to use the Provençal language, weaving it into French. Among them are Dode, Giono, Pagnol, Jean Ecar.

In the 19th century, great impressionist artists worked in Provence. The spirit of this region is talentedly embodied on the canvases of Paul Cezanne, a native of the city. Vincent van Gogh was not a Provencal, but it was here that he discovered the brightness of colors and the special light that he had been looking for for so long. Having settled in Arles in 1888, he created a series of paintings over the course of two years, depicting the yellow wheat fields of Provence, its olive groves, poppy-covered valleys, vineyards, the sun, mountains, the Rhone embankments, the Alyscamps necropolis in Arles.

The extraordinary light and dazzling colors of Provence inspired other artists. One can recall the nymphs and sea urchins of Picasso, the balconies of Nice painted by Matisse, the triangles of snow-white sails in the blue sea of ​​Raoul Dufy.

It is impossible to imagine Provence without a carnival, which takes place on the last day before Lent, and on the first days of Easter, a bullfight is held in the city of Arles, where the best bullfighters from Spain and France come together. This action can also be seen in the cities of Nimes and Orange. Noble animals are not killed in Provence. Instead, 10 white-robed matadors attempt to pluck the red ribbon from the bull's horns, which requires even more art and captivates the audience. Spectacular fights are held in Roman amphitheatres, in arenas where gladiators fought among themselves 2000 years ago.

As for the Provencals themselves, they, like all southerners, are distinguished by simplicity and cordiality. The spirit of independence lives in them, and at the same time they are distinguished by an indestructible attachment to everything that surrounds them. Preferring simple and understandable things in life - midday sleep, plentiful food, good wines, idle conversation, they are quite indifferent to those pleasures that can be found in big cities. Actually, the Provencals are individualists, but without their distinctive features it is impossible to get a general idea of ​​​​the French character.

Bouches du Rhone (Mouth of the Rhone)

Bouches-du-Rhone became one of the first departments in the country, its formation dates back to the period of the French Revolution. Here is the main city of the region - Marseille, as well as the ancient capital of Provence -.

Former metropolitan city with a glorious past, stunningly handsome and aristocratic. Aix-en-Provence is called the city of arts, festivals, fountains. One of the most beautiful is the Four Dolphins Fountain.

The main and busiest walking street is Mirabeau Boulevard, which stretches from the famous Rotunda fountain to Place Forben. The boulevard, bordered by plane trees, is decorated with the most beautiful buildings of the 17th-18th centuries. Among the numerous cafes and restaurants crowded on Mirabeau Boulevard, Deux Garsons stands out, located in an 18th-century building. Paul Cezanne, Emile Zola, Ernest Hemingway liked to visit him. Nearby, on Cardinal Street, you will see the beautiful Church of St. John of Malta. Here are the tombs of the counts of Provence, paintings by artists of the 17th century are exhibited in the side aisles.

Other famous sights include the town hall building, the Cathedral of the Holy Savior (Aix Cathedral). There are many in the city the most interesting museums, and definitely worth a visit to Cezanne's workshop, located on the street that bears his name (house number 9).

Dominating Mount Sainte-Victoire is depicted by Cezanne in more than 60 paintings. Surprisingly triangular when viewed from the picturesque village of Le Tholonet, the mountain is an exposed fold of white limestone layers. The magic of Mount Sainte-Victoire attracted other artists, including Picasso, who himself is buried in its shadow, in the castle of Vauvenargues.

In one of the oldest cities in Provence, Arles, many monuments of the ancient Roman period have been preserved: arenas turned into fortresses during the early Middle Ages, an ancient theater built in the model and likeness of ancient Greek temples, which also changed its original purpose from time to time. Within its walls, the Arles Festival (June-July), international congresses of photo artists are held.

IN national park hiking trails have been laid, passing through the cedar forest, through oil, oak and pine groves. The famous lavender fields of Provence stretch in the vicinity of the park. The peak of lavender flowering is in July.

The administrative center of the Maritime Alps -. It stands on the site of the ancient Greek Nicaea and is the center of luxury. You can wander around this city endlessly - whether it is the Promenade des Anglais or the old town with its charming and noisy labyrinth of streets and pastel-colored houses, churches, museums. There are many parks and gardens with statues and fountains and, of course, beaches that stretch from the airport to the city center. There are about forty beaches, all of them are pebbly. Municipal beaches, on which there are practically no amenities, alternate with paid ones belonging to hotels. On paid beaches there are restaurants, bars, toilets, showers with hot and cold water.

