Just saying Provence conjures up a scene of summer, of air filled with the scent of lavender, the tangy aroma of freshly pressed olive oil and the sound of cicadas singing. In winter though, there’s nothing quite like the sight of the snow-capped peak of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Provence really is a year round destination which offers a taste of the good life in a way that’s truly unique. Genuine joie de vivre is found in every corner of Provence, from villages and historic towns to the mountains and untamed countryside.
The art of the good life in Provence is enhanced by its vineyards. From the Mediterranean port town of Bandol in Var, renowned for its deep reds to the great wines of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, there are endless wine trails to relish. Along the way, you’ll experience the pleasures of Provence: take in an opera performed in the glorious Roman theatre of Orange – it’s an unforgettable experience, and marvel at the colourful markets, filled with the fragrance of Provence…
A visit to Provence is also about immersing yourself in its exceptional natural landscape. Whether by car, on foot or by bike, don’t miss the splendour of the Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, lined with emerald waters is astounding. Or you might prefer to discover the Camargue and explore its vast wild spaces of land and water where the famous white horses and bulls graze alongside wild pink flamingos. Life in Provence is intensified by its gastronomic specialties and the flavours grown from its rich earth. The fruity olive oil which, mixed with capers and olives makes tasty tapenade, and the aromatic herbs of Provence make a marvellous addition to so many dishes. In Marseille, try the bouillabaisse, an iconic fish soup, and in Martigues, the local speciality, poutargue, is a caviar made from the eggs of mullet or tuna. Sun-baked vegetables feature in dishes like ratatouille, delicious with Camargue rice, or soup au pistou flavoured with piquant basil. Enjoy them raw with anchoïade, a sauce made with anchovies, capers and garlic, or boiled with cod and aioli (garlic mayonnaise). For the sweet toothed, crystallised fruit, a specialty of of Apt, or Calissons d’Aix, almond and orange blossom flavoured biscuits, will definitely hit the mark.
What to visit in Provence
