Introducing Provence
There is no more sun- and celebrity-rich part of southern France than this iconic wedge of glittering coast, mountain retreat, Roman temple and gastronomic art de vivre.
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So prepare for heart-and-soul seduction. Travelling à la Provençal means sensual sauntering past scented lavender fields and chestnut forests; through fresh apple-green vineyards and silvery olive groves; around markets, Matisse-designed chapels and medieval hilltop villages impossibly perched on rocky crags. Be it with two wheels or four – on the back of a bicycle or with roof rolled back in a vintage Citroën 2CV – no region better begs lazy days out, interrupted only by copious alfresco lunches.
Yet Provence and the Côte d’Azur is not all Zen-paced rural chic. Roughly wedged between rough-cut Marseille with its urban art scene, and megalomaniacal Monte Carlo with its skyscraper skyline, this hot spot on the sky-blue Med also screams action, glamour and just a hint of the ridiculous. Where else do cowboys herd cattle while Roma blaze flamenco beneath flamingo-filled skies? Where else does the world flock to watch film stars strut the red carpet into a concrete bunker? Where else can you canyon fast white water in the morning, crack open sea urchins for lunch, see fabulous 20th-century art in the afternoon, and bunk down in a tree house, old Celtic hamlet or wine-making château come dusk?
Living is stylish, landscapes are lyrical. Provence is an old-fashioned love affair that never dies.
Last updated: Mar 9, 2010
Tips & articles
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Gastronomic Provence
15 May 2012
Lonely Planet has produced this article for Vaucluse Tourism in Provence. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone...
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Saddle up for the world’s best cycling routes
1 May 2012
There’s no better way to explore a place than by bike. In honour of our favourite two-wheeled travel companion, here...
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World’s best festivals: Pélerinage des Gitans (Pilgrimage of the Gitans)
26 April 2012
Location: Les Stes-Maries de la Mer, FranceDates: 24-25 MayLevel of Participation: 1 – see one of Europe’s least-understood culturesAmid the...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: 7 days in Marseille/Provence
by kkzd05 30 May 2012
Three days is too much for Marseille IMO. The city is nothing special, especially compared to the rest of Provence. But don't skip Les…
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RE: Cycling in Europe with a baby
by Rezinka 30 May 2012
Hm, Provence is rather hilly, I´m not sure if it´s the best route with a baby in tow... On the other hand, the Danube route is gorgeous…
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Pls help finalizing my backpack trip to France
by wiwiaya 29 May 2012
My friend and I are planing to backpack to France for the first time this September. We are in our 20's and love outdoor activity. I think…
Provence
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Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Provence
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1 Marseille
Soak up seething, sultry Marseille
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2 Van Gogh
Trail Van Gogh around Arles to spots where he set up his easel to paint some of his best-known canvases
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3 Camargue’s white horses and wetlands safari
Ride the Camargue’s white horses along windswept beaches, or take a 4WD wetlands safari
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4 Musée Angladon
Admire the impressive collection housed in Avignon’s private Musée Angladon
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5 Digne-les-Bains
Hike, bike, or drive with the windows down to Digne-les-Bains through hillsides carpeted with serried, scented lavender
Our favourite Provence Blogs (beta)
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A Kid-Friendly Summer Holiday in the South of France
Blog: Ciao Bambino! - 18 April 2012
If you’re dreaming of spending the summer in the South of France with kids there are two very important things to know before planning your trip: Traffic on the main coastal highway that stretches from Monaco to St. Tropez can be an absolute and utter nightmare. I would avoid any plan that involves a daily coastal commute in and around the main tourist zones to get to the beach. Aix-en-Provence, one of the main urban attractions in the Provence region, is 2 hours via car from Nice on a good day. This is too ...
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Èze Village and Èze sur Mer
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 4 March 2012
Èze is a medieval village located in the French Riviera along the main road between Nice and Monaco. This picturesque village is perched atop a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea and can be seen from afar. The panoramic view of the sea from the top is absolutely amazing. After parking the car we [...]
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France: Love, Life, and Words
Blog: A Traveler's Library - 20 January 2012
Read about France, win a book about Portugal. See below. NOTE: The Arizona State Alumni magazine wrote about Kristin Espinasse in December 2011. You can read it here. Destination: France Book: Blossoming in Provence by Kristin Espinasse You might think at first glance that a beautiful blond from Arizona who goes to Paris to study [...]This content is a post from: A Traveler's Library To comment on this post or search for related information, click on the link to A Traveler's Library.
