French gastronomy in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is very distinctive from the rest of French cuisine or French cooking. A Mediterranean influence brings recipes with hot spices and seafoods. Because of the mountainous country, without the rich farmlands and herds of dairy cattle, Provencal cooking uses very little milk, and goat cheeses are predominant. Garlic, olive oil and olives are the leitmotiv, and the abundant"herbes de Provence" are the spirit of Beyond's Provencal recipes.
The area has been known for fine wines since ancient times. Caesar himself was noted to have warmed to the wines, as well to the weather of Provence.
While the overgrowing of vines in the past may have dropped the reputation of many of the areas wines, a new focus on quality has been in effect for years and the wines are once again taking their rightful place among the best in the world.
The main appellation of the region is Côtes de Provence; others are Bandol, Bellet, Cassis, Coteaux d'Aix, Baux-de-Provence and Coteaux Varois. The Provence region covers the territory of the Côte d'Azur in the South of France, from Aix en Provence and the Rhône valley to the French Riviera near Nice reaching back to touch the Alps.
An original experience to discover the Provencal cooking : the cookery classes
Arles -
First inhabited by the Greeks, but made the most of by the Romans, who left a theater and amphitheater for tourists to gawk at. Arles used to be a thriving port before it all silted up to become the marshy Camarge. Van Gogh chopped off his ear here--and produced some of his best work as well. The people didn't like him much at the time, but they do now, of course.
Avignon -
a spectacular city with the must-visit Palais des Papes (Palace of Popes) as well as other sites and a compelling old town. Parking outside the gates, on the other side of the Rhone, isn't as difficult as you might think.
Aix-en-Provence -
What a jewel! The little Paris of Southern France! As far as real estate prices go Aix - three hours from Paris via the TGV high speed train - is nearly equal to Paris. Aix is a sophisticated town with elegant streets and squares, magnificent buildings with hidden gardens and student quarters in tiny alleys. It offers a wide array of cultural activities, excellent shopping and a great restaurant scene. It is surrounded by a marvelous countryside dominated by the white cliffs of Mt. Sainte Victoire of Cezanne fame. We like Aix best in the April - June and September - October periods, when it is less hot and the streets are full of university students, local residents and visitors, a very balanced mix. There is an air of optimism and expectation. Unlike nearby Marseilles, the big, unruly, bustling port city, for centuries a magnet for immigrants, Aix retains this very special Provence flavor.
Aix-en-Provence is the capital of the PACA region - PACA stands for Provence-Alpes-Côte Azur. It used to be the capital of an independent Provence until 1481 when it was bequeathed by the last ruler to the King of France. It has a long history going back to Roman times: The name Aix derives from Aquae Sextiae - the spring waters of Consul Sextius Calvinus, who conquered the area in 125 BC.
By the way, do pronounce the "x", it is "ax" like the ax and not "ae".
St. Remy de Provence -
Founded by the Romans as Glanum, there is lots to see here, Roman or no. Outside the town is the Ancien Monastère de St- Paul-de-Mausole, the 12th century monastery that was converted to the psychiatric hospital where Van Gogh was admitted and where he produced some of his most famous paintings--like Starry Night. There is a walk you can take where he produced some of his paintings, but the trail is becoming overgrown. Still worth a look though. Nostrademus was born in St. Remy as well.
Les Baux -
Bauxite was discovered here in 1821, and Les Baux seems to be built out
of the quarries. Now it's a craftsman's hangout, and you can taste wine
in one of the caves.
