10 Cool Things to Do in The Provence Region

One of the most idyllic area's of France, Provence is the perfect summer escape. Lavender fields, yellow stone houses, olive trees, blue mediterranean skies, wineries, culture and art, all part of the charming style of this iconic region. 

Discover with us this fantastic region, we will give you 10 Cool Things you can do when visiting Provence, so here we go: 

1) Spend one night in Aix de Provence, the main city of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France full of history and Cezanne art corners. Make a detailed daily plan and visit Cezanne's childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio The Atelier Cézanne. Also don't forget to end your day in The white limestone Sainte-Victoire for the perfect sunset time. To complete the experience stay in Hotel Cezanne, located in the city centre, this chic and trendy property offers a four star service with 55 rooms. The terrace have a lovely and well equipped bar. The Breakfast is a must running through until noon giving you the perfect start for your day. 

2) Next stop is Gordes,  one of the most beautiful villages in the region will welcome you with unique narrow cobbled streets which thread their way through tall houses; all constructed against the rock whispering the tales of a thousand legends. Romantic balconies and the characteristic yellow rock Mediterranean houses. 

Stay in Mas de Gordes, the perfect place to enjoy the view of Provence and the rural vibe of the area. Located about 10 min walking from the entrance of Gordes, this hotel is a perfect place to relax after a long trip. Rooms have been renovated for summer, breakfast is great and the service will make you feel at home.  The beautiful shapes of the building and wonderful gardens will entice you to stay for more than one night. 

3) Enjoy a great Lunch at La Ferme de La Huppe, a wonderful old Provencal house located in Gordes. With a lovely pool-terrace this is the perfect place for a late summer lunch. Try the Pigeonne, the Cold cherry soup and the frozen chocolate mousse. Organic products, daily specials , set menus and Jazz every Friday make this place a must visit. 

4) Visit Mane, another beautiful town in the region just 3.5 km south of Forcalquier. A lovely little village with a good number of nearby sites worth visiting for their beauty and their historical interest, such as Pont Romain, Château de Sauvan and the famous Prieuré de Salagon.  Every Sunday there is a Farmers Market and on Aug 10 the famous Fête votive de la St Laurent. 

5) For a fabulous meal, try La Manne Celeste, a traditional and cosy restaurant with great local food. The menu includes French and some other international food such as great pizzas.  All prepared with local products, service is friendly. Try the Gazpacho, its great. 

6) Visit the busy and central town of Apt, a charming  town surrounded  by rising plateaus and a beautiful river that runs through the center, definitely the the gateway to Haute-Provence region. Apt has been the natural trading area of Provence. The Saturday-morning farmers market is a must. This is not a tourist town, however it will give you the feel of what  the real life in Provence is all about. 

Stay in Sainte Anne and eat in L'Intramuros, a Gault & Millau recognized restaurant with a unique charm and fantastic food. From outside it looks like a normal old restaurant but when you walk inside the charm and quirkiness will make you stay. Walls full of color and collections of vintage art. Daily menu with organic local products, a menu of beers and a fantastic service will make the experience unforgettable. Buy some sardines in the unique vintage designed cans. Fantastic place. 

7) For a more luxury experience, try La Coquillade, a exquisite retreat located about 15 min out of Apt.  The ideal place to relax and enjoy the Provence experience. Beautiful Old Building surrounded by vineyards and lavenders. From this place you will be able to explore nearby towns like Bonnieux, Saignon and Roussillon. This hotel offers bike tours, winery tours and excellent Spa experience.  if you want to treat yourself in a wonderful provence way, this is the place for you. Food is superb. 

8) Stop in the beautiful Forcalquier , the main central town of the Haute-Provence area.  From the entrance of the town to the end, you will see Mountain top, plains surroundings and wonderful valleys, a different provence landscape with abundant vegetation, aromas of lavender and olive trees.  Visit the Citadel for a wonderful view of all the valley. On sunday Mornings don't miss the beautiful sounds of the bells and music coming from the Chapelle Notre Dame de Provence. Farmers Market is on Monday with a great variety of local products, craftsmen and of course local people,  the perfect way to know more about this wonderful place. Narrow streets, shady squares, and elegant 13th century houses conform the rich arty and cultural life of Forcalquier. 

9) If a road trip is your thing, try the Napoleon Pass, starting in Grasse and all the way to Grenoble. (Over 150 km road)  tracing its way through both the Alps Maritimes and the Alps. Its have a fantastic design, with windy roads and fantastic scenery. You can find many vintage cars and bike groups doing this road. The road has a perfect smooth rhythm from beginning to end, making it a fantastic driving experience for anyone. Become one of the people that can say "I drove the Napoleon route to Grenoble". 

10) Our best Pick of a Provence Cote D'Azur experience is Cassis, an ancient fishing port that has become a cosmopolitan beach area full of great natural beaches, fantastic food and amazing views. The old village streets contain nice old buildings and  some beautiful restored houses with the colorful pastels of Provence. Visit the Old fountains and an open-air artists market, the harbor area is  the prettiest part of Cassis. Plan your day trip to  Calanques, a line of  limestone cliffs that go down into the Mediterranean and connects Marseille to Cassis with almost 20 km of marked trails.

Provence is a beautiful region full of contrasts and history. From Van Gogh to Cezanne, From Napoleon to the Pirates along the coast, plan your trip and take in all of  the charming corners of this unique region. 

Created by Huellas de Luz Blog /D.Oballos

What South Africa Taught Me

Every time I am planning to write this note, I find myself full of ideas impossibles to describe.. It is hard to describe an experience that blow my mind in so many ways... Where to start..

