Provence

Durum wheat is the most cultivated cereal in the area. Rice is the other emblematic cereal. Only cultivated in Camargue, in the Rhône delta, its production depends on a fragile and complex ecosystem and on specific water management techniques.

10 000 ha of olive trees spread through the beautiful hills and plains of Provence. National leader for the production of olives, the area also benefits from a protected designation for its delicious olive oil.

With such a sunny weather, fruit orchards and vegetables represent a large part of the local production : tomatoes, courgettes or the famous melons of Cavaillon.

Peonies, hydrangeas, roses… the area is a leader for horticultural production.

Sunshine, the songs of cicadas and a game of pétanque : this is how most people like to think of Provence ! Some might add to the picture a drink of Ricard, an aniseed-flavoured liquor. But don’t forget to go shopping, for local markets are full of amazing products : colourful fabrics, perfumes, crafts, olives and lavender are only a taste of what you can find !

Artists are probably Provence best advocates : Cézanne was fascinated by the light on the Mont Sainte-Victoire, just a few kilometres away from Aix en Provence ; Van Gogh painted Arles and its surroundings, whereas Signac painted the port of St Tropez and the cliffs of Cassis. Theses cliffs, the highest limestone cliffs in Europe, are one of the many wonders of the Calanques National Park. Take a boat to visit the creeks between Cassis and Marseille, and discover the rich marine fauna and flora of the park !

Before artists and tourists, even the Pope elected Provence as a residence : the Palace of the Popes displays its impressive architecture over Avignon.

Do not leave Provence without visiting Camargue. In the Rhône delta, between man-made canals and ponds full of flamingos, farmers maintain the traditional activity of breeding bulls for races and shows. Spend the day horse-ridding and have dinner to the sound of gipsy music !