Search Results for: sous-préfecture

Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Discovering Charming Apt, France, from Roman History to Modern Day

October 24, 2025

Apt is famous for its Saturday market and candied fruit (fruit confit), but many visitors miss the town’s historical legacy and cultural charm. A stroll through this mid-sized Luberon town reveals treasures like a Roman-era wall, medieval towers, and beautiful Belle Époque buildings. Here are a few reasons to visit Apt and explore its must-see

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Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Book Review: Passion for Provence a Memoir by Gayle Smith Padgett

April 25, 2018

While reading Gayle Smith Padgett’s book, Passion for Provence, 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, I kept thinking this lady is someone you would enjoy getting to know in person. The book (her first) is just over 260 pages long, after each of the 22 chapters she shares her “key” (a motto or a saying)

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Barefoot Blogger · Expat Living and Real Estate · Living in Provence

Getting Your French Expat Visa With Some Help

April 11, 2018

When you have an appointment at the prefecture to renew your French expat visa, you’d better show up. Rain, shine … or flu! Today was the day to update my 12-month French expat visa — or carte de séjour. The event seems to come around much faster each year. I could swear I just picked

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Barefoot Blogger · Expat Living and Real Estate · Living in Provence

Tips for When it’s Time to Renew your French Expat Visa

February 5, 2018

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to renew the French Expat Visa. It’s a gift from France that keeps on giving. I wish that I could say that everything about living in France is wonderful. But when it comes to dealing with French bureaucracy, frankly, it can be a nightmare. As an American

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Ginger and Nutmeg

Find Out Why You Need Patience at the Sous Préfecture in Provence

July 6, 2017

Nutmeg is self-admittedly not a patient person. She develops a plan, does not appreciate too much external input, and certainly is not thrilled when there is a proposed change. Living in France, with life at a slower pace, has helped with her natural inclination somewhat. Although, Ginger is certain that she may never be fully

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Explore · Guest Post

Aix Mansions Sale Update

April 12, 2016

Last autumn, it was announced that two mansions in centre ville were for sale. The town authorities wished to divest themselves of buildings which weren’t functional and cost too much to maintain. Now there is some progress to report on one. The Hotel de Valbelle, currently the sous-prefecture, in rue Mignet, has been snapped up by

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Guided Holiday Tours

Getting Lost in Arles a Guided Tour

September 4, 2015

We had barely walked 3km from our meeting point, but we were utterly lost in the architecture and history of Arles. My husband and I were in Arles for our annual trip to the sous-prefecture to request the forms for the renewal of our long-stay visas. This process involves getting up early (which he hates),

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