The Three A's of
Provence
If you've decided to head to Provence this summer,
but are having trouble knowing where to start in
your plans, don't panic! Provence is a vast region
of France that is home to many spectacular sights
and colourful customs, but as long as you do a
little bit of research it shouldn't be too hard to
tailor your trip to your needs. To start you off
with a few ideas, here's a brief guide to the 3 A's
of Provence: Aix, Arles and Avignon.
Aix is perhaps one of the most famous towns in the
Provence region - long regarded as the cultural
capital of Provence, it is home to some beautiful
architecture as well as a wealth of history for you
to discover. The town plays host to many educational
institutions, giving it a refined air, whilst also
remaining a favourite spot for writers and artists
across the world. Aix played a large part in the
life and art of Paul Cézanne, and visitors can call
in at his studio, view his art on display in the
Musée Granet, or even take a special Cézanne tour
through the town. A popular spot for those in search
of a bit of French culture, Aix is definitely worth
a visit.
Arles, on the other hand, is perhaps slightly less
renowned as one of Provence's towns to visit.
Visitors tend to be drawn in by the town's Roman
history and the paintings of Vincent van Gogh, its
most celebrated ex-resident. As yet, Arles has
remained largely untouched by the tourist industry,
making it a nice place to stop off to escape the
hustle and bustle of larger Provence towns. Full to
the brim with monuments and museums, Arles is
certainly an artistic town, with a fine line in
crafts and cultural traditions. For somewhere with a
less hectic pace of life, Arles stands out as a
must-see Provence town.
Avignon is another town in Provence which is well
known to tourists, largely due to the popular "Sur
le pont d'Avignon" rhyme. The town contains much
impressive and well preserved art and architecture,
proving that it has more to offer than its infamous
bridge. The Papal Palace, for example, was home to
several popes during the 14th century, and is the
largest Gothic palace in the world. Avignon itself
is a vibrant place with lots of history and culture
to explore, and is sure to wow you with its
picturesque vistas.
Whether you choose to stick with the A's, or venture
further into other Provence destinations like Nice
and Marseilles, it truly is a wonderful spot for a
summer holiday. Pick up a cheap hotel and
accommodation package deal online, and save by
purchasing your holiday insurance with companies
like GO Travel- you can have a memorable break in
the South of France without breaking the bank.
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