Expat Living and Real EstateJulie WhitmarshLiving in Provence

Buying a Home in Provence and L’Art de la Rencontre

By Vaucluse Dreamer: Yesterday Andy and I sat in the Artisan Bakery on The Quay in Exeter, raising a cup of coffee to celebrate the 3 years since we signed the papers and picked up the keys to our long-dreamed-for house in Provence. Of course we would have rather been …

READ MORE  Buying a Home in Provence and L’Art de la Rencontre
Luberon Biking Routes Cycling
ExploreJulie WhitmarshStay Fit

Luberon Biking Routes Cycling the Veloroute to Cucuron

It’s been a long time since I last posted about a cycle ride in the area, that’s not because we haven’t been cycling, in fact, the opposite is true. This area is so good for cycling, and even though we thought we had been along most of the main routes, …

READ MORE  Luberon Biking Routes Cycling the Veloroute to Cucuron
Vincent Van Gogh Carrieres de Lumieres Le Baux de Provence
Artists Inspired by ProvenceInspireJulie Whitmarsh

Vincent Van Gogh at Carrières de Lumières

Finally! Carrières de Lumières It’s always good to finally tick something off the list of things you have wanted to do for a while. Last year, we finally got to see the Fête du Citron (now to be an annual event for us). Yesterday I got around to seeing the …

READ MORE  Vincent Van Gogh at Carrières de Lumières
Renovating Provence Water
Expat Living and Real EstateJulie WhitmarshLiving in Provence

Renovating in Provence When the Water Stopped

By Vaucluse Dreamer: By the start of November, our little place was in a state of chaos in readiness for the work to start. The rooms were piled high with relocated furniture & building supplies and Andy had laid new Travertine floors throughout the 2 main spaces upstairs that would …

READ MORE  Renovating in Provence When the Water Stopped
Provencal House Renovation
Expat Living and Real EstateJulie WhitmarshLiving in Provence

Provencal House Renovation It’s Transformation Time

By Vaucluse Dreamer: Firstly I have to start with an apology – the last few months have been rather chaotic with one thing and another and I find that this really is the first time I’ve been able to sit and write about our little half-life in France for quite …

READ MORE  Provencal House Renovation It’s Transformation Time
Brocante Markets Vaucluse
InspireJulie WhitmarshShopping & Gifts

Joys of Cycling to Local Brocante Markets in the Vaucluse

Exploring Brocantes As you have probably gathered by now we tend to enjoy spending our time in France cycling, visiting brocante markets, vide greniers and drinking coffee, with the days passing by in a blur and us inevitably falling into bed each evening tired and satisfied after the day’s activities. …

READ MORE  Joys of Cycling to Local Brocante Markets in the Vaucluse
Provence Home Renovation
Expat Living and Real EstateJulie WhitmarshLiving in Provence

Living in Provence Let the Home Renovation Begin

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: It’s well over 2 years now since we finally picked up the keys and opened the door to our little house in Provence after so many years of dreaming about it. We couldn’t afford a perfect house with elegant gardens and a pretty pool and …

READ MORE  Living in Provence Let the Home Renovation Begin
Visit Sault Market Day
ExploreJulie WhitmarshVillages Towns and Cities

Plan Your Visit to Sault on Market Day

The pretty town of Sault sits on a rocky outcrop to the southeast of Mont Ventoux and is at the heart of local lavender production. It sits above the valley that takes its name, and the shaded Promenade opposite the Tourist Office on the road towards Aurel offers incredible views …

READ MORE  Plan Your Visit to Sault on Market Day
Sault Lavender Festival August Fete de Lavande
ExploreJulie WhitmarshWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Spend A lovely day at the Sault Lavender Festival

I do enjoy a good festival – whether it’s a big County Show in England or a small local food event in France such as The Honey Fair at Goult this year. With that in mind, the signs for the Fete de la Lavande at Sault were too much to …

READ MORE  Spend A lovely day at the Sault Lavender Festival
Garden Abbaye de Valsaintes
French Decor & GardensInspireJulie Whitmarsh

The Remarkable Garden at Abbaye de Valsaintes is a Must Visit

I have always loved gardens, although I have to admit to not being a great gardener myself. A summer garden with deep herbaceous borders, filled with the scent and colour of roses is always a delight and we have some delightful ones around us in the UK, such as this …

READ MORE  The Remarkable Garden at Abbaye de Valsaintes is a Must Visit