Provence Overview

Driving around Provence makes you realize that, like the United States, France has a number of different climatologically zones. The southern part of France is close to the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a lot warmer and more humid than Paris in the northwest.

Avignon, in the heart of Provence, was the home to the Pope in the 14th century. It’s surrounded by walls, ramparts and guard towers, built a century earlier, that protected the Pope and his court from 1309 to 1376 . Provence is home to numerous walled medieval villages perched on these mountaintops, with fortresses guarding long-dead residents from invading conquerors.

I had always pictured rural France as nothing but green farmland dotted with cows and sheep; you see that too in Provence. It’s a mountainous region, with geological changes occurring with increases in altitude. In some places there are white rocky outcrops and in others you’ll find bright red clay soil. Gorges and cliffs are everywhere as you drive through the region.

The altitude makes it a perfect environment for growing lavender and olives, the principal crops of the region. Tapinade, a spread made of pulverized olives, is a staple of the afternoon snack, along with wine, cheese and baguettes. I wish I had several weeks to spend in Provence rather than several days. But these have been glorious days, and I hope to return some day!