South of Nice, on the coast, is the famous resort of Antibes. On a ledge dominating the sea, Grimaldi Castle flaunts, erected in the 12th century and reconstructed in the 16th century. Today it houses the wonderful Picasso Museum.

In Antibes, fortifications built in the 16th century have been preserved. and fortified in the 18th century. There are many remarkable religious and secular buildings in the old town, as well as a magnificent Provencal-style market. Along the coast is the magnificent garden of Thuret, founded in 1857.

Away from the sea, on the top of a hill, is located full of mystery medieval city Oribo-sur-Siagne with his beautiful temple XVII century. And the village of Eze nestled right on a rock, standing not far from the coast. From here one of the most fantastic views of the sea opens up. With just over 2,500 inhabitants, it's no surprise that Eze is home to several upscale hotels.

The city of Grasse, the capital of perfumery, the birthplace of the perfume "Chanel No. 5", the birthplace of the artist Fragonard, was founded in the 11th century. Here it is worth seeing the 12th century cathedral, strolling through the Old Town, visiting the Museum of the History and Art of Provence, the Perfume Museum and the Fragonard Villa Museum. The city annually hosts perfume and flower festivals.

The medieval city of Vence, with ancient fortifications, has a long artistic tradition. Matisse worked here on the painting of the chapel of the convent, Jean Carzu founded a museum here, Chagall decorated the cathedral with mosaics. In Vence, there are many galleries and museums, there is a palace-museum of perfumery and liquor.

They settled down at the very border with Var. The city of palaces and festivals is famous for its architectural monuments and luxurious hotels with excellent cuisine, such as Carlton, Gray d`Albion, Martinez. Palm-fringed Croisette separates a long chain of luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants from a curving strip of beaches.

The old city of Cannes - the Suquet quarter - rises above the old port. There is a beautiful castle of the XIV century, a tower with an observation deck, a Gothic cathedral. Concerts of classical music are held on the porch in front of it in July.

Var

The Var department was formed on the territory of historical Provence in 1790, but 70 years later part of it was transferred to the Alpes-Maritimes along with the Var river, after which it was named. Thus, the Var became the only department in France that bears a "foreign" name. Actually, Var is the resort department of the region. Tourism is the main branch of its economy.

The main city of Var is Toulon. Since the advent of the French navy, its main base has been here. The Royal Tower, which once played an important role in the defense of Toulon, houses the Maritime Museum.

The natural harbor of Toulon, one of the most convenient in the Mediterranean, is surrounded by an amphitheater of limestone hills overgrown with pine trees. The surrounding hills are crowned with fortresses with star-shaped bastions built by Vauban, the chief military architect of Louis XIV.

To the north of Toulon is the city of Draguignan - a resort, a wine-making center and a tourist center. Among its attractions are the Clock Tower with a belfry, churches, and numerous chapels. Not far from the city there is a unique, largest in Provence dolmen "Fairy Stone".

The famous one faces the bay of the same name. In the evenings, from the cafe on the embankment, you can watch amazing sunsets over the water surface. Today, this once tiny fishing village has become a fashionable resort. This place was first discovered at the end of the 19th century by French artists, writers, artists, and kindly shared their discovery with others.

There are places that you just need to visit in. These are the central square of the city, the citadel, the old port, the art museum, the central square, where the traditional Provencal market is noisy on Tuesdays, the Saint-Tropez church, and, of course, the famous local beaches. Many beaches are free, but some of them can only be reached by car.

Above the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, at the foot of a mountain range covered with dense forests, the commune of Grimaud is located. It is a well-preserved settlement. The castle of the 11th century, which once belonged to the family of Grimaud, once famous in Provence, has been partially restored; the Romanesque church of Saint-Michel, a chapel, and an ancient aqueduct located at the base of the castle have also been preserved here.

Var is one of beautiful villages France - Bargem. Here you can see picturesque ruins an ancient castle surrounded by a fortress wall with towers and watchtowers. The medieval city of Bargemont is also charming. There are the remains of ancient fortifications, a castle, towers, gates of the XII century, beautiful fountains, the church of Saint-Etienne of the XVI century with a portal in the ornate Gothic style.

The wonderful medieval village of Le Castele with a castle of the 12th-15th centuries and fortified gates is also known for its magnificent Formula 1 highway. Here you can go karting, learn sports driving, and pilot a helicopter.

The prestigious resort of Frejus is located on the site of the city founded by Julius Caesar. The city has monuments from the Roman period, including an arena for 10,000 people, where Picasso liked to watch bullfights. Frejus is famous for his magnificent sandy beaches, parking for luxury yachts, as well as amazing juicy peaches growing in the vicinity.

