Enjoying Provence with all the senses
Provence is one of the most enchanting and varied holiday areas in Europe. The seclusion of the mountain world, where old customs have been able to survive, the fascinating coast, which has everything from steeply falling rock cliffs to long sandy beaches, and finally the culinary delights that have developed in this region ensure that you can enjoy Provence with all the senses. Thanks to its mild climate, Provence can be enjoyed all year round.
A considerable part of Provence consists of mountainous landscape. The Luberon range occupies a large part of Provence; in the east the mountains grow ever higher as the low mountain range slowly merges into the Alps. In this mountain world the holidaymaker finds exciting natural phenomena such as the spectacular Verdon Gorge, where the mountains drop more than 700 metres to a turquoise river. The Alpilles mountain chain is also a popular destination for excursions. On a journey through the mountain world of Provence the holidaymaker can get to know many peaceful villages in which time seems to have stood still. Lacoste, Bonnieux and Roussillon are just three famous examples of the peaceful Provençal hill villages. The villages are often picturesquely set in the mountains, and the holidaymaker is at once overcome by the calm and contemplative quiet of these villages.
Another reason for a holiday in the south of France is the Côte d’Azur. The unique landscape that links the coast and the mountains has attracted wealthy people for centuries. Towns such as Nice, Saint-Tropez or Cannes stand as symbols of the culture of the wealthy classes. But it is not only the luxury of these towns that makes this stretch of coast special. The unique beauty of the coast, bounded by gentle hills, is also responsible. A little off the beaten track from these towns you can also enjoy this stretch of coast very well in villages such as the picturesque and peaceful Menton. The climate in this region is particularly pleasant. Even in winter, temperatures on the Côte d’Azur remain mild. Anyone who wants to enjoy a little sun at this time of year without travelling too far will find an ideal destination in this part of Provence.
The cultural features of Provence also delight many holidaymakers. The historic capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence, has become an important centre for artists, who find in this town, with all its historic buildings and picturesque surroundings, an ideal environment for their work. The holidaymaker finds a quite different cultural environment, on the other hand, in Marseille. The port city is shaped by immigrants from all over the world. African influence in particular is strongly felt there. Authentic oriental markets, African food or other cultural assets of the African continent can be experienced here. For cinema lovers Cannes is an especially important destination, since there you get a fascinating insight into the history of cinema.
Besides all these sights, Provençal cuisine is also a special experience. The many different herbs that grow in the mountain world of Provence give the dishes of this region their own distinctive character. The wine grown here in the south of France is also an outstanding pleasure. A journey is therefore always also a special culinary experience.