Three great places to visit in Provence

Carpeted in fragrant fields of lavender, Provence is renowned for not only its stunning natural beauty but also its abundance of fresh food crops.

But is there much to do in Provence other than gaze at the scenes of immense beauty and divulge yourself on the delicious cuisine made from local produce?

The answer is simply yes, and despite its rural tranquillity there is plenty of things to do in this beautiful French region that is steeped in history and architecture and dates back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Here are three great places to visit in Provence;

The Garden of the “Abbaye de Valsaintes”

Nestled on a hillside at an altitude of 600 metres between the counties of Forcalquier and Luberon, the “Abbaye de Valsaintes” is an extraordinary garden that is known throughout France, Europe and beyond. Amongst the maze of dry-stone terraces surrounding magnificent flowerbeds boasting more than 350 varieties of flowers, an abbey can be found which has been sacred since Prehistoric times.

Both free and guided tours of the garden and abbey are available from April 1 until November 1 2011.

For more information on the Abbaye de Valsaintes visit the website at: valsaintes.org.

Gorges du Blavet

Provence is littered with gorges of breath-taking beauty. One of the most spectacular gorges in Provence is the Gorges du Blavet, situated approximately five kilometres to the southwest of Bagnols-en-Foret. Lined with oak trees, strawberry trees, maritime pines and juniper and oleander bushes, the trails of the Gorges du Blavet ascend and wind through the bois de Malvoisin and Bois du Defens until you finally reach the gorge, where the tall trees and high cliffs provide welcoming shade during the summer.

The Gorges du Blavet is just crying out to be visited and explored, just remember to take your camera with you.

Alp Azur Chocolaterie

If you are a lover a chocolate, and let’s be honest but most of us are, then a visit to the Alp Azur Chocolaterie in the village of Villars-sur-Var in the Alps-Maritimes of Provence is a must.

Housed in the old railway station of the Train des Pignes  this great restaurant provides outstanding views in a fantastic atmosphere and surroundings, with the homemade chocolate made by Maurice, the restaurant’s ‘master’ chocolatier owner, being described as “outstanding”.

Another great place to visit in Provence would be Vintage Travel’s 3 bedroom villa in Provence, Mas St Siffrein (pictured above), complete with pool and fabulous views.