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 Sénanque 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), pissaladière, lemon tart, 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!

Sénanque Abbey © Olivier Risnes

Calanques de Marseille © Olivier Risnes

Nice

Village of Bonnieux © French Moments

In Provence © French Moments

The Luberon - the area between the Vaucluse Plateau and the mountains of Luberon is home to one of the most beautiful villages of Provence: Gordes, Roussillon, Ménerbes...

Aioli - the recipe for this versatile garlic based mayonnaise.

Pistou - this sauce is often known as “Pesto” in Australia.

The Alpilles - a mountain range surrounded by a colourful and sun-kissed landscape of cypress trees, olive groves and sunflowers. Les Baux-de-Provence, Fontvieille and Eygalières.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - a delightfully compacted little town surrounded by lush green fields which are bordered by sturdy cypresses and poplars. Van Gogh, Les Antiques and Glanum.

The Calanques - a unique geological formation in Provence, between Marseille and Cassis, made up of deep, narrow valleys with sharp edges, partly submerged by the sea..

Christmas in Provence - the traditions of a Provençal Christmas, including the Provençal Nativity and the Santons.

Mendiants - Provençal chocolate delicacies prepared at Christmas.

The Alpes Maritimes - the hinterland of Nice with charming perched villages and painted churches, by Ann Pugh.

Walking in Provence - walking in Montagne-Sainte-Victoire near Aix-en-Provence, by Ann Pugh.

Walking in the Gorges du Verdon - follow the Sentier Martel, by Ann Pugh.