Provence (Provence) is an ancient Roman province, is now a region of southeastern France, adjacent to the Mediterranean Sea, and Italy border. The Rhone, which flows south from the Alps through Lyon, divides into two major tributaries near Provence and then empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, Provence has varied greatly in scope, with the Roman province of Provence stretching from the Alps in the north to the Pyrenees in the south, encompassing the whole of southern France, and becoming one of the five administrative provinces during the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century. In the 1960s, France was reorganized into 22 regions, with Provence belonging to the Provence-Alpes-C?te d'Azur region. The entire region of Provence has an unusual charm due to its great variety - the weather is cloudy and sunny, warm winds warm and cold winds wild; the terrain is undulating, with vast plains and steep peaks; lonely gorges and bleak castles, winding mountains and lively metropolises... ...all of which are interpreted in a variety of flavors on this land of South France. Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and other famous cities are located in Provence and produce excellent wines. The region's bounty, sunshine and beauty have attracted countless visitors since ancient Greek and Roman times, and it remains a tourist destination today. Regarding the folk food of Provence, it is necessary to mention the bread. The bakery of Auze has more than 30 kinds of bread and magical bread sculptures, which are very popular in the region. Knight's Town Provence is Europe's "Knight's Town", named after the movie "The Horseman on the Roof". The Italian knight Angelo fled here for the cause of the revolution. The encounter between a gentleman and a lady, Pauline, becomes a love affair. ...... When Pauline and Angelo meet again and ride through the vast territory of Provence, everything becomes pleasant. Edit This Section Someday - PROVENCE Romantic Provence, intoxicating lavender sea Provence is located in the south of France, from the date of birth, discreetly kept her secret, until the arrival of the Englishman Peter Mayle, Provence for a long time the veil of a unique style of life is gradually unveiled. In Meier's writing, "Provence" is no longer a mere regional name, but represents a simple, carefree, relaxed and lazy lifestyle, a leisurely state of mind in which one does not worry about spoils and disgraces and watches the flowers blossom in front of the garden, and has no intention of staying or leaving, and looks at the sky and the clouds roll in and out of the sky. If traveling is to get rid of the shackles of life, Provence will let you forget everything. The whole region of Provence has an unusual charm because of its extreme changes - the weather is cloudy and sunny, warm winds and warmth, sea breeze is wild, the terrain is undulating, the plains are vast, the peaks are steep, lonely gorges, cool old castles, meandering mountains and lively metropolis, all of them are in the interpretation of this land of France in a million kinds of flavors. The pungent scent of lavender, mixed with the fragrance of sunburnt grass, is one of the most unforgettable scents of the South of France. The number of events in this region is even more impressive, from the Monton Lemon Festival in early February to the Avignon Arts Festival in July-August. The Opera Festival in Ouhongee to the Lavender Festival in the Provence Mountains in August, the four seasons echo the uninhibited years of the mountain towns. This color of freedom compels the inspiration of artists to create, including Cézanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Chagall, etc. All of them unfolded a new stage of their artistic life in Provence, and the hedonistic atmosphere of the C?te d'Azur attracted the pilgrimage of the American writer Fitzgerald, the British writer D.H. Lawrence, the French writer Aldous Huxley, Nietzsche, etc., and of course, it also encompassed the "Years of Living in the Mountains," which pushes Provence to the the pinnacle of Peter Mayle. Provence's romantic colors and endless art also attract us. The most refreshing thing about Provence is that its air is always filled with the scent of lavender, thyme, and pine. This unique natural aroma is not easily experienced elsewhere. Lavender is one of the best and most loved of all. Due to the abundant sunshine which is most suitable for the growth of lavender, coupled with the local people's love for lavender's aroma and therapeutic effects, not only can you see the fascinating picture of the purple sea of lavender blossoms all over the place in Provence, but also there are all kinds of lavender sachets and pouches hung up in homes, and stores are full of all sorts of products made of lavender, such as lavender essential oils, perfumes, soaps, candles, and so forth, and pharmacies and marketplaces sell a variety of products, such as lavender oils, soaps, candles and so forth. Pharmacies and markets sell lavender herbal teas packaged in sachets. You can't help but want to learn more about lavender, Provence's fascinating aroma. In Provence, the