Ville de Sanary-sur-Mer Noel
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Christmas Traditions in Provence a Festive Guide to the Holidays

In Provence, Christmas is a festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in Provence and the rest of France, many old customs continue today. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, holiday …

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Thinking of skiing in France
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreStay FitWinter in Provence

Thinking of Skiing in France? Head to Provence’s Southern Alps

Whether you are a keen skier, you probably recognize famous French ski resorts such as Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Chamonix, Méribel and Megève. It may surprise some people that besides lavender and rosé, Provence has several ski resorts readily accessible from major centres such as Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Nice. So, if …

READ MORE  Thinking of Skiing in France? Head to Provence’s Southern Alps
Book Review Carole Bumpus Adventures on Land and Sea
Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

Book Review: Adventures on Land and Sea by Carole Bumpus

The adventures begin in 1997 when Carole and Winston Bumpus visit Provence for the first time with two other couples. Their stay in a remote village in the Var provides a flavour of Provencal life away from the crowds and enough of a taste of the glitz and glamour of …

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Make Marseille Pizza moitié-moitié
AppetizerCarolyne Kauser-AbbottProvencal RecipesStreet FoodTaste

Make Marseille’s Pizza Moitié-Moitié: A Recipe from Rosa Jackson

Rosa Jackson was born in Canada, but she seems to have been destined for the South of France. Like most journeys in life, the road was not direct to Nice, France, where she lives now. However, her passion for food, culinary techniques and helping others to appreciate local cuisine led …

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Book The Paris Muse
Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

Book Review: The Paris Muse, a Novel by Louisa Treger

It was fitting that Louise Treger had a book signing for her latest novel, The Paris Muse, in Ménerbes at the Dora Maar House. Inspired by the tumultuous relationship between Dora Maar and Pablo Picasso, I read the gripping tale into the wee hours of the night. Impossible to put …

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Alpilles Essentials Top 10 Villages and More Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Alpilles Essentials: Top 10 Must-See While in this Area of Provence

The Alpilles (miniature Alps) run from east to west for 30 kilometres, starting at the edge of the Durance River and the town of Orgon to the western edge near Fontvieille. Although the Alpilles are not high, with a maximum height of 498 metres, they are dramatic with jagged limestone …

READ MORE  Alpilles Essentials: Top 10 Must-See While in this Area of Provence
Place des Tanneurs Recommendations Lunch in Aix-en-Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Our Recommendations Where to Eat Lunch in Aix-en-Provence

Readers often ask us for recommendations about where to eat lunch in Aix-en-Provence. The truth is that restaurants change hands frequently, and every establishment can have an off day. However, navigating an unfamiliar destination can be tricky, so we offer a few suggestions. Below is a list of tried-and-true restaurants …

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Olive Oil Producers Alpilles Markets
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottLocal Food ProducersTaste

Discover the Olive Oil Producers of the Alpilles a Driving Tour by Village

“The origin of the olive tree is lost in time, coinciding and mingling with the expansion of the Mediterranean civilizations which for centuries governed the destiny of mankind and left their imprint on Western culture.” ~ International Olive Council Olives of Provence If you like olives, wine, and beautiful vistas, …

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AOP Les Baux de Provence Wines of Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

The Alpilles Vineyards in Provence for Exquisite Wines and Scenic Views

Running east to west in Provence’s Bouches-du-Rhône department, the Alpilles (“small Alps”) is a mountain range, protected park, and agricultural area. Its rugged, arid alpine terroir suits growing grapes and olives on its flanks. Below, we cover ideas for touring the Alpilles vineyards in Provence, many of which also produce …

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Eygalieres Local Restaurants
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

Where to Eat in Eygalières Village Restaurants and Gourmet Treats

The village of Eygalières continues to be one of the jewels in the Alpilles. Despite the town’s footprint growth in the last decade, Eygalères retains its old-world charm. Unlike other Alpilles villages, Eygalières has few retail opportunities for clothing, books, and gift items. However, there is a baker, butcher, cheese …

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