Off the coast of Var there are three beautiful wild islands, they are called Golden or Hyeres. Levant Island is partly a military base, partly a tourist destination, including those practicing nudism. In Port-Cros is the National Park, Porquerolles is known for its magnificent beaches and famous vineyards (you should definitely try the delicate, velvety pink Domaine de l`lle). Ferries deliver tourists to the islands.

The gifts of the Mediterranean Sea are very diverse. Dorada fish, crucian carp, sea bass, crabs, sea ​​urchins, squid, shrimp. Be sure to try bouillabaisse - a fish soup made from sea ruffs, frogs, sea cocks, sea dragons, vegetable soup pistu with the addition of the sauce of the same name, which is a mixture of garlic and basil crushed in a mortar. Lamb stew - guardian differs in excellent taste, it is perfectly prepared in the Camargue. Other regional meat delights include Marseille lamb legs, Avignon stew. On the coast, you can always order plateau de fruits de mer (literally - "a plate with seafood"). Some restaurants in Nice serve estocaficada, a spicy dish of dried cod, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and olives.

In Provence, all products are so tasty that they are eaten almost in their natural form. A little bit of olive oil is enough to emphasize the excellent taste of tomatoes, Sisteron lamb is seasoned with only a few sprigs of different herbs, and to fry fish, you need only dill and ghee. The fish is served with rouille (a mixture of garlic, pepper, bread crumbs and olive oil), vegetables and croutons are accompanied by aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and anchoiada (a mixture of anchovies and garlic). A popular dish is tapenade, a toasted bread with a mixture of olives, anchovies and capers.

In the city of Les Baux-de-Provence is one of the most famous restaurants in France - L'Usto de Beaumaniere. Here, in a manner natural to Provence, they prepare simple food from the best local products, olive oil and wine from their own production. The restaurant's signature dish, a leg of lamb with Provence herbs, has taken its place in the book of fame for French cuisine. The list of visitors to this restaurant includes royalty, heads of state, and, of course, the ubiquitous "stars" of show business and cinema. The restaurant itself, as well as the nearby hotel with a garden and a pond, are recommended in all Provence travel guides.

Provence is one of the 11 wine regions in France. Its vineyards are located in three departments: Bouches-du-Rhone, Vare, Alpes-Maritimes. The best among Provencal wines are rosé, they have a delicate taste and a very pleasant aroma with hints of lavender and rosemary; in dry rosé wines, there is also the smell of muscat.

As for prices in restaurants and cafes in Provence, the closer these establishments are to coastal resorts and ski centers, the higher they are. On average, a full meal can cost from 25 to 80 euros (depending on the region), you can easily have a snack for 10-15 euros.

Souvenirs from Provence

In Provence, famous for its lavender fields, a lot of fragrant products are made based on it. All goods are beautifully designed, packaged, and it is impossible to pass by them indifferently. Buy lavender honey or lavender soap, dried lavender sachets, or lavender perfume. These products can be purchased at fairs, in specialized shops, and even better - in the abbeys, where the monks grow lavender and keep apiaries.

Good and useful acquisitions are salt from the Camargue (“Fleur de Sel Camargue”), which the French themselves consider a delicacy seasoning, unrefined olive oil marked “Extra Virgine”, olive soap “Savon de Marseille”, where the oil content is 72%.

Traditional souvenirs - perfumes, colognes, Eau de Toilette. As a gift to the lady of the heart, you can buy a bottle of perfume, where a real pearl is hidden in a fragrant substance. Products for tourists are also presented in gift sets with mini-bottles.

The region has very nice textiles - tablecloths, napkins, kitchen towels with traditional Provencal patterns. An original square mortar for grinding spices into powder will also become useful in your kitchen interior.

Where to stay

Hospitable Provence provides travelers with a wide choice of places where everyone can comfortably accommodate, regardless of how much money he has. At the service of tourists - hotels of all categories, luxury villas with sea views, guest houses village type, boarding houses, apartments, hostels, in nature reserves you can stay in campsites.

On the sea coast, a room in an excellent four-star hotel can be rented for 120-230 € per day. True, in luxury rooms of luxurious cult hotels, prices are several times higher. IN winter time accommodation in seaside resorts is cheaper, but at this time prices rise in alpine ski resorts.

On average, depending on the region, accommodation in 2 * hotels costs 30-60 €, a double room in a three-star hotel can be rented for 70-230 €. A day in a hostel will cost 20-25 €.

To fully experience the spirit of Provence, you can stay in a typical village house, equipped as a mini-hotel. The daily cost of living on average ranges from 60-110 €, breakfast is included in the price.

