Provence Departments Guide Departments and Districts of the Provence

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.

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.