lavender fields are very different throughout the year. In winter, after the harvest is cut, all that remains are short, neat, dead stems covered in snow. As spring arrives, green leaves emerge, a purple halo in June, and gradually, as the summer sun heats up, the lavender flowers quickly change to a stunning deep purple color. Immediately after this, the busy harvesting process begins. Timing is important, so the farmers must work around the clock to harvest the flowers and distill the extracts. It is not until the end of September that all the fields are harvested. The lavender fields are then able to catch their breath, absorb the essence of nature and prepare for another bloom of purple flowers next summer. Provence, the home of lavender. Forever Provence If someone says that Provence is thoroughly romantic, it is probably not too much to say, because in addition to the legend of romantic love that has been passed down for a long time, there is also Marseille, which is famous for the Marseillaise, the Isle of Ile de l'Ives, known to all because of The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as the elegant university towns of Aix and Avignon, the medieval hill houses that look back to the old days and the cozy little cafe on the side of the street.------ It's mesmerizing. Lavender - Lavender, the purple flower that means "waiting for love", has charmed many people, and Mr. Pascal of Self Voyages Provence drove us through the mountains in his Toyota, over the white limestone of Mont Ventoux, a mountain that looks like a snowy mountain even in summer. Mont Ventoux, through vast golden sunflower gardens, and finally stopped in a land of purple steam. Lavender Sault Sail, the lavender capital, is so beautiful. It was my first time to see such a lush lavender field, such a pure purple color blooming in the high and low fields, opening romantic symbols in the summer wind, like the most quiet thoughts, the sweetest melancholy, as if hiding in the heart of the beloved but never able to hold hands of the kind of warm and sad feeling. Harvested haystacks rolled into oak wine barrels like, three five drying on the field, yellow and simple. The yellows and purples just stretched cleanly, the air, our hair, and skin full of lavender-stained scent. Our driver and guide, Mr. Pascal from Self Voyages Provence, had already set up our picnic table and chairs in the cypress grove, and the picnic was so sumptuous that the only concern was too much appetite, with Chinese and Western dishes, freshly squeezed juices, breads, cheeses, fruits, wines, and even desserts! The sunlight was revealing flecks of gold through the cypress leaves, the wind was gentle, the birds were singing, the eyes were filled with pure purple, and the breath was filled with sweetness - the so-called happiness is just like that, isn't it? Geography & History of Provence Provence is located in the south of France. Originally, Provence stretched from the Alps in the north to the Pyrenees in the south, encompassing the entire southern region of France. During the Roman Empire, Provence was included as one of its provinces, and during the Revolution in the late 18th century, France was divided into five different administrative provinces, of which Provence was one. In the 1960s, the administrative departments were regrouped into 22 regions, giving rise to the current region of Provence-Alpes. Before and after the gentle university town of Aix and the papal city of Avignon, there are small medieval villages and old mountain towns that have escaped the vicissitudes of the centuries. Provence produces excellent wines, of which 20$Cts%$ are premium and top quality wines. Thanks to the Mediterranean sunshine, the grapes of Provence contain more sugar, which is transformed into alcohol, making Provence wines two degrees more alcoholic than those of the North. Slightly orange-colored dry rosé is the most characteristic. Common red wines include: Cotes de Provence, Coteaux d'$Cts'$Aix en Provence, Bandol. Stretching from the Mediterranean coast to the hilly inland area, with the great river "Rhone" flowing in the middle, many historical towns, since ancient times, with beautiful sunshine and blue sky, charming Mediterranean and intoxicating lavender, to make the world Aix-en-Provence Aix-en-Provence, home of the painter Paul Cézanne, has been a university town since the Middle Ages and is also known as the "city of springs". It was the ancient capital of Roman Provence. Today it is still famous for its Roman ruins, medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Aix is also known for its unique cuisine, rosé wine, and its special language, the Proven?al dialect. The small, old town of Arles in Southern Provence is known for its warm, bright Mediterranean sunshine and trendy art deco style. Anyone who has read the biography of Van Gogh will probably remember that the illustrious painter worked and lived here. The streets, houses and bars here are full of artistic flavor. Ancient Roman architecture (the Als are descended from the ancient Romans), the works of artists, and people living in modern civilization live in harmony and tranquility here. In