In the valley of Luberon, a massif in central Provence in Southern France

 Whether you are cruising the clifftop roads, sunbathing on the beaches, or browsing the weekly markets, Provence and the Côte d'Azur are sun-drenched, and seductive.

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(in southeastern France) Provence is a geographical region and historical province of France that extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône river to the west, to the Italian border to the east, and is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It largely corresponds with the modern administrative region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and includes the departments of Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, as well as parts of Alpes-Maritimes and Vaucluse. (The largest city of the region and its modern-day capital is Marseille.)

+ The Romans made the region the first Roman province beyond the Alps and called it Provincia Romana, which evolved into the present name. Until 1481 it was ruled by the counts of Provence from their capital in Aix-en-Provence, but it then became a province of the kings of France. While it has been part of France for more than 500 years, it still retains a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, particularly in the interior of the region.

+ With the establishment of Greek colonies (among them Massilia [modern Marseille]) in the area by the beginning of the 6th century BCE, Provence was first oriented toward the civilization of the Mediterranean. In 125 BCE the Massiliots appealed to the Romans for help against a coalition of neighboring Celts and Ligurians. The Romans defeated the coalition but maintained its occupation of the region. Thus, by the end of the 2nd century BCE, Provence formed part of Gallia Transalpina, the first Roman province beyond the Alps, from which the area took its name. By the 4th century CE, Arles, an important meeting place for merchants, was the seat of the prefecture of all Gaul, and Marseille was the main center of Greek studies in the west.

+ The main lavender fields of Provence are centered between the Luberon and Verdon plateau regions to the north of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, and to the east of Avignon. The flowering period for lavender starts in mid-June and lasts until the end of August. There are a large number of fields, scattered over four French départements called les Alpes de Haute-Provence, les Hautes-Alpes, le Vaucluse and la Drôme. The best places to see lavender in Provence are grouped into four areas: Plateau de Valensole Lavender Fields, Pays de Sault, Luberon Lavender Fields, and Drôme Provençale.

+ With quaint villages and rolling vineyards, Provence is perhaps the best place in the world to see fields upon fields of lavender. This charming region is known for being stunningly beautiful. It is also known for its cuisine that incorporates lavender into its oils, honey. and great sorbets.

+ The Luberon Valley is the locals’ favorite, with its hilltop villages and beautiful scenery. Should you want to see authentic Provence, along with lavender fields, Luberon Valley is a great choice.