The Allure of Provence: A Journey Through Nature and Culture

Pamela Land
Jul 12
4 min read

Updated: Sep 12

Old stone street with vibrant purple bougainvillea cascading over rustic buildings. Cobblestone path leads through a quaint, peaceful village.

The Allure of Provence

My first visit to this area was at the start of the 1990s. I immediately fell in love with the beauty and diversity of this part of France. In the Provence region, there are many beautiful hilltop villages, fields of lavender, olive trees, lakes, and walking trails. As someone who loves the great outdoors, it's no wonder I've developed a fondness for all things French over the years, particularly Provence.

Architectural Heritage

The stunning architecture of Neo-Provençal homes, with their charming shutters, along with exquisite wines and the world's finest soap, have made my experiences in this part of France truly unforgettable.

Stone building with green shutters, adorned with vibrant flowers in window boxes. Warm, sunny atmosphere. No visible text.

Throughout my early years of exploring France, no area has captivated my imagination quite like Provence. Its rich architectural heritage features Roman ruins and medieval abbeys. Picturesque villages and beautiful market squares allowed me to immerse myself in the rich culture. The joy of browsing artisanal markets showcases fresh produce, handmade crafts, regional specialities, and, of course, the incredible variety of soap!

Exquisite Cuisine and Breath-taking Vistas

If I'm ever asked to recommend a holiday destination with large open spaces, a delightful climate, and delicious cuisine, I can confidently say that Provence is the perfect choice. It offers a breath-taking landscape that truly immerses you in its beauty. From June to August, the countryside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of purple as the lavender fields stretch endlessly, creating a feast for both the eyes and the senses!

Two glasses of rosé wine on a textured tablecloth, with pink flowers and greenery in the background, creating a serene outdoor vibe.

The Fragrances, Sights, and Sounds of Provence

Other crops grown in the region include olives, clary sage, rosemary, thyme, and, of course, the rosé wine that many of us love. All the goodness from the herbs and plants in this region is used to create essential oils. These oils are added to soap and skincare products, which are then sold both regionally and globally. To indulge myself and pretend on a rainy day that I'm still on holiday in France, I now stock a gorgeous collection of French soap on my Live Well site. I will be officially launching it on this website fairly soon.

Bee perched on a pink flower, collecting nectar. Background is blurred with soft pink and green tones, creating a calm, natural setting.

Gifts from France: The Iconic Savon de Marseille

Provence is widely known for its traditional soap, particularly Savon de Marseille. This olive oil-based soap has been a staple in the region for centuries. It is renowned for its quality and versatility.

Blue bars of soap labeled "Savon de Marseille" are neatly arranged in a wooden crate. Text includes "LAVANDE" and "AUCHAN DE PROVENCE." — Savon de Marseille Soap Bars

The first bar of French soap I bought was from one of the many markets held in the towns of the Provence region. It was a natural, unwrapped bar that, when used, created silky suds and had a wonderful, sweet, and earthy scent that lasted for a long time.

Hands cupping soapy foam over a white sink, creating an impression of cleanliness. Bright lighting highlights bubbles and skin texture.

Once I'd tried French soap, I was instantly hooked. The choice of soap in France is quite impressive. The selection of bars for face and body, as well as soap for washing your hair, seems endless.

Spend a Day Exploring Provence

Of course, the allure of Provence is that its famous for its lavender fields, and this herb is at its very best during the summer. It even grows wild among rocky terrain. The herb is used to produce the world's finest essential oils, which are incorporated into soaps, skincare products, and aromatherapy candles, making them delightful gifts. You can also buy dried lavender, which is sewn into pretty bags—perfect for adding gorgeous fragrances to your linen cupboard.

On every visit to France, I continue to be amazed at how many places you can buy soap! Supermarkets, boutique shops, and even grocery stores offer an impressive selection, making it fun to try out new varieties.

French Artisans: A Personal Connection

I recall a special visit when I discovered a small, family-owned shop tucked away in a quiet back street in Aix-en-Provence. The owner, a friendly elderly lady, shared with me the story of how her family has been making soap for generations, using a recipe passed down through the years. This experience truly deepened my appreciation for French soap.

The Choice of French Soap

During my travels, I've encountered both well-known brands and small, artisanal brands. For instance, the large Marseille cube soap may be challenging to use in the bath, but it's perfect as a basin soap and is rich in olive oil, making it a moisturising option. I also love the smaller blocks of smooth, dense soap with incredible fragrances that transport me back to my holidays in the Provence region.

Charming street with pastel buildings, black railings, and blooming pink flowers in the foreground. Sunny, calm atmosphere.

The French don't seem concerned with buying naked soap. I think it's us Brits who prefer everything double-wrapped with a list of ingredients on the label. For that reason, I won't be selling naked bars of soap, but I've got quite a stash for my own personal use to keep me going until my next trip to Provence—and, of course, a few bottles of the region's famous pink wine!

Wine bottle and glasses in a lavender field at sunset. A straw hat and purple flowers are nearby, creating a serene and romantic scene.

The Allure of Provence: A Daily Ritual

While it may seem far-fetched to suggest that using bar soap can transport you to your vacation in France, the truth is that using French soap has become a cherished part of my daily routine. It's not just about cleansing; it's about taking a moment to slow down, reflect, and relive the idyllic holidays and travels through France. It's a simple yet profound act that we should all take the time to do every day.