Where exactly are Provence, Luberon and Cte dAzur?
A. There is a saying that “when the butter of the north gives way to the olive oil of the south … that is Provence”. It is generally used to refer to the southern regions of France. And it’s true! Traditionally the “Provence historique” designates in the south east of France the regions of Avignon – and Luberon – (Vaucluse) , Aix-en-Provence (Bouches du Rhone) and the county of Nice (on the coastline of Cte d’Azur). Those three areas are known as the heart of Provence. However you will find the Provencal way of life in a quite larger area called: Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur (PACA). PACA includes the “departements” of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, Bouches-du-Rhne, Var & Alpes-Maritimes (Cte d’Azur) with a population of 4,500,000. Note : The East part of the Gard department (along the Rhone river) and the Southern part of the Drome department (along the North of Vaucluse) are considered today as parts of Provence! Q. I don’t speak ANY French. How will I get along! A.
