In the region of Provence, located in the southeastern part of France,

 Gallic charm in the south of France:

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(in the historical, cultural, and governmental region, in southeast-coastal France) Provence is a region of France that offers a dazzling variety of attractions for travelers. From the Roman theater of Orange to the Gothic palace of the popes in Avignon, you can discover the history and culture of this ancient land. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of Provence, with its lavender fields, olive groves, and rocky cliffs. Or you can relax on the beaches and glamorous resorts of the Côte d'Azur, the French Riviera. Whether you are looking for art, adventure, or romance, Provence has something for everyone. Be sure to visit some of the museums in Provence, where you can explore the secrets of the underground or the underwater world.

+ For some, the landscapes of Provence are a French fantasy come true. Provence seems to sum up everything enviable about the French lifestyle: great food, hilltop villages, legendary wines, bustling markets and a balmy climate. For decades, it's been a hotspot for holidaymakers and second-homers, inspired by the vision of the rustic good life depicted in Peter Mayle's classic 1989 travelogue, A Year in Provence.

+ For others the pastoral landscapes of Provence are a French fantasy brought to life. Provence seems to sum up everything enviable about the French lifestyle: fantastic food, finewines, and long, balmy evenings, perfect for enjoying the good life. For decades, the villages of Provence have been hot spots for vacationers inspired by a dreamy vision of rustic living.
Seek out the postcard-perfect view of lavender fields and medieval cloisters at the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque -- or grab an espresso among the students hanging out in Aix-en-Provence. (Whatever you do, eating, drinking and living well will surely be on the menu.)

+ This region of France extends from the left bank of the lower Rhône to the west to the Italian border to the east; it 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-Maritime and Vaucluse
+ The largest city of the region, and its modern-day capital, is Marseille (depicted here):

+ Historically, Provence was part of Roman Gallia Transalpina. With the breakdown of the Roman Empire in the late 5th century, Provence was invaded successively by the Visigoths, Burgundians, and Ostrogoths. It came under the rule of the Franks ca. 536. During the 13th century it was involved in the Albigensian Crusade. It was united with the French crown in 1481. The language of Provence, Provençal, was important in medieval literature, and Provence’s Romanesque architecture was an outstanding cultural achievement of the Middle Ages. (In 1790, during the French Revolution, it lost its political institutions and was divided into several départements.)