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WITH ABOUT 350,000 square tour of southeastern France! miles, France is the largest coun- try in Western Europe, and roughly the size of Texas. In 2003, its population reached 62 million, of which about 12 million live in Switzer Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) or around the capital, Paris. France also includes several -land overseas territories: Evian and in the Caribbean; just north of Brazil; Reunion Island in the Clermont -Ferrand Mont-Bllanc Indian Ocean; French Polynesia, Lac du Bourget , and Wallis and Aix-les-Bains Chambéry Futuna in the Pacific Ocean; and Volcanoes the Antarctic territories. Since the European Union's inception, some 50 years ago, Briançon France has been at the forefront of Vercors the construction of a strong and integrated Europe. The European Union remains one of France's top Ardèche Montélimar foreign policy priorities. As one of Gorges Gorges Mont Ventoux the five permanent members of the United Nations' Security Council, and the fourth highest Verdon Gorges contributor to the U.N. budget, Pont du Cavaillon France is deeply involved in all sig- Nîmes nificant international affairs. Arles Aix-en- But France is also a country where people are strongly Camargue St-Tropez attached to their regional roots. Carcassone This brochure will help you understand the deep ties the French continue to have with their native regions. This brochure belongs to a series of six: the Northeast, the Northwest, the Southeast, the Southwest, Ile-de-France, and the overseas territories. Brochures Mediterranean are available on request, by writ- ing to [email protected]. Sea A History Fashioned by the Mediterranean

THE SOUTHEAST borders Italy, Switzerland and the The Côte d'Azur, , placing it at the crossroads of various cultures the coastline of south- and civilizations. Indeed, several civilizations invaded the region ern France, was primari- during its long and tumultuous history, and each left behind a rich ly shaped by more historical heritage that can still be seen today. recent historical events. The Roman influence is particularly hard to miss. Indeed, Saint-Tropez, located Julius Caesar himself named the southern part of the region at the tip of a peninsula, "Provincia," and the name stuck, becoming today's Provence. first attracted artists Remains of their ancient constructions can be found and, in the 1950s, throughout the area. The young Parisians as well. A village perched high in the Pont du Gard, 158 feet high The film "And God mountainous landscape of Corsica and 900 feet long, still stands Created Woman," star- CORSICA THE BEAUTIFUL tall, as a testimony to the ring Brigitte Bardot, Corsican rebels had been fighting for Romans’ engineering skills. helped establish St- independence for 15 years when the Lyon is home to Roman Tropez's image as a Genoese sold the island to France in amphitheaters, Arles has a young, playful place. 1768. The year after, Roman arena and theater, and A glimpse of the exterior of the Today, tourists continue Bonaparte, future Emperor of France, Gallo-Roman Arena found in Arles Roman baths can be visited in to flock to the coastal was born in Ajaccio. Between the 11th Nice. Aix-les-Bains, next to the Lac du Bourget, has thermal city to enjoy its lovely and 13th centuries, Corsica was a baths that the Romans used over 2,000 years ago. and to relax in colony of the republic of , and The , who came before the Romans, also left their its classy cafes while Roman architecture can still be seen mark on the region. They were the ones who brought grapevines admiring the luxurious there today. to , which has now become a major wine-producing boats in its harbor. area. Marseilles, whose port was Europe’s gateway for most of Cannes was born when a British Lord built a villa there the trade carried out with the Middle East and North Africa, was in 1834. Other foreigners did the same and thereby trans- invaded by the Greeks in the 7th century BC. It is now France's formed the fishing port into a top Mediterranean resort largest port and second largest city, and continues to have close with sandy beaches. The fort on nearby Ile Sainte- links with the Middle East and North Africa. Marguerite is where the notorious Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned in the 17th century. The Cap d', a rocky peninsula, also known simply as "the Cap," attracted F. Scott Fitzgerald and rich Americans in the 1920s. Today, the city hosts a world renowned jazz festival and a number of sumptuous villas.

