Provence Travel Guide
Bordering Italy, Provence is the the southeast of France -- on the Meditteranean. It sets itself apart by the unique culture, incredible history, amazing topography and, of course, the local specialities in terms of food and wine. These areas combine to make Provence one of France's most popular tourist destinations.
There are many historic Provence attractions. Paleolithic sites near Nice date from 900 000 B.C., others between 600 000 and 19 000 B.C. There are caves decorated with drawings of bison, penguins and horses. Provence was colonised by Greeks, Phocaeans, Celts, Gauls and Romans. The Holy Roman Empire dominated until the 13th century with a legacy of exquisite abbeys. This input from a variety of cultures has imparted a rich mix of ancient buildings and art.
The 17th century farming and industry (tanning, pottery and ship building) led to late 18th and 19th century prosperity, when Marseilles and Toulon gained grand opera houses and boulevards. The Cannes Film was launched in September 1939, only to be cancelled after the opening night due to the outbreak of the Second World Ward. The Film Festival resumed in 1947 and is now important date on the calendar for the global film industry. The Avignon Theatre Festival was created in 1946, offering performances in venues as diverse as palace courtyards and in the street.
When in Provence, you must try to visit the Frejus Cathedral, with its exquisite painted roof. Paintings include a fallen angel with the wings of a bat, scenes from daily life, and from the Bible. If painting interests you, you'll be amazed to know that Paul Czanne, Vincent van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard and Claude Monet all hail from Provence.
Of course, you cannot visit France without engaging the services of your inner gourmand. Provence's cuisine is highly influenced by the sea, with marinated sardines (poached or fried), grilled fish and a thick fish soup all local specialities. Local rose wines are great accompanyments and you can finish the evening with a shot or two of Pastis, a tradition anise liqueur.
