Travel Provence Guide

A world-renowned tourist destination, and the most visited area in France, Provence lives up to its reputation. With the Rhone to the West, the Mediterranean to the South and the Olive groves stretching North, Provence is literally ensconced in beauty. Provence is home to beaches, farms, vineyards, ruins, castles and seemingly endless fields of flowers.

By the way, discover the region of Gard in booking your holiday rental.

The atmosphere created by lavender fields, vineyards and orchards groves makes this one of the best and most amazing regions in France. Provence attracted many artist such as Césanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Monet who went there to get inspired by the landscape.

The official language in Provence is French but the Provencal dialect can also be learnt as a second language. In the past, this region was part of the Provincia Romana and along history it came under the power of different rulers. In the end, in 1486 it became part of the French Kingdom.

The  departments in Provence are: the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence,Var, Bouches-du-Rhone and some areas of the departments of Vaucluse and Alpes-Maritimes.

Alpes-de-Haute Provence is characterized by its large fields of lavender, high plains and mountains, and ski trails. In the north you can visit the valley of Ubaye, in the south enjoy a landscape formed by cliffs, lakes offered by the canyons Gorges de Verdon.  The principal tourist attractions in this department are the town of Forcalquier; Monosque; Luberon and the valley of Durance.

The French Riviera is perhaps the most famous aspect of Southern France, and it crosses through Provence. Possibly the most luxurious vacation spot in the world, this beautiful area became popular with wealthy Brits in the 19th Century, and was a regular vacation spot for Winston Churchill. The Riviera is home to endless luxury resorts on stunning beaches and is a great place to park your yacht. 
 

Provence is home to the port city of Marseilles. The second largest city in France, Marseilles was first founded in 600 BC, and was later ruled by the Roman Empire. Marseilles is filled with ancient artifacts and buildings and is the world capital of Bouillabaisse; a seafood soup native to the region. Marseilles is also known for its grand city parks, restaurants and medieval-style villages. 
 

In the south east of France extended along the Mediterranean are the Alpes-Maritimes and the Côte d'Azur. This region has a rocky coastline and the Alps seem to fall into the blue sea. Sunny days predominate all year round.  Some of the main attractions here are the cities of Cannes, Nice and Grasse among others.

In the department of Bouches-du-Rhone the landscape offer a wide range of options from high mountains in the north and east to plains and flat country in Camargue. The city of Marseille is located in this department and it is a very active urban district.

The department of Var is visited by lots of tourists who attracted by the beautiful landscaped. The Mediterranean climate  along with the mountains and the sea make this a perfect place to go.  The interior of this department is adorned with pine forests, plantations, valleys and hills. Thanks to its climate, agriculture is an important factor in the economy of the region. Some of the products generated here are honey, lavender, olive oil, fruits and vegetables among others.

The Vaucluse department is located in the interior of Provence. It is well-known for its production of fruits, vegetables and for its vineyards. Le Luberon is an chosen tourist attraction characterized by castles, rocky landscape and old villages. There are some historical and cultural places to visit here for example the Abby of Senanque and the villages of Gordes, Ménerbesand Lourmarin.

For your holidays at the Côte d'Azur, discover the hotels, apartments and guest houses of Estérel - Côte d'Azur.

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