MONACO: A SOVEREIGN STATE ON A ROCK For the past seven cen- turies, the Grimaldi fam- ily has ruled Monaco, a sovereign state smaller than New York’s Central The Notre-Dame-de-la Garde, seen from the old port in Marseilles. Park and located along France's Mediterranean The played an important role in shaping the coast. At the end of the region. Pope Clement V moved the papal court to Avignon in The city of Monaco was built on a rock. 13th century, Charles 1309, where it remained until 1376 before moving back to Rome. Grimaldi took possession of the Monaco Rock and established the Famous Avignon sites from that period in time include the Palais House of Monaco. Prince Rainier III, the current ruler, gave the des Papes and the Rue des Teinturiers, as well as nearby Gordes, Monegasque people a new constitution in 1962 and brought his a village perched in the mountains with a 16th-century castle, and country into the United Nations in 1993. Tournon-sur-Rhône (which boasts its own medieval castle). Mild Winters and Winds:a Varied Geography

THE EXTREMELY varied landscapes of southeastern France To the east, stretching south from Lake Léman almost account for the area’s wide range of climates. Most of the region to the Mediterranean are the , where the high- has a , especially Provence and the Côte est point in Europe can be found (Mont Blanc, at 15,765 d'Azur which enjoy warm winters and hot, dry summers. However, feet). This area is also home to Europe's highest town, due to higher elevations, the French Alps have a much colder cli- Briançon, which surveys the heavens from 4,330 feet high. mate in which snow is common during the winter. Some ski resorts Another famous mountain in the region of Provence is in the Southern Alps are only an hour’s drive from the sea. Mont Ventoux, or the "windy mountain.” An exception to the warm Mediterranean climate is the The region boasts two renowned Mistral wind. The Mistral is a strong and sometimes violent wind national parks, Vercors (known for its that results from the differences in atmospheric pressure between wilderness, mountain caves and deep, northern and . It has a major influence on the narrow gorges) and the Luberon (whose region's climate and is quite beneficial to grape-growing. Montagne du Luberon is home to more than 1,000 plant species). Beautiful fields THE CAMARGUE of lavender animate the landscape with splashes of color. Among the natural treasures of the The vibrant region is the Vallon Pont d'Arc, the lavender fields starting point for exploring the Gorges of Provence de l'Ardèche, either by boat or via a scenic route overlooking the canyon. Another famous gorge is the Gorges du Verdon, one of the most famous sites in Europe. The dark Verdon River flows through the valley, forming a stun-

Pink Flamingoes aimlessly wander along the Rhone delta in Camargue ning gorge that can reach depths of up to The Camargue (346,00 acres) is composed of marshland. It is 2,297 feet. The breathtaking Gorges du Verdon home to a rich selection of wildlife, including pink flamingoes, The , through which the Tarn river bulls and wild horses. The gardians, or French cowboys, ride the has carved its way through the limestone plateaus of wild horses of this fertile land. Cevennes for millions of years (thereby creating an over- whelming canyon), are just as spectacular. From the rivers to the lakes to the Mediterranean sea, many Finally, there bodies of water can be found in southeastern France, including are the the Ardèche (the fastest-flowing French river), the Rhône and de Cassis, a unique Saône rivers, and the Bourget and Léman lakes. The Saône sep- coastline between arates to the west and Bresse to the east. The Rhône Marseilles and has its source in the Alps and feeds Lac Léman (known as Lake Cassis, with jagged Geneva in Switzerland) before finding its way to the white cliffs as high Mediterranean. In Arles, the Rhône divides into two, its arms as 1,312 feet over- encircling the Camargue delta. looking the mesmer- France’s various terrains can all be found in the Southeast, from izing, transucent and mountains to rolling hills to flat plateaus. The huge central plateau of turquoise waters of ancient granite and crystalline rock that the Mediterranean. makes up the Massif Central embraces the No wonder it has departments of Auvergne, , become such a hit , and Lozère. The Massif Central with tourists from all covers one-fifth of France and is over 250 across the world, million years old. It is home to several extinct seeking the sun, the volcanoes, including Mont Domes, Mont sea, and secluded lit- Dormant volcanoes in Arocky inlet between Marseilles and Cassis Auvergne Dore, and Mont du . tle coves! and Technology: a Prosperous Economy

