Julie Whitmarsh

Julie and her husband Andy started visiting the Vaucluse area 25 years ago & over the years have increased the amount of time they spend there with their growing family. She has a deep affection for the area, finding it is a great place to visit, where the whole family can relax and enjoy time together.

She longs for the day when she can ‘up-sticks’ from her home on Dartmoor & relocate to the Luberon and spend her days cycling, walking, visiting markets & brocante fairs and of course enjoying the local food and drink.

Her blog VaucluseDreamer gives her a space to highlight some of her favourite things about the area from places to visit to particular activities that she and her family all enjoy.

She hopes one day it will be a place where she can share the process of renovating a house in France, but at the moment that will have to wait.

Discover the Stunning Art Deco Architecture of Aix-en-Provence

February 23, 2026

What is the typical architecture of Aix-en-Provence? It’s a mix of architectural styles, including Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Haussmann style, and contemporary. The city has a rich history reflected in its architectural elements, ranging from Roman baths and Gothic churches to the organized grid pattern of the 17th-century Quartier Mazarin. Yet it might be surprising to …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Our Review of Susan McDonald’s Debut Novel The Lost Children

February 20, 2026

The Lost Children is Susan McDonald’s debut novel, but it’s just the beginning of her writing journey. As a new author, McDonald is excited to share her story, which is the first in a trilogy exploring the challenging realities faced by people living on and near the French Riviera during World War II. A retired …

François de Mélogue · Lamb · Main Course · Provencal Recipes

Moussaka d’Aubergines: A Layered History, Cooked the Provençal Way

February 18, 2026

In the long history of Mediterranean cooking, few dishes carry as much history or as many revisions as moussaka d’aubergines. Though it is most closely associated with Greece today, its roots reach further east, into the Arab world. The name comes from the Arabic musaqqā‘a, meaning “moistened,” and originally referred to a dish of eggplant …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Main Course · Provencal Recipes · Taste · Veal

Veal Tenders with Black Truffle and Wine Reduction Sauce – Tendrons de veau du rabassier – tuber brumale

February 16, 2026

Since the 18th century, the black truffle—known as the diamant noir or “black diamond”—has held a place of honour in French gastronomy. King François I famously insisted it appear at every meal, favouring the prized Périgord truffles from Provence. Today, France remains the world’s leading producer, with the Vaucluse region at the heart of its …

Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

One Summer in Provence by Carol Drinkwater: A Book Review

February 13, 2026

In July 2025, Carol Drinkwater delighted readers with her book One Summer in Provence, A Season of Surprises. The subtitle hints at surprises ahead inside the pages. Beginning with a damp evening in England in 1976 and shifting to a warm summer morning at Celia and Dominic Grey’s vineyard in the Provencal countryside. From start …

Artists Inspired by Provence · Guest Post · Inspire

Following My Bliss: From Ohio to Provence, a Painter’s Journey

February 9, 2026

In 2024, I found myself searching for art opportunities that would help my career, inspire me, and allow me to dive into my paintings with renewed energy. In the art world, there are a few ways to do this: join artist communities, exhibit in galleries—group or solo—and many other options. The one that stood out …

Explore · Learning French · Villages Towns and Cities · Virginie Van Der Wees

Le Château d’If à Marseille, rendu célèbre par le Comte de Monte-Cristo

February 6, 2026

Saviez-vous qu’à quelques minutes en bateau de Marseille se trouve un archipel d’îles ? L’archipel des Îles de Frioul compte quatre îles et des navettes partent régulièrement du Vieux-Port pendant les mois d’été. Vous pouvez facilement passer une journée à faire de la randonnée sur les sentiers ou à vous prélasser sur les plages de …

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3 Luberon Holiday Rental Cottages

Looking for a tranquil, self-catered vacation home for two? Book your stay at one of the 3 cottages - maisonettes - at Maison Valvert.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Bonnieux - 3 Bedroom Village Apartment

Bonheur en Bonnieux a 1300-square foot, 3-bedroom/2 bathroom, the newly-renovated apartment is located in the village center.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Villefranche-sur-Mer Gem 1-bedroom holiday rental

Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

VIEW THIS LISTING

Provence Marketplace

Cotton Tablecloth Poppy Design

With an attractive poppy and lavender pattern, this round 71 inches tablecloth is 100% cotton, and a has light acrylic coating. Selected for its pretty design and easy maintenance. Available in white, blue and yellow backgrounds.

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Linen Napkins from France

Chic linen napkins with an embroidered floral pattern are available in white or natural unbleached cloth. Manufactured in Northern France, they are sold in twos by French Address.

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Lavender Field Sachet from Provence

Filled with organic lavender from France this version of L'AUGUSTE Provence sachets features a flowering lavender field. These sachets make great gifts as decorative objects with a lovely fragrance.

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Table Runner Floral Design

Art de la Table is an art form. So instead of a tablecloth, use a pretty table runner in a bright blue floral design as your centrepiece. Available in 2 colours and 2 sizes, the traditional cotton print runner is quilted.

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Heart-Shaped Plates in Olive Wood

Add some flair to your next dinner party with these heart-shaped plates made with French olive wood. Sold individually, these plates are easy to maintain; wash them in soap and water and dry them immediately. Not suitable for dishwashers. They are sold by My French Country Home Box.

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Stylish Basket Bag for Summer Fashion

Introducing the stylish and compact Andale Basket Bag, measuring 18 x 15 x 8 cm (7 x 6 x 3 inches). This bag features a leather closure and an adjustable shoulder strap for added convenience. Sourced by My French Country Home, the bag is available in three vibrant colours: green, mandarin, and yellow. Additionally, it includes an interior pocket for better organization.

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Glass Storage Jars with Lavender Design

These hand-painted glass jars are designed in Paris with a red lavender motif. The canisters are suitable for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres), made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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Shower Gel Figs in Summer Fragrance

Made with olive oil from Provence and exclusive fragrances from the perfume capital of France, Grasse. These Rose et Marius liquid soaps are paraben-free and refillable. Try this soap the next time your shower with a scent that will remind you of a fig tree in summer. Found in beautiful 5* hotels and top-quality restaurants.

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Bright and Beautiful Table Linens from Provence

Discover the Beaulieu linen collection features Provence's iconic sunflower in yellows and blues. This collection includes , napkins and table runners. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Download Our Winter Menu Collection

Julie Whitmarsh

Discover the Stunning Art Deco Architecture of Aix-en-Provence

Our Review of Susan McDonald’s Debut Novel The Lost Children

Moussaka d’Aubergines: A Layered History, Cooked the Provençal Way

Veal Tenders with Black Truffle and Wine Reduction Sauce – Tendrons de veau du rabassier – tuber brumale

One Summer in Provence by Carol Drinkwater: A Book Review

Following My Bliss: From Ohio to Provence, a Painter’s Journey

Le Château d’If à Marseille, rendu célèbre par le Comte de Monte-Cristo

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