Provence

For a long time Provence has been looked upon as an idyllic place on Earth, and that's one of the reasons millions of tourists visit the area every year. Provence is also the region in France where the French would rather live and work!

Provence is still mainly a rural region full of French culture, a fact which is shown by their polite behaviour and to a certain extent their punctionality. The shop owners always greet you when you enter, but they close at 12 o'clock precisely! Other institutions open and close at the exact time. The lunch break is regarded as holy in Provence but if you want things to be done, you have to be patience…

Traditions are important for the people of Provence. Local handicrafts are not strange replicas but respected and traditional work. The artists who came here for the light and the landscape, found other kinds of inspiration too. Pablo Picasso learned the art of pottery from a Provencal craftsman whilst the faïence of Moustiers and glassware from Biot are widely known and respected. The Provencal kitchen is famous. The aroma of different herbs mixed with the generosity of wine is a simple but rich combination and a great favourite with many people around the world.