THE SOUTHEAST (23.5 percent of France) is rich in resources Almost 13 percent of Auvergne's inhabitants work in agri- and its economy is highly diversified. culture, double the French average of 6 percent. In addition, 60 The strategic location of Rhône-Alpes, coupled with a good percent of the land in Auvergne is devoted to agriculture. The quality of life, attracts many economic activities. Efficient public inhabitants of Auvergne specialize in livestock breeding but also transportation (including trams and the TGV) and one of France's produce grain on vast, fertile plains. largest airports, Lyon-St Exupéry, offer easy access to the region. Industry is also a major component of Lyon, Rhône-Alpes's major city, is the third largest city of France. Auvergne's economy. The food and bever- Rhône-Alpes's industries are varied and include chemicals age industries, as well as the production of (Rhodia), mechanical engi- tires, are particularly important sectors. The neering, electronics (SEB), Michelin brothers discovered how to use pharmaceuticals (Aventis rubber to make tires here at the end of the Pasteur), textiles (ribbons and 19th century. Today, Michelin is the world’s braids), food and beverages second-largest tire maker and Auvergne is (Entremont, Evian, Candia), the international capital of rubber. The Michelin Man biotechnology and energy. -Roussillon's economy relies heavily on tourism, Research is also an important which brought in 4.9 billion euros for the region in 2000. The activity in a region that pro- number-one destination for campers in France, Languedoc- A production line for Evian mineral water. duces numerous patents. Roussillon has four UNESCO World Heritage sites—France's por- Indeed, the inhabitants of the region are tech-savvy, and the tion of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, the historic area offers excellent professional training with its great universi- fortified city of , the , and the Pont du ties (such as the University of Grenoble), and 35 prestigious Gard (a Roman aqueduct)—not to mention 127 nature reserves. schools, where many French engineers are trained. Languedoc-Roussillon also produces wine and other agricultural Tourism, which brought in 10 billion euros in 2002 alone, is products, such as fruits and vegetables. a source of wealth for the region. The French Alps feature ski resorts such as Avoriaz, Chamonix and the city of Albertville (which hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics). The Ardèche offers wild scenery with beautiful gorges where people can practice canoeing, whitewater rafting and climbing.

The fortified city of Carcassonne Together, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica form the third-largest economic region of France. This area's economy flourishes thanks to the service sector and tourism. The region has two of the largest French airports: Nice-Côte d'Azur and Marseilles-Provence. The Côte d'Azur attracts people who like sunny, crowded sandy beaches, while Cannes and St-Tropez also offer the opportunity to practice star-spotting all year long. With nine major ports, the region is an important com- The Avoriaz ski resort in the Rhône Alpes. mercial and naval The region's agricultural sector is also very important. As center. Marseilles mentioned previously, the Saone river separates the region into is the leading two areas: Beaujolais, the wine country, to the west, and Bresse, commercial port the rural area (with its country-style furniture and specialties such in France and is as the famous Bresse chicken), to the east. But the Southeast’s famous for its most devoted agricultural region is elsewhere, in the Auvergne. fish markets. A woman sells fish in the old port of Marseilles Seafood, Wine and Truffles Who could ask for anything more!

