PROVENCE Provence vastly different destination. It has a Mediterranean feel, with delicious food, hilltop villages, towns with charming squares and outdoor cafes, and tons of romantic hotels. The best cities for ruins is a include Nîmes, Orange, Arles, Vaison-la-Romaine, and St. Remy. Soak in the ambiance of medieval towns like Les Beaux or the city of Avignon, home of the Popes’ Palace. To experience contemporary Provence, stroll the fresh markets, eat in cafes under the shade of plane trees, and gaze upon the waving lavender fields. The plane-tree-lined streets are what you think of when you think of rural France. These trees tower up to 100 feet, providing an umbrella- like canopy of coverage for cafes, street vendors, and romantic strolls.
The gastronomic experience in Provence has a familiar foundation of olive oil, red and rosé wines, rosemary, thyme, and tomatoes. You’ll find many outstanding wines to pair with the local cuisine. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, near Avignon, is a recognized terroir or appellation, with its wine production delivering distinctive characteristics found nowhere else in the world. At Nîmes, watch bullfights, tour impressive Roman ruins, and saunter through Les Jardins de la Fontaine, one of the first publicly funded gardens in Europe. Plan for at least a week in Provence, depending on your itinerary. While English is common in tourist areas, it’s a good idea to learn a few basic French phrases before you go. Even if you’re not fluent, locals will appreciate your efforts and may counter the famous French diffidence against outsiders.
22 | ROMAN JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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