Provence is a region in southern France. It lies. Historically, it is limited by the river Rhône to the west, and the border with Italy to the east. It makes up the biggest part of the modern administrative region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. In the past, the capitals were Arles, Aix-en-Provence and Avignon. Today, the regional capital is Marseille. Other important cities (prefectures) are Digne-les-Bains, Gap, Nice and Toulon.