The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Provence

by Helena Attlee, Alex Ramsay (Photographer)

The outstanding beauty and distinction of the small towns of Provence have proved irresistibly attractive to visitors from America for the best part of a century. From the hills and mountains of the Alps and the Luberon to the rich vine-growing country of the Var and the delightful coastal resorts, these communities are special places indeed.In the small towns one finds the true spirit of Provence. Terracotta roofs cling at strange angles to stone and plaster; deep, velvety shade covers the ground beneath tall plane trees in some peaceful square, enlivened by the sound of water from an ancient fountain. Sometimes calm, sometimes vibrant, but always timelessly appealing, the most beautiful country towns of Provence are presented here in Alex Ramsay's perceptive photographs and Helena Attlee's evocative commentaries.

This magnificently illustrated survey opens in the west of the province, marked by the Roman presence and home to the lively regional centers of Arles and Uzes. In the center of Provence -- the departements of Vat and Vaucluse -- are such attractions as L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famous for its antique markets, and Hyeres, one of the first resorts on the Riviera. Haute-Provence and Maritimes, which sweep around the north of the province and finally descend to the sea in the east, embrace the varied gems of mountainous Saint-Martin-Vesubie, coastal and Italianate Menton, and Grasse, perfume capital of the world. The variety revealed in this visual and textual feast is incredible -- and all set in the dramatic contours of one of Europe's most striking landscapes.

Like other volumes in this internationally best-selling series, The Most Beautiful Country Towns of Provence iscompleted by lists of sights to visit and places to stay and to eat.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Helena Attlee is the author of four books about Italian gardens, and others on the cultural history of gardens around the world. Helena is a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund and has worked in Italy for nearly 30 years.

Reviews

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the photographs. Helping me get through the pandemic without traveling

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The photos are of better quality than those in the Tuscany book. I felt there was too much emphasis on art and the church and too little about the people and personality of each town.