Destinations - France - Haute Provence

Nowhere else in this country of contrasts will you find greater diversity than Provence. From the mountain slopes of Haute Provence, with olive groves and fields of lavender to the salt marshes of Camargue with its pink flamingos and wild bulls;

from the spectacular Gorges du Verdon to fertile plains where vineyards alternate with orange and lemon groves; from the parched rocks of Les Alpilles to the sun baked beaches of the Mediterranean.

At every turn there is something new to catch the eye, all bathed in that extraordinary bright light which attracted painters like Van Gogh and Cézanne who captured the Provencal landscape on canvas so perfectly.

To the east, in Var and Alpes de Haute Provence, you’ll find beautiful hilltop towns and villages such as Saint Paul de Vence, Seillans and Les Arcs and the town of Grasse, famous for the perfumes made there from the wild flowers gathered from the fragrant mountain slopes.

To the west is Aix, with its fountains and leafy boulevards and the sun baked mountain scenery of the Luberon.

Beyond lie the Roman treasures at Arles, Nimes and the Pont du Gard as well as Avignon with its Pope’s Palace and famous bridge, all well worth a day trip.

Search & Book villas in Haute Provence

Local Cuisine

The sun shines on the essential ingredients of the food of Provence – fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil ripe tomatoes and fresh fruit, including oranges, lemons, melons, peaches and apricots, all bursting with flavour.

The region boasts some superb fish dishes; red mullet with rosemary,perch with fennel, bream à la Provencale, salt cod with aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and Bouillabaisse, the copious fish stew from Marseille.

You can also enjoy the slow cooked beef casserole, Bôeuf en Daube, Ratatouille, made from aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes and peppers, whilst for lighter meals what could be better than a Salade Nicoise or Pissaladiere, a Provencal version of pizza?

All of these dishes can be accompanied by some excellent local wines, notably reds such as the famous Châteaneuf du Pape or lighter Côtes de Provence wines.

The region produces some very good rosé wines, notably that of Bandol, which are great for summer drinking.

Local Attractions

• Roman amphitheatre at Arles
• The bridge at Avignon
• Les Baux de Provence
• St. Rémy de Provence
• Aix en Provence