Provence is a region in southeastern located France that is rich in history and culture. The area was inhabited by Ligurian tribes before it was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC. The Romans built numerous cities and towns in the area, including Aix-en-Provence, Arles, and Orange, which became important cultural centers.
During the Middle Ages, Provence was ruled by various feudal lords, and the region became a center for troubadour poetry and song. In the 13th century, Provence came under the control of the Angevin kings of Naples, who ruled the region until the 15th century.
During the Renaissance, Provence was a center of artistic and intellectual activity, with many artists and writers making their home in the region. In the 18th century, Provence became part of the Kingdom of France, and the region’s economy grew as a result of increased trade and commerce.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Provence became a popular destination for artists and writers, including Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, who were inspired by the region’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Today, Provence remains an important center for art, literature, and culture, and it is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful landscapes, historic cities and towns, and delicious cuisine. To locate Provence, you can look for it on a map of France, as it is one of the country’s 26 regions.
25 fun and best things to do in Provence.
- Visit the historic city of Avignon – home to the famous Pope’s Palace, Bridge of Avignon, and the annual Avignon Festival.
- Explore the Marseille Calanques – stunning cliffs and beaches along the Mediterranean coast.
- Take a tour of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards – renowned for producing some of the best wines in the world.
- Visit the town of Aix-en-Provence – a charming city with beautiful fountains, historic churches, and vibrant markets.
- Walk the trails of the Alpilles Mountains – offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit the ancient Roman ruins in Arles – including the Amphitheater and the Roman Theatre.
- Take a scenic drive along the Route des Crêtes – a stunning road that winds through the hills of Provence.
- Visit the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence – a charming medieval town with narrow streets and a rich history.
- Explore the Lourmarin Castle – a beautiful Renaissance castle set in the heart of the Luberon.
- Visit the Côte d’Azur – the French Riviera, with its famous beaches, resorts, and casinos.
- Carry a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards of Provence – a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Visit the Abbaye de Sénanque – a beautiful Cistercian abbey surrounded by fields of lavender.
- Explore the markets of Provence – a unique shopping experience with a wide variety of local products.
- Visit the town of Gordes – a picturesque hilltop village with beautiful stone houses and stunning views.
- Take a scenic drive along the Corniche des Cascades – a stunning coastal road that winds along the Mediterranean.
- Visit the town of Les Baux-de-Provence – a stunning medieval village perched atop a rocky hill.
- Explore the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape – a world-famous wine region that produces some of the best wines in France.
- Visit the town of Roussillon – a charming village with beautifully preserved ochre houses and stunning views.
- Take a scenic drive through the Luberon National Park – a beautiful nature reserve that covers over 80,000 hectares.
- Visit the town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer – a charming fishing village with a rich history and beautiful beaches.
- Explore the Sainte-Victoire Mountain – a beautiful mountain that is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Visit the Château de Lourmarin – a beautiful Renaissance castle set in the heart of the Luberon.
- Take a scenic drive along the Route des Grandes Alpes – a stunning road that winds through the mountains of Provence.
- Visit the villages of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue – charming villages with beautiful landscapes and rich history.
- Enjoy the local cuisine of Provence – a unique blend of Mediterranean and French flavors, including olive oil, herbs, and fresh seafood.
10 places similar to Provence and their locations.
- Tuscany, Italy – located in central Italy and known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval villages.
- Andalusia, Spain – located in southern Spain and known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage.
- Umbria, Italy – located in central Italy and known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
- Languedoc-Roussillon, France – located in southern France and known for its stunning coastline, vineyards, and historical sites.
- Catalonia, Spain – located in northeastern Spain and known for its stunning coastline, medieval villages, and rich cultural heritage.
- The Amalfi Coast, Italy – located in southern Italy and known for its stunning coastline, historic villages, and vibrant culture.
- The Cinque Terre, Italy – located along the Italian Riviera and known for its picturesque villages and stunning coastline.
- The Loire Valley, France – located in central France and known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic châteaux.
- The Dordogne, France – located in southwestern France and known for its rolling hills, medieval villages, and rich cultural heritage.
- The Algarve, Portugal – located in southern Portugal and known for its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and rich history.