T H E H I S TO RY O F P ROV E N C E
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Provence and Camargue
Despite the second half of the 14th century ushering in a period of poverty, plague and political uncertainty, the arts and learning proliferated in Avignon. They were perhaps at their most resplendent at the papal residence itself, the Palais des Papes: imposingly set on the cliffs above the Rhône (and a work of art in its own right), western Christianity’s new seat of government attracted many of Europe’s great artists.
15th Century GOOD KING RENÉ AND ANNEXATION TO FRANCE
The reign of Louis II, another Anjou (and nephew to the King of France), restored stability to Provence in the late 14th century, though not without obstacles: among the feuding factions terrorising the region, the Viscount de Turenne (whose lairs included Les-Baux-de-Provence) was particularly feared for his pillaging and kidnapping. Louis II’s youngest son, René, eventually inherited the throne in 1434. Although René initially had other territorial priorities in mind (Naples in particular) and only lived in Provence for the last 10 years of his life (1470-80), his successful administration led to the golden age of Aix along with economic expansion and population growth for the region – both much needed after the ravages of the previous century. But history will remember “Good King René” in particular as a generous patron of the arts, sponsoring painters such as Nicolas Froment and Louis Bréa. The