Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Robin and I drove over the Alpilles to see the Transhumance pass through the town of Saint Remy de Provence. The Transhumance is when, in the Spring, the sheep from the southern plains are led back up to the cooler mountains to graze on …

Le Fête des Gardians is the annual festival in Arles celebrating the lifestyle and traditions of the gardians (basically the French version of cowboys that rear bulls for delicious daube provençal). There’s an enormous parade, blessings of the animals, a queen is elected and to top it all off …Continue …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: How sexy are you feeling today? Events Story: A Beauty Salon with Character Events Story is a beauty salon in Marseille. It has just opened up a new salon right in the centre of Aix en Provence. Sisters Sonia and Linda have created a …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: A flea market find! I couldn’t resist this lovely vintage mirror decorated with old postcards. I had promised myself to stop buying vintage postcards at French flea markets, but this could be characterized as a mirror… n’est-ce-pas? What is the Origin? I originally thought …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: During one of my first jobs here in France, one of my colleagues challenged me to learn these French tongue twisters. I found this crumpled piece of paper in a pile of forgotten souvenirs under the bed the other day. I was compelled to …

Forcalquier market is just as beautiful as many other large Provençal markets. It’s in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region and is located close to Valensole. If you vacation around this area, your visit will most likely include the Gorges du Verdon. If you’re lucky, you’ll be in this region in July, where …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: The pottery market at Bonnieux is one of the many events happening this upcoming Easter weekend in Provence. This is one of my favourite pottery markets not only for the artists but for the location. Bonnieux is one of the hilltop towns located in the …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: The bakeries are full of hand made chocolate, the church bells have stopped ringing last Thursday only to burst to life on Sunday morning, and just about everyone is planning a large meal that is sure to include some local lamb and spring veggies. The …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: La Jeune Fille de XVIII Siecle: The Young Girl from the 18th Century I found this curious book some time ago. When you search for it on the internet, it’s prefaced with “nos petites grandes mères” or “our little grandmothers.” I love etchings and engravings …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Punnets full of the best tasting strawberries you’ve ever imagined have arrived at the local veg shop. There are new leaves on the trees and yes, it’s my birthday month! The locals say that the season officially starts at Easter. To mark this, it …