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Beyond its historical and religious heritage, Tuscany and Umbria captivate with their way of life and age-old traditions. Romanticised throughout the world, Tuscany has long inspired painters, writers and film-makers.
The regions of Tuscany and Umbria have a particularly rich heritage. Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, alone is a beautiful historical and cultural showcase containing a wealth of architectural gems. The profusion of museums, palaces and churches throughout the country is a testament to its rich heritage. A stay in Florence will transport you back in time: from the Uffizi Gallery and its masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, to the Ponte Vecchio and its goldsmith's shops, to the Piazza Duomo dominated by the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Italian gardens of Boboli.
Also not to be missed are the historic cities of Siena, Pisa and Lucca.
In Tuscany there are numerous villages and towns steeped in history, such as Volterra or the Etruscan town of Populonia. And let's not forget the Val d'Orcia and its charming villages, or the vineyards of Chianti.
In terms of nature, Tuscany and Umbria are unparalleled and abound in parks, nature reserves and hot springs.
The Palio of Siena is among the best known. In this medieval horse race, each rider and horse pair represents one of the 17 districts of the city. The race lasts less than 2 minutes in total and is the subject of debate and discussion year-round. If you wish to attend, you will need to be in Siena on 2 July or 16 August.
Another notable festival is the Scoppio del Carro in Florence: during this celebration, which takes place around Easter, Florentine tradition has it that white oxen drag a chariot loaded with fireworks from the Porta del Paradiso of the Baptistery to the Duomo. During Easter Mass, a mechanical dove travels through the nave suspended from a wire. They finally reach the float where an explosion of sound and colour is unleashed.
Finally, Pisa's Gioco del Ponte is an original tradition in Pisa, where the residents of the opposite banks of the Arno have always been somewhat rivals. In this historical evocation, the inhabitants compete on the oldest bridge in the city, where they try to push a gigantic and very heavy chariot towards the side of the opposing team.
This region is built on many traditions, rooted in the local way of life. Our tips for becoming a true Tuscan and discovering Tuscany and Umbria through the eyes of its inhabitants.
Beware of scams: in shops selling handicrafts and local products, be sure to check whether the protected designation of origin logo is present, or whether an item of jewellery bears the inscription "made-in" from a country other than Italy...
Adapt to the Italian way of life, particularly in Tuscany and Umbria: most shops and restaurants close between 2pm and 6pm.
Enjoy La Dolce Vita: in Tuscany and Umbria, take your time and let yourself be guided by the rhythm of your adventures. Take advantage of the peaceful and welcoming nature to recharge your batteries and soak up the Italian way of life!
Tuscans are particularly concerned with their style of dress, especially in the big cities like Florence. As Italians are very proud and protective of their heritage, it is also important to respect a sober and covered dress in the places of worship.
To get yourself in the Tuscan mood, or to rediscover the spirit of travel, here are some recommendations for a book by the pool or a family movie night:
The Adventures of Pinocchio, by Collodi: in addition to the quirky story of the famous wooden puppet, Collodi tells us about his beautiful Tuscany, which is the birthplace and setting of this book. The character's name even comes from the Tuscan word for "little gable"!
Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes: the story of an American couple who fall in love with Tuscany and decide to buy and renovate an old building there. It is an opportunity to discover the Italian way of life and to immerse oneself in the local atmosphere: the scents of the market stalls, the food of the region, the soft light of the Tuscan countryside...
Italian Tales by the Taviani brothers (2015): this historical film takes place during the time of the Bubonic Plague. It tells the story of 10 young people who flee the epidemic to the countryside and escape by creating theatrical works against the backdrop of green Tuscany.
