Valentine's Day  Happy Valentine's Day(2008)
From 101lifeStyle.com Valentine's Day Romantic Destinations: Valentine's Day Romantic Regions:  2.Provence, France: Provence is a region of southeastern France on the Mediterranean Sea adjacent to Italy. Including such exotic places as Marseilles, Cassis and Nice in the French Riviera, spending Valentines Day in Provence is really ideal. Nowhere else in France, a country of contrasts, can you find a greater diversity than in Provence, in the virtural triangle of the Alps, Mediterranean and Rhone Valley; from the mountain slopes of Haute Provence to the fenland of the Camarque, and from the "Grand Canyon" of the Gorges du Verdon to the fertile plains of the Rhone. Things To Do / See:  A.Provence River Cruises:
Take romantic luxury cruises along the Saone River and the Rhone River. Enjoy the romantic charm of the Provence and Burgundy regions, from their ancient cities to sun-drenched, vine-covered hills and old-world farmland. Each region boasts its own distinctive architecture, history and cuisine. Begin your cruise in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France. Visit Avignon with its aw-inspiring Papal Palace. There will be time to sample the wines of the Beaujolais and Burgundy wine regions. Relax on deck as your river cruiser glides effortlessly past olive groves, vineyards and lavender-scented hills. This is truly a cruise to delight the senses and the intellect. A romantic candlelight dinner is a wonderful prelude to the evening's activities. The vessels intimate lounges and bars are perfect for conversation. On certain evenings, enjoy music recitals, dancing or local entertainment such as Hungarian gypsy bands or folk dancers and singers. And finally, before retiring, be tempted by such delightful treats as crepes at midnight. Alternatively you can take a lazy stroll along the Rhône, dip into a café and continue strolling.
 B.Skinny Dipping In The Mediterranean:
About the skinny dipping, the best thing to do so is during a moonless night when nobody is hovering about. If you’ll dip your body underwater, you will be met with glowing planktons who will surround your naked body and illuminate it in the moonlight. But remember not to stray away from the nudist beach because there are no lifeguards patrolling off the beach premises.  C.Romantic French Dinners:
The food here is strict Mediterranean diet so you will never gain your weight here. Every seafood restaurant here in Provence has its own aquarium featuring live lobsters. You will just let a waiter pluck the lobsters of your choice and it will be cooked right in front of your very eyes because the kitchen here is unique and unlike those in restaurants elsewhere in the world – their kitchen has a direct view to the waiting customers in the dining area to show proof that the food that you have ordered is really prepared in a proper manner. You can also opt for something more elegant for a change. Anyway, Valentines is celebrated just once a year. You can have some braised wild boar shank, scallops dipped in cauliflower puree, duck leg decorated with lettuces, walnuts and apple bits, grilled Moroccan chorizo, black cod, lamb chop, steamed mussels and Hawaiian sea bass, among others.  D.Tours of Provence:
Go for Lavender Tours from Avignon and discover blooming lavender fields in landscapes of Provence. You can also go for Gourmet Walking Tours. Autumn in Provence is a very special time of the year. You’ll enjoy taking easy walks, meeting delightful locals who know the regional tastes and learning how to incorporate the graceful style of Provençal life into your own. You can also have Horse-riding Tours and Biking Tours and also. You can also go for sightseeing tours and discover Aix en Provence- Ancient capital of Provence, one of the most beautiful town in France for art; Baux de Provence- A Village located upon a rock at 245 meters high, with its historical center : the museum of santons, the Hôtel des Porcelets, beautiful house of the 16th century, the St Vincent Church, pretty romanesque building; Arles-One of the former Roman capitals and an important religious centre during the Middle Ages. Roman heritage with its famous amphitheatre, theater, Saint-Trophime cathedral and other ancient monuments; Pont du Gard-Dated from the first century AC and classified by UNESCO, most amazing and well conserved part of the Roman acqueduct of Nîmes; Les Baux de Provence-Village located upon a rock at 245 meters high, with its historical center : the museum of santons, the Hôtel des Porcelets, beautiful house of the 16th century, the St Vincent Church, pretty romanesque building...; Orange-Panoramic tour to discover its Roman Arch of Triumph, symbol of the Roman imperialism glory, and visit of its Antic Theatre, (entrance included) the most well-conserved theatre in the Roman Empire thanks to the stage wall; Nîmes-Former Roman city, has conserved the countless remains of ancient times: an amphitheatre, a temple - La Maison Carré, the Magne Tower...; Uzès-A former duchy, visit of the Eure spring , where the Gardon river takes its source since antiquity; Roussillon- One of «the most beautiful villages in France». famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs, unusual natural landscape; Cassis-Famous port on the Mediterranean: free time for a boat ride at the "Calanques"; Marseille- The oldest city of France, the first harbour of France and of the Mediterranean sea : sightseeing to discover La Corniche, Notre Dame de la Garde with a bysantine-roman style and perched upon a rock at 162 meter high. Then, discover the Old harbour, created by the Greeks and free time;  E.Wine Tours:
