Provence is a former Roman province and is now a region of south-eastern France, located on the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to France's border with Italy. It is now part of the administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur (PACA). The traditional region of Provence includes the departments of Var, Vaucluse, and Bouches-du-Rhone in addition to parts of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes.

Provence Landscape

The Riviera is bathed in blue - the blue of the sky and sea with its glamorous resorts Saint-Tropez, Cassis, Bormes Mimosas, Saint Raphael, Nice and Cannes. Inland features its perched villages, the Verdon Canyon, the Ventoux mount, the Alpilles and further along the coast the unique Camargue ( Arles, the Baux de Provence, the Saintes Maries de la Mer) and its wild horses and flamingos. The Luberon - made famous by Peter Mayle - with its fields of lavenders, and architectural splendour of Avignon.

Provence Attractions

When you tire of chilling out on the beaches, walking in the fields of Lavender, exploring the wilds of the Luberon and Camargue, here are some attractions to visit:

Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace), Avignon

Avignon is a delight - full of surprises - from the river and its Pont d'Avignon to the fortified city with its massive Gothic palace, Palais des Papes, there are historic treasures to admire.

Musee Matisse, Nice, Cote d'Azur

Surrounded by an olive garden, this museum has a collection of paintings spanning Henri Matisse's life.

Granet Museum (Musee Granet), Aix-en-Provence

This museum houses a collection of French paintings from the 16th century onwards. It is named after the famous local painter Francois Granet.

Atelier Cezanne, Aix-en-Provence

This is the studio of the famous painter Paul Cezanne. It has been preserved in its original state.

Provence Weather

In the spring, the weather can be very changeable with sunny days mixed with partial cloud and showers. However, when it rains it pours. Fortunately, the showers are usually brief. Beware the Mistral wind, blowing down the Rhone Valley, which can rage for days!

Summers can be very hot although evening temperatures will drop. A haze can persist in the early mornings but the sun quickly burns it away. There are days of glorious sunshine.

During Autumn (Fall), storms can spring up and be quite fierce in the mountains. Many days of sunshine with less haze and pleasant temperatures.

Along the coast Winters are mild, and the sun will be shining brightly still! Snow rarely falls at lower levels but the mountains above 1500m will be covered during the middle of winter.

Getting there

By Plane: The Provence region is well served by flights from the UK. Marseilles is served by Air France, BA and Easyjet. Air France, BMI Baby, EasyJet and BA to Nice. Ryan Air flies into Toulon.

By Car: There are Autoroutes into Provence from Calais: about 10-12 hours driving! We suggest avoiding the Paris Peripherique route, and not to travel in August especially at weekends!

TGV: The TGV (high speed rail service) service is available to the South coast via Paris from Calais (or Eurostar from the UK). Arrives in Aix-en-Provence

Provence population

About 4.5 million: the population is concentrated along the coast.

Major Towns/Cities

Marseille (830,000 - including county 1,400,000)

Nice (350,000)

Toulon (165,000)

Aix en Provence (135,000)

Cannes (70,000)

Provence Prices

This is one of the most expensive regions of France. In the chic locations along the coast prices are high and there is demand for quality apartments and villas. Away from the coast, prices drop substantially. Here you can enjoy the benefits of rural France, yet be within a short drive of the major resorts and towns along the coast.

Price Guideline

Apartments: 90,000 (inland); 110,000 euros (coast)

Farmhouses: 250,000 +

Townhouses: 175,000 (village)

Villas: 250,000 + (more on the coast)

Land: 80 + euros per m2