Nice and Cannes are two major cities in Provence, both located along the Cote d'Azur. Cannes is one of the most famous towns on the French Riviera and is known for its annual film festival. Miles of beaches along the Golfe de la Napoule or La Croisette are available within close proximity to the city. Nice is more of a working city and is the fifth largest in France. Its seafront promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, is world-famous. Visitors will also find numerous pedestrianized squares full of cafes and restaurants. Nice is France's second most visited city after Paris.
Provence also has a wealth of historic towns and villages. Avignon is a fortified medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was home to the popes during the 14th century when the Vatican fell out of favor; the 14th-century Palace of the Popes is open for tours. Nearby are the museums of Petit Palais, with painting and sculpture, and Palais du Roure, with archaeology and French literature. The theater festival, with dance, music, theater and storytelling, takes place every year between July and August and draws nearly 120,000 spectators. The town of Arles was at one time home to Vincent van Gogh. The painter completed over 300 of his paintings during his time in this town between 1888 and 1889. Arles has a history that dates back to Roman times and has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites including its Roman theater and arena; the Alyscamps, a Roman burial ground; and the fourth-century Obélisque d'Arles, in front of the town hall.
A number of other theater, dance and music festivals are held during the summer months. The Choregies Festival, held in the Roman theater at Orange, is the oldest festival in France. Here you'll find a number of operas and symphonic concerts held over July and August. Avignon also holds its own Jazz and Blues Festival called The Templin Jazz d'Avignon in August, while in September the town of Monieux holds its Medieval Celebration with a number of Medieval-style parades, music, jousts and other performances.
Average summer temperatures in the South of France can reach into the mid-80 degrees Fahrenheit range. Summer is also peak tourist season and the region can get very busy which prices on accommodations going up. The best time to travel to Provence is between late April to the end of June, or in September when the weather averages between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Provence, like many other parts of France, is famous for its food, which is heavily influenced by its southern position and proximity to the Mediterranean. Olive oil is used more than in other areas of France, as are tomatoes, garlic, herbs, eggplant, artichoke and seafood. The cuisine is actually closer to Italy than other parts of France. A typical dish is bouillabaisse, which is a seafood stew consisting of shellfish, fish, tomatoes, wine and olive oil. The soup known as pistou can be described as a Provencal equivalent of minestrone. The region is famous for its "herbes de Provence" which is an assortment of thyme, sage, rosemary, basil, lavender, fennel seed, tarragon, oregano and bay leaf.
