What to See in Provence

Surprisingly, there aren't too many chateaus in Provence (when compared to the Loire for example). Of the ones that do exist and are open to the public, the impressive castles of Suze la Rousse, Grignan & Loumarin are certainly worth your time. The best chateau for our money is however, Chateau Les Baux - a mainly ruined castle that has been brought back to life to provide an authentic medieval experience for all the family.

Provence and the surrounding areas are home to some of the most famous cave paintings in France and indeed in Europe. A trip to the region would not be complete without experiencing some of the pre-historic remnants of the area, such as the Caverne du Pont d'Arc in the Ardeche or perhaps the Grottes de Villecroze.

With it's rich history, Provence is blessed with some of the most ancient religious buildings in France. The Christians certainly knew how to create grand structures to proclaim their might and to cower any rivals. Some of the most impressive Catholic buildings include those in Avignon - the seat of the Popes in the 14th century, the Basillica in St Maximin la Sainte Baume, and the cathedral in Aix en Provence. Other notable buildings include the Russian Orthodox church in Nice, and the wonderful Cistercian abbeys in Thoronet & Senanque.

A number of superb country mansions owned in the past by the wealthy nobility have come to be open to the public, either due to the generous nature of the families involved, or because the houses have been bequeathed to the local council. Pretty much all of them contain authentic period furniture and furnishings, so you are able to step back in time and wonder at how the other half used to live.  Many also have glorious gardens of different styles. Other inddependant gardens open to the public include Le Jardin de l'Alchimiste Domaine du Rayol in Le Rayol-Canadel.

Provence is indelibly linked to art and artists with a host of world famous artists having spent time in the region. From Cezanne to Picasso, Matisse to Renoir, art has played a huge part in the shaping of Provence today. So it is of no surprise to find that there are exceptional art galleries throughout Provence, showcasing landscapes & sculptures, modern and contemporary art.

Some have an entry fee, others (notably in Nice) are free. Depending on your tastes, you may want to visit the workshops or homes of Cezanne, Renoir or Van Gogh, or try one of the biggest collections of contemporary art at the Foundation Maeght or the abstract work of Foundation Vasarely.

The cultural heritage of Provence is displayed in museums throughout the region, but mainly within the larger centres such as Aix, Avignon & Nice. Collections of archaeological discoveries, specific historical time periods and agricultural & craftsmanship of Provence.

Much of the countryside in Provence is protected from development by being designated 'Reserves Naturelles' - both at a regional and a national level. The most famous natural park is that at Verdon, which boasts an enormous canyon that opens out on to a blue-green lake. It's a meca for outdoor & sports enthusiasts. The Carmargue is another well known natural park, famous for it's wetlands, bulls & white horses. The mountains of St Victoire and Ventoux also lie within protected areas.

Provence contains some of the most impressive Roman ruins that the Mediterranean has to offer. During their stay from the second century BC, they built aqueducts, temples, theatres and bridges. You must not miss the incredible Pont Du Gard near Nimes, or the Trophee d'Auguste in la Turbie. Arles, Nimes & Orange are stuffed full of Roman artifacts, as in the port town of Frejus. Perhaps the most atmospheric ruins are those of Glanum (near St Remy), which also boasts two almost perfect monuments - the Mausoleum of the Julii & the Triumphal Arch of Glanum.

Along with the usual high-street brands, designer labels and independent retailers, Provence is probably better known for it's daily farmers markets, antiques fairs and brocantes. IF you have money to spend then there is no doubt that Provence will help you spend it - whether it be on food, local specialities, fabric, hand made goods, crafts or wine...

Cycling, hiking or evening touring Provence by car, there is no better way to discover and enjoy this area than to move around it and experience the wide variety of landscapes, cultures and history that is on offer.

The area has produced wine for millennia (experts say for 2,300 years), thanks to the arrival of the Phoenicians and their vines. The appellation covers the region from the west of Marseilles to St Raphael in the east, through the area known as The Var. Whilst Cotes de Provence wines are mostly famous for their rose wines, rich, full-bodied reds are also produced, along with light and fresh white wines.