Wine-tasting Tours include wine tasting in a cellar in Beaumes de Venise or Vacqueyras, exceptional soil located at the foot of the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail and the Mont Ventoux; Wine-tasting in a cellar in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, called “the 13 vine-plant’s country”. You will discover the history of this famous house, born in Châteauneuf du Pape 100 years ago. In a traditional shop you will find a wide range of wines, and Provençal specialities. The Wine Tour through viticultural villages like Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape will offer you an exclusive view on the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône area.  F.Shopping:
There are many items unique to the Provence, such as tablecloths and fabrics printed with traditional colors and patterns that date back for hundreds of years. You can find matching table accessories including napkins, place mats, runners as well as bread baskets. The Provence is famous for its bath essentials and fragrances, including scented and hard milled soaps, shea butter, hand creams, bath salts and linen water. Santon Dolls have been hand crafted in the region since the 17th century and there are some wonderful ceramics to be bought. It is worthwhile to buy some cold pressed extra virgin olive oil directly from the oil mill to take back home. Their best quality olive oil is less expensive than what you get for a much lower quality back home in the US, UK or Australia. Let's not forget the items for the sweet tooth, the famous nougat, the candied fruits, jams, lavender honey and quince pastes. You can buy most of these products visiting typical Provençal markets. The most extensive collection of table linens, fabrics, toiletries and pottery can be found on the markets in l'Isle sur la Sorgue (Sunday morning), Vaison-la-Romaine (Tuesday), Carpentras (Friday) or the markets in Aix en Provence (every day but in different locations). Many of the above products with the exception of truffles can be bought at what we call the Provence Stores. They specialize in Provence products and normally carry a selection of typical Provençal ceramics and pottery, linens, tablecloths, place mats, baskets, santons, essences, perfumes, soaps and aromathology. Many of them are run of the mill tourist shops, but there are quite a number of "serious" stores, which carry a tasteful collection of these Provençal items. We list below Provence stores we like in the region we cover, the area between Aix en Provence, Arles and up north to Vaison la Romaine.  G.Cutural Heritage Of Provence:
Traces of Roman Civilization can be found at Arles which became known as "the little Rome of the Gauls". Roman society has left its mark on this city, evidenced by several sites which are popular tourist attractions. The most notable of these is the 26,000-seat Amphitheatre Arènes, built in the 1st century AD for circuses and gladiator combat. Though the diminished remains of the Théâtre Antique only hint at the former grandeur of this Roman theatre, the orchestra pit and a few tiers of seats still provide accomodation for the city's Music and Drama Festival each July. Arles is also known as the town where the famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, produced much of his best work.
Nîmes {neem}, today the capital city of the Gard department, is one of the finest examples of prosperous Gallo-Roman settlements in southern France. There is a 6-km-long (3.7-mi) city wall with impressive gates enclosing an area of 2.23 sq km (.86 sq mi). Within this area were built a forum with temples, an amphitheater, a watchtower, and a fountain sanctuary. Inscriptions indicate that extensive baths were also built and a basilica was added to the forum. The best-known monument of Nîmes is the Maison Carrée, a remarkably well-preserved oblong Roman temple built during the 1st century AD. Today, the building is a museum, and contains an imposing statue of Apollo. A smaller version of the Colosseum in Rome, the Arènes of Nîmes is considered the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheater and still hosts bull fights and Tennis Tournaments. At the summit of the 374ft (114m) Mont Cavalier stands the 112ft (34m) octagonal Tour Magne.
In Orange, is located the magnificent, semicircular Théâtre Antique. Situated in the center of town, it is the best-preserved remains of a theater from the Roman Empire. This is also the only Roman theatre still possessing its original Imperial statue of Caesar Augustus, which -- at 12 feet in height -- is one of the tallest in existence. Orange's other monument of ancient civilization is its Arc de Triomphe, built around 25 A.D. in honor of the Gallic Wars. Pont du Gard is famous for its spectacular, 3-tiered aquaduct which crosses a rocky gorge 150 feet above the River Gardon. This was built by Marcus Agrippa during his two-year governorship of Gaul, 20 to 19 B.C. the Pont du Gard may be explored either by walking across the top (with its dizzying view of the gorge) or through its internal duct-way (in dimensions, similar to many hallways).
