French Riviera. Tourist pearls of Provence and Provencal cuisine

Provence (French: Provence) – a historical region in south-eastern France, on the Mediterranean Sea, east of the lower reaches of the Rhone. It is a coastal region – world-famous holiday and tourist destination (Cote d’Azur). Provence is part of the administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. Important cities: Marseille, Toulon, Nice, Aix, Cannes, Antibes. Due to the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, the climate of Provence is mild, Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and short and mild winters. In winter, the Mistral blowing from the north often appears, periodically bringing an influx of cool air. In the northern part of the Provence region, winters are harsher, which increases with increasing altitude. In the higher altitudes, the climate becomes alpine.

map1 - Provence

Pearls of Provence.

The Provence region includes the azure coast (including Nice, Cannes and the legendary French resort – Saint Tropez), so the province can be called one of the most illustrious in France. The largest city in Provence – it is the bustling port of Marseille. But here is also the most beautiful city in Provence, Avignon. And in Avignon: the Papal Palace with massive walls, Rocher-de-Dome gardens with a view of the Rhône, Saint-Brezene Bridge, all these places invite you to a romantic walk with a glass of wine in one hand and olive fruit in the other … Provence was also inspiration for painters such as: Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso.

Provencal cuisine

Provence is definitely considered the gastronomic province of France, local spices – rosemary, dill, caraway, wild herbs, basil, and various truffles – this is the real wealth of Provence .. Eggplant and tomatoes – combined – already famous in Poland, lettuce “Ratatuj” ( Ratatouille – French vegetable stew). And from Provence comes the famous mayonnaise called “Provencal”, and only here it is prepared exclusively from natural ingredients. The basics of French cuisine are particularly visible in Provence, incl. olive oil, fish and fruit. And all the dishes served are in dishes, hidden among the famous Provencal herbs.

What to bring Souvenirs from Provence?

During your stay in Provence, do not forget to buy a few bottles of olive oil – “a piece of sun in the glass”, and it will warm up in your home for a long time beautiful memories of your stay in this illustrious province of France.