The southeast corner of France known as Provence – called the French Riviera for its
maritime area between Toulon and Nice - is a romantic location with a little bit of
everything to offer the traveler.
Provence stretches from Cap Nègre on the Maures ledge, to Cap Brun in the Esteral
area, and from Cap Roux near Toulon to the Iles d'Or (the Golden Isles) out in the
Mediterranean Sea. Inland, the area runs as far as the Argens and the Verdon River to
the north.
The region of Provence is so called because it was one of the first outlying provinces
established by the Romans. They called it "Provincia Romana" and it was one of the
jewels of the Roman Empire. Gradually, over hundreds of years, the word Provincia
changed to Provence. "Provencal" is a dialect still spoken here by many people.
Remnants of the ancient empire still abound. There is the Pont duGard aqueduct that
towers 160 feet above your head and a Roman arena still used for bullfights and
concerts in Avignon. Arles, with its famous Roman arena, and Frejus (a city named and
built by Julius Caesar) still has traces of the port where Caesar's navy once docked.
Everywhere you go, historical sites abound with majestic stone castles sitting regally just
off the side of country roads, and you might find the remnants of a pagan temple next to
an austere Catholic church with tall spires and towers that took decades to build.
The rich and famous flocks to the Riviera every year, much like the swallows to
Capistrano. Walk along the city streets in the spring, or one of the many bustling open-
air fruit and vegetable markets, and you might just find yourself passing a famous movie
star or fashion model.
Even the names of some of the Riviera's most famous cities bring to mind pictures of
white sandy beaches, a turquoise sea, and endless days under a tropical sun -- St.
Tropez, Monaco, Nice, Cannes.
Do you enjoy biking and hiking? Swimming? Boating? How about taking a walking tour
along narrow cobblestone streets in tiny villages that date back to mediaeval times? A
romantic river cruise? Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea? You'll find all of this and
more in Provence.
And of course, there are numerous opportunities for experiencing French cooking at its
best. Dining in France is almost a religious experience! When dining at someone's
home, it's not unusual for dinner to last three to four hours. If the occasion is an
especially memorable one, dinner can go until two or three in the morning!
When eating at a French restaurant, it won't matter if you choose a four star restaurant,
or a tiny sidewalk café. Your experience is sure to be a gastronomic delight for your
palette. And don't even think of rushing through your meal! Each course is presented
with a certain formality and ceremony that makes dining a pleasure. And you are always
given plenty of time to savor each course and never made to feel as if you must vacate
your table quickly for the next diners.
The Mediterranean Sea is breathtaking, whether you're seeing it from the air for the first
time as your plane lands in Nice, or while walking along the rocky beaches at Cannes. Its
colors change with its moods – turquoise, emerald, and sapphire – and the water is
clear and warm for 6 months of the year. In the winter, although it's too cold to swim
(except for the most hardy of souls), the Med's mood and color matches the steel gray
clouds, and you'll enjoy the practically deserted beaches and the bracing wind as you
walk along the shore.
You have many choices for lodging in Provence. Stay at a four-star hotel, and you may
find yourself sleeping on crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, in a bed once used by kings and
queens. There are charming bed and breakfast cottages, where you'll be served your
meals family-style and learn the history behind the best places in the area to visit from
your hostess. Or choose a former monastery, where you'll find peace and tranquility,
staying in small, quiet rooms with thick stone walls and enjoy walking through outdoor
gardens with large fountains where wild rosemary and thyme grow abundantly.
The people of Provence are friendly and helpful. They won't mind if your French is a
little rusty, and will go out of their way to talk to you, and answer your questions.
Each season has its own charms. Spring, when the mimosa trees are bursting with the
delicate yellow blooms, red poppies grow wild alongside the autoroute and there are
fields of tulips to rival those in Holland.
Summer, when succulent fruits are abundant everywhere, the leaves of the grapevines
become an endless "sea of green" when viewed from the road, and the Mediterranean
sea offers a respite from the tropical heat.
Fall, when the grapevines are heavy and full with their harvest, the red, yellow and
oranges leaves clothe the trees in splendid cloaks and community festivals happen
almost every weekend.
Winter, when the weather is mild and sunny days are plentiful, but tourists are not.
Provence is an ideal spot for the perfect vacation at any time of year. The area is so
spectacular that even visitors who are just "passing through" find it hard to say good-
bye.
maritime area between Toulon and Nice - is a romantic location with a little bit of
everything to offer the traveler.
