Provenza

Provenza, known in French as Provence and in Italian or Spanish as Provenza, refers to a historic and cultural region in southeastern France. In the contemporary administrative framework it largely lies within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, stretching along the Mediterranean coast into inland Provençal countryside. The area encompasses a varied landscape that includes the Camargue delta, coastal plains, the hills of the Luberon and Alpilles, and parts of the Alpine foothills.

Historically, Provenza was a distinct Roman province and later a medieval fiefdom that developed into the County or Principality of Provence. It remained an autonomous entity for centuries before joining the Kingdom of France in the 15th century, after which it became part of a unified French state. The region has maintained a strong cultural identity, expressed through the Provençal dialect of Occitan, traditional crafts, and regional cuisine.

Economy and culture in Provenza are shaped by tourism, agriculture, and light industry. The area is known for wine production, especially the rosé wines of Côte de Provence, as well as olive oil and lavender. The coastline supports resort towns along the Côte d’Azur, while inland areas attract visitors to markets, lavender fields, vineyards, and historic sites. Notable places associated with Provenza include Marseille, Avignon, Arles, Aix-en-Provence, and the landscapes of the Luberon and Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

Etymology: The name derives from the Latin provincia, reflected in the modern French Provence and the regional forms Provenza in Italian and Spanish.