Walking and Cycling in Provence Travel Guide
Fields of Lavender, Great Walks, Rides and Provencal Cuisine
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The area of Provence is famous for is wonderful walks many on old Roman paths, through quaint villages and wonderfully picturesque countryside. The area has been attracting visitors for some time now, drawn by the famous fields of lavender and the opportunity to explore places like Moustier-Sainte-Marie and the Gorge du Verdon.
The region is also famous for its great walks and bike rides - throughout the region there are many trails to follow, stopping off at pretty villages during the day, and tasting the culinary delights of world renowned Provencal cuisine in the evening. Everywhere in Provence you can find local markets, which have a fantastic array of fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and many other local specialities - great reason alone to visit!
Begining with the Ligurian Princess Gyptis the history of Provence goes back to the 6th century B.C. when she received what it is now Marseilles as a gift of marriage to the Phoenician, Protis. It was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century B.C. and became known as the Provencia Romana, frome where we get today's name. Under the Romans the region prospered greatly and towns such as Aix-en-Provence, Arles, Orange, Vaison la Romaine and Fréjus still boast magnificent Roman remains such as amphitheatres, spas, and villas.
From the fall of the Roman Empire in 410 a period of stagnation set in until the new Kingdom of Provence was formed in 855 A.D, it's fame spreading once again through Europe, possibly as a result of the region's wandering minstrels.
Pope Clement V settled in Avignon in 1309 and then after being annexed to the French Crown in 1482, Provence once again suffered difficult times with religious wars sweeping the region in the 16th century. The French Revolution of 1789 saw the region split along Republican and Royal lines and in the 19th century a new era of prosperity ensued.
The 20th century saw migration away from the countryside to towns and cities, leaving behind today a landscape which is at once idyllic and at the same time full of history.
Attractions in Walking and Cycling in Provence
The town of Castellane is dominated by a limestone crag, le Roc, which has been a place of pilgrimage since the 9th century, whilst Moustiers-Sainte-Marie has been famous since the 17th century for its fine glazed and painted ‘Moustiers Blue’ pottery.
From the pretty village of La Palud-sur-Verdon you can easily visit the Gorges du Verdon, which, at a depth of 700m is the deepest limestone gorge in Europe.
Other attractions include Mount Ventoux, the Ardeche Gorge and the lavender fields around Vinsobres.
Activities in Walking and Cycling in Provence
Take a week or even two, to walk from village to village, sampling the local delicacies along the way. Provencal cuisine uses liberal amounts of garlic, olive oil and traditional ‘herbes de Provence’. You will also find fantastic regional goats’ cheeses and fine local wines.
Relaxing
In the evenings, after a rewarding day, you can relax in one of the many restaurants in the local towns and villages.
Getting Around
On foot is obviously the most enjoyable way to get around Provence but a car will prove useful if not walking. Often hoteliers will move baggage from place to place for you. Alternatively join an organised walking tour – a great way to see the region free of travel worries.
Walking and Cycling in Provence Reviews
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