6 misconceptions about Provence

1. Lavender fields stretching to the horizon!

This perception is not entirely accurate... Many people assume that the entire Provence region is blanketed with endless lavender fields. In reality, these picturesque fields are concentrated in specific areas, such as the Plateau de Valensole, and they are not omnipresent. Moreover, for those seeking to experience the beauty of blooming lavender, it's important to note that the harvesting typically begins in mid-July.

2. A picturesque, pristine paradise

But in reality... While there are indeed still rural pockets, many regions have undergone significant urbanization. French industrial zones, in particular, often sprawl extensively and lack aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, the onslaught of mass tourism increasingly compromises the natural landscape and original charm of the area. With over 30 million tourists visiting each year and only 5 million residents, it's becoming rare to find places that aren't inundated with crowds during the summer months. Additionally, there's considerable evidence of industrial pollution, stemming from sectors such as aluminum production, steel manufacturing, and the petroleum industry.

3. Excellent food is served everywhere

That's actually incorrect... While French cuisine, including Provençal cuisine, is renowned for its quality, it can be challenging to find a good restaurant. Especially in well-known cities, there's a risk of falling into tourist traps. Additionally, restaurant menus tend to be quite similar across the board, with desserts often sourced from suppliers like Metro. To find truly exceptional dining experiences, it's advisable to do some research beforehand or make friends with locals who can invite you home :)

4. The best time to visit Provence is summer

This is worth reconsidering... It's often overlooked that summers in Provence can be scorching due to climate change, prompting most locals to stay indoors until after 5:00 PM, even for swimming in pools or the sea. In my opinion, winter and especially the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are underestimated as ideal times to visit. While not peak summer, these times are considerably sunnier and milder than in Germany, making them perfect for exploring our beautiful region.

5. Provence exudes artistic flair

I believe this is a misconception... One might assume that the entire Provence is infused with artistic flair, similar to cities like Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. While the artistic heritage of Provence is indeed impressive, not every town and village is saturated with this kind of artistic presence.

When I moved here from Germany, I was quite surprised: Major cities there, in my opinion, are much better equipped with museums and cultural offerings than most places here. I also miss the vast array of concerts available there. To see popular musicians, one usually has to travel to Paris. The capital has long monopolized many aspects of culture as well.

6. People in Provence all have a relaxed lifestyle

Well... One tends to imagine people in Provence sipping Pastis while playing boules, portraying a rather relaxed, laissez-faire mentality. However, the reality is often quite hectic and demanding. Infrastructure for commuting to work in many areas doesn't compare favorably to that in Germany. Due to standardized traffic jams, I often spend 1.5 to 2 hours commuting just 40 km to work. Additionally, children often get out of school late, disrupting evening schedules. One must rush quite a bit to keep everything in order. Moreover, bureaucracy doesn't function particularly well, salaries are lower, and the healthcare system is surprisingly worse than in Germany—these are just a few factors affecting everyday quality of life.

BUT...

However, these points should not imply that it's not beautiful here or that I don't enjoy it. I love Provence! But one shouldn't romanticize everything and assume that everything is better from afar. I believe that one can find beauty everywhere in the world, including in Germany; it just requires keeping an open mind and being observant.