A Traveler’s Tale of Exploring Provence with Untours

There are many reasons why the Provence region of France ranks high on many people’s Travel Bucket List. And why the less-visited interior area, adjacent to the popular but crowded and commercialized Rivera, has its die-hard fans.

Those seeking a combination of intriguing history, lovely ancient villages perched on hilltops, and the fabulous food and wonderful wine for which the country is famous find it all here.  Add the genuine friendliness of residents of rural communities and you encounter an atmosphere with something-for-everyone appeal.

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The Past

Human history in Provence may be traced from Phoenicians who arrived six centuries before Christ to the Greeks, Romans and marauders who came through during the Middle Ages.   Evidence of those people remain in the form of preserved ruins and towns that retain vestiges of the visitors.

That’s true especially of the Roman Empire, which held sway from about 100 BC until its disintegration five centuries later. This swatch of fertile land became one of Rome’s wealthiest provinces, and some of the most impressive remains from that time remain.

And the Present

Strolling through ancient towns that were built on hilltops for defensive purposes, following narrow, winding cobblestone streets lined by stone buildings, life goes on against a backdrop of the past.  While these villages, which lie at the heart of the charm of Provence, share similar traits, each also has its own unique charms.

The French Government has designated 159 communities throughout the country as Plus Beaux Villages de France (most Beautiful Villages in France), and 17 of those honored enclaves are in Provence.  After visiting several of them along with others that didn’t make the grade, I think the list could be much longer.

Living Like the Locals

My wife and I visited Provence with Untours, with which we’ve traveled in the past.  Its motto and goal, “Live like the locals,” offer the perfect way to experience Provence.  We received a wealth of pre-trip information, accommodations, a rental car and an arrival briefing from the on-site company representative, who remained available during our stay to answer questions and, if necessary, provide assistance.

Our home-away-from-home was a beautifully renovated century-old house in what turned out to be one of our favorite towns.  During previous trips with Untours we stayed in a farmhouse, an apartment in a vineyard and another overlooking the canals of Venice – never a hotel.  

If You Go

At this time of COVID, Untours provides the support and assistance of a tour company to travelers on their own.  That means no buses with every seat occupied or sharing long tables with other travelers in restaurants.

In the latest report, Americans who have been fully vaccinated may travel to France, but must show proof of their vaccination status, like a CDC card.  While French government regulations state that a Health Pass (available after arrival there) is required to enter cultural sites, restaurants and other facilities, in practice our CDC card sufficed in most places, and we weren’t always asked to show that. 

See the COVID travel restrictions map for live updates >>

Story and images provided by Victor Block