In the south of France, the provence holds many treasures for its visitors. But anyone who thinks that the region has to offer only activities around its world-famous lavender fields is wrong.
Medieval villages, Roman remains, a taste of rural life and unique gastronomy washed down with many wines are also intrinsic characteristics of this French corner.
In addition to the obvious, even tours through parks, islands and even contemplating the Christian faith.
Next, check out the tips for Anaté Merger , travel guide and expert from Provence. that help to get out of the sameness and appreciate Different routes by region:
Camp des Milles Memorial, Aix-en-Provence
It is an extremely important site for Jews because it is the only major internment and deportation camp in France open to the public that has survived to the present day. More than 10,000 people of different nationalities have passed here.
today is a memorial which recalls the Second World War and houses a museum with a focus on education and culture. According to the site, the memorial aims to increase “the vigilance and responsibility of each one of us in the face of racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry”.
The visit lasts approximately three hours and tickets cost €9.50.
Site-Mémorial du Camp des Milles, 40, chemin de la Badesse 13547 Aix-en-Provence, France
Cloître Saint-Trophime, Arles
Many people know the Church of Saint-Trophime in arlesone of the main monuments of the Place de la République, next to the town hall, but few people know the cloître (cloister).
It is different from most cloisters in that it is adjacent to the main building, not annexed to it, which is not accessed from the church itself.
Thus, many visitors pass in front of it but do not enter, as they do not know what is inside the building. It is a beautiful building and is sensational especially for those who like medieval monuments. Fees to visit it range from €4.50 to €5.50.
20 Rue du Cloître, 13200 Arles, France
Frioul Islands, Marseille
There are four islands that form an archipelago in Marseille, capital of Provence . Among the islands there is the Isle d’If, where the Chateau d’If , which inspired Alexandre Dumas to write “The Count of Montecristo”. It is one of the most visited monuments in Marseille.
But many people do not know that it is also possible to visit the other islands of the archipelago, which are very limestone but have beaches and even crustacean restaurants.
In other words, it is possible to walk around the island of Chateau d’If alone or on a combined visit with the other islands that make up the archipelago.
It is an interesting tour for those who have time in Provence and for those who can extend their schedule, as the program involves taking a boat, stops on the islands, lunch and the beach.
Parc Rocher Mistral, La Barben
O Rocher Mistral was recently opened and is a park for children and adults that has interesting features. Still little known in the region, it is a park that has some attractions inspired by Provence itself, such as a castle adapted for shows and shows that has more than a thousand years of history.
The interesting thing is that the light and actor shows are linked to the history of the region and narrate episodes from Provence. There is also a garden designed by the gardener of Versailles, as well as a forest, a river, a market with Provencal products inspired by the Middle Ages and a bistro and restaurant dedicated to Provencal cuisine.
It is a very exciting place and it still has a large lavender field next to the castle, in which it is located in the commune of La Barben. Adults pay €19.90, children from 6 to 12 years old pay €15 and children under five have free admission.
Chem. de la Baou, 13330 La Barben, France
The Grotto and Tomb of Mary Magdalene, Saint Baume
It was one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages. Today, many people do not know that the grotto and tomb of Mary Magdalene is located here in Provence. Provencal legend says that she fled after the death of Jesus and settled in Provence.
She would have lived the last years of her life in the heart of the hill of Saint Baume being fed by angels. It is a history rooted in the region, in which the grotto she would have lived in has been protected since the 12th century by the Dominicans.
The complete visit to the site lasts all day and comprises climbing the mountain, visiting the grotto – where there is a source of water that is believed to be miraculous – and then descending the mountain.
On the way down, the lunch stop takes place at the monks’ hostel, where lunch is not gastronomic, in fact, it’s a great experience: it’s a single dish for everyone, there are well-established arrival and departure times and you eat in silence.
Afterwards, the visit continues to the basilica, where the reliquary of the saint is located, which contains the remains of a Mediterranean woman dating from the 1st century: there is a skull and skin of the forehead, which would have been touched by Jesus after his resurrection, at which time would have said “noli tangere me”, that is, do not touch me.
Expert from the south of France, Anaté Merger command a travel agency focused on Provence. A resident of Aix-en-Provence since 2004, Anaté worked as a journalist between 1987 and 2004. In addition to seven published novels, she is also the author of the guide “O essential da Provence” and the almanac “Primavera”, the first book in the 4xProvence collection. which shows the region according to the seasons.
Source: CNN Brasil