Transport

Provence has an excellent transport infrastructure. Two main transport corridors are clearly distinguished: the Rhone Valley (roads run from north to south) and the Cote d'Azur (direction - from west to east).

The most convenient way to travel here is by train. Major cities are connected by the TVG network of high-speed trains. You can get, for example, from Arles to Cannes for 35 € (travel time is about 3.5 hours). Regional trains and buses run between small settlements.

Getting around Provence by taxi is convenient, but expensive. For landing you need to pay 2-3 €, for each kilometer - 1-2 €. Cars are equipped with meters. In most cases, you can pay by credit card, but this nuance needs to be clarified before boarding.

It's nice to travel around Provence in a rental car. It is worth considering that travel on the main A-7 highway is paid. You can save money by traveling on narrow local roads. Renting a car will cost you about 70 € per day, the amount decreases depending on the increase in the rental period.

How to get there

Depending on which part of Provence you need to get to, you can choose between a plane, train, bus or ship.

There is a direct connection between Moscow and Nice, from where travelers often begin their acquaintance with the region. Travel time is about 4 hours. You can fly to Paris, and from there take the TVG high-speed train to Nice, Marseille, Avignon, and other major cities of Provence. For the exact cost of tickets, it is better to find out on the website of the French railways and order them in advance - it will be cheaper than buying tickets directly at the railway station.

The Moscow - train runs from the capital of the Russian Federation twice a week. It departs from the Belorussky railway station, the route passes through Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Italy, France. Travel time is 47 hours. A ticket for an adult costs from 295 €.

Buses also depart from Belorussky Station to Nice. You will need to make two transfers - in Minsk and Milan. The cost of such a trip is about 200 €, the travel time is about 50 hours.

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. Currently, Provence is one of the most popular tourist destinations, where travelers from all over the world flock.

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

History of Provence

With a 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.

The Second World War contributed to the Italian occupation 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

The rich historical heritage makes Provence France interesting not only for the beaches and the style that designers embody in the interiors of 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. It is an ancient city with a well-preserved amphitheater, large Roman baths and part of the city's 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 the cultural and religious center of 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 it 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 reserves France, the Camargue, spreads out on a majestic plateau framed by the Rhone River and the 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. The highest point is Mun Negre.

There is also a 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 soaps 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 it is endless lavender fields, vineyards, warm sun and a distinctive culture that 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 number 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 emerging fragments wild stone or bricks 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 ancient historical monuments and ancient traditions, unites the centuries-old heritage of cultures. Beautiful landscapes, original cuisine with good wine and warm climate leave no one 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.

Order Provence furniture in the online store

Solo travel is not necessarily a trip to Asia, or a third world country, or somewhere very, very far away. Independent travel primarily assumes that you do not use the services of tour companies. That is, in general. And you take care of all the worries and efforts for organizing the event.

Undoubtedly, travel travel - strife. Some require very careful and long preparation. You can go to others by buying a ticket yesterday. Using the example of my next trip, I will tell you how I prepare for trips myself.

So, first things first! As I wrote in one of the publications for beginners, the first and most important thing is to choose the right direction.

For example, I like to travel to Europe in the summer. It's warm and sunny there. Everything blooms and smells. In general, beauty! Additional bonuses - short flights, familiar culture, European service, no need to think about vaccinations and first aid kit. You can forget about everything and just ot-dy-hat!!!

So after listening to Yolka's song "Provence", I really wanted to go there. And I also remembered that I always wanted to admire the endless lavender fields. Also, what delicious food there. And as luck would have it, the last book by Belotserkovsky is on the shelf, she leafed through it, and it became simply impossible to resist! Enough good reasons to go to the south of France :)

Buying flights

Opened Wikipedia. It became clear to fly to Nice or Marseille.

In order to determine the best time for a trip and fulfill another of my dreams, I asked when the fragrant purple plant blooms. Mid June to end July. This period I began to ask all flight search engines. From Helsinki, almost no one flies directly to Marseille, but it was necessary to go there - to the capital of Provence. And since we decided to go with the whole family, with a five-year-old child, I chose Lufthansa flights. A little more expensive, but convenient connections and proven service.

Although at first I thought about a trip of 5-6 days, as a result, the trip turned out to be 8 days. The price difference for the ticket would have been too significant, almost twice as much, for our return in five days. In this case, it seemed to me more reasonable to choose a cheaper flight, and spend more time on vacation.

Collection of information about the country

In this case, this item is smoothly spread over all the others. I read about Provence even before buying tickets and I still read about it, having already booked accommodation. What am I looking for? Flowering schedule of lavender fields - turns out to be in different regions Provence plant blooms at different times.

