Provence, a region in southeastern France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, is known for its diverse landscapes, from the Southern Alps and Camargue plains to rolling vineyards, olive groves, pine forests, and poppy and lavender fields. Mountains drop down to the sea, communities perch on crags or cling to remote hillsides (perched villages). To the south is the Côte d'Azur (or French Riviera), where the elegant city of Nice and glamorous resort towns such as Saint-Tropez and Cannes line the coast. It largely corresponds with the modern administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and includes the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as parts of Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse. While it has been part of France for more than five hundred years, its historical background (from being a Roman province to being ruled by Counts of Provence until 1481 to becoming part of France) continues to give it a unique character. From natural wonders and historic architecture to the cream of modern art, Provence is a region with something for everyone while retaining its distinct cultural and linguistic identity, particularly in the interior of the region.
