The taste of the South of France: 10 regional products from Provence – Côte d'Azur

When you think of the South of France, you immediately think of sun-drenched hills, vast lavender fields and picturesque markets full of fragrant herbs and fresh fruits. Provence – Côte d'Azur is not only a paradise for those who love the sun, but also for lovers of French cuisine. If you drive through the region during your holiday in the south of France, you will see the vineyards and olive groves, the beautiful lavender fields, saffron, figs, apricots and all kinds of other products and fruits.

During your stay in a holiday home in Provence or a luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur, you will undoubtedly enjoy dishes in which these products are processed. In this article, we will take you through the 10 most famous regional products of the South of France – their origins, uses and why they are so loved by locals and visitors alike.

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1. Lavender and lavender products

Lavender is the symbol of Provence. From mid-June to early August, the hills around Valensole, Sault and Gordes turn purple. The distinctive scent can be smelled everywhere. Lavender is used in essential oils (soothing, scented, healing), soap and cosmetics, culinary dishes, such as lavender honey, syrups and lavender ice cream.
In July, many villages celebrate the Fête de la Lavande, a festival with live demonstrations and markets. From your luxury villa in Provence – Côte d'Azur with private pool, you can easily drive the most beautiful lavender routes to admire the fragrant fields.

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2. Grapes and wine from Provence

Provence is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Grapes have been cultivated here for more than 2600 years, originally by the Greeks. The warm climate, mistral winds and calcareous soil make for wines with a fresh, fruity taste. Rosé wine in particular is the symbol of the region: light, elegant and perfect with summer dishes. Well-known wine regions are: Côtes de Provence (around Aix-en-Provence, Fréjus and Saint-Tropez), Bandol (famous for its full-bodied red wines) and Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence (with refined rosés and spicy aromas). Many wineries organize tours and tastings. From your holiday park in Provence in this wine region, you can easily follow a wine route along charming villages, where you can not only taste wine but also experience the hospitality of the region.

3. Olives and olive oil

In Provence, olive trees grow everywhere: from the hills of Les Baux to the valleys of Nyons. Olive cultivation is a centuries-old tradition and provides one of the purest products of French gastronomy: extra virgin olive oil. There are different types of olives: Tanche (Nyons): these are soft, fruity; Salonenque (Salon-de-Provence) characterized by their fresh green colour and slightly bitter taste; Picholine: Firm and spicy.
The olives or olive oil are used in dishes in different ways:

In all kinds of salads
On fish or grilled vegetables
In tapenade, a Provençal pasta of olives, capers and anchovies

Many farms offer tours and tastings. A visit to an olive mill, such as Moulin Castelas in Les Baux-de-Provence, is also good fun for the children.

4. Provencal herbs

No region in France has such a variety of aromas as Provence. The famous Herbes de Provence are a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine:

Thyme
Rosemary
Oregano
Marjoram
Summer savory

These herbs grow on the sunny hills and are harvested by hand. In dishes, they flavour meat, fish, vegetables or stews. At local markets, you can buy colourful pouches as a fragrant memory to take home.

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5. Nougat

In Montélimar, on the northern edge of Provence, nougat has been made for centuries. This sweet treat consists of honey, sugar, egg whites and almonds, often supplemented with pistachios. There are two types of nougat: White nougat (nougat blanc) – soft and airy and black nougat (nougat noir) – crispy and more intense in taste. Both variants are popular with tourists, especially when sold on markets or at festivals.
During your holiday in the South of France, visit a nougat factory such as Arnaud Soubeyran or Nougat Chabert & Guillot. This is a tasty day out from your holiday home in Provence, even for children.

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6. Fruits of Provence: strawberry, melon and cherry

Provence is a fertile region where countless fruits grow thanks to the sunny climate. The strawberries from Carpentras are small but deliciously sweet. In this region, Cavaillon is known as the city of melons. This fruit has a full flavour, is juicy and goes well with a glass of rosé. If you drive in the Venasque and Luberon area in May and June, you will see the cherries in the orchards turning red; they are eaten fresh or processed into cakes and jam.
These fruits are proudly displayed in the markets of the villages in Provence - Côte d'Azur, and they are often sold by local growers who still pick their products by hand.

