Provence

Provence, in southeastern France, is bounded by the Alps and Italy to the east and the Rhône River to the west, with the Mediterranean Sea providing its southern border. It has very varied topographical feautures, ranging from fertile plains in the Rhône valley to mountains in the east, to marshlands in the south (the Camargue). It is so named because it was the first Roman province outside of the Italian region.

Regional Highlights

The Ochre of Roussillon... The Provençal Colorado. The nature sculptured a strange landscape.

Fontaine de Vaucluse. It gave the name to the Department. The most powerful and mysterious resurgence of the world ! Impressing Le Mont-Ventoux ... The Giant of Provence ! ! It culminates to 1912 m. By clear time one can see the Mediterranean Sea and the Mont-Blanc.

Les Dentelles de Montmirail.. A renowned place for the amateurs of escalation, walks and beautiful landscapes. Festivals - Film, Music, Dance & More

Lavender: The Purple Waves of Provence Lavender... the word alone brings to mind a heady perfume, fields of blue, purple rows rolling with the landscape. A perfume, a delicate flower, sachets, bath bubbles... Pictures of lavender adorn many a guide to Provence. From late June through mid- August, these fields draw us from afar.

Truffles: the Black Diamond. When living in Provence, how can one not be tempted by the winter diversion of truffle hunting, nor be left unaffected by the dramatic shift at the top restaurants to menus featuring these treasures?

Olive Oil les Baux de Provence. Though some attribute the use of olive oil to an Italian influence, in fact, olive oil has been a main source of cooking oil in Provence -- as well as oil for light and lubricating wheels -- for over two millennia now.

Cave Verger des Papes. At the top of the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are the ruins of the Chateau, and just below, the restaurant and wine cellar of the Verger des Papes.