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Map of 50 Provence Property

The Area

Blazing with colour, Provence radiates sensuous beauty and variety. Its scenery moves from the craggy inlets and sandy beaches of the coast to the valleys carpeted with lavender and the fields filled with sunflowers and olive trees that Van Gogh loved to paint.

Provence is renowned for its gorgeous climate and light, delicious foods of sun-ripened fruit, vegetables and herbs and of course its wines, which are amongst the best in France.

Although Marseilles was founded as a Greek colony in 600 BC, it was the Romans who left the most lasting influence in the form of Nimes, Arles, the magnificent theatre at Orange and the Pont du Gard which are amongst the finest examples of Roman architecture in Europe. In the middle ages the ruins inspired Provence's pure Romanesque architecture.

The countryside around Avignon is truly breathtaking. The chief city of the Vaucluse region is Avignon itself, dominated by three miles of fortified walls and housing a culturally rich city with its own opera house, university, and of course, the Palais des Papes. The streets and squares are often full of buskers, and the Avignon festival in July, which includes theatre, mime and cabaret, has now become a major European event.

The hilltop villages of Provence are very quaint with tiny cobbled streets, often too small to admit cars. With such a relaxed way of life, hours go by in the warm sun, gazing over vineyards, olive groves, lavender fields and beyond to a glimpse of the sea.

Activities

Besides basking in the sun or exploring the local villages, tennis courts and riding stables are never far away and every village has a shady court for Pιtanque, a lazier version of Boules. Lovely walks can be taken amongst the hills and mountains - hike the Grand Canyon du Verdon or ride the famous white horses in the Camargue. Boat excursions are also available along the Rhτne.

France's oldest city, Marseille, is a bustling port with a lively local atmosphere. Avignon, once the Papal residence is now a cheerful town of cafιs, art galleries and fashionable shops.