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7. Truffles

The black truffle, also called "black diamond of Provence", is a delicacy that is harvested in the winter months (December – March). Especially in the Vaucluse, around Richerenches and Carpentras, there are truffle markets where farmers proudly display their harvest. The truffles are incorporated into dishes in various ways. You can find truffles in pasta, omelettes or risotto. They are also processed in oil or butter. In addition, they act as a luxury seasoning in sauces. The truffles are sought for with the help of hunting dogs or pigs that can smell where the truffles are buried underground. It is nice to go on such a truffle hunt during your holiday. After a truffle hunt, visitors can often enjoy a truffle tasting with a glass of local wine.

8. Figs and Apricots

The fig is a typical southern French fruit that was already cultivated by the Romans. Especially in Solliès-Pont, near Toulon, the "Violette de Solliès" is produced. This is a soft, dark purple fig with a honey-like taste. The apricot grows in the Rhône valley and the Luberon nature reserve. It is eaten fresh, processed in jam or dried as a healthy snack. During the summer you will see these orange fruits being sold at market stalls. Do not forget to try these fruits, they taste good with a light lunch. Those who stay in a luxury villa in Provence – Côte d'Azur during their holiday often see these fruits hanging on the trees. Freshly picked, slightly chilled and eaten with some local honey or goat cheese: delicious!

9. Saffron

Although saffron is native to the Middle East, it is also grown in the south of France, especially around Ventoux and Var. It is extracted from the pistils of the saffron crocus and is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron is used in risotto, paella and bouillabaisse. Saffron is also used in desserts, syrups and as a natural dye.
There are saffron festivals during the Autumn, here farmers show how labour-intensive picking the small flowers is. You can often buy a small jar of real Provençal saffron at these events, a special souvenir to remember your holidays in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast.

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10. Lemons of Menton

On the Côte d'Azur, near the Italian border, lies Menton, the lemon capital of France. The mild microclimate ensures that lemons grow here all winter long with a remarkably thick, aromatic skin. Every year in February, the colourful Fête du Citron takes place, with giant lemon figures parading through the city. Menton lemons are used in marmalade and liqueur (Limoncello), lemon cake, ice cream and syrups. They are also used in perfumes and soaps. Be sure to visit Menton, near Monaco, it's a great day trip from your luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur.

Tasting and smelling in Provence – Côte d'Azur

The charm of southern France lies not only in the landscape, but also in the way people live here. It's all about the goodness of the land – eating, sharing and enjoying the moment. During your stay in a holiday park in Provence or a holiday home on the Côte d'Azur, you can literally taste the flavours of the region: at markets, at producers' premises or during atmospheric evenings at a restaurant.

Holidays in Provence – Côte d'Azur

After a day full of scents, colours and flavours, you can return to the comfort of your holiday home in Provence or luxury villa on the Côte d'Azur. You will light the barbecue and sprinkle the herbs you bought at the market over the meat as the air fills with the lovely smell of thyme and lavender. The wine you brought at the tasting today is cooling in the fridge. Here you can taste what makes southern France so special: simplicity, passion and the art of living.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about regional products in Provence – Côte d'Azur

1. When does lavender bloom in Provence?
From mid-June to early August. In July, lavender is at its best, especially on the Plateau de Valensole and around Sault.

2. Where can you taste wine in Provence?
In areas such as Côtes de Provence, Bandol and Luberon there are numerous wineries that offer tours and tastings.

3. Which local products are fun for children to discover?
Children especially enjoy the sweeter products from Provence, such as the melons from Cavaillon and the cherries from Venasque. Lavender farms are also popular among children, because the farms organize workshops where children can make lavender sachets or scented soaps.

4. What is the best time for truffles in Provence?
Winter, from December to March. Truffle markets are organized in Carpentras and Richerenches.

5. Which markets are the best for regional products?
The markets of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Apt, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and Nice are very popular with tourists.

6. Can you buy lavender products and olive oil directly from the producers?
Yes, many farmers and small producers sell directly from their farms or in local cooperatives.

7. Are there any culinary events in Provence – Côte d'Azur that cannot be missed?
Yes, for sure. During the summer, numerous tastings, wine festivals and local markets take place, such as the Fête de la Lavande in Valensole, the Fête du Citron in Menton and the truffle markets in the Vaucluse. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to sample local products and experience the Provençal atmosphere up close.

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