Is Provence a romantic city?

Romantic Provence, intoxicating sea of ??lavender flowers

Provence is located in the south of France. From the day it was born, it carefully kept its secrets until the arrival of the British Peter Mayle. , the veil of Provence’s long-standing unique lifestyle has gradually been unveiled. In Meyer's writing, "Provence" is no longer a simple regional name, but also represents a simple, carefree, relaxed and lazy lifestyle, a kind of indifference, watching the flowers bloom and fall in front of the court; having no intention of leaving or leaving, looking forward to it. The relaxing mood of the clouds in the sky. If traveling is about getting rid of the shackles of life, Provence will make you forget everything.

The entire Provence region has an unusual charm due to its extreme changes - the weather is cloudy and sunny, the warm wind is gentle, the cold wind is wild, the terrain is ups and downs, the plains are vast, the peaks are steep, and the lonely canyons, Desolate castles, winding mountains and lively cities all interpret various styles in this land of France. Lavender blooms in the wind between July and August, and the rich colors decorate the green valleys. The slightly spicy fragrance is mixed with the fragrance of scorched grass, interweaving into the most unforgettable scent of southern France.

The number of activities in this area is even more dizzying, from the Monton Lemon Festival in February of the first year to the Avignon Arts Festival in July and August. From Ohunji's Opera Festival to the Lavender Festival in the Provence Mountains in August, the four seasons echo the unfettered years of the mountain city. This free color inspired the creation of artists, including Cézanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Chagall, etc., who all started a new stage of artistic life in Provence. The hedonistic atmosphere of the C?te d'Azur also attracted the American writer Fei Zijero, the British writer D.H Lawrence, the French writer Huxley, Nietzsche and others came to make pilgrimages, and of course, Peter Meyer, who pushed Provence to its peak with "The Years of the Mountains". The romantic colors and endless art of Provence also attract us.

The most refreshing thing about Provence is that its air is always filled with the aroma of lavender, thyme, pine, etc. This unique natural aroma cannot be easily experienced elsewhere. Among them, lavender is the most unique and loved. Since the abundant and bright sunshine is most suitable for the growth of lavender, and the local residents love the fragrance and curative effect of lavender, in Provence, you can not only see the charming scenes of lavender purple flowers blooming all over the place, but it is also common to hang various hangings in homes. There are various kinds of lavender sachets and sachets, and shops are also filled with various products made from lavender, such as lavender essential oil, perfume, soap, candles, etc., and packaged lavender herbal tea is sold in pharmacies and markets. . People can't help but want to know more about the charming aroma of Provence - the various varieties of lavender.

In Provence, lavender fields have completely different landscapes throughout the year. In winter, after the harvest is cut, only short and neat dead stems are left, covered with white snow. When spring arrives, green leaves emerge. June is purple. Gradually, as the summer sun gets hotter, the lavender flowers quickly turn into a charming deep purple. Then the busy harvesting work begins. Time is important, so flower farmers must work day and night to harvest the flowers and distill the extract. By the end of September, all flower fields have been harvested. The lavender fields can take a breather, absorb the essence of nature, and prepare for the purple flowers to bloom again next summer.

Forever Provence

The entire Provence region has an unusual charm due to its extreme changes - the weather is cloudy and sunny, the warm wind is gentle, the cold wind is wild, the terrain is ups and downs, and the plains Vast expanses, steep peaks, lonely canyons, desolate castles, winding mountains and lively cities - all of these are present in this French land. Lavender blooms in the wind between July and August, and the rich colors decorate the green valleys. The slightly spicy fragrance is mixed with the fragrance of scorched grass, intertwining into the most unforgettable scent of southern France. In terms of food, the biggest advantage of Provence is its abundant agricultural products. The combination of fresh vegetables and fruits, olive oil, garlic, seafood and spices creates a paradise for diners.

Food

Many people often use three foods to represent the cooking characteristics of Provence: "olive oil, garlic and tomatoes". When walking in Provence, almost everything you see is green olive trees. This place can be said to be the important town of French olive oil production. It not only creates a unique natural landscape, but also provides the residents with the oil needed for nutrition. Olives have naturally entered every kitchen, and tapenade is the best example.

·Tape tapenade

Chop the garlic and anchovy separately, add washed capers, thyme, savory and lemon juice. Beat well with a food processor, slowly add olive oil and season with pepper.

The prepared tapenade spread on lightly toasted bread is the most authentic appetizer, and French bread made with tapenade is a specialty of Provence. If you like, you can also use tapenade as a dish!

·Garlic Mayonnaise

Garlic mayonnaise is often called the cream of Provence, which shows its popularity. Just like the direct translation of the name, it is a mixture of mayonnaise and garlic. It is extremely simple, but it can be paired with a variety of foods, from boiled eggs, steamed fish, to various lobster ingredients.

· Bouillabaisse

In fact, the whole of France has its own fish soup, but the content is slightly different and it is given a different name, such as Brittany (Brittany) ) cotriade, Burgundy (Burgundy) pauchouse. I don’t know why, but Provence, especially Marseille, is very famous for its fish soup. Anyone who visits Marseille must not leave empty-mouthed.

Attractions:

1. Famous lavender viewing spots in Provence: Luberon Mountains and Schimiana Mountains

The flower fields of the Sault Monastery in Luberon Mountains are the The most famous lavender viewing spot in the region and the background of the book "Mountain Life", it is known as one of the most beautiful valleys in France. There is a 12th-century monastery on the mountain. There is a large lavender field in front of Senanque Monastery. It was planted by the monks in the monastery and has lavender of different colors.

Simiane-la-Rotonde is a very distinctive mountain town. On the top of the mountain stands Rotonde Castle, built in the 12th to 13th centuries, surrounded by A large lavender field. Standing in the town of Shimiyana, you can see purple flower fields everywhere, spreading endlessly.

2. Tour of surrounding small towns

Luberon (Luberon) is the southern region of Vaucluse, where the place written in Peter Meyer's "A Year in Provence" is here. Roussillon is a colorful village, with pink, bright orange and bright yellow houses scattered randomly in the village like angels' toys.

Gordes is a rock villa. There is also a lavender museum in the village of Gordes, with an old-fashioned lavender oil press at the door. The museum displays various utensils used in lavender fields.

Aix is ??the hometown of the painter Paul Cézanne. It has been a university town since the Middle Ages and is also a famous "Fountain City". This is the ancient capital of Roman Provence. The city is famous for its unique cuisine, rosé wine, and the Provence dialect, the language of Tebe. In Orange, you can sit and watch a play in the Roman-era amphitheater; in Arles, you can spend an afternoon sitting in a café.

Every July, the very fashionable Stone Town International Photography Festival is held here. In the ancient stone alleys and small squares, today's trend-creating photographers and romantic figures are exhibited.