Discovering Provence for the first time is a real treat! This region in southeastern France is recognized worldwide for its rich cultural history, unique cuisine, and captivating natural beauty. Whether your first trip to Provence is a few days or a couple of weeks, there is so much to discover! Here are five ways to enjoy your first trip to Provence.
Cozy Cafés in the Heart of Provence
Cafés are a quintessential part of life in France. Many people enjoy their espresso or café au lait as a daily ritual, meeting to socialize or pausing to rest. To deeply immerse yourself in French life while in Provence, stop into one of many cafés and bakeries to relax, connect, and take in some culture. To top it off, enjoy with a pain au chocolat (chocolate bread), butter croissant, or tartine (a traditional open-faced sandwich).
French Flavors at Local Markets in Provence
Local markets (marchés) pop up all around Provence during all seasons. Visitors can catch a glimpse of real local life and enjoy regional specialties too! The area is especially famous for its garlic, olives, lavender, and aromatic herbs. Handcrafted nativity figurines known as santons de Provence can be found during winter holiday markets. Shoppers can peruse traditional ceramics and pottery along with typical Provençal fabrics, vibrant with bright floral or olive motifs, or savon de Marseille, regional soap made of olive oil.
Provençal Palette and Traditional Cuisine
Provence is well-loved for its traditional cuisine. There are many local kinds of cheese to choose from, including creamy goat (chèvre) and Tomme de Provence, a soft goat cheese with a natural grey rind created using an ancestral technique of curdling raw goat milk. Cured meats and sausages are often flavored with garlic and regional herbs. Ratatouille is a beloved traditional Provençal dish made with stewed tomatoes, eggplant, onions, zucchini, and peppers. Finally, pair baguette or crackers with tapenade, a salty paste made of green and black olives.
Provence's Charming Châteaux
When searching for activities in the region, there are many castles (châteaux), museums, and art galleries to choose from. The Château des Baux-de-Provence dates back to medieval times and visitors can take in the panoramic views from its mountaintop vantage point. The Château de Lourmarin was the first Renaissance castle in Provence. The surrounding village of Lourmarin, named one of France’s most beautiful villages (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France), is well worth a stroll along its cobbled streets. Catch a concert or cultural event hosted at the castle, or visit regional museum exhibits and galleries.
Harvested Heritage and Regional Rosés
Finally, no trip to Provence would be complete without trying regional wines. The region is France’s oldest wine-producing region. Provence has been producing wine for more than 2600 years, since Greeks founded the city of Marseille in 600 BCE. Rosé (pink) might be its most famous wine, as Provence dedicates more than 85% of its regional production to this style. Typical Provençal rosés are a salmon-pink hue and general dry and crisp with notes of citrus, red fruit, and herbs.
