Provence customs and business etiquette

Romantic Provence, intoxicating lavender sea of flowers

Provence is located in the south of France. Since its birth, it has carefully kept her secret. It was not until the arrival of the Englishman Peter Mailer that the veil of Provence's long-standing unique lifestyle was gradually unveiled. In Mel's works, "Provence" is no longer a simple geographical name, but represents a simple, carefree, relaxed and lazy lifestyle, a humiliation, watching flowers bloom in front of the court; I have no intention of staying, and I have no intention of staying, looking up at the leisurely mood of the sky. If you travel to get rid of the shackles of life, Provence will make you forget everything.

The whole Provence region has an unusual charm because of its great changes-the weather is cloudy and round, the warm wind is warm, the cold wind is wild, the terrain is undulating, the plains are vast, the mountains are steep, the lonely canyons, the desolate castles, the winding mountains and the bustling metropolis all show the myriad customs of this French land. From July to August, lavender blooms in the wind, rich colors decorate the green valley, and the slightly spicy fragrance is mixed with the burnt grass fragrance, interweaving into the most unforgettable atmosphere in southern France.

There are many activities in this area, even more dazzling, from the Monton Lemon Festival in February to the avignon Art Festival in July and August. From the Opera Festival of Ou Hongji to the Lavender Festival in Provence in August, the four seasons echo the unrestrained years of the mountain city. This free color has bewitched the creative inspiration of artists, including Cezanne, Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Xia, all of which have opened a new stage of artistic life in Provence. The hedonistic atmosphere of the Cote d 'Azur also attracted American writer Fitzgerald, British writer D.H. Lawrence, French writer Huxley, Nietzsche and others, including "Years in the Mountains", which pushed Provence to the peak of Peter Mailer. The romantic color and endless art of Provence also attract us to understand it.

The most refreshing thing about Provence is that its air is always filled with the fragrance of lavender, thyme and pine trees. This unique natural fragrance is not easy to experience elsewhere. Lavender is the most unique and deeply loved. Because abundant sunshine is most suitable for the growth of lavender, coupled with the local residents' love for the fragrance and curative effect of lavender, in Provence, not only can you see charming pictures of lavender purple flowers tumbling everywhere, but also various lavender sachets and sachets are hung at home. Shops are also filled with various products made of lavender, such as lavender essential oil, perfume, soap, candles and so on. Drugstores and markets have packaged lavender for sale in herb tea. People can't help but want to know more about the charming aroma of Provence-all kinds of lavender.

In Provence, lavender fields have completely different landscapes all year round. In winter, after harvesting, only short and neat dead branches are left, which are covered with snow. When spring comes, green leaves will grow. June is purple, and gradually, as the summer sunshine gets hotter and hotter, lavender flowers quickly turn into charming deep purple. Then began the busy harvest, it is very important to grasp the time. Therefore, flower farmers have to cut flowers day and night to extract the essence. By the end of September, all the flower fields had been harvested. Lavender fields can catch their breath, absorb the essence of nature and prepare for the purple flowers to bloom again next summer.

Eternal Provence

The whole Provence region has an unusual charm because of its variety-unpredictable weather, warm winds, wild cold winds, undulating terrain, vast plains, steep peaks, lonely canyons, desolate castles, winding mountains and bustling metropolises-all of which show the myriad customs of this land in France. From July to August, lavender blooms in the wind, rich colors decorate the green valley, and the slightly spicy fragrance is mixed with the burnt grass fragrance, interweaving into the most unforgettable atmosphere in southern France. In terms of food, Provence's greatest advantage lies in its rich agricultural products. Fresh vegetables are combined with fruits, olive oil, garlic, seafood and spices to form a paradise for diners.

Roaming the lavender world

Lavender-Lavender, a kind of purple flower whose flower language is "waiting for love", has fascinated many people. Mr Pascal of Self Voyages in Provence drove us through mountains and fields in his Toyota, over white limestone, through a large golden sunflower garden, and finally stopped on a transpiration land in Xia Zi.

