Undiscovered Provence

 

Of all the regions of France, Provence is the most irresistible. The borders are defined by nature: to the west, the River Rhone; the south, the Mediterranean; the east, the Alps; and to the north, where the olive trees end. It is a land of striking natural beauty and great diversity - from sun baked plains with fields of lavender, interspaced with vineyards and olive groves crowned in the distance by the hills of the Luberon and the azure blue sky. The deep valleys are the home of vast oak and pine forests giving that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma to the air.

Historically the Greeks visited, the Phonecians traded, the Saracens looted, but most of all the Romans settled. All have left their legacies but the Romans loved Provence so much that there are more remains of their remarkable civilisation here than anywhere else outside Italy. The desolate wilderness of the Camargue is fascinating, with its white horses galloping across flat wetlands, herds of black bulls and striking flocks of pink flamingoes, which appear to fly and land in perfect formation!

The towns are a delight and so distinctive - perhaps the most famous being Aix-en-Provence: its old quarter is street upon colourful street of traditional shops with quiet and hidden squares, complete with the soft murmur of ancient fountains giving an atmosphere of cool tranquillity. It has vibrant, colourful markets and crowded café terraces nestling under the shade of countless plane trees. The majestic Mont St. Victoire, so immortalised by Cezanne, towers over all. Paris-like in stature and style yet village-like in gentility, pace and ambience. This is the real France so beloved by Van Gogh, Renoir and countless other artists who worked here, finding inspiration in the fullness of colour and luminosity of light.

All the fragrances and colours of this sunburnt land are concentrated in its cuisine. No place for boredom here, a hint of garlic and olive oil combined with seafood and fresh Mediterranean vegetables blended with fragrant herbs. Succulent lamb is a speciality, simply roasted over grape vines. All washed down with a glass of the local Châteauneuf du Papes - some of the finest wine in the world - what could be better. So, for a unique blend of interesting and superb monuments, fine food, culture and most of all some outstanding scenery, come with us and see.

Of all the regions of France, Provence is the most irresistible. The borders are defined by nature: to the west, the River Rhone; the south, the Mediterranean; the east, the Alps; and to the north, where the olive trees end. It is a land of striking natural beauty and great diversity - from sun baked plains with fields of lavender, interspaced with vineyards and olive groves crowned in the distance by the hills of the Luberon and the azure blue sky. The deep valleys are the home of vast oak and pine forests giving that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma to the air.

Historically the Greeks visited, the Phonecians traded, the Saracens looted, but most of all the Romans settled. All have left their legacies but the Romans loved Provence so much that there are more remains of their remarkable civilisation here than anywhere else outside Italy. The desolate wilderness of the Camargue is fascinating, with its white horses galloping across flat wetlands, herds of black bulls and striking flocks of pink flamingoes, which appear to fly and land in perfect formation!

The towns are a delight and so distinctive - perhaps the most famous being Aix-en-Provence: its old quarter is street upon colourful street of traditional shops with quiet and hidden squares, complete with the soft murmur of ancient fountains giving an atmosphere of cool tranquillity. It has vibrant, colourful markets and crowded café terraces nestling under the shade of countless plane trees. The majestic Mont St. Victoire, so immortalised by Cezanne, towers over all. Paris-like in stature and style yet village-like in gentility, pace and ambience. This is the real France so beloved by Van Gogh, Renoir and countless other artists who worked here, finding inspiration in the fullness of colour and luminosity of light.

All the fragrances and colours of this sunburnt land are concentrated in its cuisine. No place for boredom here, a hint of garlic and olive oil combined with seafood and fresh Mediterranean vegetables blended with fragrant herbs. Succulent lamb is a speciality, simply roasted over grape vines. All washed down with a glass of the local Châteauneuf du Papes - some of the finest wine in the world - what could be better. So, for a unique blend of interesting and superb monuments, fine food, culture and most of all some outstanding scenery, come with us and see.

Supplier info: Riviera Travel

Since their inception 25 years ago, Riviera Travel have endeavoured to exceed the expectations of the discerning traveller, on their fascinating and innovative European and Worldwide escorted tours.

They have passion for quality and looking after all their guests in the most personal manner possible and really ‘go the extra mile'. Over the years they have received many commendations from many household names in the publishing industry. They have recently been voted by the members of one of the country's most respected consumer organisations in their biannual survey of travel companies, as one of the UK's top two Tour Operators and the most outstanding of all in terms of value for money - by some considerable margin.

Riviera Travel offers European and Worldwide Escorted Tours by Eurostar and by Air.

This supplier's reviews:

Call: 0844 571 1980

Offer Code: The Independent website

The code must be quoted at time of booking to receive offer prices

independent@rivieratravel.co.uk