Grotte Chauvet by Torchlight
InspireKeith Van SickleWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Grotte Chauvet a Chance to See the Prehistoric Art by Torchlight

The Grotte Chauvet 2 is one of the wonders of France. Called “the cave of forgotten dreams,” it is the near-perfect replica of a cave filled with paintings made more than 30,000 years ago—the oldest ever discovered. Not only is the art recreated, but the entire cave is replicated down …

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Caverne-du-Pont-d'Arc
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreRoad Trips South of France

Grotte Chauvet 2 at Caverne du Pont d’Arc a Time Warp

It took 90 minutes to turn back the clock 36,000 years. The Grotte Chauvet 2 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Caverne du Pont d’Arc. Located in the Ardeche, it’s a quick drive from most locations in the Bouches du Rhône. The site which opened to the public in …

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La Marseillaise French National Anthem
InspireMargo LestzProvencal History & Traditions

French National Anthem La Marseillaise the History of the Song

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: It took a Revolution France’s rousing national anthem, the Marseillaise, was written during the French Revolution. In 1792 the Revolution was in full swing, and all the monarchies of Europe were nervous. It made them uneasy to see people rise up against a king, and it was …

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Mary Magdalene Provence Tintoretto public domain
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

Mary Magdalene in Provence Legend or Fact

Did Mary Magdalene Live in Provence? A crippled ship bobs helplessly on a storm-tossed sea and those on board face certain death…but then a miracle occurs. Guided by the hand of God, the ship arrives safely on the shores Provence. Out steps Mary Magdalene, ready to spread The Word throughout …

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Ruins Fort Buoux Luberon
Ashley TinkerExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Climb to the Ruins of Fort Buoux in the Luberon

Visit the Fort Buoux Ruins Fort Buoux, in the Luberon, is an ancient site that is definitely worth a visit. Lesser known than some of the main attractions of the Luberon, you’ll find yourself on a winding road at this time of year (fall/winter) in the fog that feels a …

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Fort Saint-Jean Marseille
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean for History Buffs in Marseille

You may be interested in the new space that opened in Fort Saint-Jean in July. It’s called the Galerie des Officiers, the arcaded section you can see in the photo.  Each of 5 small rooms has a short film on an aspect of the history of Fort Saint-Jean, with it a …

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Château de Saumane interiors
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreProvencal History & Traditions

Touring Mysterious Château de Saumane in the Vaucluse

Until recently the village of Saumane, in the Vaucluse, was not on many tourist’s itineraries and the town’s residents probably liked it that way. After four years of restoration work and a large budget, the hilltop Château de Saumane has opened for public visits during summer months. Writer, philosopher, political …

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Mary Magdalene
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Is This the Face of Mary Magdalene?

As most of you living in and around Aix will know, the region has long been associated with Mary Magdalene, the companion of Jesus who, according to legend, was driven out of Palestine during early Christian persecutions. She was expelled together with other saints in a boat without sails which …

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Aigues-Mortes Rempart Gateway @Bfblogger2015
Barefoot BloggerExploreProvencal History & TraditionsRoad Trips South of France

Inside Aigues-Mortes Walls: History, Torture and Transformation

There are hardly more historically significant towns in France than Aigues-Mortes. Within the walled city, legends and facts reveal a rich history of conquering heroes and suffering martyrs. Today the place has transformed into a popular destination for travellers, filled with souvenir shops and sidewalk cafes. Visit with me inside …

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Tarascon Castle Provence
ExploreGinger and NutmegProvencal History & Traditions

Reasons to Visit Tarascon a Castle and a Monster in Provence

The Heart of Darkness or Niger Focus (later Nerluc) might have been an appropriate name for the hamlet located on the shores of a murky, swampy river. The muddy, opaque waters fueled rumours cultivating the nightmares of residents who asked was the beast: A huge serpent? A dragon? A fierce …

READ MORE  Reasons to Visit Tarascon a Castle and a Monster in Provence