Provence is one of the most visited areas of France (the world's most popular tourist destination) and this year there's more than ever for visitors to fall in love. Not just glorious countryside filled with lavender and sunflowers, ravishingly picturesque towns and villages, sublime beach resorts and delicious wine and cuisine, 2016 showcases a truly enthralling programme of events throughout Provence.

Arty Party Provence

Experience the unique and vibrant Festival d'Avignon (7-30 July) which envelopes the city as each square is transformed into an open-air theatre. This French equivalent of the Edinburgh Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2016. Also in Avignon, don't miss the enchanting nightly light show at the Palais des Papes, Les Luminessences d'Avignon (12 August - 3 October).

Jeudis étoilés sees the banks of the Etang de l'Olivier, Istres, lit up on Thursday evenings (21 July-25 August) with a medley of music, markets and fabulous food stalls for an al fresco night out under a starry Provencal sky.

Marseille will be football crazy as the oldest French city is one of the hosts for Euro 2016. This magnificent city offers visitors a plethora of scintillating visit experiences from the extraordinarily beautiful National Park of the Calanques, the lovely little island of If (think Monte-Cristo) and numerous museums.

With many more events including an international opera festival (Aix-en-Provence) and fireworks at the Pont du Gard – 2016 promises a beguiling season of awesome performances.

Fabulous Food and Wine Festivals

The region is rightly famous for its exquisite wine and gastronomy and in Martigues you can enjoy a flavour of Provence at the “Sardinades” (19 June – 28 August). Enjoy a perfect waterside evening in this area known as the Provencal Venice as you join the locals at a nightly giant barbecue of mouth-watering grilled sardines and chilled local rosé.

In Cassis the wine makers celebrate the harvest with a special weekend of wine and delicious food joined by chefs from across the region. Make the most of the end of summer with open-air dining at the “Vendanges étoilées” food and wine festival in Cassis (23-25 September) held in the ravishing village and harbour of Cassis and Calanque de Port Miou. Over the same weekend Provence joins in the nationwide festivity known as Fête de la Gastronomie. This epicurean weekend is an opportunity to appreciate luscious Provencal gastronomic heritage with special menus and events.

Captivating Cultural Premieres in Provence

In Aix-en-Provence the Hôtel de Caumont is exhibiting a major retrospective “Turner and Colour” (until 18 September) in partnership with Tate Britain and the Turner Contemporary, Margate. After you've viewed the exhibition of around 100 pieces, enjoy a break in the lovely café-restaurant of the Hôtel de Caumont which is the finest mansion in the town and a major cultural location.

The legendary Picasso is celebrated in Marseille at the magnificent MuCEM (until 29 August) with a dazzling display of 270 works of art which reflect key influences on the great artist's work. And, in St Tropez Picasso is also feted via an exhibition of photographs as well as a collection of original ceramics by the artist (Salle Jean Despas, 3 July-28 August).

Provence honours its adopted son Vincent Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Foundation in Arles, with a fabulous exhibition of 30 paintings, many created during his time in Arles and Saint Rémy.

This is just a selection of the feast of fantastic events and exhibitions in Provence in 2016 for more information on the Provence Summer programme and the full 'Best of Provence' Press kit, contact the Atout France Press office

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Anne Pedersen, Head of Public Relations Department, Atout France
anne.pedersen@atout-france.fr
Tel. 020 7061 6624
www.france.fr

Note to Editors

Travel to Provence is easy with three airports and excellent train services including Eurostar direct from London to Avignon and Marseille.