Provence Overview
The borders of Provence have been determined by nature herself: The Rhone River to the west, the Mediterranean to the south and in the north the line where the olive trees end. As you may know, Provence is a pastiche of small towns, major cities, tree laden hillsides and pebbly beaches.
Throughout the area, the picturesque landscape and the rare beauty of the light have inspired artists of all kinds, and continue to do so today. Great painters and sculptors like Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso, have given Provence a prominent position in the history of modern art.
Yet there is more to this romantic and tranquil region than its art. During a stay here you’ll want to wander in the food markets and dine in local restaurants to experience the hearty Provencal cuisine. The proximity of the Mediterranean inspires bouillabaisse (a robust stew made with tomatoes, saffron and several varieties of fish and shellfish). Crusty bread pairs with the local varieties of tangy chévre (goat cheese) and lavender and honey are abundant here.
The people of Provence may be a bit more reserved than American but they are happy to share their corner of the world with you. If you are open and take the time to explore different villages, you will be warmly welcomed and you may make friendships that last a lifetime.
As you explore the Roman ruins of Arles, or wander through the old port in Marseilles, France’s oldest city, you’ll feel a sense of the diverse history that enriches this area of France.
During your stay you will want to explore the best that Provence offers, including: Côtes-du-Rhône wine villages such as Beaumes-de-Venise, Gigondas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the cities of Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, the historic city and cultural center; the major antiques market at Isle-sur-la-Sorgue; Luberon hilltop towns, including Ménerbes, Gordes & Roussillon. Of course don’t miss wine tasting, fine restaurants, lively markets, art galleries and artisan ateliers, local fêtes and gorgeous scenery.
Provencal local markets offer up olive oil, lavender and crusty loaves of bread, while neighborhood festivals will help you glimpse the culture of years past. Further afield you will find world-class museums and centuries old architecture.
Major cities in Provence include: Aix en Provence, Arles, Avignon, Marseille and Nimes. The rest of Provence, the small towns and perched villages that make up the essence of what most think of when it comes to Provence, can be broken into four principal regions: Vaucluse to the north, the Luberon in the central part, Les Alpilles to the south of Avignon in the hills, and further South and West of Avignon.
In a different issue we will discuss these other four regions. For the balance of this report, we’ll focus on the major cities of Provence
Aix en Provence
Aix (as it is known in Provence) is called "the city of a thousand fountains", with some of the loveliest fountains found along Cours Mirabeau. On one side of this elegant avenue are 17th- and 18th-century buildings with sculpted doorways and wrought-iron balconies. The other side is filled with the cafés which are so much a part of the city's social life.
In Aix, a blind man could believe that it was raining, but if he could see without his stick, he would marvel at a hundred blue fountains singing a song of praise to Cézanne.
Jean Cocteau
Aix is also known as the Paris of the south of France, with its many boutiques and specialists shops. For this reason it is known as having great “retail therapy” for shoppers! It is also a lively university city, giving vibrancy to this city of 150,000 citizens.
Aix's most famous native, Paul Cézanne, was born here in 1839. His studio is preserved as it was when he died in 1906. Montagne Sainte Victoire, which inspired many of his paintings, lies 15km (9 miles) east of Aix. The old town is centered on place l'Hôtel de Ville, with its colorful flower market.
Arles
Arles is a Roman town best known for its Roman Arena and Antique Theatre. It was a strategically important town due to its location as the first major city on the Rhone River from the Mediterranean Sea. As with Nimes, since it was a crossroads between Italy and Spain, it carries both Roman and Spanish influences, most notably that bullfights are still held in the Roman Arena. It also has a labyrinth of winding streets dating from the Middle Ages, which makes it a great walking town. The city administration has laid out four planned walks with symbols embedded into the sidewalks for visitors to follow. 
In recent history, Arles is known for Vincent Van Gogh living here for about 15 months in 1888 and 1889, before being committed to the asylum in St. Remy, in the Les Alpilles region. During this period, Van Gogh painted and drew more than 300 works of art, almost one per day, the most prolific period in his life. Several reproductions of his works are located in the exact spots where he painted them so visitors can imagine what Van Gogh saw as he painted.
Avignon
In the 13th century, this city was considered the center of the Christian world and the pope made his home here. Avignon remains one of Europe’s most beautiful and fascinating medieval cities. The center of town is quite small, surrounded by ramparts, which makes is a great walking city. Due to its strategic geographic location, Avignon is also blessed with a very high percentage of sunny days, so make sure you not only enjoy the sunny and happy attitude of its residents, but also take time to stop and sun yourself in one of its many sidewalk cafes. 
Near the Palais des Papes is the Place de l’Horloge (clock tower), which is loaded with outdoor restaurants where you can sit, eat and watch the Avignon world go by.
Avignon also is a major terminus for the TGV train from Paris and so offers great access to the northern part of Provence. Besides that, Paris is just 3 hours away by train, perfect for a few night get away while on your A Season Away journey!
Nimes
Although not officially part of Provence (it is technically in Languedoc-Roussillon), it is close enough to warrant a visit on a long stay to Provence due to its warmth and Latin feel. It began as an outpost of the Roman Empire in 31 BC. Since then it has changed hands many times, been embattled in religious wars and more. Even so, it has been a prosperous town due to textiles, (de Nimes gave rise to the word denim) and wine production. Because it was a crossroads between Italy and Spain, today they still hold Spanish-style bullfights in the Roman Arena.
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