Enchanting Provence: First impressions

Ah, la Belle France… few countries in this world conjure up such enticing and seductive imagery, I dare say. No matter if Disney´s hunchback of Notre Dame let you in on the hidden charms of Paris, or Edith Piaf´s passionate song “La vie en rose” (Life through rose-colored glasses) gave you a heart-felt insight into the French´s famous savoir-vivre –no one seems to be able to resist the charms of this country.

In France, even a visit to a regular supermarket-chain can turn into a gourmet-meal-experience, and I am talking packaged crepes and salads! Yes, the French surely know how to wine, dine and feast on first-class food, there´s no doubt about that.

Southern France: A magic bag of beauty

One of France´s most alluring regions which offers culinary delights a plenty, jaw-dropping natural scenery and artistic pilgrimage places en masse is undoubtedly Provence. Situated in Southeastern France and bordering Italy as well as the Mediterranean, seductive Provence has it all! Exhibit A: The stunning mountain ranges of the Southern Alps, a place in which my companion and me got lost for hours in the middle of the night by following the wrong GPS – indications, but that´s a whole different story! Exhibit B: The one-of-a-kind natural beauty of the Camargue, with its wild gorgeous horses, cheeky pink flamingos and abundant birdlife. Exhibit C: The glitz and glamour of the French Riviera aka beautiful bodies tanning on fantastic beaches, exquisite restaurants and nightclubs waiting for affluent visitors, and so much more. As well as of course, Provence´s picturesque olive groves, pine forests and its world-famous lavender fields.

Picture this: the sky is dressed in its most mesmerizing, popping blue, elegant cypresses line the path in front of you, butterflies swirl over fields of flowers and the enticing, elevating scent of pine trees engulfs your being. That´s exactly how Provence greeted me, and how the images of its beauty chose to stay with me ever since.

French discoveries: Come with me on a mystery hunt

During the five days that I got to spend in this magical corner of our beautiful planet, there were some highlights that stood out. Would you mind coming on an adventure with me and discovering some experiences that could absolutely sweeten your Provence experience to the max? Let´s do it. But wait…why don´t we approach this in a slightly different way?

I´ll give you some scavenger-style-hunt-tips alluding to some outstanding Provence things-to-do, and you can, if you´re up for it, do a little research or guessing-game and find out what those attractions might be. I´ll post them here within the next two weeks with some cool details. Alright? Vamos, on y va, let´s go!

First, head to an area close to enchanting Les-Beaux-de-Provence, where you´ll be inspired by an unusual mixture of nature and arts. Think full immersion into these two fields plus pack a jacket to not freeze your tush of.

Next, follow in the footsteps of one of the world´s most famous painters – and no, he´s not French! I hope you are all ears on this one…

And finally, travel back in time and say hello to the birthplace of a prettyyy well-known seer…he´s been in plenty of movies and stuff, you know.

Of course, you´ll also load up on some delish French cuisine, while you´re at it! No worries, I got you covered on this one!

Any ideas yet on what the former clues could mean? Feel free to leave your notions in the comment section, mes amis!

Photography: All rights reserved @A gypsy at heart.