Art-lovers will want to visit Nice's Musée Chagall and Musée Matisse.  H.City Tours Of Provence:
Provence's Riviera has long been known as a vacation destination for the chic and well-to-do. Provence cities such as Avignon with it's Pope's palace and Aix en Provence with its fountains and leafy boulevards have become the great cultural centers of the area, whilst the bustling port city of Marseille is the commercial capital and an ancient Phoenician city with 26 centuries of history. Discover its archeological richness, evident even in the center of town.They enjoy a hinterland of sunbaked mountain scenery, interspaced with vineyards and fields of lavender, notably in the much prized Lubéron, contrasting with the great marsh delta of the Camarque, at the mouth of the Rhone, with its dashing white horses and black fighting bulls. A land of history and culture, whose name by itself recalls images, scents and colors... You will taste the richness and beauty of the Calanques during days of the Mistral, particularly at Cassis; the intoxicating perfumes of wild lavender and thyme at Grasse or just tranquillity under the green soothing shade of the umbrella of a pine... Visit Nice and see The Colline du Chateau overlooking the Baie des Anges and harbour; Famous Museums such as Musee Chagall, Musee Matisse, Musee et Site Archeologiques de Cimiez; Beaches. Thanks to its international film festival, Cannes is known throughout the world. See The Palais des Festivales, the hub of the film festival. The public beaches get exceptionally crowded and are found at the far east and west of town. If you want a quieter beach, a better option is to go to the Îles de Lérins. Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France.  I.Island Trips From Marseilles:
Marseille can be explored from the sea. Nothing can equal a trip around the islands - Frioul, Châtaux d'If (where the legend has it, the Count of Monte Christo was imprisoned), Maïre, Pommègues and Ratonneau (with the Caroline Hospital) - to appreciate the panorama of the capital of the Mediterranean.  J.Visit Beaches:
Much nicer beaches exist in other towns close by, such as Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes and Cannes, which are way more sandy. Villefranche is particularly a preferred beach choice. Stretching eastwards from Marseille are the Calanques, beautiful bays with sculpted limestone cliffs. Further east are the well-sheltered harbors near Toulon, and the Presqu'ile de Giens (presqu'ile means nearly island), where pink flamingoes occasionally may be viewed against the backdrop of the French Navy. The mountains meet the sea at the Maures Coast, and after the wide bays around Antibes begins the Riviera coast. The French Riviera follows the Mediterranean coast from Saint-Tropez heading eastward to Nice. Also known as the Côte d'Azur, visitors pamper themselves at high-class resorts, gamble at elegant casinos, shop at designer boutiques and laze on sparkling beaches. From east to west, legendary resort towns -- including St-Tropez, Cannes, Cap d'Antibes, Nice, and Cap-Ferrat -- dot this posh, 125-mile-long stretch. There are boat, kayaks and Yachts available on rent. For panoramic views of the sparkling-blue Mediterranean, head up to Eze.  K.Nature Tours:
The Camargue offers a dramatic landscape where the distinction between land and sea is often blurred, and some of its wildlife resembles that of an African environment. The meeting of water and land in parts of Provence has carved caves beneath the surface of the limestone rock, the larger and more accessible of these being among the best show caves in Europe. The rivers have also cut deeply into the limestone to form gorges, none more famous than the breathtaking Verdon Gorge in Haute Provence. West of the Gorge are a complicated range of mountains, where the Pyrennean and Alpine folds meet. Here is Mont Ventoux, the highest peak in Provence (6,260ft, 1,909m). Further to the south appear the buckled ridges of Montagne Ste Victoire, one of painter Paul Cézanne's favorite perspectives. To the east and north of the Verdon are other mountain ranges, such as the beautiful Maures and Estel, as well as the mountain wall of the pre-Alps that separate this area from true Alpine France. How To Get To Provence, France:  By Air:
All major airlines fly to Paris from the U.S. cities listed below. Once you fly into Orly or Charles de Gaulle, you must take Air France (tel. 800/237-2747; www.airfrance.com), to reach your destination in Languedoc, Provence, or the Riviera. From Orly and Charles de Gaulle, there are 20 flights per day to Marseille and to Nice, 16 to Toulouse, and 4 from Monday to Friday and 2 Saturday and Sunday to Avignon. Canadians usually choose the Air Canada (tel. 888/247-2262 in the U.S. and Canada; www.aircanada.ca) flights to Paris from Toronto and Montréal that depart every evening. From Paris, if you're heading for the French Riviera, your connecting flight will probably land you in Nice's international airport, Aéroport Nice-Côte d'Azur. There are also airports at Avignon, Marseille, Montpellier, Nîmes, and Toulouse. From London, Air France (tel. 0845/084-5111;) and British Airways (tel. 0845/773-3377;www.ba.com) fly frequently to Paris, with a trip time of 1 hour. You can reach Paris from any major European capital.
