France | Attractions and acquaintances in Provence area are all here, it is recommended to collect
2023-05-16
Provence is a famous tourist region in France. Since 1834, it has become a famous winter resort. From Marseille east through Hyères to Cannes, in last 100 years, jewel-like necklace towns have sprung up along coastline in last 100 years: Antibes, Nice, Villefranche, Porrivo, Monteca Lou and Monton on Italian border. These famous French tourist towns are surrounded by mountains and rivers, dotted with ancient villages and towns, and medieval city walls come and go, adding to antique style. The annual "War of Flowers" is most fun holiday for villagers, at this time floats are sent accompanied by music and dances, and villagers and tourists throw bouquets of flowers to each other for fun.
1. Avignon
The Avignon region is located in Provence region of France, about 85 km northwest of Marseille. In 1309, Pope Clement V moved palace to Avignon. Avignon became capital of Pope. The city wall of Avignon was built in 14th century AD and has a total length of 4.3 kilometers. The Papal Palace facing oval square surrounded by colonnades. The Saint Benese Bridge in Avignon was built at beginning of 12th century AD. The bridge has 21 pillars and 22 huge arched openings, which is a masterpiece of European medieval architecture. The chapel of St. Nicholas on north side of bridge has a unique onion-shaped front hall.
2. Marseille
Marseille is second largest city and largest port of France, as well as capital of mouth of Rhone. Located in southeast, close to Gulf of Leon in Mediterranean Sea, maritime transport is convenient and there are direct sea routes to Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Marseille, surrounded by mountains and sea, with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, is one of resorts where people go on vacation and visit. This famous city has over 2500 years of history. The port of Marseille is now divided into two parts: old port and new port. More than 3,000 yachts of various sizes are moored in harbor, white hulls reflecting blue sea water, crowds and cars on street, forming a magnificent picture. People can take a yacht to visit nearby small islands.
3. Wilden Gorge
Rocky walls twice height of Eiffel Tower, Verdon River flows through bottom of a canyon in southern France. The canyon is about 20 kilometers long and 700 meters deep, making it largest canyon in Europe. The widest part of canyon at top is 1.6 kilometers, but stone wall below is sometimes not as wide as an ordinary living room. The waters of Verdun river come from melt waters of Alps, and rapids continue to erode deep troughs on limestone plateau of Provence, forming a canyon. Rainwater falling on plateau seeps into ground, so there are no streams to erode and grind stone walls of canyon. In spring, apricot flowers in suburbs are pink everywhere, while in summer meadows of Lemanda are full of deep purple.
4. Ancient Roman architecture in Arles
The city of Arles has buildings such as arenas, theaters and underground corridors. The amphitheater, built in 46 BC, is one of oldest theaters in Roman Empire, a century earlier than Al Arena. Unfortunately, only two columns and base of stage remain. The original three-story building with 100 columns and majestic walls has long been riddled with holes. In addition to wind and rain erosion, it is mainly caused by human factors. During 11th and 12th centuries, when church was building church of St. Trofin, theater was constantly destroyed and building materials were removed, which caused serious damage to theater.
5. Avignon
Avignon is a walled city rich in history and culture. In 14th century, a conflict arose between King Philip of France and Holy See over collection of property taxes. In 1309, Pope was ordered by Philip to move Holy See from Rome to this location, leading to "Avignon Arrest". Until 1377, seven popes lived here. Since then, Avignon has become a center of religion, art and culture in Europe and has flourished. Until now, there is a strong artistic and cultural atmosphere. Every summer, an international theater festival is held here, attracting many tourists.
6. Church of St. Trophon
It was built in memory of Saint Trophon, first Bishop of Arles. The basic prototype was built between 1078 and 1152. The exquisite carvings on front door of church are most representative masterpieces of Roman art in Provence. On wall to left of gate, third image from left is Holy Trophon. The entrance on right side of facade leads to monastery. The north and east sides of church were built in 12th century, while west and south sides were built in 14th century. The reliefs on columns and capitals on northern and eastern sides of church are of greatest artistic value, not only of exquisite craftsmanship, but also of strict content. Much of content on north side comes from "Resurrection of Christ" and deeds of patron saint Al. Most of carvings on east side are based on Passion of Christ. Climbing stairs, top floor of monastery overlooks monastery and clock tower, surrounded by greenery
7. Nimes
In traditional sense, Nimes is a historic ancient capital that still has remnants of Gallic and Roman periods. Even “crocodile tied to a coconut tree” pattern left by Augustus is still city emblem of Nîmes. During religious wars in 16th century, Nimes joined Protestant ranks. When Edict of Nantes was repealed, many Protestants fled here to avoid religious difficulties. After 1980, to meet demands of modernization, Nîmes decided to use more modern styles in city. Of particular note is that creation of modern new city of Nimes did not destroy historical relics, but a harmonious and ingenious combination of modern architecture and historical relics emerged.
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