Plants

One of the things I first found interesting about this area is the vast spectrum of plantlife.  Cactus-birch tree, wild thyme-raspberry bushes, irises-poppies, asparagus-pomegranate trees, pine trees beside palm trees, bamboo next to olive trees and wild leeks in the lavender fields.  It doesn't make sense but it works.  In my mind using the only references I knew I would say, oh it must be kind of like Tennessee or it must be like California but in the end this area is so diverse it's not like any of those places.  I have a new found respect for French gardening, the vineyards, orchards, fields of every sort of edible; they are so well organized, require so much work and are kept nearly weed free.  Some interesting things I've discovered lately:

A town nearby grows the kiwis and lettuce for France (Chateaurenard)

Everyone buys leeks when they go to the market or store, even a macho guy will have his 2 six packs of beer and one leek in the checkout lane

Lavander tea is the best, especially after a big meal

Thyme, rosemary, onions, garlic, olive/almond trees grown wild around here

Roses have are planted in front of rows of grape vines because the same fungus that attacks roses will attack the vines, so when the rose begins to suffer they know to take care of the vines

Make a 'cuvette' [a little well around the plant] to hold water 

If you get the sap of this plant on you it will give you a nasty rash or make you go blind