La Provence
Enchanting South of France
When one thinks of La Provence, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the breathtakingly bright lavender fields emblematic of the metropolitan region of southern France. They belong to the beautiful landscape just like the quaint villages, the chic old towns, the Mont Ventoux, the wetlands of the Camargue and the stony Crau and of course the French Riviera, well-known in German-speaking countries as the Côte d'Azur.
But there is much more to Provence than a picturesque cultural landscape that has inspired many artists' works over the decades. For example, many paintings by the world-famous Vincent van Gogh show motifs from Provence.
But not only painters are attracted and drawn to the south of France. Numerous musicians regularly perform there as well, at festivals and on other occasions. Tourism is distinct and diverse in Provence, and it does not always have to be Marseille or Nice, but also in the south of France.
Enchanting South of France
When one thinks of La Provence, the first thing that probably comes to mind are the breathtakingly bright lavender fields emblematic of the metropolitan region of southern France. They belong to the beautiful landscape just like the quaint villages, the chic old towns, the Mont Ventoux, the wetlands of the Camargue and the stony Crau and of course the French Riviera, well-known in German-speaking countries as the Côte d'Azur.
But there is much more to Provence than a picturesque cultural landscape that has inspired many artists' works over the decades. For example, many paintings by the world-famous Vincent van Gogh show motifs from Provence.
But not only painters are attracted and drawn to the south of France. Numerous musicians regularly perform there as well, at festivals and on other occasions. Tourism is distinct and diverse in Provence, and it does not always have to be Marseille or Nice, but also in the south of France.
About 3000 hours of sunshine per year
The mild Mediterranean climate, makes the southeast of France a worthwhile destination at any time of the year. Provence boasts the warmest and, with around 2,600 to 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the sunniest region in France. Toulon located on the southern tip is considered the sunniest city in mainland France. In the north, Provence borders on the Dauphiné countryside.
The climate in southeastern France is influenced primarily by strong winds, such as the Mistral, which can be particularly severe in winter. Rainfall is highest between October and April. On sunny days, the temperatures can easily reach up to 20 degrees Celsius, even in winter. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and there are not too many tourists around. Summers are very warm and are ideal for sunbathing, especially on the beautiful sandy beaches of Provence.