Pavillon de Vendome #AixenProvence @PerfProvence
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsThe Unexplorer

Pavillon de Vendome the Pleasure Palace of Provence

The thing I love about Provence is that it’s not Paris. What I mean is: Paris is obvious. There’s the Tour Eiffel, l’Arc de Triomphe, a whole slew of “must-see” tourist destinations. But Provence, on the other hand, still has a lot of hidden secrets that the average tourist is …

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Pont Julien Roman Bridge Provence @ProvenceTayls
David & Karen TaylorProvencal History & Traditions

What have the Romans ever done for us?

By David Taylor One of their many successes was the construction of the bridge ‘Pont Julien’ dating to 3BC crossing the Calavon river near Bonnieux. There are three wide arches, built this way to allow the torrents of water to pass. It may look a gentle trickle in this picture …

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Mime in White Avignon Provence @PJAdams10
Provencal History & Traditions

Avignon Favorite of Popes and Mimes

Each July, the fabled Provence city of Avignon turns into a gigantic theatrical event called the Festival d’Avignon. It features theatricals, concerts, cuisine events, light show extravaganzas, and mime performances by students and professionals alike. But even off-season, Avignon…Keep reading here to discover the secrets behind Avignon’s appeal.

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Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte #AixenProvence
ExploreProvencal History & TraditionsThe Unexplorer

Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte: A Church of Firsts

It’s a pretty big honor to be the first Roman Catholic church in a region where around half of the population is Catholic. Back in the 12th century, Église Saint-Jean-de-Malte served as a hospice and chapel for the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem of the Order of Malta.  This group was formed …

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Ancient Roman Theatre France Provence
Books on ProvenceProvencal History & Traditions

Thomas Jefferson In France ~ Part One

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson was the American Minister to France when he travelled to Southern France in 1787? “Thomas Jefferson’s Journey To The South of France” a book written by Roy and Alma Moore details his travels. The publication is complete with copies of Jefferson’s letters, recent pictures …

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Musée Granet AIX ANTIQUE, UNE CITE EN GAULE DU SUD Musee Granet
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Roman Finds at the Musée Granet

Aix must be a paradise for archaeologists: building work in town often yields ancient foundations and sewers, but sometimes sumptuous Roman mosaic dining room floors, everyday pottery and glass from the table, and even jewellery, oil lamps and statues. They dated from around 2000 years ago when Aix was the …

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War history in #AixenProvence @Aixcentric
AixcentricProvencal History & Traditions

Honouring Provence Locals Who Helped Save Jews

By aixcentric In this week of commemoration, remembering those who perished at Auschwitz, it is fitting to honour those people, living and working in Aix, who helped save Jewish families, at great personal risk. They are designated ‘Juste parmi les Nations’. There are 25,000 worldwide, 3,700 in France and more …

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Ancient Glanum St Remy de Provence
Ginger and NutmegInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Glanum Glorious Views Near St Remy de Provence

Glanum a Roman oppidum, protected by its fortified walls once housed a flourishing community. The settlement stood on a hillside in the shadow of the rocky, crests of the Alpilles slopes. The Franks in 260AD destroyed Glanum. The population was forced to resettle on the valley floor, giving rise to St Remy de …

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Taking Root in Provence Book cover #Provence #Books
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Christmas in Provence

Dutch-born Anne-Marie Simons is a traveller. She studied in Paris, worked in Brussels and then moved to the United States where for a long time she worked only to support her travel-bug. Today, Anne-Marie and her husband Oscar reside in Aix-en-Provence where she continues to hone her writing. The following …

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Arena in Arles #Arles #Provence @bfblogger2013
Barefoot BloggerProvencal History & Traditions

In Awe of the French: History Preserved

In awe of the French: Anytime I take a trip within France and walk among ancient Roman ruins, I am thankful to the French. In French towns and villages where the Romans used to roam, you can actually see, feel, touch and experience the places of the past. […] Explore …

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