Provence is among the most sensual, enchanting and intriguing areas of France. Fields of blue lavender sweep gently in direction of the horizon, sleepy olive groves and vineyards present welcome aid on a sizzling day and historical villages gently climb the slopes in direction of the mountains. Each view appears to be peppered with the brilliant pops of color of poppies, sunflowers, mimosas and bougainvillea and the area’s wealthy historical past nonetheless echoes by means of the streets of its many cities and villages.
Provence stretches alongside the Mediterranean from the banks of the Rhône to the Italian border and is legendary for its Roman structure, ample produce and vigorous cultural heritage. With a lot to discover, it may be troublesome to know the place to start out but when need to uncover the actual Provence and what makes it tick, take a guided tour with idreamProvence and uncover three of probably the most historic and picturesque cities.
Aix-en-Provence
About 30 kilometres north of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence was as soon as the capital of the area and dates again to the Roman interval. By the fifth century, it had grow to be a spotlight of Christianity and by the twelfth century, it was a centre of energy and often called the Metropolis of Counts (after the erstwhile rulers of the area who made it their residence).
Right this moment, you’ll discover a vibrant and exquisite metropolis of two halves. Head to the previous city and uncover a pleasant melee of Medieval buildings, the stays of the Medieval ramparts, slender cobbled streets and brightly colored markets that fill the air with sights, sounds and smells of the area. Lavender, garlic, truffles, candy, sticky native honey and calissons (candied fruit sweets) are all laborious to withstand whereas the weekly flower market is bursting with color.
Flip a nook and also you would possibly discover the unbelievable Cathedral of Saint Sauveur constructed and rebuilt from the fifth to the seventeenth century in a heady combination of Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque kinds. Otherwise you would possibly stumble throughout the stays of the Roman thermal baths.
Cross the subtle Cours Mirabeau (a large avenue lined with spectacular seventeenth and 18th century buildings and airplane bushes) and head in direction of the Mazarin Quarter. Order and class exchange the jumbled previous city right here. Within the seventeenth century, the Mazarin Quarter turned the place to dwell for the rich and influential, and grand homes collect round spectacular squares every showcasing one of many many ubiquitous fountains.
Paul Cézanne lived in Aix-en-Provence and also you’ll comply with in his footsteps to find the locations related to him, like his studio, The Musée Granet or the household hat store. 2025 will see the town host a serious celebration honoring Paul Cézanne’s life and legacy, making it a outstanding 12 months for artwork lovers. Key highlights embody a complete exhibition on the Musée Granet from June 28 to October 12, showcasing over 100 of Cézanne’s works—work, watercolors, and drawings—sourced from prestigious worldwide collections. This particular exhibit will discover Cézanne’s methods, themes, and inspirations, significantly from the native landscapes he cherished, like Mont Sainte-Victoire.
There are no less than 12 important websites to go to in Aix en Provence which can also be a metropolis of festivals, folklore, museums and music. There are hidden cafés and eating places and nice native wine, and your guides will likely be very pleased to share the secrets and techniques with you.
Arles
Stretching alongside the banks of the Rhône, Arles is among the oldest cities in France. It dates again over 2,000 years to its zenith as a Roman metropolis when it was residence to a theatre, amphitheatre (that also dominates the town centre), cryptoporticus (subterranean galleries), a necropolis, Roman baths and a circus because it loved frequent visits from the Roman emperor.
Arles is now categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and sits proper on the sting of the Camargue (well-known for its white horse and cowboys). From the elegant and central, Place de la Republique, discover the cobbled streets, the eleventh century, Romanesque Cathedral of St Trophime after which why not comply with within the footsteps of Van Gogh who stayed in Arles between 1888 and 1889 and was impressed by the city.
Markets are all the time central to life in Provence and in Arles, you’ll see the colorful Camarguaise personalities in motion promoting Fougasse (a candy almond crammed brioche), fruit tarts, jams, lavender, Garrigue honeys, olives, garlic rouille and Gardiane de Taureau (an area beef casserole).
There are eight important Roman websites in Arles to find in addition to museums and artwork galleries, and the Medieval ramparts from Arles’ second heyday within the eleventh and twelfth centuries. And whenever you’ve completed exploring the town together with your knowledgeable guides, there are nonetheless the encircling salt marshes of the Camargue and vineyards of Provence to discover.
Subsequent to Arles is the place we discover a true haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. the place flamingos, majestic herons, and different uncommon birds could be seen, all whereas surrounded by the beautiful landscapes that make the Camargue so distinctive. It may be explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or on horseback, you’ll really feel immersed within the magnificence and peace of this protected reserve.
Avignon
The third metropolis that’s synonymous with Provence is Avignon. Right here the Medieval ramparts give option to a maze of again streets, elegant squares and tales of intrigue and energy. Climb Rocher des Doms for views throughout Provence, go to the seat of energy on the Palais des Papes and stroll to the centre of the Rhône throughout the well-known World Heritage Web site Saint-Bénézet Bridge, your guides will present you all the easiest locations to expertise this lovely, historic metropolis.
One of the best ways to find Aix, Arles and Avignon
All three cities symbolize a novel facet of Provencial life. And one of the simplest ways to get probably the most out of every metropolis as you begin to discover is with a small, personalised tour.
I Dream Provence excursions are hosted by an area couple who communicate English and French and know the secrets and techniques of all three cities: probably the most genuine native cafés, the most effective vineyards and the tales behind the structure from the fountains of Aix-en-Provence to the good cathedrals and Roman ruins.
Their small group excursions will make sure you see all an important websites however can be tailor-made so that you simply see, what you need to see. With their knowledgeable, insider information of your tour guides, you get an opportunity to find the actual Provence.
For extra data and ebook your guided tour at: idreamprovence.com
