Real Holidays

      A chance encounter with visitors to Provence
In Real Holidays we meet people from all over the world, who have one thing in common: they vacation in Provence! We asked them a few questions.
Where did we meet them?
In the lavender fields of Valensole

Who?
Iris, William and Jenny

From?
Hong Kong

Staying?
Aix-en-Provence

Is this your first visit to Provence?

It's our first time in Provence, not in France. We were in Paris five years ago.

What attracted you to choose Provence?

We're here to see the lavender fields and the sunflowers. We only know those from photos and paintings. 

First impressions?

The countryside is beautiful. It has not disappointed us. We also love the food in Provence, because it is not so heavy. And the rosé wine!

How do you travel? 

We travel as much as we can by public transportation, by plane, train or bus. We don't want to rent a car, so if we want to see a place that is out of the way, we go on a group tour or hire a private guide with car.

Are there things you don't like on this visit?

We find that few people speak English and that makes travel a bit difficult. We also find Provence expensive, certainly compared to the prices we paid in Paris five years ago. Maybe it has something to do with the Euro?

What is your impression of Aix-en-Provence?

A lovely city with fountains, coffee shops, beautiful houses, nice atmosphere. The old town is easy to walk through. In three hours you start to recognize the streets.

If you were to return to Provence, which places would be
high on your list?


If we were to return it would be in different seasons, particularly to enjoy the different festivals we have heard about, such as the mimosa or the chestnut festivals or see the truffle markets. We've heard that most of them are held off season.

Any advice to the reader?

If you go to Provence, don't just see the towns. See the countryside, it's beautiful. If you don't drive, go on a tour or hire a guide. It's worth it.

Read Previous Interviews:

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two families from Holland      two friends from Seattle three from Chicago

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two from Great Britain

from Chicago and Holland

two from Toronto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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