Sunshine, mountains and the smell of lavender are just a few of the ingredients typical of Provence. It also has a rich history, as can be seen from some of the best-preserved Roman remains in Europe. To see these go to Orange, Arles, and Nîmes among many other places. Avignon was once the papal residence and Gordes is the village of the Bories (dry-stone built houses, in the Village des Bories).
Provence is not just a paradise for tourists. Artists too have found here the inspiration they needed for their masterpieces. Picasso, Gauguin, van Gogh, Cézanne and the writer Daudet have immortalised this magnificent region. The people of Provence have tiny artworks of their own too - the Santons of Provence.
The countryside varies enormously from rugged to romantic. The stupendous Gorges, the Calanques on the Mediterranean, the plains of Camargue, the undulating landscape inland and the mighty Mont Ventoux, are silent witnesses to Provence’s many sides. This, combined with the smell of lavender, will make you never want to leave.
Indeed, gastronomy in Provence is a colourful pallet of smells and tastes. You can start with a pastis, enjoy bouillabaisse in Marseilles, munch away on an Arles sausage, forget your diet with calissons from Aix-en-Provence, all washed down, of course, with a wonderful Provencal wine. Have you packed your bags already?
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