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Provence, Where France and Italy Meet |
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The province of Provence, a French region of Roman origins, is one of the most attractive destinations tourists can chose to travel to for a vacation in that area of Europe. This province is located on the Mediterranean Sea towards the southeastern area of France, where this country and Italy meet, and is part of the French region called Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur. Provence can be divided in the departments of Vauculuse, Var, Bouches du Rhone, Alpes Maritimes, and Alpes de Haute Provence. Each one of these departments counts with a variety of attractions of its own and tourists who travel to this region of France for their vacation should try to visit at least a little of each one of them. | |
Provence has been an inhabited area since as long ago as the times of Narbonensis. This province has been home of Celts, Ligurians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and many other groups, in such a way that it counts with a very interesting and rich history. The Romans became the inhabitants of Provence around the 2nd century BC, after what this area of France became a province of the Roman Empire and its name, deriving from "provincia" was born. According to historians, Provence was one of the first Roman provinces to become Christianized, since Christianity arrived to it during the 3rd century with such strength that an important number of churches, monasteries and other religious constructions were built. Nowadays, many of these constructions or their ruins, along with many other antique buildings from that époque and the following centuries, can still be visited, being some of the main attractions offered by this destination. |
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Between the 5th and 15th centuries, Provence went through many different rulers and invaders. Towards the 5th century, this region of France was ruled by the Visigoths, while during the 6th century the Franks invaded it and started controlling it. Towards the 8th century, the Arabs became the new rulers of Provence, situation that endured until the 11th century when this region became part of the Holy Roman Empire. Finally, during the 15th century, and during the reign of Louis XI, Provence became part of France. The French region of Provence is famous by its production of rose wine. This region produces some of the most excellent rose wines of all France, using grapes such as Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, and Carignan. This way, it is very recommendable that tourists do not finish their vacation in this part of France without having tried one of its traditional wines first, ideally accompanied by a typical local dish and enjoying the mountainous landscape. |
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| Due to the beauty and uniqueness of this region, an important amount of famous artists have been inspired by it for some of their creations. For example, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne have painted many scenes and sights from this particular spot in France, while many writers, such as Frederic Mistral, Peter Mayle, Marcel Pagnol, Alphonse Daudet, and Jean Giono have written about it as well. | |