The unique identity of Provence has also been constructed by authors from different backgrounds and in different styles. The hills of Marseille and Aubagne, the valleys of Haute-Provence, the landscapes of the Alpilles, the valleys of Mont-Ventoux or the villages of the Luberon are all featured in the writings of Marcel Pagnol, Jean Giono, Petrarch or Peter Mayle. Together, let’s (re)discover the southern region through the writings of writers from different generations!
Marcel Pagnol, from Garlaban to the French Academie
Born in 1895 in Aubagne, Marcel Pagnol left his mark on 20th century literature and cinema. His books and films paint an authentic and endearing portrait of southern Provence, with truculent and sympathetic characters.
Among his greatest literary successes is his Souvenirs d’enfance (Childhood Memories) cycle, which recounts in four novels his childhood and his holidays in his beloved Garlaban hills. L’Eau des collines, composed of two volumes, Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, is captivating for its dramatic intensity and the tenderness of its style.
Marcel Pagnol was also extremely successful in the cinema. The mere mention of his trilogy, Marius, Fanny, César, should evoke in you the cult scene of the card game, which has become a cult moment in cinema history.
The memory of Marcel Pagnol is still very present in Provence, and you will be able to meet him during a stopover at the Bar de la Marine, on the Old Port, or during a walk starting from La Treille.
Read more : Marcel Pagnol
Edmond Rostand, the father of Cyrano de Bergerac
This writer invented the world-famous character of Cyrano de Bergerac Edmond Rostand, writer, playwright, poet and essayist, was born in Marseille in 1868. He came from an old Provençal family and had strong roots in the Alpilles.
Edmond Rostand grew up in the city of Marseille, where he studied at the Lycée Thiers. He then moved to Paris to continue his studies and to pursue his career as a successful author. But his love for Provence never left him. It is in Marseille that he is buried in the Saint-Pierre de Marseille cemetery.
Read more : Edmond Rostand
Alphonse Daudet, between Alpilles and Provence
Alphonse Daudet’s name is closely linked to Provence. Born in 1840 in Nîmes, he is best known today for his collection of short stories and fables entitled Les Lettres de Mon Moulin, many of which have become famous. Every child in France has heard of Monsieur Seguin’s goat. His novels have also left their mark on literary history and popular culture. Aventures prodigieuses de Tartarin de Tarascon gave birth to a mythical character, while l’Arlésienne has become part of everyday language: an Arlésienne is a person who is often talked about, but never seen!
Votre séjour en Provence peut vous mener sur les traces d’Alphonse Daudet. La ville de Tarascon vous invite à marcher dans les pas de Tartarin, tout en vous offrant un patrimoine d’une grande richesse. Vous pouvez aussi, évidemment, visiter le Moulin de Fontvieille dans les Alpilles !
Read more : Alphonse Daudet
Jean Giono, ambassador of Haute-Provence
Born in Manosque, Jean Giono describes in his novels an authentic and endearing peasant world, and sets his stories in the valleys and hills of Haute-Provence. This author has written numerous novels, essays and chronicles, poems, plays, film scripts…
The Pan Trilogy, consisting of three novels, Colline, Un de Baumugnes and Regain, describes the difficult daily life of the villages and hamlets of Haute-Provence, between passions and austerity. Nature is hostile, but nourishes the people, and is closely linked to the work of men and women. Read his short novel L’homme qui plantait des arbres to get a sense of this harsh and hopeful state of mind!
During a road-trip, you will soak up the atmosphere described by the writer in a village, and you will admire the beauty of the Provencal landscapes. The Route Jean Giono offers you a tourist route of more than 150 km to meet the regionalist author.
Frédéric Mistral, defender of the Occitan language
Born in Maillane in 1830, Frédéric Mistral was certainly one of the most fervent defenders of the Provençal language. He wrote in Provençal, and some of his texts are true literary masterpieces. This is the case, for example, with Mirèio, a work in verse composed over a period of eight years. He also founded the Félibrige, an association whose aim is to protect and promote the language, culture and identity of all the countries that speak the langue d’oc. He also founded the Museon Arlaten, located in Arles, and contributed to the enrichment of its collections through a successful appeal for donations.
You can get closer to the life and work of Frédéric Mistral during your visit to Provence. You can visit the Museon Arlaten in Arles or his house in Maillane, in the Alpilles, which has become the Frédéric Mistral Museum.
Peter Mayle, an Englishman in love with the Luberon
A popular tourist destination, the South of France attracts many tourists throughout the year. The beauty of the landscape, the hospitality of the people and the sunny climate make some visitors want to change their lives permanently. Born in the UK in 1939, Peter Mayle had a career in advertising before leaving everything behind and moving to Provence. This new life was accompanied by a change of career path, and the advertising executive became a writer.
A popular tourist destination, the South of France attracts many tourists throughout the year. The beauty of the landscape, the hospitality of the people and the sunny climate make some visitors want to change their lives permanently. Born in the UK in 1939, Peter Mayle had a career in advertising before leaving everything behind and moving to Provence. This new life was accompanied by a change of career path, and the advertising executive became a writer.
Read more : Peter Mayle