July, a fashionable International Photography Festival is held here, in which the great photographers and trendsetters of today are exhibited in the old stone alleys and small squares. Edit Food About the folk food of Provence, it is necessary to mention the bread, Auze bakery has more than 30 kinds of bread and magical bread sculpture, which is very popular in the region. Many people use three foods to represent the culinary specialties of Provence: "olive oil, garlic and tomatoes". When you walk around Provence, you will see green olive trees as far as the eye can see, and it can be said that this region is the center of olive oil production in France, which not only creates a unique natural landscape, but also provides the oil necessary for the nourishment of the inhabitants. Olives have also found their way into every kitchen, and tapenade is a perfect example. -Olive tapenade: Chop the garlic and anchovies, add the washed capers, thyme, savory and lemon juice, beat well in a food processor, pour in the olive oil and season with pepper. The olive paste is then spread on lightly toasted bread to make the most authentic appetizer. French bread made with olive paste is a specialty of Provence, and if you like it, you can even use it as a dish! - Garlic mayonnaise Garlic mayonnaise is often referred to as the cream of Provence, which shows its popularity. As a direct translation of the name, it is a mixture of mayonnaise and garlic, which is very simple, but it goes well with a wide range of foods, from poached eggs, steamed fish, to lobster dishes of various colors. Marseille Fish Soup In fact, the whole of France has its own fish soup, just a little different content, and then crowned with different names, such as Brittany (Brittany) cotriade, Burgundy (Burgundy) pauchouse, but also do not know how the case, it is the Provence, especially Marseille where the fish soup is particularly famous, whoever visits the Marseille can not be empty. It is so famous that anyone who visits Marseille should never go home with an empty mouth. Fish soup has been around for more than 2,500 years and is rumored to have been brought to France by the Greeks, but even without the Greeks' guidance, Marseille, located in the Mediterranean Sea, would have created it sooner or later. The key to Marseille fish soup is the variety of fish species, and when it comes to fish species, it's a long story. You'll never get a consistent answer as to which fish you should or shouldn't include in your fish soup. What is certain is that traditional Maasai fish soup is free of shellfish, especially mussels, but crab and lobster are not prohibited. This standard is not universal, so you may want to take a closer look at what's in your bowl. How to make it & how to eat it: Sauté onions, tomatoes, garlic and fennel in good olive oil, add thyme, Italian parsley and bay leaves, season with dried orange zest and finish with saffron for color before adding the fish. Contrary to our assumptions, it doesn't take long to cook the Masai fish soup, it has to be done over high heat in 15 minutes (this of course doesn't include the time to prepare the stock, just is it really necessary to use the stock as a base? I'm afraid that's another question). The soup is served separately from the fish, with a slice of bread in the bowl, and the soup is ladled directly into it - perfect with a little rouille. Garlic Chili Sauce The so-called rouille is a garlic chili sauce made with garlic, chili peppers, olive oil, bread crumbs and fish stock. Some people like to spread it on the bread first, or you can put it directly into the fish stock, which makes the Marseille fish soup complete. Accommodation Accommodation in Provence is quite distinctive, as is the diversity of life in the region, ranging from luxury hotels in the city to bed and breakfasts and farms in the countryside, offering a comfortable resting environment and local food. If you know French or can find someone who does, consider staying overnight in a B&B that serves meals to experience the local customs. Some B&Bs also arrange for their guests to participate in local activities, such as dining with the locals, chatting with them, and having fun together under a starry sky, which is the best expression of the spirit of the global village. The King Horne Hotel in Aix has more than 100 rooms and is of a four-star standard. The King Horne Hotel is one of the highest rated hotels in the old town of Aix, with a four star rating, and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as a swimming pool. The hotel has 134 large and small rooms, each with a view of the beautiful gardens, and the hotel restaurant serves authentic Proven?al cuisine. The hotel is managed in an American style, and although it may feel a little different from the beauty and simplicity of Provence, it offers a cozy environment for you to unwind at the end of a full day's travel. Edit Transportation Taking the TGV at Gare de Lyon in Paris There are different train stations in Paris that connect trains to different regions. The train station to reach Provence from Paris is Gare de Lyon, and the type of train is the TGV, which is a French