Provence is an area in the South East of France, famous for its sun drenched countryside landscapes, lavender fields, oleander trees and olives. When most people think of Provence, they think of a slower pace of life, walks through forests of oak and chestnut trees, church towers with wrought-iron campanile where the 'mistral' finds little obstruction, sloping vineyards and the colorful scenery that charmed Cezanne and Van Gogh. But Provence is much more than this. It also has the sun drenched beaches and yacht-filled harbors of the Cote d'Azur , the famous French Riviera which stretches from Hyeres to Menton and contains the great port cities of Marseilles, Toulon and Nice. Provence also has the Alps and skiing, just one hour from the seaside. The Alpes d'Azur rise high above Nice to 4000 meters with the Alpes of Haute Provence and the Hautes Alpes providing winter skiing and summer exploring on horseback or by bike.
The largest city french property for sale in Provence is Marseilles, 700 km from Paris on the A7, also has the Marignane International Airport of Marseilles. Because it is so large and busy, people tend to avoid Marseilles when visiting Provence. This is a mistake as the old town ('Panier') and port, the cliff road high above the sea, the wild inlets plunging into the deep blue water for 20 km. to Cassis, are very well worth seeing.
Although not the largest city, the actual capitol of Provence is Aix-en-Provence. Protected by the Montagne Ste Victoire which rises to 1,011m. Aix is surrounded by a countryside full of authentic Provencal houses and traditional French style gardens. As a city of art and culture Aix possesses a wealth of superb architecture that has been carefully preserved and restored. Walking through the Cours Mirabeau and the Rue Gaston de Saporta one can admire the private mansions with their sculptured doors and windows and the intricate iron work on the balconies. Discerning shoppers choose the elegant boutiques in the quartier Mazarin. Aix-en-Provence is also known as the city of Fountains. Everywhere, throughout the town, fountains big and small bubble and spray and splash. The Cours Mirabeau has some of the finest.
Avignon is a popular destination for property for sale in france holiday makers, with the 14th century Palais des Papes and rich Roman history making it a fascinating base for the rest of your vacation. Not far away is the town of Arles, known for its Roman remains and as one of the places captured in the work of the artist Van Gogh. Arles is also the gateway to the Camargue region, and many visitors tour the wetlands, pastures and salt flats of this unique area, rich in wildlife.
From trendy expensive towns such as St. Tropez and Antibes, to little villages in the hills, from skiing on the Alps to sun drenched beaches, Provence can supply it all.
