Provence is in Mediterranean southeastern France bordering Italy. Provence is distinguished from the rest of France by incredible history, amazing topography, unique culture, local culinary specialities and the pleasant climate, courtesy of the cooling Mistral wind. All this contributes to making it one of the most popular regions of France for visitors.
Paleolithic sites and other areas of archelogical importance can be found throughout Provence. Near Nice, cave drawings date from 900,000BC and include images of bison, horses and even penguins! Younger, but still impressive sites date from between 600,000 and 19,000BC. In more modern times, Provence was conquered and held by the Greeks, Celts, Phocaeans, Gauls and, of course, the Romans. The Holy Roman Empire dominated culture until the 13th century and their legacy still stands with an amazing collection of cathedrals and abbeys. The mix of cultures over time leads to a rich artistic and cultural history.
The 17th century farming and industry (tanning, pottery and ship building) led to late 18th and 19th century prosperity, when Marseilles and Toulon gained grand opera houses and boulevards. The Cannes Film was launched in September 1939, only to be cancelled after the opening night due to the outbreak of the Second World Ward. The Film Festival resumed in 1947 and is now important date on the calendar for the global film industry. The Avignon Theatre Festival was created in 1946, offering performances in venues as diverse as palace courtyards and in the street.
The painters of Provence make for an impressive role call: Paul Czanne, Vincent van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Pierre Bonnard and Claude Monet all hail from here. A highlight of a Provence trip would certainly be the wooden ceiling of Frejus Cathedral, with amazing paintings including a demon with the tail of a snake and images depicting scenes from the Bible.
Provences food is heavily influenced by the sea: fish soup (Bouillabaisse) or grilled rouget or loup fish finished off over grapevine charcoal remain two favourites. Escabeche — marinated sardines — can be found both poached or fried. The wines lean towards rose, while Pastis — a traditional anise liquer — is also a delicious aperitif.
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