Provence

It seems that the dream of every French citizen, and a lot of foreigners too, is to have a second home in Provence, that southeasternmost region of France, bordering Italy. This sun-dappled Mediterranean landscape seems to share a temperament and a culture more in common with its neighbor than the rest of France. A land of umbrella pines and olive trees, of cypresses and vineyards, wild lavender and herbes de Provence, the region is known for its sunny weather and brilliant blue skies, which has attracted some of the world's greatest artists. Summer is a time of festivals, and the region's cuisine and distinctive wines draw gourmets ...

It seems that the dream of every French citizen, and a lot of foreigners too, is to have a second home in Provence, that southeasternmost region of France, bordering Italy. This sun-dappled Mediterranean landscape seems to share a temperament and a culture more in common with its neighbor than the rest of France. A land of umbrella pines and olive trees, of cypresses and vineyards, wild lavender and herbes de Provence, the region is known for its sunny weather and brilliant blue skies, which has attracted some of the world's greatest artists. Summer is a time of festivals, and the region's cuisine and distinctive wines draw gourmets from around the globe. The most attention focuses on the ancient city of Avignon, still surrounded by ancient ramparts and the seat of the popes in the 14th century. Arles cast a spell over Van Gogh and inspired some of his greatest paintings. Marseille, the second largest city of France - and the most Arab of all destinations in Western Europe - is one of the world's major seaports and most colorful, turbulent, and exotic place in the country. Other targets include Aix-en-Provence, immortalized by Cézanne, and Les Baux, a village so lofty it's been called a nesting place for eagles.

About the Expert

Darwin Porter and Danforth Prince have written many guidebooks for Frommer's, including Frommer's France and Frommer's Germany.