We have lived in Rousset since 202o, a small Provençal village at the foot of the Mont Sainte-Victoire just 15 kilometres from Aix-en-Provence. Arriving at Rousset for a French immersion stay, you will notice that vineyards surround us. Mont Sainte Victoire Vineyards The four (4) vineyards listed below are at …

Today’s tasting may be the most unusual I have done. It is a wine that, if blindfolded when tasted, would not have said “rosé” to me, although it wouldn’t have said red or white. It has no traditional red fruits associated with rosé nor its distinct floral aromas. On the …

In 2013, the 4th sub-appellation of Côtes de Provence, Côtes de Provence Pierrefeu, was announced for red and rosé wines, adding to La Londe, Ste Victoire and Fréjus. Launching a new appellation is no easy process. This took some ten years, which is not atypical. …Continue reading here for details on …

Provence is divided by ranges of mountains running parallel to the sea and by the valleys which cut through these mountains, taking rivers to the sea. In historic times these valleys served as corridors of communication. The valley to the east of Aix is no exception as the medieval walled town …

In 2024, France fell from first place among the largest wine-producing countries in 2023 to third place, behind Italy and Spain. 2024 Grape Growing Challenges in France Throughout the 2024 season, the wine year in France has been problematic, with great variation across the country. It started with frost in …

Nestled among vineyards near the village of Gigondas sits Notre Dame des Pallières, a family-run winery specializing in the wines of the southern Rhône. It should be a stop for anyone who loves the robust, long-lived wines of this part of France. Gigondas is sometimes described as the little brother …

When French immersion students stay with us, they are always surprised that my children love garlic confit, olives, and fish soup. So, sometimes we eat bouillabaisse at home. My cousin lives in Marseille and has a delicious bouillabaisse recipe shared below in English and French. In this article, I will …

Aix-en-Provence is a moderate-sized city in the Bouches du Rhône department of Provence. Home to Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) and several prestigious Lycées, the city has a dynamic vibe and a long history. Initially settled by the Romans in 122 BC, Aix is one of the most visited cities in Provence. …

If you are looking for an excellent place to lunch in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, go to Le Comptoir de la Mere Germaine. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a small medieval village about 30 km from our home in Sablet (available for holiday rental). The town spreads out on the hillside at the foot of the …

What’s On in the South of France? While summer has not officially arrived in Provence, we are posting this article early, as some festivals open their online ticketing in May and sell out quickly. During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. …