Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This magnificent region is shaped like a giant wedge of quiche. From its sunburned crust,
fanning out along the Mediterranean coast from the Camargue to Marseille, it stretches
north along the Rhône Valley to Orange. The Romans were here in force and left many ru-
ins—some of the best anywhere. Seven popes, artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul
Cézanne, and author Peter Mayle all enjoyed their years in Provence. This destination fea-
tures a splendid recipe of arid climate, oceans of vineyards, dramatic scenery, lively cities,
and adorable hill-capping villages.
ExploretheghosttownthatisancientLesBaux,andseeFrance'sgreatestRomanru-
ins, the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the theater in Orange. Admire the skill of ball-tossing
boules
playersinsmallsquaresineveryProvençalvillageandcity.SpendafewVanGogh-
inspiredstarry,starrynightsinArles.YouthfulbutclassyAvignonbustlesintheshadowof
its brooding Palace of the Popes. It's a short hop from Arles or Avignon into the splendid
scenery and villages of the Côtes du Rhône and Luberon regions.
Planning Your Time
Make Arles or Avignon your sightseeing base—particularly if you have no car. Italophiles
prefer smaller Arles, while poodles pick urban Avignon. Arles has a blue-collar quality;
the entire city feels like Van Gogh's bedroom. Avignon—double the size of Arles—feels
