Travel
The Irresistible Charm of Provence
Mistral, Cicada, pétanque, pastis and wine
Provence is the countryside with charming villages, fields of lavender, and a unique landscape where the abundance of the sun creates ideal conditions for olive and almond trees, cypresses, vines, and a range of fruits. For example, every year in May, the sweet melons of Cavaillon are delivered to Paris. There are plenty of tourist attractions in Provence, including ruins from Roman times, and charming cities like Avignon and Orange. Still, it is more the people, the landscape, the atmosphere, the smells, the flavors, and the noises that make Provence irresistible.
The people of Provence refute all the stereotypes of the arrogant urban French people. They are open-hearted, welcoming, peaceful, and are the masters of enjoying life.
Provence is part of the administrative region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in the south of France, known as PACA by the locals. Provence is north of the French Riviera, and Marseille is the region’s official administrative and commercial center. Still, Provence’s serenity is a far cry from the fancy Côte d’Azur, where celebrities drink their cocktails on their yachts or stroll around the glamorous beachside promenades.
“Avignon is the capital of Provence, Arles…
