Christianity in Provence brought persecution and conflict. From the first century AD it also inspired remarkable legends, historical celebrations and imposing architecture. — Archaeological excavations in the Luberon Valley... more » at Merindol reveal the terrible carnage from the wars of heresy and religion in the 16th century. Yet Les Baux, St Gilles and Avignon have left legacies of beauty and intrigue.
In 1942, members of the maquis, the fighting arm of the wartime Resistance in World War II were again seen by some, as the new heretics, against the Catholic Vichy regime.
Arrival of the three Marys in Provence
Saint Victor the martyr, the church and its biscuit boats
Mary Magdalene and the building of the Basilica of St Maximin
The knights of Les Baux and the discovery of bauxite
The olive oil industry begun by the Greeks
The heretical Cathars, St Gilles church and Provençal architecture
Avignon as the capital of Christendom and Fontaine de Vaucluse
The Vaudois, wars of religion and excavations in the Luberon Valley
The Constance Tower, the legend of St Tropez and its Bravade des Espagnols
Liberation of Provence in 1944 after divisions in the Catholic Church
Resistance by the maquis the fighting arm of the wartime underground.« less