Provence is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered on the west by the Rhône River and the Maritime Alps along the border with Italy. A soldier in Provence wrote La Marseillaise, France’s national anthem, because he was so inspired by the beauty of the region.

Most of Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, mild winters, little snow, and abundant sunshine. Whatever you choose to do in Provence, whether it be golfing, skiing, or just relaxing, you will find many attractions not far from your cottage rental or vacation home.

Visit the Mercantour National Park located in the Maritime Alps. There you will find luxurious yet inexpensive vacation rentals for both large families and couples. Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see the Montaigne Sainte Victoire from the window of your vacation home, the mountain made famous by painter Paul Cézanne. Visit the Cosquer cave and underwater grotto in the Calanque de Morgiou, 121 feet underwater. Its walls are covered with paintings and engravings dating back to between 27,000 and 19,000 BC depicting animals such as bison, seals, and the auk.

Take a trip on the Camargue, Western Europe's largest river delta, comprising a number of large étangs and home to more than 400 species of birds, including the greater flamingo. From your vacation rental in the village join a game of Pétanque and have a glass of rosé or a Pastis to celebrate the winner.

There are so many festivals all close to your vacation rental. Celebrate the Grand Carnaval of Nice, the Lemon Festival of Menton, and the famous Cannes Film Festival. The Fete des Violettes in Tourrettes-sur-Loup is wonderful. From your vacation rental there is so much to see and do. Take a tour of the Palais des Papes, which was the largest gothic palace in Europe.

The cuisine of Provence reflects the warm, dry Mediterranean climate, the rugged landscape, and the abundant seafood on the coast. From your vacation villa dine at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the local delights: the famous bouillabaisse, the classic seafood dish of Marseille; a bowl of ratatouille with Fougasse, the traditional bread of Provence, and Daube Provençale. In Nice try la pissaladière, the local speciality. From your cottage rental visit a nearby café to have a coffee and the Tarte Tropézienne. This famous pastry cream tart was invented by a St. Tropez pastry chef and named by Brigitte Bardot. When you’re not eating out, try your hand at some traditional French dishes in the comfort of your fully equipped rental home.