Lavender capital, lavender Sausel, is so beautiful. It's the first time for me to see such a lush lavender field, so pure purple blooms in the strewn at random fields, opening romantic symbols in Xia Feng, like the quietest yearning and the sweetest melancholy, as if hidden in the hearts of relatives but never able to hold your hand.

Harvested haystacks are rolled into oak barrels and dried in small groups in the fields, which is pure yellow. Yellow and purple are stretched so clean that the air, our hair and skin are full of lavender flavor.

Our driver and tour guide, Mr Pascal from Provence Self Voyages, prepared a picnic chair for us in the cypress forest. The content of the picnic is so rich that the only worry is that our appetite is too good. Chinese and western dishes, freshly squeezed juice, bread, cheese, fruit, wine and even dessert! Sunlight reveals golden spots from cypress leaves, the wind is soft, birds sing tactfully, their eyes are full of pure purple, and their breath is full of sweet breath-so-called happiness, that's all!

Geography and history of Provence

Provence is located in the south of France. The original Provence started from the Alps in the north and reached the Pyrenees in the south, including the whole southern France. During the Roman Empire, Provence was listed as its province. /kloc-During the Great Revolution at the end of 0/8, France was divided into five different administrative provinces, and Provence was one of them. In the 1960s, the administrative province was reorganized and divided into 22 regions, so the Provence-Alpes Region came into being. Before and after the moderate university town of Aix and the papal town of avignon, there are small medieval villages and ancient mountain cities that have escaped the changes of the century.

Provence produces high-quality wines, of which 20 $ CTS% $ is high-grade and top-grade wines. Due to the sunshine in the Mediterranean, the grapes in Provence contain more sugar, which is converted into alcohol, making the alcohol content of Provence wine 2 degrees higher than that in the north. Dry pink wine with a slight orange color is the most distinctive. Common red wines are Provence, Provence Daniel F. Akerson and Bandor.

From the Mediterranean coast to the inland hilly area, there is a big river "Rhone River" flowing in the middle. Since ancient times, many historical towns have amazed the world with their beautiful sunshine, blue sky, charming Mediterranean and charming lavender.

Aix's Provence Aix is the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne. It has been a university town and a famous "Spring City" since the Middle Ages. This is the ancient capital of Provence in Rome. Today, it is still famous for its ancient Roman ruins, medieval, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Aix is also famous for its unique cooking, rose wine and special language-Provence dialect.

Arles, an ancient town in the south of Provence, is famous for its warm and bright Mediterranean sunshine and fashionable artistic style. Anyone who has seen the Biography of Van Gogh will probably remember that outstanding painters once created and lived here. The streets, houses and bars here are full of strong artistic atmosphere. Ancient Roman architecture (Arabs are descendants of ancient Romans), artists' works and people living in modern civilized society live in harmony, tranquility and beauty here. Every July, a fashionable international photography festival is held here. On the Stone Gu Xiang and Little Square, great photographers and romantic figures who are creating trends today will be exhibited.

Provence gourmet

Many people often use three kinds of food to represent the cooking characteristics of Provence: "olive oil, garlic and tomatoes". Walking in Provence, you can almost see green olive trees. It can be said that this place is an important olive oil production town in France, which not only creates a unique natural landscape, but also provides oil for residents' nutrition. Olives also naturally enter every kitchen, and tapenade is the best example.

Olive sauce

Chop garlic and anchovies separately, add washed capers, thyme, spices and lemon juice, beat well with a food processor, slowly pour in olive oil and season with pepper. Spreading olive sauce on lightly baked bread is the most authentic appetizer, and French bread made with olive sauce is a specialty of Provence. You can also use olive sauce as a dish if you like!

Garlic mayonnaise

Garlic mayonnaise is often called the cream of Provence, which shows its popularity. Just like the direct translation of the name, mayonnaise mixed with garlic is extremely simple, but the food with it is magnificent, from boiled eggs to steamed fish to various lobster ingredients.

