Provence

PROVENCE - COTE D’AZUR

In Australia, PROVENCE is probably one of the most renowned regions of France (along with Périgord). This sun drenched land stretches from the foothills of the Alps to the mouth of the Rhone and the Mediterranean to the South.

In 2008, Provence hosted some 34 million visitors (less than 1% from Australia!). This is made easier thanks to an excellent transport infrastructure (the Provence region has a total of 2,500 km of “autoroutes”).

The Provencal heritage is displayed everywhere from the typical lavender fields to the nestled villages of the hinterland. A rich heritage ranges from Roman in Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Vaison-la-Romaine to Romanesque in the Abbeys of Senanques and Silvacane. However, some of France’s most thriving cities can be found in Provence: Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Avignon or Nîmes, without forgetting the always surprising Marseille, now the third biggest city of France.

Provencal gastronomy has become world famous and popular with its bouillabaisse (a fish stew), wine and herbs.

The COTE D’AZUR, known in Australia as the “French Riviera”, has such wonderful scenery that it has attracted millions of visitors over the years. Between Toulon and Menton, the Mediterranean coast is home to some of the most prestigious spa and resort towns in Europe: Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monaco...

This part of Provence is definitely influenced by its neighbour Italy. Lavender fields, chestnut and olive trees, sun-bathed vineyards and nestled villages constantly remind the visitor that he is still in Provence.

NICE is often considered as the “Queen of the Riviera”. The old Savoyard city was reunited with France in 1860 with most of the territory that is now called the “département des Alpes-Maritimes”. With more than 500,000 inhabitants, Nice stretches along the shores of the dazzling Baie des Anges and is a perfect starting point for further visits towards the Nice hinterland, Cannes, l’Esterel, Monaco and Menton.

Our ‘French Moments’ pages on Provence - Côte d’Azur:

Tarte au citron - the recipe of a delicious lemon tart. A taste of Menton, located in the sunny French Riviera.

Tomates et Aubergines farcies à la Provençale - recipe of Provencal-style stuffed tomatoes and eggplants.

Pissaladière - this onion pizza just tastes of sunshine and Provence!

Cassis

Nice

Alpilles

Bonnieux