South Africa is one of this secret places that you most to discover step by step, flavor to flavor, feeling to feeling,  in order to learn and recognize that It is one of the most amazing places on Earth.. Before my trip to South Africa, I remember to have many questions, ideas, expectations that quickly disappear once I was able to see the magic colors of nature and to feel the amazing heart of the people.. Universe is very wise, it was just the perfect step I needed in my life.

I had the opportunity to see all the country, visiting impressive places and meeting amazing people, who really teach me many things just by living, feeling and loving what they do for living. From Cape Town to Kosy Bay, South Africa is a country of contracts, vivid colors and a rainbow of cultures that are learning day by day to be stronger than history and happier that consequences.

Yes, It is a rainbow of colors but also of possibilities and life, everyone have an special importance, every thing have an special value.. With just 20 years of peace, after Apartheid, South Africa is today stronger and smarter than ever, with challenges and opportunities like any other country but with so much commitment to the future.. even people who don't believe in the system will recognize that peace is a big achievement that no one ever want to loose again.. A great example for many other countries.

I was thinking a phase to describe South African culture, I wanted a phase that help me to describe the vibe and mood of their people: " Vintage laid back, friendly people, living a chill optimist life with a deep love for nature "... Maybe I am still not putting all the idea together, but in my mind, this is what I got from all the experiences I lived there... I have a list of experiences that I will always keep in my heart, things that change my life and teach me so much about me, universe and love for others, this list include unique things that are only made in South Africa, things that really filled my heart and imagination, things that I already miss in my life:

Color of the indian ocean, a indigo blue that colored all the coast of the country.

Skies, with the most amazing cloud figures I never see, created by very strong winds that make you "nervous" when ever you are in airplanes ( Durban-Joburg flight)

The wild Animals, The Big 5, their amazing natural state of life and there fight of surviving. When you are in a Game Drive, (A drive inside of a Game Reserve) you feel so small and an the same time so giant to be able to present such an extraordinary essence.. To discover how animals live in a perfect harmony with the universe learning and using it to survive.. Amaze by all the South African efforts to protect, respect and guard one of the most beautiful and complete ecosystems of the world. Always graceful of experienced the live and love wild animals.

Kulula, the most funny and crazy airlines I never experience, they will make you laugh and relax when ever you are inside of a flight, talking crazy jokes with a very smart approach to keep you relax and cool during the flight. First time you think: F.. this guys are crazy, we are all going to die, but then second time you just laugh so much, and you see everyone smiling as well.. You will hear things like:  " If you smoke, good look, you will die of that"... or "Hey fellows, hope you are cool today"....  classic...

Braai experience, all a success, we may call this a BBQ, but Braais are all a unique experience in self, the type of food, preparation and way to cook it different to others, making this a great experience to have.

Woolies, a food market full of goodies, big fan of organic and precious products, the whole idea and concept are so good. It is hard to believe that this Woolies come from UK, when it failed, but In SA just become great and an example of food sustainability.

Walk with deers and zebras in my morning walks, wow, what an experience, living in a place surrounded by animals, a game reserve, a place of dreams, where animals are free to live; difficult to describe this one...  Just amaze to see the universe in the eyes of wild animal: Priceless.. Drive 40 Kms out of the bush to visit the near supermarket .. priceless, this is all about planning and practicality.. Lesson learned..

Meet The Parlotones Band, you guys teach me so much about music, friendship, greatness and laid back life.. You are amazing musicians but more amazing people, with the most amazing sense of humbleness I never see in a talented band before.. I enjoyed every single second with you guys, your talent and your gracefulness are unique..   I met Coldplay because of you guys and that the most awesome night I never had, dancing under the starts and been just happy living music... You teach me how to love colorful drinks too...

Bo' janglers, my compadre Greggio, who is a master of indie music mix, his geniality is an inspiration. I know one day I will see him playing in other countries, big gigs, great parties.. 

Bunny Chow, an indian adaptation of fast food, a delicious curry stew inside of a peace of sandwich bread, that is not sliced but dig in the center until have a small brad bowl where to stuff the curry.. Awesome stuff :)...

Wimpy, a cool fast food chain... Yes I know, you will think how a fast food chain should be cool... This one is... Wimpy looks like Mac Donald's but tastes like home.. The brekkies ( Breakfast) are amazingly fresh and homemade, the ambiance is always cool, hamburgers are like very cool and the vibe is always like to come to a familiar place full of nice people...  

Rugby, what an experience, this is like the best sport ever played when the hooligans or fans are all friends and respectful, regardless the team you support and how much energy to put into your fan supporting, there is always a common place to celebrate: parking area of the stadium when everyone is in one party, celebrating sport life, cooking braais.. It is amazing to see so much respect between players and fans, between fans and other fans... My favorite was to see the Haka, a traditional New Zealand Rugby dance that warriors perform before each game. it is so cool, the energy is amazing. 

Soccer World Cup, not much to say... One of the most amazing experiences I never had.. Once in a life time... I saw Nelson Mandela in the final of the Cup, my tears where there too..

South African wines, wow what a pleasure... Cape wines are so well done, culture wine in South Africa is very good.. Miss you very much :)...

My morning walkings in Zimbali, a place full of beauty and great vibe.. Where in the world you live in from of the ocean but in the middle of a bush area.. with glamorous houses and deers all over walking.. :) It is hard to believe.. Thankful of that experience too.

I know there are many more things I can include on this list, but it is difficult to choose some others without exclude much others.. 

FInally, I deeply thanks my Universe for give me one of the best times in my life, for bring me to South Africa and show me other world's reality, other ways  of life. I am definitely sure that I will come back to South Africa, for more exploring, more braai, more parties and more adventures with my friends..

Created by DOballos

Photography by Huellas de Luz Photography

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