French mixed fish soup

In fact, the whole of France has its own fish soup, but the content is slightly different, and then it is given different names, such as cotriade in Brittany and pauchouse in Burgundy. I don't know why, the fish soup in Provence, especially in Marseilles, is very famous. Anyone who visits Marseilles must never return empty-handed.

Fish soup has a history of more than 2500 years. It is said that the Greeks brought it to France, but even without the guidance of the Greeks, Marseille in the Mediterranean will create fish soup sooner or later. Masai fish soup focuses on all kinds of wonderful fish species. When it comes to the types of fish, the story is long. As to whether these fish should be put into fish soup, you will never get a consistent answer. It is certain that there is no shellfish, especially mussels, in the traditional Marseille fish soup, but crabs and lobsters are not banned. This standard is not universal. You might as well take a closer look at what's in your bowl.

Practice &; How to eat: Stir-fry onion, tomato, garlic and fennel with superior olive oil, add thyme, Italian parsley and bay leaf, season with dried orange peel, add saffron to enhance the color, and then add fish. Unlike what we thought, it doesn't take long to make Marseille fish soup, and it needs to be finished in 15 minutes with fire (this certainly doesn't include the time to prepare the broth, but do you really want to use the broth as the base? I'm afraid it's another question). When eating, soup and fish are served separately. Put a piece of bread in the bowl and scoop the soup directly. It would be perfect if it could be accompanied by a little rouille.

rouille

The so-called rouille is garlic Chili sauce. Its raw materials are garlic, Chili, olive oil, bread crumbs and fish soup. Some people like to spread it on bread first, or they can put it directly in fish soup. Add garlic Chili sauce, and Marseille fish soup is finished.

Provence accommodation

Accommodation in Provence is quite distinctive, just like the local diversified lifestyle, from luxury hotels in the city to homestay farms in the countryside, it also provides a comfortable rest environment and local cuisine.

If you know French, or can find someone who knows French to accompany you, you can consider spending the night in a homestay that serves meals and feel the local customs. Some homestays also arrange for guests to participate in local activities, such as having dinner with local people, chatting about the world and having fun under the stars. That kind of harmonious atmosphere should be the best presentation of the spirit of the global village.

King Horn Hotel in Aix has more than 65,438+000 rooms, which meets the four-star standard. King Hohne Hotel is one of the most advanced hotels in the ancient city of Aix, with four stars and advanced facilities such as swimming pool.

The hotel has 134 rooms, each with a beautiful garden. The hotel restaurant also provides authentic Provence cuisine. This hotel adopts American management style. Although it feels a little different from the beautiful and simple Provence, it can provide you with a comfortable environment to express your body and mind after a whole day's trip.

Provence traffic

Take TGV at Lyon station in Paris

There are different railway stations in Paris, and trains go to different areas one after another. The railway station from Paris to Provence is Lyon Station, and the train type is TGV, a French express train with a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, which takes about 3 hours by car. To take TGV, you need to make an appointment first. Make a reservation at the ticket counter at Lyon station. From the left side of the gate outside the railway station, you will see the gate' 21'. When you enter, there is a row of ticket counters. Just find the counter that says "international". If you use a connecting train ticket to book tickets, you must show your ticket. The booking fee is 54FF, and the conductor will give you a boarding pass with the seat number card on it.

Arrive at the station 30 minutes in advance to find the platform.

Entering from the gate of the railway station, you can see the huge timetable in the atrium, which indicates the time, shift and platform. Usually the platform where the train stops will be displayed half an hour ago. I really suggest you get familiar with the environment as soon as possible, because the arrangement of the platform is' unexpected' and the label is not clear. Some platforms are in the atrium of the station, others are on the right, and the distance between the two sides is far. In addition, the train departure time is very accurate. The wrong platform is broken.

Provence recommended itinerary

1. Famous lavender viewing places in Provence: Mount Luberon and Mount Miana.

The flower field of Sauter monastery in Luberon is the most famous lavender viewing place in this area, and it is also the story background of the book Years in the Mountains, which is known as one of the most beautiful valleys in France. There is a monastery in the 12 century on the mountain. There is a large lavender flower field in front of senac Monastery, which is planted by monks in the yard, and there are different colors of lavender.

