LANDSCAPE: With its feet in the Mediterranean and its head in the Alps, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region has an extensive palette of colourful landscapes. Officially, Provence is named "Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur" or P.A.C.A. The region contains six departments: The Alpes Maritimes (06), which is known as the Cote d'Azur or Riviera; Var (83); Bouches du Rhône (13); Vaucluse (84); Alpes de haute Provence (04); and Haute Alpes (05).

There are three distinct landscapes in Provence: the coast, the interior and the mountains. The Mediterranean coast stretches from the Italian border in the southeast to the wild wetlands of the Rhône river delta in the west. The coast includes rocky inlets, turquoise waters, luxury Riviera resorts, chic cities, fascinating harbours, colourful fishing villages and natural parks. The interior heartland of Provence features the hills that bind the sea to the Alps creating famous vineyards, pedestals for the perched villages, bountiful fields and orchards, and scenery that charmed Cézanne, Van Gough, Chagall and more. The lifestyle is relaxed and the food and wine is plentiful. The southern Alps rise up over Provence to offer clean air, vast protected lands, sunny skiing, and outdoor activities such as riding, hiking, climbing and cycling.

Provence has been a major crossroads for different civilizations and has a wealth of historical sites to discover: the popes ruled the church of Rome from Avignon and the Palais des Papes; Arles, Orange and Vaison la Romaine provide evidence of Roman architecture. The Riviera is legendary and luxurious. Charming villages, the Mediterranean and Aix en Provence are jewels of Provence. The Rhône valley has some of the most celebrated vineyards in France, and the fields and orchards brimming with fruits, vegetables, nuts, olives, and honey are renowned. The pace of life is slower here under the warm Provencal sun.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS:Visit the spectacular Calanques of Cassis, the medieval citadel of Les Baux-de-Provence, charming hilltop villages, colourful markets, and fascinating historical cities. Explore the Roman theatre at Orange, the amphitheatre in Arles, Glanum and the archeological site at Vaison-la-Romaine. Avignon was the centre of the Roman church, and the15th century Popes palace in Avignon is definitely worth a visit. Spend the day at the markets in Aix en Provence. Discover colourful fishing villages and fascinating harbours. Soak up the sun and sights at the beaches and cafés.

FOOD & WINE: Provence's classic 'cuisine du soleil' is based on fresh produce, olive oil, herbs, tomatoes and garlic. Dishes include ratatouille and soup de pistou, with fresh basil and pine nuts; daube, marinated beef; and bouillabaisse, fish soup with garlic, olive oil and saffron. Try the famous sweet Montelimar nougat.

Sample the regions famous wines - even the local 'vin ordinaire' is good. Sumptuous red wines are Côtes du Rhône and the aristocrat of reds, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Refreshing white and rosé wines include Coteaux des Baux-en-Provence, Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, Côtes du Luberon and Côtes du Ventoux. Beaumes-de-Venise Muscat is a luscious amber dessert wine - also sipped as an apéritif.

HISTORY: The Romans left the most lasting influence, such as the magnificent Pont du Gard aquaduct, the theatre at Orange, the arena in Arles, ruins in Glanum and Vaison-la-Romaine. Avignon was the centre of the Roman church, and the15th century Popes palace in Avignon is definitely worth a visit. Many celebrated artists and writers found inspiration for their great works in Provence.

ACTIVITES: Take a canoe trip along the spectacular Ardeche or Drôme. Walk, hike or cycle through tranquil wooded countryside, until you find the perfect spot for a picnic. Lounge around the pool or explore the local villages. Tennis courts and riding stables are never far away and the hills and mountains make splendid walking country. Boat trips are available along the Rhône and to many offshore islands. Many villages have shady pitches for a leisurely game of boules. Cycle and sample your way through the vineyards of Provence. The markets of Provence are an endless delight.

LOCAL EVENTS:

• June - Valréas. Festival celebrated since 1504 with costumed actors and torch-lit parade.
• Early July - Festival of Avignon (theatre, dance and music)
• Early July. The lyrical festival in Aix en Provence.
• July. Melon festival. Cavaillon
• July. Jazz festival Nice, Antibes.
• Mid October - Pilgrimage of Saintes Maries at Ste. Marie-de-la-Mer.

CLIMATE: Provence is renowned for its climate and light; almonds and mimosa blossom in February and the hot sun of summer lingers into warm autumn days. An occasional Mistral (October to April) sweeps away clouds and haze to create clear, brilliant blue skies and beautiful starry nights.