Gayle Padgett and her husband Ralph maintained a long-distance relationship with Provence for two decades. They often travelled to the South of France during their vacation from US government jobs in Germany. As their retirement years approached, the “Where are we going to live?” question loomed. The couple chose a …

Cannes-do Holidays When you think of Cannes, you probably think of the Film Festival, A-List celebrities, superyachts, private jets, sports cars and all the glamour enjoyed by the rich and famous which bears little resemblance to your family summer holidays, right? However, with a little planning, a family holiday in …

Now more than ever, discerning travellers are looking for a place where time stands still, at least until the cocktail hour arrives. Located near the charming village of Eygalières, Domaine La Pierre Blanche is framed by nature, surrounded by mountains and vineyards. From the moment you drive through the front …

Historic Charm Go on, allow yourself to be seduced by Uzes’s ancient winding, cobbled streets, its golden stone and hidden squares… As an early Roman settlement and France’s first Duchy, Uzes has attracted traders and visitors since antiquity. Today its airy squares and winding streets play host to a multitude …

After living in nine countries, Phoebe Thomas considers herself a career expat, “Where I was born doesn’t help clarify anything, it just complicates things! Born in Paris but moved when two weeks old so not exactly a Parisienne! Pure coincidence that I’m now married to a Frenchman and living in …

Holiday planning is not for the faint of heart. Spending your precious vacation time with family or friends is a bit like rolling the dice at a casino. Striking the delicate balance between activity, sightseeing, and relaxation to suit everyone’s taste is a juggling act. To control what you can, …

A decade after the publication of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, Georgina Causton and her partner took a sabbatical year in Provence. Instead of returning to London, they bought three properties creating luxury rental villas that they call Paradis en Provence. Luxury Holiday Villas Situated in the heart of …

Imagine staying in a glorious 19th century Provencal country estate surrounded by mighty cedars, olive trees and resplendent vineyards framed by the rolling Luberon hills of the Durance Valley. Transformed in 2013 by architect Alexandre Lafourcade, Domaine de Fontenille is now a luxury spa hotel and exceptional wine domaine, with …

Who could blame New Zealand native Rebecca Whitlocke for falling in love with an Englishman and the French Riviera? For over a decade, Rebecca has lived with her young family on the French Riviera in Juan les Pins. This seaside town is a relatively small centre, as compared to Nice …

Americans Susan and Sam Gish moved to Aix-en-Provence two years ago. It’s unlikely that this Francophile couple’s relocation to France, from Philadelphia, was a surprise to any of their food industry friends. During previous travels to France, Susan and Sam discovered the influence of terroir in the different French wine …