express train that can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, with a journey time of about three hours. To take TGV, you need to make a reservation first, at the ticket counter in Gare de Lyon, from the outside of the train station, you will see door '21' on the left side of the main gate, and then go in to the row of ticket counters, find the one that says 'International' on it, you can do so, if you use a joint ticket to make a reservation, you need to show your ticket, and the cost of reservation is 54 FF, and the conductor will give you a boarding card with a seat number card. The conductor will give you a boarding card with seat number cards. Arrive at the station 30 minutes early to find a platform. Entering the station through the main gate, you can see a huge timetable in the atrium, indicating the time, frequency and platform, usually showing the platforms where the train stops half an hour earlier. Some of the platforms are in the atrium of the station and some are on the right side, and the distance between the two sides is quite far, plus the train departure time is very precise, so if you get the wrong platform, it would be bad. Edit this section Recommended itinerary 1, Provence famous lavender ornamental places: Luberon mountain area, Schmiana mountain area Luberon mountain area (Luberon) Sault Abbey of the flower field is the region's most famous lavender ornamental places, but also the story of the background of the book "Mountain Dwelling Years", known as the whole of France's one of the most beautiful valleys. There is a 12th-century abbey on the mountain, and in front of the Abbey of Senanque there is a large field of lavender flowers in different colors, planted by the abbots of the house. Simiane-la-Rotonde, in the Simiane Mountains, is a very characteristic hill town, on top of which stands Rotonde, a castle built between the 12th and 13th centuries, surrounded by a large lavender field. Standing in the town of Smyrna, you can see the purple flower fields everywhere, spreading infinitely. 2、Small towns around Luberon Luberon (Luberon) is the southern part of the Vaucluse province, where Peter Mayle's "A Year in Provence" was written, and Roussillon (Roussillon) is a colorful village, with peach, bright orange and bright yellow houses scattered randomly like angels' toys. Gordes is a rocky mountain village, and the village of Gordes also has a lavender museum with an old lavender oil press at the entrance. The museum displays the various implements used in lavender farming. The city of Aix, home of the painter Paul Cézanne, has been a university town since the Middle Ages and is also known as the "City of Springs". It is the ancient capital of Roman Provence. The city is known for its unique cuisine, rosé wines, and the Proven?al dialect, the language of Tebay. In Orange, you can sit in the Roman-era amphitheater and watch a play, and in Arles, you can spend an afternoon sitting in a cafe. In July, the city also hosts the International Festival of Photography, a fashionable stone town that exhibits today's great photographers and trendsetters in the old stone alleys and small squares. Editor's note: Life in Provence is simple and noble, and it's a rare moment in life when you come here to slow down the pace, inhale the scent of forgotten herbs, and taste the flavor of freshly made cheese. The old town of Arles in South Provence is famous for its warm and bright Mediterranean sunshine and fashionable art style. Anyone who has read the biography of Van Gogh will probably remember that the illustrious painter worked and lived here. The streets, houses and bars here are full of artistic flavor. Ancient Roman architecture (the Als are descended from the ancient Romans), the works of artists, and people living in modern civilization live in harmony and tranquility here. It also hosts a trendy International Photography Festival every July, where the great photographers and trendsetters of today are exhibited in the old stone alleys and small squares. Editorial Wine If you associate Provence with a plant, tourists from all over the world would choose lavender, but the locals mostly choose fennel. Long ago, Provence was rich in absinthe, which was hallucinogenic and addictive. Because of the high alcohol content often drinkers went blind or crazy. Van Gogh had his ears cut off and Rimbaud was killed by a drunken poet. A hundred years ago, absinthe was banned. Then a hermit made a new drink from aniseed. This aniseed wine saved the Provencals from a plague. Since anise is abundant in Provence, families make their own. Nowadays, the wines that are exported are light in flavor, whereas the aniseed wine made by a random grandmother in the region could put down a cow. The region produces excellent wines, 20% of which are premium and top quality wines. Because of the Mediterranean sunshine, Provence grapes contain more sugar, which is converted into alcohol, making Provence wines two degrees more alcoholic than those from the north. Slightly orange-colored dry rosé is the most characteristic. Common red wines include Cotes de Provence, Coteaux d 'Aix en Provence, Bandol. edit Chateaux de Pau