Drink

Wine dominates this section - of course. But let's not forget pastis, the quintessential apéritif of Provence and beer, which isn't associated with the region but has a surprisingly long history here. Stay tuned for more reports on other local drinks, alcoholic and abstemious.

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La Biere des CigalesProvence is all about pastis and rosé wine - or is it? We explore the region's long brewing tradition and current craft beer scene, visit a micro-brewery in Marseille and suggest spots to drink what the French call "la petite mousse" ("the little foam").

cristal liminana pastisMarseille is the world capital of pastis - but it's also dominated by multinationals. Cristal Limiñana is the exception: a tiny family business whose recipes have come down through the generations.

Advertisement for Janot pastisEnjoyed on a sun-drenched café terrace by the sea, if possible while watching or playing a game of pétanque, pastis is the essential - indeed stereotypical - apéritif of Provence.

domaine souviou bandolWith its mighty, meaty red wines and elegant rosés, Bandol is one of Provence's most prestigious wine regions. This is an introduction to these wines and some of the best places to try and buy them.

Foire aux vins wine sale posterIf you are planning to stock up on wine while in France, the nationwide Foires aux vins (wine fairs or wine sales) are a major date for your diary. They're held twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Drinking rose wineProvence is the place to drink vin rosé so think pink and sample our ten fun facts. And if you want to plunge in more deeply (and who wouldn't?), read our introduction to Southern France's favourite wine.

Bottle of Cassis Bodin wineCrisp, floral and flinty, the wines of Cassis are justly famous, though you might know them by reputation only, for the little appellation is often not easy to come by outside the immediate area.

Monk drinking wine from an illuminated manuscriptWe know a surprising amount today about the drinking habits of the Avignon Popes, who promoted wine-growing in the Rhône area, most famously around Châteauneuf du Pape.

Wine label, Chateauneuf-du-PapeThe wines of Northern Provence tend to be rich, spicy, full-bodied, dark reds that can be very high in alcohol - as high as 15% - from the long, arid summers baking in the fierce sun.

Glass of provencal rose wineProvence got its priorities right good and early. Wine has been made here for at least 2,600 years, making it the oldest wine-producing region of France.

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