Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: Back in March I wrote about the excitement of returning somewhere special, to Lourmarin, quoting from Daphne du Maurier’s ‘Rebecca’ “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” I also mentioned that I had an appointment with a real estate agent…. A great deal has happened since then, but …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: It’s December in Provence, snow has already sprinkled its magic across the villages and as the nights draw in and daylights fades each day, a bitter chill drapes itself like a frozen mantle across the dark golden, sprawling vineyards. By early December in Provence …

‘The Sunflower Field,’ my debut novel, is written to honor the ‘few’, of which there were thousands, who during World War II, in words inspired by Winston Churchill, “gave so much, for so many.” In particular for three of those ‘few’, the Polish mathematicians, Jerzy Rozycki, Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski, with …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: I am often asked if I could help to plan a stay in Lourmarin, so voilà! This itinerary would work from any of the nearby Luberon villages, I’ve planned it round my favourite market days, listed below. But don’t rush around too much, allow yourself to …

Last time I told you about Provence’s first Renaissance château, the Lourmarin Château and promised that next time we would peek inside. Here you will find a fascinating and sometimes quite surprising, eclectic collection of treasures, thanks to the legacy of its last private owner, Robert Laurent Vibert, and The Lourmarin Laurent-Vibert …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: The Lourmarin Château lies on the edge of the fairy tale village of Lourmarin, nestled under the gently rolling hills of Provence’s southern Luberon. Visit it to admire its beautiful antiques, discover its fascinating history and enjoy a musical soirée within it ancient walls. …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: When ever I am feeling far away, yearning to be back in the Luberon in Provence, one of my solutions is to watch, yes for the hundredth time, ‘A Good Year.‘ Filmed minutes from Lourmarin, it perfectly encapsulates this stunning region; the alluring natural light, …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: Each season, I say to myself, that this is my favourite…… Winter ~ bundling up in soft woolens, crisp winter mornings; sparkling frost, magical snow flakes. Spring ~ gathering boughs of spring blossoms and filling my home with daffodils. Summer ~ sunflowers and eating …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaff: “Provence appeals to so many because the region offers something for everyone. From sea to sky, from mountains to meadows, from history to contemporary, it is an endless canvas.”  Esteemed writer, Carolyne Kauser-Abbott’s, perspectives about Provence. Visit the stunning city of Aix-en-Provence with her here….. …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaff: Explore the picturesque ‘villages-perchés’ of Provence’s stunning Luberon Valley. Starting in Lourmarin, join this video tour through this breathtakingly beautiful countryside. Meander through the vineyards, olive groves and fruit orchards and discover the charms of these captivating historical villages (and these are just some …