Provence, France: An Incentive Travel Solutions Featured Destination

February 24, 2012 / in Featured Destinations

Provence, France is a region filled with sensual herb aromas, infinite hillsides, and intriguing harbors. It offers a picturesque landscape many have only seen in books or the paintings of artists such as Van Gogh. Defined by bordering scenery of the Rhone, Mediterranean, northern olive trees, and the Alps, the destination supplies an internal contrasting terrain unlike any other. Individuals can find plummeting gorges complemented by lavender fields and stunning beaches. Located in the southern region of France, the city of Provence was one of the first areas taken over by the Romans on this side of the Alps. Moderate climate conditions combined with an extensive historical background make Provence an interesting place for any individual to travel.

History

Original settlers consisted of various farming cultures, the Celts, the Greeks, and the Romans. Germans invaded the territory between the fifth and ninth centuries before the Middle Ages. As the Middle Age era surfaced, three dynasties paved the way to what is now modern Provence. Historical takeovers remained prominent through post Middle Ages with the region being incorporated as part of France in approximately 1486. A plague in the 1700’s led to a large diminishing of the population; however, artistic industries such as pottery became prevalent shortly after. The violent French Revolution caused extensive turmoil that was only subsided when Napoleon seized power in the later portion of the seventeenth century. Today, residents enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere where the original beauty that attracted a vast array of rulers has been peacefully preserved.

Landscapes

Provence is known for its widespread contrasting landscapes with a few specifically increasing the popularity of this travel destination. The Rhone river can be found on the western portion as one of Frances former connections to the Mediterranean. It divides prior to reaching the sea with sections being referred to as the Grand Rhone and the Petit Rhone. The Alps reside northwest of this region to form the border between France and Italy. A series of inlets, referred to as the Calanques, are an ancient cultural remnant considered to be a famous coastal feature of this region.

Culture

Painters, writers, and film makers have all attempted to portray the beauty this destination has to offer. Louis Brea, a painter during the fifteenth century, created works in several churches of the region. Pierre Paul Puget was a prominent religious and portrait painter a century later. His famous creations can be found in the Louvre, Toulon Cathedral, and the additional structures. Additional artists of the area include Adolphe Monticelli, Vincent Van Gogh, Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Monet. Visitors can see numerous works created by these individuals in various museums. Provence, also the site of some of the earliest produced motion pictures, has been home to many modern films. The cuisine of the region consists of a few main ingredients: olive oil, garlic, seafood, lamb, goat, and local fruits. Food is limited due to the locations poor terrain; however, visitors are still able to try several exquisite dishes from local cultures. Modern practices have greatly improved both the food and beverages one can try when visiting.