Cities in Provence

Welcome to the cities of Provence – from the vibrant Marseille to elegant the Paris of the South – Aix en Provence, to the historic center of Papal Provence – Avignon, the cities of Provence are amongst the most historically interesting and lovely  sites to visit.  Dating back to…

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The Great Outdoors

Provence offers an incredible number of options when it comes to outdoors adventures. Hiking, rock climbing, cycling, sailing, rafting, horse riding, golfing … it’s all here. The tourist office in any village you drive into will be more than happy to give you information on any of the…

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Coastal Towns and Villages

There are very few places more beautiful or  inviting than the towns and villages that border the Mediterranean coast of France.  Historic old ports and fishing villages, sites that served as the departure points for knights enroute to the Crusades, and the Rhone Delta, better known as the Parc Reg…

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Hilltop Villages and “Bories”

To protect against invaders and other unwelcome visitors, as well as sometimes taking shelter from the fierce Mistral winds, villages in Provence were often tucked high into the hillsides or located at the tops of hills.  In villages that were governed by a feudal lord, the chateau (castle) was at t…

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Roman Provence

Provence has an impressive number of Roman sites in various stages of preservation or restoration.  France was  known to the Romans as “Transalpine Gaul” and Provence to the south was at first known as Provincia Nostra or simply Provincia.  That name has endured through to the presen…

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Where Water Flows

Provence relies on rainfall, Alpine snow and the rivers that flow through the region for its water.  In a region that has long dry periods and hot temperatures, preservation and management of that water is critical.  Provence is fortunate to have subterranean layers of rock that traps a very large s…

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Along the Lavender Route

One of the most characteristic aromas of Provence, especially during the months of June and July, when the entire region is perfumed with the scent of Lavender.  As far back as during Roman times, lavender flowers were added to baths because of its relaxing qualities – hence the name Lavender…

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Ochre Villages

So dramatic is the vibrant color of the hills on the ocher trail that this area was the subject of an equally dramatic legend as to its origin. Locals who during centuries past, had no knowledge about the combination of oxides in the rock, told the story of Seramonde, the young wife of Raymond of Avignon…

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