Provence stretches from Cap Nègre on the Maures ledge, to Cap Brun in the Esteral
area, and from Cap Roux near Toulon to the Iles d'Or (the Golden Isles) out in the
Mediterranean Sea. Inland, the area runs as far as the Argens and the Verdon River to
the north.
The region of Provence is so called because it was one of the first outlying provinces
established by the Romans. They called it "Provincia Romana" and it was one of the
jewels of the Roman Empire. Gradually, over hundreds of years, the word Provincia
changed to Provence. "Provencal" is a dialect still spoken here by many people.
Remnants of the ancient empire still abound. There is the Pont duGard aqueduct that
towers 160 feet above your head and a Roman arena still used for bullfights and
concerts in Avignon. Arles, with its famous Roman arena, and Frejus (a city named and
built by Julius Caesar) still has traces of the port where Caesar's navy once docked.
Everywhere you go, historical sites abound with majestic stone castles sitting regally just
off the side of country roads, and you might find the remnants of a pagan temple next to
an austere Catholic church with tall spires and towers that took decades to build.
The rich and famous flocks to the Riviera every year, much like the swallows to
Capistrano. Walk along the city streets in the spring, or one of the many bustling open-
air fruit and vegetable markets, and you might just find yourself passing a famous movie
star or fashion model.
Even the names of some of the Riviera's most famous cities bring to mind pictures of
white sandy beaches, a turquoise sea, and endless days under a tropical sun -- St.
Tropez, Monaco, Nice, Cannes.
Do you enjoy biking and hiking? Swimming? Boating? How about taking a walking tour
along narrow cobblestone streets in tiny villages that date back to mediaeval times? A
romantic river cruise? Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea? You'll find all of this and
more in Provence.
And of course, there are numerous opportunities for experiencing French cooking at its
best. Dining in France is almost a religious experience! When dining at someone's
home, it's not unusual for dinner to last three to four hours. If the occasion is an
especially memorable one, dinner can go until two or three in the morning!
When eating at a French restaurant, it won't matter if you choose a four star restaurant,
or a tiny sidewalk café. Your experience is sure to be a gastronomic delight for your
palette. And don't even think of rushing through your meal! Each course is presented
with a certain formality and ceremony that makes dining a pleasure. And you are always
given plenty of time to savor each course and never made to feel as if you must vacate
your table quickly for the next diners.
The Mediterranean Sea is breathtaking, whether you're seeing it from the air for the first
time as your plane lands in Nice, or while walking along the rocky beaches at Cannes. Its
colors change with its moods – turquoise, emerald, and sapphire – and the water is
clear and warm for 6 months of the year. In the winter, although it's too cold to swim
(except for the most hardy of souls), the Med's mood and color matches the steel gray
clouds, and you'll enjoy the practically deserted beaches and the bracing wind as you
walk along the shore.
You have many choices for lodging in Provence. Stay at a four-star hotel, and you may
find yourself sleeping on crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, in a bed once used by kings and
queens. There are charming bed and breakfast cottages, where you'll be served your
meals family-style and learn the history behind the best places in the area to visit from
your hostess. Or choose a former monastery, where you'll find peace and tranquility,
staying in small, quiet rooms with thick stone walls and enjoy walking through outdoor
gardens with large fountains where wild rosemary and thyme grow abundantly.
The people of Provence are friendly and helpful. They won't mind if your French is a
little rusty, and will go out of their way to talk to you, and answer your questions.
Each season has its own charms. Spring, when the mimosa trees are bursting with the
delicate yellow blooms, red poppies grow wild alongside the autoroute and there are
fields of tulips to rival those in Holland.
Summer, when succulent fruits are abundant everywhere, the leaves of the grapevines
become an endless "sea of green" when viewed from the road, and the Mediterranean
sea offers a respite from the tropical heat.
Fall, when the grapevines are heavy and full with their harvest, the red, yellow and
oranges leaves clothe the trees in splendid cloaks and community festivals happen
almost every weekend.
Winter, when the weather is mild and sunny days are plentiful, but tourists are not.
Provence is an ideal spot for the perfect vacation at any time of year. The area is so
spectacular that even visitors who are just "passing through" find it hard to say good-
bye.
The Magic of the French Riviera
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