What is the Mistral Wind? Most of us who have lived or even visited Provence have experienced the mistral, that riotous and mysterious wind that blows down the Rhône Valley, usually without warning. Think back to the opening scene of the movie “Chocolat,” watching the wind move the mother and …

Contributor blog post by Barefoot Blogger: Living in the south of France is a beautiful thing. Except for the wind. It is so prevalent and so powerful that it has a name: “Le Mistral” Residents of Uzes have a saying about Le Mistral: “It sometimes lasts only one or two …

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: Provence claims thirty-two different winds, but the mistral, that strong, cold wind that roars down the Rhone Valley from Lyon to Marseille, is master of them all. The very name “mistral” means masterly in the Provençal language, and according to local expressions, it can …

By Deborah When I was first considering the move to Uzes, France, a new friend mentioned the “wind” in the winter. Since she chooses to return to her home in London each year from late September until April, I figured the “wind” was a convenient… Explore this Post Via:: Barefoot …

Lively Lourmarin In August, the tiny villages of Provence swell with visitors from around the world and Lourmarin is no exception. At Café Gaby – if you are lucky enough to find a table on market day – you might hear German, Dutch, Chinese, Russian, and various forms of English, …

Festivals and Fall Events in Provence Fall in Provence directs you towards a heartier menu. Enjoy meat (lamb, wild boar, taureaux, rabbit, fowl) roasted with herbes de Provence, root vegetables and delicious red wine blends. At this time of year, the hiking is fabulous, biking is possible, and golfers might …

Born in Kiel, Germany, a meandering path led Miriam Hartmann to her artist’s atelier in the village of Ménerbes. Why Provence? Over 15 years ago, Miriam Hartmann stood on the terrace of a modest studio in the Provencal village of Maubec. Gazing at Mont Ventoux, she had an overwhelming feeling …

With confinement measures now making way for a return to normality, many of us are relishing our newly reclaimed freedom to eat out and visit favourite restaurants once more. And as part of that freedom,  I, for one, am embracing the sheer joy and novelty of not having to cook …

Cassis is a picturesque town a little over 90 minutes from Sablet snuggled at the bottom of a steep bowl of land along the Mediterranean Sea between calanques (small coastal fjords with tall cliffs), about 25 km east of Marseille. Picture Perfect Setting The village of Cassis is set on …

I’m often asked why I set my stories in this part of France and there are many reasons. Here I’ve picked out just a few for you: A Sensual Place Well firstly, it’s a stunning part of the world, as anyone who’s visited will know. The colours are intense, the …