Provence

From World travel guide

Provence is in the southeast of France. It is a hold over from the days of the Roman Empire. Its western border is the Rhône river and its eastern border is Italy. Provence includes the French Riviera and is famous for its sun, color (Van Gogh spent a respectable amount of time in Arles, painting the countryside), traditions, wines, food, and language (Provençal).

1 Understand
2 Cities
3 Other destinations
4 Understand
5 Talk
6 Get in
7 Get around
8 See
9 Do
10 Eat
11 Drink
12 Stay safe
13 Get out
14 External links

[edit]

Understand

Most French cities have their own websites and tourist offices (which offer a wealth of information in many languages), allowing anyone interested the means to find what they are looking for. Provence is a vast and beautiful region, and merits a long trip, not just a few days or a week.

Those interested in literary interpretations of provincial life should look up the works of Marcel Pagnol and if wealthy British expatriates are your thing, Peter Mayle.

[edit]

Cities

[edit]

Other destinations

French Riviera

[edit]

Understand

Provence is now a part of the official administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, but the region's identity is associated more closely with its history and culture. Although a bit stereotyped now (those lavender fields all over postcards and guidebooks, that you'll have a hard time finding!), Provence culture is rooted in what was once a lively regional culture and language.

[edit]

Talk

French is of course the official language of this region, but you'll find that many people from here have a typical accent.

This is because several generations ago, they spoke a different language - Langue d'Oc - and so learned French only in school. The dialect of Langue d'Oc spoken in Avignon was Provençal, object of a strong preservation effort in the early 1900's on the part of a group of writers and artists known as the Felibrige. The most famous was Frédéri Mistral, Nobel Prize of Literature in 1908. The language has, however, now largely disappeared, though it is still taught in some regional universities and courses run by non-profit groups.

[edit]

Get in

Train connections from Lyon and Paris are excellent. Typical gateway cities include Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, and Valence. From these cities, one can easily explore the beautiful region.

[edit]