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22

February

Van Gogh at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris

Until 31 December

VIGNETTE -Cimetiere Britannique de Bayeux © S. Freres CRT Normandie-©

1

January

75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

Until 31 December

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Provence

City breaks

Visit Marseille, the Front Door to Provence

Fashion

6 creators reinventing Provence

A chef, a parfumier, a fashion designer, an architect, an artisan and an artist, all inspired by…

Nature

Eight winter adventures in Provence

You probably think that Provence = summer + pool + lavender. Well you’d be wrong! This stunningly…

Landmarks

5 facts about the Pont du Gard to impress your…

The Pont du Gard aqueduct is the most-visited monument in France dating from antiquity. A UNESCO…

Architecture

The art of surprise: Avignon

What if the greatest journey in the world was all about the detours? In France, you sometimes have…

Countryside

Discover nature, culture and gastronomy in the…

The Lubéron’s attraction lies in its landscapes, which have preserved their strong regional…

City breaks

Visit Saint-Tropez, the City of Stars

The very idea of Saint-Tropez is enough to make you dream. The city is still a go-to destination…

Just saying Provence conjures up a scene of summer, of air filled with the scent of lavender, the tangy aroma of freshly pressed olive oil and the sound of cicadas singing. In winter though, there’s nothing quite like the sight of the snow-capped peak of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain. Provence really is a year round destination which offers a taste of the good life in a way that’s truly unique. Genuine joie de vivre is found in every corner of Provence, from villages and historic towns to the mountains and untamed countryside.

Provence must-sees

  • Marseille, the city on the edge of the Mediterranean

    Marseille makes for a fabulous first port of call. On arrival, head to the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde to greet the "Bonne Mère" (the Good Mother) who watches over the city from her 160 meter (525 feet) high perch. Peek inside at the suspended model boats - votive offerings, and colourful mosaics. Outside, there are breath-taking views over the city, sea and the harbour which is crowned by the fabulous contemporary museum of Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations). A footbridge runs between the museum and the old Fort Saint-Jean, symbolising the cultural crossroads of the Mediterranean.

  • Aix-en-Provence, at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain

    In Aix-en-Provence, take a break from shopping in the chic boutiques to admire the architectural treasures of the town nicknamed "little Versailles" thanks to its classically proportioned mansions and elegant baroque town hall. Walk in the footsteps of the great painter Cézanne, a son of Aix-en-Provence, and visit his studio at Les Lauves. Enjoy the most sublime views of the Sainte-Victoire Mountain from the nearby Esplanade Cezanne, a sight which inspired the artist to capture its beauty in more than 80 paintings.

  • The Carrières de Lumières in Les Baux-de-Provence

    Les Baux-de-Provence in Les Alpilles, is one of the most beautiful hilltop villages of Provence. Carved into arid white rock, this small town is home to some twenty historic monuments dotted around its cobbled streets - including an ancient castle. Don’t miss the Carrières de Lumières, a gallery in a former quarry that’s now dedicated to extraordinary, immersive art exhibitions.

  • Avignon, city of the Popes

    In Avignon, discover the ancient Papal state in the Rhone Valley. The dazzling architecture of the UNESCO listed historic centre was shaped by the Popes who lived there. The jewel in the crown is without a doubt the Palace of the Popes. It’s the largest Gothic palace in the western world and was home to nine successive Popes in the 14th century. In the courtyard of the Palace, the famous Festival of Avignon was founded in 1947. 25 rooms, from the chapels with their incredible frescoes to the apartments of the Pope, provide a stunning backdrop for the arts and exhibitions.

Art de vivre in Provence

The art of the good life in Provence is enhanced by its vineyards. From the Mediterranean port town of Bandol in Var, renowned for its deep reds to the great wines of Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, there are endless wine trails to relish. Along the way, you’ll experience the pleasures of Provence: take in an opera performed in the glorious Roman theatre of Orange – it’s an unforgettable experience, and marvel at the colourful markets, filled with the fragrance of Provence…

Nature puts on a show

A visit to Provence is also about immersing yourself in its exceptional natural landscape. Whether by car, on foot or by bike à la Tour de France, don’t miss a trip up Mont Ventoux, known as the giant of Provence (1911 meters/6269 feet high). The splendour of the Gorges du Verdon, the largest canyon in Europe, lined with emerald waters is astounding. Or you might prefer to discover the Camargue and explore its vast wild spaces of land and water where the famous white horses and bulls graze alongside wild pink flamingos.

Gastronomy of Provence

Life in Provence is intensified by its gastronomic specialties and the flavours grown from its rich earth. The fruity olive oil which, mixed with capers and olives makes tasty tapenade, and the aromatic herbs of Provence make a marvellous addition to so many dishes. In Marseille, try the bouillabaisse, an iconic fish soup, and in Martigues, the local speciality, poutargue, is a caviar made from the eggs of mullet or tuna. Sun-baked vegetables feature in dishes like ratatouille, delicious with Camargue rice, or soup au pistou flavoured with piquant basil. Enjoy them raw with anchoïade, a sauce made with anchovies, capers and garlic, or boiled with cod and aioli (garlic mayonnaise). For the sweet toothed, crystallised fruit, a specialty of of Apt, or Calissons d’Aix, almond and orange blossom flavoured biscuits, will definitely hit the mark.

Must see 

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Culture

Aix-en-Provence in Cézanne’s footsteps

Inspired by the light and colours of the Midi, and captivated by the Massif de Sainte-Victoire,…

Architecture

Luma Foundation in Arles: Discover why it’s an…

With the creation of a truly iconic building designed by Frank O. Gehry in the Parc des Ateliers,…

Time to take a break

How to spend two perfect days in the Luberon

On either side of the verdant Luberon massif in Provence (which peaks at 1,125m) castles, hilltop…

Landmarks

5 abbeys to visit and keep cool this summer in…

Within the sun-bathed walls of Provence, churches and shady cloisters hide behind secular abbeys,…

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Events 

1

March

Exhibition: ‘Van Gogh: Starry Night’ in Les Baux-de-Provence

Until January 5

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