Provence

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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.

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

Specifically, Mayle's "French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork, and Corkscrew" also gives a bunch of practical tips and recommendations for every territory of Provence--and what every territory is best from a gourmet point of view.

Understand

The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region covers all the historic Provence area east of the River Rhone, together with the French Riviera, the eastern end of which used to be the County of Nice. The low lying parts of this region are generally dry and warm for most of the year, but the higher parts, stretching up into the Alps, are dry and quite cool. This southern part of the Alps is the sunniest part of the range.

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.

Luberon mountain is a highlight of Provence, often referred as the "Chic" Mountain that rises up the valleys of Calavon in the north, to the Durance in the south. The views of this Valley are most sought after and the lifestyle of the "pays du Luberon" are an inspiration since the Roman days. (http://www.allaboutproven...) All about provence], food, history, climate is unique and aspirational.

Provence is a vast and beautiful region, and merits a long trip, not just a few days or a week. To truly appreciate this region you must be the type of traveler who likes food, wine and local crafts. It is recommended to make your own itinerary, and make it flexible enough to enable you linger at an outdoor cafe or winery or take in an interesting Roman ruin when the moment takes you. There is a "joie de vivre" attitude throughout this area that is contagious, especially after two glasses of the regional rose and a picnic of cheese and sausage from the local farmers.