THE RENOWNED culinary specialties and natural delica- The cheese of the cies of southeastern France account for some of the world's Southeast ranks among most delicious treats. France's best. Auvergne Over 2,500 years ago, settlers first planted alone produces five olive trees on Provence's hillsides. Since then, has famous cheeses: Salers, become a staple in the southeastern diet, and olive groves are Cantal, Bleu d'Auvergne, found throughout the region. Fourme d'Ambert and Wines have been Saint-Nectaire. In the produced in the Southeast Rhône-Alpes, one finds for over 2,000 years. In the Tomme de (a fact, the Rhône Valley mild, semi-soft cheese), An artisan carefully handles maturing Beaufort proudly harbors the oldest Beaufort (Savoie’s gruyère) vineyards in all of France. and Reblochon (an unpasteurized cheese). And let's not for- Provence is also one of the get the famous blue-veined cheese, . main wine-producing regions Several other notable specialties of France, with many can be found in the Southeast. Bresse, famous vineyards (includ- for example, is famous for France's Beaujolais Nouveau wine ing Châteauneuf-du- finest fowl—chickens that are Pape). Another famous wine produced in the area is the deli- poached and stuffed with truffles. cious Beaujolais Nouveau, which is unveiled annually on the From Aix-en-Provence come third Thursday of November. calissons, a traditional southeastern And alongside the Rhône Valley sweet made from almonds, candied vineyards are the luxuriant Cavaillon fruit, and a thin wafer. melon fields. Montélimar, the famous nougat, Unique blends of culinary herbs is a sweet white delicacy made from and spices are trademarks of the sugar, honey, vanilla, almonds, pista- Provence’s tasty Celebrated Cavaillon melons Southeast’s flavorful cuisine. Mediter- chios, and lavender. calissons and nougat. ranean cooking harmoniously combines fresh vegetables, spices and herbs to create a savory mix. Ingredients such as Bouillabaisse Recipe (4 servings) mint, basil, fennel, garlic, rosemary, savory, sage, marjoram, Ingredients: 6 potatoes, 1 leek or onion, 1 can of tomato purée, garlic, saf- coriander, and parsley can all be found in one single dish! fron, salt, pepper, olive oil, a The delectable truffle, also bottle of white wine, 4 fillets of known as the “black diamond," hog-fish, 1 pound of mussels is an extraordinary mushroom and a few large shrimp. found mainly in Provence, in the Pour the olive oil in a stew pan oak plantations near the Verdon and put the slices of potatoes river. The truffle harvest repre- on top. Create a layer with the sents a 100-year-old tradition, sliced leek and another layer in which pigs and dogs are used with the tomato purée. Repeat The treasured truffles of to sniff out these buried treas- until all the vegetables are used. Provence. ures. Truffles are typically sold at Fill 2/3 of the pan with white village markets, and on account of their rarity they can cost up wine, and add the spices. Place to 300 euros per pound! the fish fillets on top, as well as A wide array of fish can be found throughout the region. the washed mussels, shrimp and Rivers, streams and lakes alike contribute a variety of freshwa- salt and pepper. ter fish to local menus, from the wild salmon found in the Close the lid. When it whis- River to oysters from Bouzigues and mussels from Sète. tles, reduce heat and leave on Bouillabaisse soup, perhaps the world's most famous fish low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Fish stew at its finest, stew, is composed of seafood (usually shrimp, scallops, or mus- Bon Appétit! the Bouillabaisse sels) and combined with garlic, parsley, spices, and olive oil. January Multicultural events Monte Carlo Rally (usually mid-January) THE SOUTHEAST'S culture has been heavily influenced by its neigh- February boring countries—Spain, Italy, and the nations of North Africa—and by Lemon festival in Menton Marseilles’s many commercial ties with the Middle East and Africa. Indeed, the (mid February - March). port of Marseilles has long been known as Cannes hosts its famous Nice , Battle of Flowers Europe’s gateway to the Orient and Africa. (late February - early March). International Film Festival in May. Jazz festival in Cannes The Southeast has thereby become a melting This festival started in 1939, after a (mid to end of February). pot of cultures, creating an eclectic mix of group of critics and filmmakers, local crafts and traditions. including Louis Lumière (he and his March It could be said that Arles encompass- brother Auguste invented the film camera), petitioned the French gov- Grenoble Jazz Festival es all of Provence's charms and illustrates (March 18-27) ernment to sponsor a festival where many of its traditions. Every year, Arles international movies could be shown May organizes festivals and bullfights very similar without bias or political repression. Grand Prix of Monaco to those that take place across the border, in (Ascension week-end) Spain. In April, French cowboys from Camargue, the Gardians, come to show off Cannes Film Festival their skills in the Arles Arena. (second and third week) Food is celebrated throughout the Southeast. Nîmes Feria (bullfights) Menton holds a Lemon Festival in February and (end of May) Cavaillon, not be outdone, has a Melon Festival in

July A poster annoncing the Concarde July. The Rhône-Alpes region holds wine tastings in Marseilles Festival d’Or bullfight in Arles. the Beaujolais area and celebrates the new Beaujolais (performing arts) Nouveau vintage every third Thursday of November. Cavaillon Melon Festival The Southeast also celebrates Avignon Theater Festival (all month long) music, movies and the performing International Jazz Festival arts. From mid-July to mid-August, Antibes and Juan-les- Avignon hosts one of France's Pins. largest festivals in its historic Palais des The colorful and animated (mid to end of July) Papes, featuring not only ballet, the- Lemon Festival of Menton ater and classical concerts, but also street performances and jazz. August Fête de la Véraison Over a million spectators gather every February for the Châteauneuf du Pape amazing , Fruit harvest festival when music, parades, (first or second weekend) and dancing last for Parade of Lavender Floats two straight weeks in a Digne lively atmosphere of (first or second weekend) The ever so eccentric and vibrant Nice Festival merry-making. FORMULA1 IN MONACO September For year-long entertainment, Musicades(classical music) tourists flock to the the Côte d'Azur Lyon and Monaco, which are full of (first and second week) expensive hotels and boats, show- Grape harvest in wine regions. Palm trees and luxurious ing off the luxury and wealth the hotels and casinos line the in Nice. October region is famous for. Pottery makers festival in Lyon (first weekend)

November Truffle season in Provence (until March)

December Men's International skiing Monaco's Grand Casino is world-renowned competition in Val d'Isère and so are its two auto races: the Formula 1 The year’s most important Grand Prix of Monaco (pictured), which is skiing competition! held in May, and the Monte Carlo Rally, held in January. The city’s narrow, twisted roads (mid-December). Santons, ornamental Christmas figurines, are typical of Provence. make for spectacular races! For more information: www.franceguide.com Press &Information Office, Embassy of France August 2005