Looking for interesting places like the Pond du Garde or the Coliseum in Arles.

Downloading the Michelin Guide to Provence. Practice shows that in Italy and France star restaurants are often located in villages and small towns. The food in such places is no less refined, and the price tag is a pleasant surprise even for a dinner with good wine!

Some information comes by itself, you should not ignore such clues from the Universe. Accidentally stumbled upon a photograph of a herd of white horses running on the water. It became interesting where you can see such a miracle, it turned out to be in Provence :) So I opened the Camargue park with horses and flamingos.

The more information about the region you will have when going on a trip, the more chances you will have to make the trip a pleasant pleasure.

Route planning

From my previous travels, and I have already been to Provence several times, I remembered that all the distances there are quite small. And the density of architectural monuments and other remarkable places is due to centuries of history and ancient heritage. It is interesting everywhere, each town is ancient and special in its own way.

But since the purpose of the trip was primarily recreation, and not acquaintance with historical monuments, in the must have list, I wrote down only lavender fields and the Camargue Park. And that's for 8 days! The rest of the time we will drink rosé, eat goat cheese and do nothing! And with this option, there is always the opportunity to arrange a pleasant, unplanned surprise for yourself by going "where your eyes look."

Budget calculation

Having already some travel experience, I can roughly estimate how much the trip will cost. So I calculated how much the flight, hotel, car rental and about everyday expenses would cost.

Added a couple of hundred for souvenirs and shopping. Voila - the budget is ready.

But as a rule, I never fit into the calculated budget, because I always want more. From the very beginning, not yet gone anywhere. If you choose a dwelling for housing, then, of course, next to the chateau and always with a pool. If you buy wine - the best in the region. But if you know how to restrain yourself and limit yourself, the budget will be as you calculate :)

I took almost everything with me in cash, in France in small towns and villages there are problems with ATMs and card terminals. In local shops and markets it is always more convenient to pay in cash.

Search and booking of housing and cars

This turned out to be the most difficult part of this journey.

Firstly, I was not looking for a hotel room, but an apartment with two rooms and a kitchen. It turned out that accommodation in a separate house is a very popular practice in France. Diverse, usually authentic, houses, which have everything for life and are intended for rent, are called "live" (gite). For 1000-1500 euros, for example, you can get a whole chateau for ten people for a week!!! But I was looking for something smaller.

Secondly, summer is the season, all the accommodation suitable for me was already occupied until the end of August. The second point was that residents usually rent for a week and only from Saturday to Saturday. And we flew to Provence on Tuesday and flew out on Wednesday. In this case, it would be useful to find out before buying flights ...

And finally, thirdly, all booking sites live in French. Moreover, even if you write a request to the owner or agent in English, you will still receive an answer in French!

It's good that we live in the 21st century and there is a wonderful Google Translit. Thanks to him, I even managed to answer in French. True, I'm not sure that they understood me correctly;) In my opinion, of the many booking sites, live the most understandable and convenient

After much searching and negotiation in French, I chose two lives, each for four days. The first is not far from Lambesque on the territory of the chateau with the beautiful name De Libran, and the second is a little higher and closer to the lavender fields near the picturesque town of Beaumet De Venis. In fact, I asked the hostess of another residence, but he was busy, and she kindly offered me a huge, but free for the dates I needed, a house with four bedrooms and a swimming pool for half the price. And of course I agreed :)

I didn't want to rent a car, France has pretty good public transport connections, and we didn't plan to move around much either. But after thinking, I decided that with a child it would be easier and more mobile to be on wheels at any time. Even if we use the car only a few days out of 8.

Therefore, I was looking for the simplest car without any complaints, it turned out to be the most profitable on the site, they work with Hertz, so the service is quite decent.

Here is the trip and ready! Let's hit the road!!!

Routes from France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Var, Hameau de Blay (1) Printable version

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My France / Geography, cities and regions of France /

Provence France. Azure Coast.

Provence France.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

A land of sharp contrasts Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur lies in the southeast France and borders on the east with Monaco and Italy. The region consists of six departments: Var, Vaucluse, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bouches-du-Rhone, Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Hautes, where 4.5 million people live. More than two-thirds of all French olives, three-quarters of all rice and half of all apples are grown here. The main city of the region is the large port city of Marseille. The relief of the region is very diverse - from the lowlands at the mouth of the Rhone to the highlands of the Alps.

Most of the region is occupied by the historical region of Provence (departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhone, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, partially Vaucluse, Alpes-Maritimes), part of the land was part of the historical region of Nice (most of the department of Alpes-Maritimes), part of the historical region Dauphine (department of the Hautes-Alpes; the other part - the departments of Isère and Drome - as part of the Rhone-Alpes region), part until 1790 was part of the Papal States, namely the enclaves of Avignon (Avignon) and Comte-Venessin (lands around the city of Avignon , department of Vaucluse).

