Provence

Provence is a famous region in southeastern France.

It sits between the Rhône river and the Italian border. To the south, the Mediterranean Sea touches the coast.

The area is part of a larger region called Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. This includes places like Var and Bouches-du-Rhône. Marseille is the largest city and the modern capital.

It is a land known for its unique culture and history.

Long ago, the climate and sea levels changed a lot. During the Paleolithic period, the sea was much higher. It was 150 meters higher than it is today. Later, the sea level dropped very low.

A diver named Henri Cosquer found a hidden cave underwater. This cave is 37 meters below the surface. Inside, people made drawings of bison, horses, and seals.

These drawings are thousands of years old.

Many different groups of people lived in Provence. The Ligures lived in the rocky, dry hills. They were known to be warlike people.

Later, Celtic tribes moved into the area. They used iron weapons to win battles.

Around 600 BC, Greek traders arrived by sea. They started a big trading port called Massalia.

This settlement grew into the modern city of Marseille.

Famous people have lived in this region for a long time. A man named Pytheas lived in Massalia. He was a scientist and a navigator.

He discovered that the moon causes the tides. He even sailed as far north as Iceland. Later, the Romans took control of the land. They called it Provincia Romana.

This name eventually became the word Provence. The region was also home to the Popes in Avignon.

Today, Provence still feels very special and distinct. You can see its history in many old towns.

The landscape has beautiful mountains and sunny coasts.

People can find ancient stone structures like dolmens.

These stones date back to the Bronze Age. The region connects its ancient past to the modern world. It remains a place of great wonder and beauty.