Carnaval de Nice History
Barefoot BloggerInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Highlights of Carnaval in Nice and a Bit of History

It was a “bucket list” item to visit Nice during the annual carnival period. The Carnaval de Nice is a long-standing festival in this French Riviera city and one more reason to visit. While the dates shift slightly each year depending on when Easter falls, from colourful parades to “flower …

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Fête de la Truffe Uzès
Barefoot BloggerLocal Food ProducersProvencal RecipesTaste

Black Truffles and Fête de la Truffe in Uzès

Uzès Truffle Festival Activities Let me set the stage … Sunday morning, under a bright sunny sky, there was a brisk mistral wind blowing across the main plaza in Uzès, Place aux Herbes. Crowds of couples, families, and singles were scurrying towards the centre of the plaza to join in …

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The Bridge Club Book
Barefoot BloggerBooks on ProvenceInspire

The Bridge Club a Book that Celebrates Friendship

My BFF Patricia Sands just published the re-release of her novel, The Bridge Club. The book is a celebration of friendship shared with eight women over a half-century… and counting. Celebrating Friendship Patricia and I met in Uzès five years ago at the instigation of our mutual friend, Carolyne Kauser …

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Author Simon James Uzès
Barefoot BloggerInspire

My Meeting with Author Simon James in Uzès

Through my Uzès experience,  I’ve known and written about quite a few artists. Yet there was something extraordinary about meeting Simon James aside from his status as an award-winning writer and illustrator. Meeting Simon James Living in a “red zone” COVID world,  I miss the small, intimate art exhibitions that …

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Best Christmas Markets France
Barefoot BloggerExplore

Visiting the Best Christmas Markets in France

A visit to the French Christmas markets from Provence is easy, in particular, if you take the train to Strasbourg. From there you can access local trains and engage a tour operator for a customised Christmas market program.

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Favourite Places Visit Provence Avignon Pont d'Avignon
Barefoot BloggerExploreLocals Travel Tips

My Favourite Places to Visit in Provence

Places to Visit in Provence The region is one of the most visited areas in France. From bustling, edgy Marseille to the red cliffs of Cassis, fragrant lavender fields of the Luberon, Aix-en-Provence’s colourful markets, wine and art. There’s something in Provence to please everyone. No wonder it’s everyone’s favourite. …

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Séte Saint Louis Festival Water Jousting Grand Canal
Barefoot BloggerExploreRoad Trips South of France

August in Sète for the Saint Louis Festival and Water Jousting

Saint Louis Festival It’s always so much fun: beach time, parties and the Sète water jousting competitions. I’m in the States with my family. Why now? After a few years in France, it’s hot and too many tourists in Uzés! Yet … there is water jousting in Sete! History of …

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Visit Provence Beaux Villages Provence Villages Les Plus Beaux Villages de France Logo
Barefoot BloggerExploreVillages Towns and Cities

A Visit to Provence and Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

There’s a new obsession running around in my head: “visit as many of France’s ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages‘ as I possibly can.”  So far, I’ve seen only 10 out of some 156 “authentic” Les Plus Beaux Villages. I have a lot of travelling to do. Les Plus Beaux Villages There …

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Marseille History Visit Provence
Barefoot BloggerExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Marseille a City that History Buffs Should Visit

Admittedly, my (old) view of Marseille came from mob and war stories in books, on TV and movies. Now after visiting the city, I’m impressed. To me, Marseille’s story is one of resilience. It shows how perseverance conquers adversity. Marseille’s Story: Prehistory and Ancient Massalia The earliest settlements in the …

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French Immersion Classes Aix-en-Provence
Barefoot BloggerExpat Living and Real EstateLearning French

Take French Immersion Classes in Aix-en-Provence

After living in France for five (5) years and struggling to learn French, it was time. Deborah realized that being able to communicate in the language was critical during her 10-week hospital stay and the recuperation phase. There are many to take French classes but why not beautiful Aix-en-Provence in the South …

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