Among the owners of summer houses in Provence France are tanned admirers and admirers of stars, former movie stars, obsessed with yachts and sports
cars, as well as rich pensioners who disappear all day in the casino. Deep in the region, away from Cannes, St. Tropez and St. Raphael with their apartment buildings and snow-white villas with pools, there are areas where the views are simpler and people are less demanding.

It's no secret that many would dream of living in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Given the standard of living and climate, the region can rightfully be considered one of the best in all of France. Among the beauties of these places are an attractive landscape in the depths of the region with amazing, bright red soil (which, on occasion, will permanently change the color of your shoes), as well as amazing-looking rocks. All this is complemented deep gorges, almond groves, lavender fields, old vineyards and olive groves. The alluring smell of basil, thyme, rosemary, verbena, lemon and other wild herbs hovers everywhere. It is not surprising that the perfume industry is firmly established in such a "smelling" region.

Kitchen

Olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onions, artichokes, sweet and bitter peppers, widely used in cooking, make Provencal cuisine unforgettable. Vegetables are often served fried or baked, like the famous ratatouille. Fish and seafood such as tuna, angelfish, sea bass, sardine, red mullet and anchovies are usually served with a sauce of tomato, red wine, garlic and walnuts. Also famous is "bouillabaisse" ("bouillabaisse") - a fish soup made from sea ruff, gurnard, eel or any other fish, boiled with the addition of saffron, fennel, garlic and bitter orange peel. Bouillabaisse is always served with garlic mayonnaise. Long-simmering meat goulash and stews are usually made with beef or lamb and go well with red wines such as Vansaubre, Shusklan, Keran, Vaqueras, as well as fine white wines such as Lodon. You can also count on Côtes du Ventoux as a source of quality red and rosé wines.

List of popular local dishes:

Nicoise salad(fr. saladeniçoise) - named after Nice. Green beans, anchovies, tomatoes, eggs, olives.

Mesklan(fr. mesclun) - a salad of dandelion leaves, chicory and other herbs of the Mediterranean coast.

Bouillabaisse(fr. bouillabaisse) - the famous thick fish soup, which uses several varieties of fish: sea scorpion, mullet, mullet, monkfish, trigla, eel. Sometimes crabs, red snails, lobsters are added. Served with croutons, grated cheese and rouille mayonnaise sauce.

Kurzhet fleur(fr. courgettesfleurs) - an omelette with zucchini flowers.

Ratatouille(Fr. ratatouille) - vegetable stew of red peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, onions, stewed in olive oil with garlic.

Pied-et-paque(fr. piedsetpaquets) - stuffed leg of lamb and stuffed sheep stomach in white wine.

Boeuf en doub(fr. bœufendaube) - beef stewed in red wine with herbs and garlic in a special bowl over low heat.

tapenade(fr. latapenade) - a thick paste of olives, capers and anchovies.

Spread on toast and serve as an aperitif or with soup.

Aioli(fr. aïoli) - garlic sauce.

pisto(fr. pistou) - a thick sauce made from white and red beans, basil, garlic and olive oil.

Grapes have been brought to the Provence region of France for a long time, the Cote d'Azur is known for many types of wines. The most famous:

Chateauneuf du Pape- dark red wine.

Beaumes de Venice- thick dessert wine.

Cassis and Bellet- white wines.

Côtes de ProvenceAndLes Baux de Provence- rosé wines.

Also known Cyrus- white wine with blackcurrant juice, used mainly as an aperitif, and anise tincture pastis.

Economy

The economy of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is quite stable. The average wage is one of the highest in France. The region's capital city of Marseille and its satellite cities are home to several hundred companies specializing in computing, business services and logistics. Cannes and Nice belong to the cities with the culture of the Riviera, while Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are cities not only of cultural recreation, but also of academic art.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is a great place to stay. However, living in this region is quite expensive, not to mention exorbitant real estate prices. Densely populated coastal areas a region characterized by overcrowded beaches, congested cities and overcrowded homes, especially during the peak summer tourist season. Beautiful postcard villages of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur are well suited as summer houses.

Rest

The Côte d'Azur, one of the main components of the region, is the main tourist destination in France.

