This new volume in the award-winning National Geographic Traveler series takes you to the best of glorious Provence, from its Roman ruins and medieval hill towns to the glamorous Cote d'Azur. This lavishly illustrated new guide helps you discover the best of Provence, the beautiful muse of writers, artists, and filmmakers. Guided through its magical landscapes - fields of red popples, fragrant lavender, olive trees, and sunflowers - you will explore its charming towns and cities, Avignon and Marseille among them, as well as such lesser-known delights as medieval abbeys, storybook castles, and Roman monuments. The tour begins in Avignon, former seat of the Roman Catholic popes and famed for its Palais des Papes, and moves into the surrounding countryside, including Orange and its Roman-era coliseum, and the charming hill towns of Gordes, Roussillon, and Bonnieux. Next it's on to the Bouches du Rhone, featuring Arles, van Gogh's old haunt; Les Baux and its troubadour-era remains; the Camargue, the swampy land of cowboys and flamingoes; and chic and elegant Aix-en-Provence. You are then introduced to the Var, with its Mediterrean paradises of St. Port-Cros. Farther east awaits the fabled French Riviera, including the glittering towns of St. Tropez, Cannes, and Nice, and regal Monaco. Finally, you discover Provence's more rugged side in Haute Provence, domain of the Gorges du Verdon. Special features include driving and walking tours; detailed features on history, culture, and contemporary life; and 3-D illustrations. The guide also includes an in-depth chapter describing Provence's history and culture, and a detailed section of practical information, including how to get around Provence, an extensive listing of handpicked hotels and restaurants, and select activities and entertainment options.