Why Provence?

Gordes

Provence evokes images of sun-drenched fields, fragrant lavender, and rustic villages. Famous for dishes such as bouillabaisse and ratatouille, this serene region of southern France is also a food lover's paradise. With it's strong emphasis on fresh ingredients from the countryside such as olives, tomatoes, zucchini eggplant, and lemons, Provencal cuisine has earned the nickname "la cuisine du soleil" (cuisine of the sun). One bite and you'll understand why.

Provence countryside

To complement the many delectable dishes that Provence has to offer, you will find some of the finest red and white wines in all the world. There are about 500 wineries throughout the region that use a large variety of grapes to produce their many excellent wines. Most of the wineries offer free tastings and sell their wines at very good prices. Well worth a visit at the start of your holiday. Provence is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France, with vines that were planted over 2,500 years ago. The Châteauneuf du Pape is home to the most famous Côtes du Rhône wine. It is located between Orange and Avignon cities, in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Provence.

Palais des Papes

Provence is a land of culture and arts. There are plenty of festivals such as the opera festival in Aix-en-Provence, as well as a a wide variety of museums and historical monuments notably the Palais des Papes in Avignon. Also well worth visiting are the charming villages with their weekly markets - Gordes, Lourmarin and Les Baux de Provence to name but a few.

Lourmarin

The Mediterranean climate is one of the most pleasant. Actually, the sun is shining about 300 days a year, the sea and the Mistral whistling refresh the heat of summer and make the winter warm in the Provencal countryside.