The beaches of the Cote d'Azur occupy about a third of the entire coast. From Menton to Antibes - "Italian" pebble beaches, from Antibes to the west - "French" sandy. In the western part of the Côte d'Azur, there are also rocky bays, which in the Cassis region resemble Norwegian fjords and are called calanques in the local dialect. Also an attractive place for tourists are the islands located near the Cote d'Azur: from the island of St. Margaret, where the mysterious prisoner Iron Mask was imprisoned, ending with the village of Port Grimaud.

In France, all beaches are public according to the law on the ownership of the seashore by the state, but on the Cote d'Azur there are also paid beaches, owned either by hotels or clubs, and equipped with infrastructure: sunbeds, sun umbrellas, showers, toilets, cafes, bars, water entertainment - scooters, boats, water skis. Some are equipped with lockers and changing cabins. On any paid zone there is a free site.

Cannes beaches are equipped with imported sand, therefore they are strictly paid, there is only a small public beach - not far from the Palais des Festivals.

Entertainment

Almost every city on the Cote d'Azur has its own casino, the most famous is in Monte Carlo (Monaco). Restaurants and nightclubs are also common (the famous "Jimmis" in Monaco and Cannes and the "Royal Cave" in Saint-Tropez).

Near the town of Biot there is a large amusement park, which includes:

"Marineland"(fr. Marineland) - the largest marine zoo in Europe. Show with dolphins, seals, sea lions, swordfish and sharks.

"Butterfly Jungle"(fr. JungleauxPapillions) - tropical butterflies flutter under
the roof of a huge greenhouse, where there are anthills and real tarantulas.

Luna park(fr. AntibesLand) - an amusement park.

Aquapark(fr. Aquasplash) - a park with water attractions.

small provencal farm(fr. LaPetiteFermeProvencale) - a puppet theater operates on an area of ​​​​one hectare.

Close to city Cagnes-sur-Mer there is a hippodrome famous for night races.

Holidays and festivals

Holidays and festivals, known far beyond the borders of France, take place throughout the year. Major sporting and cultural events are also held.

January

February

• Carnival in Nice.
• Lemon Festival in Menton.
• Mimosa Festival in Cannes.

March

• Bicycle race "Paris-Nice"
• Antiques Fair in Juan-les-Pins.

April

• Cannes International Film Festival.
• Rose exhibition in Grasse.
• The first bravado in Saint-Tropez (16 - 18.05).
• Yacht racing in Saint-Tropez.
• Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix motor race (last Sunday in May).

June

• The second bravado in Saint-Tropez (15.06).
• Golf tournament at the Mont-Agel club.

July

• Jazz Festival in Ramatuelle.
• Music festivals in Grasse.
• Jazz Festival in Juan-les-Pins.
• Feast of St. Anna in Saint-Tropez.
• Concerts within the walls of the castle and the international fireworks festival in Monaco.

August

September

• Sailing regatta in Saint-Tropez.
• Festival of old cars in Cannes.

• Golf Tournament and Sea-Mountains-Leisure Fair in Nice.
• Feast of the Monegasques in Monaco (19.11).

December

• Circus Festival in Monaco.
• Golf tournament in Nice.

Provence (France): where is located and attractions. Lavender fields in Provence. Holidays in Provence

October 16, 2012 Kaleidoscope, Around the world, France

Provence once inspired Cezanne, Van Gogh and gave the world a whole galaxy of brilliant artists. Today he inspires a large number foreign tourists. And not in vain, because Provence is many-sided and diverse. Cypresses under the azure sky, lavender valleys, high cliffs, endless rows of vineyards, hills of olive groves, resorts - all this together makes Provence unique place for relax.

Where is Provence

Provence is a province of France, an area located in the southeastern part of the country. Today it is a component of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. On given time there are sections of the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as the departments of Bouches-du-Rhone, Vaucluse and Var. From the south it is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, from the west by the Rhone, from the east by the Alps. The capital of Provence is the city of Marseille, which is one of the most ancient cities in France.

History of Provence

In ancient times, the territory occupied by Provence today was inhabited by the Phoenicians and Greeks, who had large settlements. Further - in the 2nd century BC - the Romans settled in the Provencal lands, as a result of which Provence turned into one of the most Romanized provinces. In the 3rd century, Christianity began to spread throughout the territory. And after the decline of the Roman Empire, the region fell under the yoke of the Franks and the Visigoths - the German barbarians.

The 8th century was marked by the invasion of the Arabs from the east. Starting from 855-863, the kingdom of the same name, Provence, already existed. In addition to its own territories, it also included the overwhelming region of Burgundy. The ruler at that time was Charles of Provence. In 1032-1246 the lands of Provence were integral part Roman Empire, and only then did it become a region of the French kingdom.

