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Provence is bounded by the Alps and Italy to the east and the Rhône River to the west, with the Mediterranean Sea providing
its southern border. It has very varied topographical feautures, ranging from fertile plains in the Rhône valley to
mountains in the east (notably Mont Ventoux, the Luberon range and the Alpilles), to marshlands in the south (the Camargue).
The Camargue is a fascinating area and is western Europe's largest river delta. It is a vast plain comprising large brine
lagoons or étangs, cut off from the sea by sandbars and encircled by reed-covered marshes which are in turn surrounded by a
large cultivated area.
The Côte d'Azur,the famous French Riviera which stretches from Hyères to Menton is an upmarket tourist area and boasts some of
the most expensive property in the world. The cities and coastline abound with first class hotels, in restaurants, chic
boutiques, private beaches and luxury houses.
In the hills of the region (the alpes) you can ski in winter and summer walk, ride or cycle.
The Principality of Monaco is nestled between Nice and Italy. Other major cities include Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Arles.
Marseilles is by far the largest city in Provence, being the princi
- Regional information for Bouches-du-Rhone, Provence Alpes
Bordered by mountains with the Mediterranean to the south, the Bouches-du-Rhone is diverse.Perhaps its most
famous feature is the Camargue. This is a wild, marshy area long used for the breeding of beef cattle and horses,
for the evaporation of sea water to make salt, and more recently for growing rice.
- Regional information for Haute-Alpes, Provence Alpes
The Haute-Alpes department is dominated by the Alpes. Laid out in tiers on the lower foothills of the western Alps, the Hautes-Alpes link part of the former
Dauphiné to the north of Provence.
- Regional information for Alpes-Maritimes, Provence Alpes
The Alpes-Maritimes shares its border with Italy and is home to the ever popular Cote d'Azur. There is good
reason for this with superb gardens and orange and lemon groves dotting this spectacular, craggy coastline.
- Regional information for Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Provence Alpes
Ski slopes, aromatic lavender fields and mountainous plateaus sum up some of this region's varied landscape. To
the north, you have the Ubaye Valley surrounded by some of the region's highest peaks.
- Regional information for Var, Provence Alpes
Honey, black truffles and figs are just some of the local produce grown in the Var that enjoys
about 300 days of sunshine every year.
- Regional information for Vaucluse, Provence Alpes
For many the Vaucluse is the 'real Provence', a region brought to the fore by its famous patron, Peter Mayle and his
bestseller, 'a year in Provence'.
- Provence Alpes food and drink
The Cote D'Azur was ruled by Italy from the end of the 14th century until 1860, when it became a part of France and this infuence is evident in
its food. Seafood is, of course, the focus, but pasta dishes and pizzas are de rigeur.
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