Provence

The experience of exploring a Provencal market is worth the visit to Provence alone (in our humble opinion)! So be sure to take your time and wander through the stalls in the warm Provencal sun. Listen to the chatter of the locals, see the bright colours of the organic fruit and veg and breathe in the smell of fresh bouquets of lavender.

For those looking to purchase something, we recommend fueling your ride at least one day of your trip by buying some rustic bread, artisan fig jams, and goats cheese for a picnic lunch. However, if you are on your onward travel day, why not purchase a gift for a loved one back home? How about some locally crafted jewellery? An item of provencal-inspired clothing? Or perhaps unearth a piece of artwork from the next Vincent Van Gogh? 

Weather in Provence

Provence benefits from a staggering 300 days of sunshine a year and less than 60 rainy days, making it an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits. The most pleasant months for hiking are May, June, September and October when the days are warm but not stifling. Provence also experiences the famous Mistral wind which can be very powerful. The wind generates in the Alps and gains speed as it blows down the Rhone Valley towards Provence. It tends to occur in Spring and Winter but can indeed appear at any time and can last a day, or over a week! The Mistral is said to clear the Provence skies of dust and dirt and could be to thank for the region’s popularity with artists, who are drawn to Provence because of its light and clear skies.

Mont Ventoux

Often referred to as the ‘Giant of Provence’, Mont Ventoux is perhaps most famous as a tricky stage of the famous Tour de France. It is therefore a very popular challenge with cyclists. It is geographically part of the Alps, however it stands alone, adding to its intrigue. As the name may suggest, (Venteux is French for windy), it can get very windy at the summit which adds to the challenge for cyclists taking on this gruelling ascent. At a staggering 1,909m in height, the mountain can be seen from many vantage points in Provence, and you’ll find the peak follows you all day on some hikes through the surrounding countryside

Artists in Provence

There are many reasons why artists of the 19^th and 20^th centuries were so drawn to Provence, among them the fantastic light and the beautiful landscapes. Cezanne is perhaps one of the most famous artists associated with Provence. He was born in Aix-en-Provence and after having spent time in Paris and Switzerland, soon returned to his roots to paint the landscapes of Provence. His presence attracted Picasso to Provence who was said to admire Cezanne greatly. Another famous artist strongly associated with Provence is of course, Van Gogh. He based himself in Arles and St. Remy for 15 months where he created 350 works, some of them his most famous, such as Starry Night. He admitted himself to Saint Paul Asylum in St Remy after removing part of his ear. Here he continued to paint the gardens and surrounding Provencal landscapes. His presence in Arles and St Remy can still be felt today with numerous plaques indicating his favourite haunts, a museum, and guided tours of Van Gogh’s Provence.