Until the end of October, Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles presents an exhibition bringing together new works by the American artist Laura Owens with seven paintings by Van Gogh, most made in and around Arles. Van Gogh hardly needs an introduction, but here’s what the gallery writes about Laura Owens: …

Easter Sunday Mass was celebrated at ‘La Grotte de Sainte-Baume’ at the weekend to formally re-open the cave of Saint Mary Magdalene after its being closed for 10 months’ work. I hadn’t realized that this is Christianity’s 3rd most holy shrine after Christ in Jerusalem and St Peter in Rome. …

Crème Anglaise is a light custard sauce that is used both for sweet and savoury alike, depending on its flavour and your level of desired creativity. Pour it over fruit, a cake or under meringue as in a “Floating Island” or use it to sauce fish, meat and poultry. It …

The following recipe for lavender shortbread is my Provencal take on the Scottish classic. However, let’s start with an introduction to baking with fresh lavender. I love nothing more than throwing a handful of fresh lavender or any other herb into my baking. It takes me to simpler times with …

Provence’s lavender fields are incredible fields of bright purple that seem to go on for miles, a must-see if you’re ever travelling to the area. Typically, they’re in full bloom in June, with the harvest planned for mid-July. If you love the delicately sweet aroma of lavender, imagine how much …

Arles Worth the Wait Eleven years.  That’s how long the Muséon Arlaten has been closed for renovation, but with the input of a leading architectural agency and the fabulous Arlesien designer Christian Lacroix, it certainly has style – see the staircase. Founded by the poet Frédéric Mistral in 1896, it …

Due it the acidity, a citrus dressing is tricky for food and wine pairing. The Acquiesce Winery Roussanne (2019) was a match for this seafood salad. Baked lobster tails dressed in a tart citrus vinaigrette are quick to prepare for a summer lunch. Or as a starter course. My recipe …

Meaning ‘iron way,’ a Via Ferrata is a series of scrambles along the mountainside linked by metal ladders, hand-holds, bridges and ropes. The one in Cavaillon has two loops, one of which goes through a tunnel tight enough to necessitate taking a rucksack off. Practical Information The Via Ferrata de …

Looking for a way to relax and enjoy Provence? Then look no further than exploring the many enchanting rivers and lakes within this region. They offer clear waters, plenty of opportunities to explore their shores, various hiking and water sporting activities and sunbathing. Lac de Saint-Croix This lake is located …

Sophie Claire writes uplifting emotional stories with their heart in Provence, where she spent her childhood summers. She is half French, half Scottish, was born in Africa and growing up in England, she felt she didn’t belong anywhere – except in the pages of a book. Perhaps this is why …