Sights of Provence

The sights of Provence are associated with famous personalities, historical dates and monuments, as well as with the natural environment. For example, paintings by Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Cezanne, fascinating with the play of colors and shadows, saw the light there. There Daudet admired the adventures of Tartarin of Tarascon. A. Camus is buried there (in Lourmarin). Rabelais was educated there - at the oldest European medical faculty. And the great Nostradamus also lived there (in Saint-Remy-de-Provence).

It is not surprising that Provence has long inspired the spirit of creativity and admired artists from all over the world. In the department of the Maritime Alps alone, there are about 80 palaces and museums, decorated at one time by the most talented painters: Picasso in Antibes, Matisse in Vence, Cocteau in Villefranche.

No less popular are cities with a large number of attractions. One of them is Cannes. There is Suque Hill, which offers a wonderful view of the entire settlement and the coastal zone. The most interesting place in the city is the Palace of Festivals. This is followed by Pal Beach (casino), the Croiset, which has gained fame since 1860, the Avenue of Stars, where the handprints of most celebrities are "imprinted". There are also places associated with the names of Gerard Philippe, Prosper Mérimée, Guy de Maupassant, who lived in Cannes.

The next city of Provence full of attractions is Nice, also located in the province of Provence. This is a very ancient settlement, built by the Greeks, who left behind a lot of historical and architectural monuments. There you should see the bronze dome of the Negresco Hotel, the Promenade des Anglais, palaces, old houses with bulky elevators, small streets in the central part, visit the Square of the Palace of Justice, in the quarters near the Opera, on flower market and in local restaurants with Provencal cuisine.

Not inferior in terms of the number of attractions and Orange, the founder of which was Caesar himself, having built it for the veterans of the Second Roman Legion, who was under the command of the father of the emperor Tiberius. And before the advent of the Romans, Arusius, the town of the Celts, was located in these places. The city has a triumphal arch 19.12 m high with battle scenes depicted on it, war trophies, groups of prisoners, and so on. Another monument of Roman times is the theater.

It still operates today, hosting festivals and concerts.

Both the theater and the arch are recognized by UNESCO as valuable monuments of the past. In addition, a large number of attractions are found in other cities of Provence - Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, Toulon, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Remy, Mougins, Menton, Vance and so on.

Lavender fields in Provence

Lavender fields cover the northern regions of Provence - Alpes de Haute Provence, high Vaucluse, Drome Provence. It is in those places that the most extensive and most beautiful fields of lavender stretch. Tourists are brought to see all this beauty by car so that they can wander among the splendor of lavender thickets, enjoy a walk around the neighborhood and see the sights: there, surrounded by lavender fields, there are synagogues and abbeys in a secluded place in the valley of the Parc Naturel du Luberon.

The smoky purple landscapes that open to the eye do not leave indifferent anyone who has ever visited Provence. In addition, perfumes (perfumes, soaps, creams, gels) are produced from lavender (lavender oil), it is a source of honey and balms, extra-class alcoholic beverages. Lavender is also widely used in local cooking, seasoning various dishes with it, including meat dishes.

When lavender blooms in Pravence

Lavender usually blooms all summer, from June to August. But the most ideal time is from the first to the third week of July, when the flowers bloom en masse and are not yet going to fade. Then visitors can be most impressed by the amazing pictures of purple expanses.

The collection of lavender is carried out from mid-July to August inclusive. However, in this regard, everything depends on the specific region where the lavender fields are located, as well as on weather conditions. Therefore, those who plan to spend their holidays in Provence should focus on the period from mid-June to the second half of July. In August, you can visit the processing plants and watch the distillation process, when the air is filled with the delicate aroma of lavender. At the same time, farms for the preparation of medicinal herbs and the processing of lavender open their doors to visitors.

Holidays in Provence

Resting in Provence is simply amazing, as this area reflects the close proximity to the sea and mountains. Guests are expected to walk through parks and gardens of amazing beauty, sea ​​cruises and lying on the beach under the rays of the warm sun, enjoying Cote d'Azur with the finest sands and pebbles, restaurants of all categories with unique Mediterranean cuisine and local cuisine, many nightclubs, music, discos and casinos.

The most beautiful villas and palaces rise there, wonderful views from the capes open up, many kilometers of seaside resorts stretch, bright festivals and festivities are held, regattas organized throughout the holiday season. In some places, tourists are offered sports activities - surfing, diving, catamaran sailing and water skiing. In mountainous areas (especially in resort towns) rock climbing, trekking and just short walks along the rocky coast are very popular.

In cozy bays, you can practice sailing (there are ideal conditions for this) or swim in a quiet backwater. Generally speaking, all underwater and water sports are available in Provence (depending on the area).

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