When you find yourself on the stunning Côte d’Azur, set aside a day to explore the enchanting town of Grasse, renowned as the perfume capital since the 18th century. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque region boasts the perfect climate for cultivating fragrant flowers essential for …

We joined a fabulous day out organized by the Cotignac Museum entitled, ‘Le Parfum de la Terre à la Bouteille’ – perfume from the earth to the bottle. About forty of us caught an 8am bus to Grasse and arrived a couple of hours later at the family-run flower estate, …

Last week we spent the morning in Grasse, a town I hadn’t visited for years. Of course it’s perfume-central with lots of parfumeries offering free tours and shops with tempting arrays of bottles, sprays, soaps and creams. Plus there’s the Musée International de la Parfumerie which takes visitors through centuries of …

Spring Events in Provence Provence is lovely in the Springtime. As with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but you should expect an odd rainstorm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. The apple, pear, apricot, cherry, and …

The medieval village of Gourdon offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur and the Loup Valley. This quaint village in the Alpes-Maritimes region of Provence is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. Recognized as one of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages …

The journey begins: from coast to village A winding road leads us from the sunny French Riviera coast to the Alpes Maritimes village of Gréolières, which has existed since 1033. Gréolières comes from the old French word “greolier,” meaning “crow.” We start our adventures in Gréolières at 850 meters, and …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence So many images of the Provence and the Côte d’Azur are summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation, and beautiful people in straw hats enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less attention, but it’s …

When most people think of the South of France, their minds jump to the glamour of Cannes or the charm of Nice. But if you’re looking for a place where history, art, and stunning landscapes come together, the artful village of Mougins is the spot you don’t want to miss. …

One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …

Femmes Artistes Musée Mougins (FAMM) is a new chapter in the career of Christian Levett, who created the very impressive Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins, which opened in 2011. The classic art collection included a mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman works with modern pieces inspired by the classical world. …