An
artistic tradition
 Provence
inspired many artists of the 19th and 20th
century. The
luminescent quality of the light and the brilliance of the colours
attracted painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, a native,
Monet, Renoir ...
In the
20th century both Picasso and Matisse settled in this
region. Writers
from France and from many other countries found inspiration in
the area using Provencal background for their novels. Local
writers such as Jean Giono, Marcel Pagnol or Alphonse Daudet are
well known for having so beautifully captured the provencal atmosphere
and character. Small
galleries, workshops of artists and artisans in almost every town
keep this artistic tradition alive.
Festivals
of Provence
 Festivals
are part of the Provencal way of leaving and most of them are
very much traditional. Whether they commemorate historical or
religious events or simply celebrate the changes in nature, they
are all the time fascinating.
Some of the
most popular festivals are the Pelerinage des Gitans in
the picturesque town of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer and the
Arts festival of Avignon.
End of May
each year, gypsies from all over the continent come to Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer.
They pay homage to their patron, Saint Sarah in a colourful and
moving pilgrimage, brightened by traditional costumes from Arles
and Camargue cowboys.
 From
mid July to mid August, the papal town of Avignon gives
shelter to a fantastic festival mainly focus on theatre but music,
dance and other form of Arts
are also present. Both professionals and amateurs perform. During
a month, every street, every empty place welcome set-up theatres
in an atmosphere of enjoyable festivity.
Some of our courses enable
you to attend one of these festivals.
Enjoy
Provence with Actes-Langues !
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