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PROVENCE: GEOGRAPHY MATTERS
“Provence” has more efficacy as a "brand" than as a place. One rarely if ever hears any residents of the Vaucluse say that they live in "Provence." The word is heard frequently in its adjectival form: provençal.
As geography, the term "Provence" suffers abuse. The French consider contemporary 'Provence' to take in three administrative department:
- Vaucluse
- Bouches-du-Rhône
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Confusion pops up due to the administrative region PACA: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
When "Provence" is employed for the department of the Var (Toulon, St, Tropez) or the department of the Alpes-Maritime (Côte d'Azur) or even the five departments of the Languedoc-Roussillon, it is the "brand" asserting itself.
This is a regional distinction that Peter Mayle buys into 100% in his book Provence A-Z. In fact, if Mayle had been 'geographically-correct,' his iconic best seller would have been titled "A Year in the Luberon."
The Luberon and the Comtat Venaissin, referred to as the “Comtat,” are the two large regions within the Vaulcuse,
Tag Archives: Avignon
Avignon: Côté Square (au lieu d’un Gite)
The calm. The chic calm of the bed and breakfast Côté Square in the old walled city of Avignon is ever present, in all seasons mind you. From spring through the fall, Avignon is a hectic place as there is … Continue reading
A WINE HARVEST SEASON OPENER: “LE BAN DES VENDANGES COTES DU RHONE” IN AVIGNON
In Roman times, no grapes could be harvested before the official authorization to begin picking, an edict called “lever le ban des vendanges,” to lift the banning of harveting. Today, the custom of “le ban des vendages” is respected on … Continue reading
AVIGNON: CY TWOMBLY AND INVITED ARTISTS AT THE COLLECTION LAMBERT, A STUNNING PANORAMA OF 20TH CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY
Good news. Now that the Avignon Festival has wound up, you can find a parking space in Avignon. More good news. The fabulous survey of 20th century photograghs: “Le Temps Retrouvé, Cy Twombly Photographs and Invited Artists,” runs until October … Continue reading
AVIGNON: EVOCATIONS OF CHOPIN
Three talented pianists will be playing the works of Frédéric Chopin in the garden of the Musée Louis Vouland in Avignon: Tuesday, August 24: Ludovic Selmi Thursday, August 26: Edna Stern Saturday, August 28: Dana Ciocarlie Basics: Dates / Times: … Continue reading