Provence harbors cypress trees a-plenty, so much so that they are one of Provence symbols. Highly decorative, many painters indulged in brushing their tall and slender shapes. Who has never seen a cypress tree on a Van Gogh or Cezanne canvas? But do you know the meaning of a cypress tree planted by the entrance of a house, villa or apartment in the South of France?
Provence tradition has landlords plant one cypress tree by their gate to greet the traveler and welcome them for a drink. Two cypress trees mean the traveler is welcome for a drink and something to eat. Three cypress trees mean the traveler is welcome for full accommodation: a drink, something to eat and a bed for a good night’s rest!
Now you may wonder what a long cypress lined drive means… Well, we can safely state here that the landlord will not give you his house away; simply we can well imagine that the landlord of that house does not know about this traditional meaning. If you wish to call in and give him the hint, you may find the following year that the cypress trees have been replaced with other trees typical of Provence such as olive or almond trees…
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