Schmieja (Simiane-la-Rotonde, Simille) is a unique mountain city. At the top of the hill stands a castle in Luo Teng, which was built in 12 to 13 centuries, and is surrounded by a large lavender flower field. Standing in the town of Schmieja, purple flower fields can be seen everywhere.

2, the surrounding towns tour

Luberon is the southern part of the province of Vokretz, and the place written in Peter Meyer's A Year in Provence is here. Luxiyong is a colorful village, with pink, bright orange and bright yellow houses scattered around the village like angels' toys.

Gordes is a rock villa, and there is also a lavender museum in Gordes village, with an old-fashioned lavender oil press at the door. The museum shows all kinds of utensils in lavender farmland.

Aix is the hometown of painter Paul Cézanne. It has been a university town and a famous "Spring City" since the Middle Ages. This is the ancient capital of Provence in Rome. The city is famous for its unique cooking, rose wine and Provence dialect (the language of Tebe). In oranges, you can sit in the Roman amphitheater and watch a play. In Al, you can spend an afternoon sitting in a coffee shop. Every July, the fashionable Stone Town will hold an international photography festival, which will display great photographers and romantic figures who are creating trends in Stone Gu Xiang and Little Square.

Provencal style

The life in Provence is simple and noble. It is also a rare realm of life to come here to slow down, take a sip of grass and taste delicious cheese.

Arles, an ancient town in the south of Provence, is famous for its warm and bright Mediterranean sunshine and fashionable artistic style. Anyone who has seen the Biography of Van Gogh will probably remember that outstanding painters once created and lived here. The streets, houses and bars here are full of strong artistic atmosphere. Ancient Roman architecture (Arabs are descendants of ancient Romans), artists' works and people living in modern civilized society live in harmony, tranquility and beauty here. Every July, a fashionable international photography festival is held here. On the Stone Gu Xiang and Little Square, great photographers and romantic figures who are creating trends today will be exhibited.

Shopping in Provence: High-quality grapes and wines are produced locally, and 20% of them are high-grade and top-grade wines. Due to the sunshine in the Mediterranean, the grapes in Provence contain more sugar, which is converted into alcohol, making the alcohol content in Provence 2 degrees higher than that in the north. Dry pink wine with a slight orange color is the most distinctive. Common red wine: cotesdeprovidence, coteauxd“aixen provence, bandol.

Provence wine

If Provence is associated with a plant, tourists all over the world will choose lavender, but most locals will choose fennel.

A long time ago, Provence was rich in absinthe, which made people hallucinate and addicted. Because of the high alcohol content, drinkers are often blind or crazy. Van Gogh cut off his ear because of this wine, and Rambo was killed by a poet who drank too much. One hundred years ago, absinthe was banned. Later, a hermit made new wine with star anise. This anise wine saved Provence from the plague. Because Provence is rich in fennel, every household brews it. The wines exported now are all light-flavored, and any local grandmother can put down a cow with anise.

Bo Castle in Provence

Transportation: Take the bus from Yael bus terminal to Marseille and get off at Les Baux. There are four buses every day.

Admission: 6.5 euros for the Bocheng History Museum.

Opening hours: 9: 00 ~ 20: 30 in peak season (July and August); Other time is 9: 00 ~ 19: 30.

Jane:

Bocheng Castle refers to the ruins of the ancient fortress of Les Baux de Provence near Yael. Bocheng was once the fortress of Bocheng, a hero called "vulture clan" by poet Mistra. Later, it experienced the baptism of countless wars. Bocheng Castle was destroyed by war during the reign of Louis 13, and now it is the ruins of that castle for tourists to visit.

The entrance to Bocheng Castle is the bocks Museum, which shows the historical materials and cultural relics of the castle in its heyday. Standing at the top of the castle, you can see the surrounding scenery of Yael ancient city. It is said that the tile Denffer in the north is the place that triggered Dante to write The Divine Comedy: Hell.