Provence

Provence, nestled in south-east France, borders Italy and the Mediterranean Sea which means its landscapes are incredibly diverse. The alpine charm of the Southern Alpes meets rolling vinyards, olive groves and the world-famous lavender fields. The south is home to the Côte d’Azur (or French Riviera), where elegance and chic living abounds – Nice, Saint-Tropez and Cannes line the coast and provide a masterclass in glamour.

By contrast, Aix-en-Provence – an historic university town is home to a thriving cafe scene and a plethora of cultural attractions. Marseilles remains proud of its industrial past, sensitively and stylishly incorporating homages to its heritage in a range of architectural reimaginings. Avignon’s celebrated medieval city walls and Palais des Papes are a testament to its heyday as the seat of Christianity, for which it enjoys UNESCO status.