My birthday falls on the same date every year, and I had certainly dropped enough hints that maybe my hubby should plan something to acknowledge the day. Instead, at 12:45 pm we were headed towards Arles without any sort of agenda other than I suggested a visit to Abbey de …

Admittedly, it would be a tough choice for anyone to pick between, between the lush gardens of the UK, the sunny skies of California and postcard perfect Provence. Caroline Longstaffe’s solution was to start writing a blog Shutters and Sunflowers her artistic outlet for west coast beauty, British heritage and …

Have you ever considered buying black truffle plants? Truffle plants could be a fabulous gift. The black truffle, often called “the diamond of the kitchen” grows underground close to a tree’s root system. There are hundreds of truffle varieties. Learn more at Ginger and Nutmeg’s blog post: Provence’s Black Truffle Demystified   …

With its sobering history the story of the incredible Malpasset Dam that ruptured on December 2, 1959 killing 421 is definitely worth a visit if you are near Fréjus. For a relaxing drive through an uncrowded part of Provence the Vallee de Jabron in Haute Provence has stunning vistas with …

The game of pétanque, sometimes called boules is a form of religion in Provence. Most villages have an official or unofficial boules pitch. The more elaborate centres will even have a “clubhouse” offering refreshments. The word pétanque is Provencal in origin from the word petanca, which means “feet anchored”. The game in its’ …

Grotto on a Hillside Nutmeg got a little lost on her way to this hike. Given the religious significance of the location, maybe she was not the first lost soul during the long history of the Sainte Baume grotto. The grotto is located inside a natural cave high on the …

Hiking in Provence The idea for this hike came from a friend at the International Hiking Group of Provence. The two needed to find a short hike not too far from the house so they would have enough time to get the car to the mechanic. Nutmeg consulted her “Must …

Although crepes are not a traditional food from Provence, add this easy, versatile recipe from the Provence Gourmet to your ” go-to list.” If you are in Aix-en-Provence (or anywhere nearby), you can find delicious, handmade crepes made by Delphine at Crepes Cidre et Co. If you are interested in …

This fig and shallot compote is perfect complement for seared duck breast or seared duck tenders.

A city built on water and an artistic past, Aix-en-Provence inspired Paul Cezanne and Emile Zola in their respective creative crafts. Find out what is there to like about Aix-en-Provence? This Provencal city filled with fountains, shopping, historic streets and fine dining – Click here to read about our favourite …