 By Train:
With some 50 cities in France, including Marseille and Nice, linked by the world's fastest trains, you can reach the south of France in just a few hours. The TGV Méditerranée High-Speed Rail Line (or TGV Med) brought the south of France closer to Paris. Trip time between Paris and Marseille takes only 3 hours. The high-speed track has been extended from the Provençal city of Avignon, where the track splits to go in one direction to Marseille and in the other direction to Nîmes. For train information or to make reservations in Paris, call SNCF at tel. 08-36-35-35-39 or check www.sncf.com
 By Ferry:
The major routes include at least 12 trips a day between Dover or Folkestone and Calais or Boulogne. The leading operator of ferries across the channel is P&O Ferries (tel. 0870/520-2020; www.poferries.com). It operates car and passenger ferries between Portsmouth, England, and Cherbourg, France. The shortest and most popular route across the Channel is between Calais and Dover. Hoverspeed runs at least 12 hovercraft crossings daily; the trip takes 35 minutes. It also runs a SeaCat (a catamaran propelled by jet engines) that takes just under 1 hour between Dover and Calais.Ph. 800/677-8585 in North America, or 0870/240-8070 in the U.K.; www.hoverspeed.com
 By Chunnel:
Queen Elizabeth and the late French president François Mitterrand opened the Channel Tunnel in 1994, and the Eurostar Express has daily passenger service from London to Paris and Brussels. Eurostar tickets are available through Rail Europe (tel. 800/848-7245; www.raileurope.com)
Getting Around:
You'll find that renting a car is usually the best way to travel once you get to the south of France, especially if you plan to explore in depth and not stick to the standard route along the coast. If you're not driving, you'll find that the south of France has one of the most reliable bus and rail transportation systems in Europe.
Trains connect all the major cities and towns, such as Nice and Avignon. Where the train leaves off, you can most often rely on local bus service.
Air France (tel. 800/237-2747) serves about eight cities in France. Provence, France Hotels:  A.Hotel Le Saint-Laurent: Le Saint-Laurent is located between Avignon, Uzes and Orange, in an authentic medieval village surrounded by the Tavel and Lirac vineyards. Relax and be pampered ! 2 nights in a double deluxe room, breakfasts included. 1 romantic dinner with candlelights (champagne bottle included) to be savoured in your room. The second night, enjoy your dinner out of the hotel, in a restaurant (drinks included). Free access to the turkish bath, outdoor jacuzzi and swimming pool. Offer available all year round.
B.Domaine de Valmouriane: The Domaine de Valmouriane, a place of peace and calm in an aromatic park of 6 ha, away from ordinary life in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. Enjoy a leisure Week-end in south of France, 2 nights in double room and breakfasts, dinner for 2 peoples (drinks excluded). According to the season, a picnic in the park or a teatime nearby the fireplace. Possibilities of Touristic visit. Available all year..
C.Hotel d’Europe: The Hotel d’Europe in Avignon is one of the oldest hotels in the world, and is adored by a contingent of loyal fans who return year after year. And it’s easy to see why. The Hotel d’Europe exudes an old-world charm and elegance in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of France – truly the finest deluxe destination in Provence. All the large, comfortable rooms are decorated with antiques and fine fabrics, and are equipped with modern amenities. Exquisite rooftop suites feature large terraces overlooking the old town – perfect for sunbathing or private dining. Views of Avignon’s two main landmarks – the bridge and the Pope’s Palace – can be seen from the hotel bedrooms.
D.Ferme de la Platane: Ferme de la Platane is 25 minutes north of Aix-en-Provence in the Luberon National Park. With stunning views to the château of Ansouis, across to vineyards and the wide sweep of the Luberon, the Ferme de la Platane is a wonderful old farmhouse in the heart of a very special corner of Provence. he farmhouse, originally dating back to the late 1700s, now beautifully restored, has three spacious studio apartments with double beds (or twin beds on request), and one slightly larger cottage with a double bedroom on the first floor. Set within 4 hectares of wonderful Provencal scenery, the apartments are completely independent allowing much greater freedom than could be found in a hotel. A 14 metre swimming pool set in a walled garden with teak sun beds provides an ideal place to relax and while away the afternoon with views across to the Luberon hills.
E.Hotel Le Moulin d'Aure: The Honeymoon Hotel Le Moulin d'Aure is located between Avignon and Saint Rémy de Provence not far from the Luberon mountains and the Camargue. Olive trees and lavender, typical Provencal vegetation, will enchant your senses when you walk around the gardens of the hotel or have a sun bath next to the heated swimming pool. Two beautiful houses compose the Romantic Hotel: La Bâtisse is the main one with 14 rooms and Le Mas next to the restaurant and the swimming pool with 5 rooms is ideal for small groups or family meetings. The typical decoration of terra cotta floors, cream colours and chalk walls offer an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. The Honeymoon Hotel Le Moulin d'Aure offers the romantic possibilities of a picnic among the olive groves and orchards or a long walk among the golden wheat fields, the lavender fields and the vineyards. A good location to experience the rhythm of life in the real Provence.
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