Provence

Languedoc & Rousillon : Provence : Cote d'Azur : Corsica

Car Hire (main collection points only) : Aix-en-Provence : Marseille Airport : Marseille Railway Station : Montpelier Railway Station : Montpelier Airport : Nice Airport: Nice Downtown : Nice Railway Station : Cannes Airport : Cannes Downtown

Provence is a place where the myth of the French people comes alive.

There is plenty of laughter here, good wine, late hours and warm smiles.

The passionate Provencal people have witnessed civilization succeed civilization over thousands of years and, although still full of independent character, they have learned the advantages of accepting the influences of Italy, Spain and the Arab world.

Most of the Provence is dry but fertile lane whose pine forests are in constant danger of sweeping fires.

In early summer wild morel mushrooms, sweet tomatoes and peppers colour the fields. Other harvests include olives and of the course the famous and almost priceless Provenal truffle.

The rich earth also nourishes some of France’s most famous vineyards, in particular those at Chateauneauf-du-Pape which are famous for their strong red and flavorful white wines.

The ancient city of Aix-en-Provence (pronounced ‘Ex-on Provonce’) was once the capital of the Provence region, in southern France.

The city is very easy to reach by car, since it lies at the crossroads of the main motorway routes to Italy, Spain and the Alps.

The name Aix (which comes from the Latin word 'aquae' meaning water) was given to the city because of its hot mineral spring, where the Romans went to bathe.

Many people still visit the springs today to be cured of their aches and pains.

South of Aix, Marseille is France’s oldest and second biggest city.

Founded by the Greek traders in 600 BC, the gateway to the Mediterranean, the Orient and beyond has been a bustling port for centuries.

Marseille’s reputation as the “Chicago of France” was built on tales of Mafia, financial corruption and drugs.

In this area you can obtain your hire car from Aix-en-Provence, Avignon Airport, Avignon Railway Station (AV1 TGV and AV2 Eurostar), Marseille Airport, Marseille Railway Station (MR4 and MRSL02) and Nimes Airport.