Caroline Longstaffe

A traveller at heart, Caroline says she was most probably born under a wandering star. This English girl lives in California, but has a soft spot for France. After living in Provence for 18 months, she admits that she is now torn between the towns of Uzes and Lourmarin - she cannot decide which is her favourite. During her stay in Provence, Caroline launched her blog Shutters and Sunflowers. Her blog is about passion, about living the journey not waiting to get to the destination.

Head to Lourmarin on Fridays for Market Day

July 26, 2019

Lourmarin on Fridays Early on Friday morning, when the clock chimes eight, the sound of clanking metal posts gently peppers the air. White vans fill the car park outside my door, and market stalls spring up in Lourmarin’s Place Henri Barthélémy, spilling out along the streets. Friday is market day in Lourmarin, and as I …

Caroline Longstaffe · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Lourmarin Shopping for Provencal Linens

March 12, 2019

By Caroline Longstaffe: Shopping in Lourmarin As we’ve spent increasing amounts of time in Lourmarin we’ve come to know more of the people in the village, all of whom have been warm and welcoming. Like us, many of them are not originally from the area but similarly captivated by its’ enchantment have chosen to make it their …

Caroline Longstaffe · Inspire · Shopping & Gifts

Lavender Wands at La Maison FRANC in Lourmarin

February 26, 2019

By Caroline Longstaffe: When Philippe Franc, the owner of La Maison FRANC first came to live in Pertuis, near Lourmarin, his neighbor welcomed him with a gift, a lavender wand or Coeur de Lavande. It was a defining moment and the first step in a story which led to the opening of his exquisite shop in …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore

Visit Château La Coste for Art, Architecture and Wine

December 13, 2018

Nestled among rolling vineyards between the historic city of Aix-en-Provence (14km) and the stunning Luberon Valley (21km), you will find Château La Coste. Purchased by Irish real estate developer Paddy McKillen in 2002, the ordinary has been transformed into the extraordinary. Château La Coste is now a stunning domain set within 600 hectares, dedicated to fine wine, …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Luberon Villages Lourmarin in the Off-Sesason

December 11, 2018

It’s raining today in Provence and after nearly a month of clear, blue skies and gentle, warm autumnal days, temperatures have plummeted signalling the beginnings of winter. Nowhere, even Lourmarin, is idyllic in the rain, or is it? Perhaps enticed by the recently hung lights across the streets of the village and the shops starting to …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Our Top Local’s Picks for Your Visit to Saint Remy de Provence

October 3, 2018

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: Recently someone who only had four days to spend in Provence asked me if I had to choose between a visit to Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which would it be. Preferably I’d find the time for both but as stunning a city as Aix is, in June, for the first visit …

Caroline Longstaffe · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Le Château Constantin Wines a Family Vineyard near Lourmarin

May 31, 2018

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: Many people dream of owning a winery; a romantic illusion of strolling through carefully tended vines sharing your vintages within the shadows of a sprawling château, which for me would have to be in Provence. Of course, dreams like this seldom come true, such a highly competitive, risky venture …

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Sablet Village House Holiday Rental

A beautiful stone house in the middle of Sablet, within walking distance of boulangerie and more. This wine village is known for its Côte du Rhone wines.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Cotignac Farm House Holiday Rental for 6

The Old Farm House is a restored farm house in Coitgnac a delightful village in the heart of the Provence Verte in the Var. The home comfortably sleeps 6 people in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom configuration.

Var
Three Bedrooms

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Rental Home in Crillon-le-Brave for 6 People

Designed for indoor-outdoor living, Villa Armajeva has three spacious bedrooms and all the modern comforts for a family vacation. Enjoy the views from any one of the terraces. The Crillon-le-Brave village centre is steps from this lovely home.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Les Vallons Holiday Home - Sleeps 12

If you are looking for a perfect holiday rental property, with a heated pool, Les Vallons sleeps 12 people in a fully restored hamlet.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Six Bedrooms

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2-Bedroom Penthouse in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Extremely private, the Waterfront Penthouse 2-bedroom, 2-bath holiday rental with a panoramic view is a very romantic place.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Provencal Table Linens in a Lavender Motif

The Bonnieux collection in a pretty Provencal lavender motif includes tablecloths (of different sizes), napkins and accessories. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Mortar and Pestle Made with Olive Wood

This Mortar and Pestle is produced by Bérard France. Made with olive wood from Provence, it is ideal for grinding herbs, seeds, and spices. Buy one for yourself or as a gift.

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Scented Mini Candle Box Sets

Rose et Marius offers box sets with three (3) mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "early morning in the orange grove." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Mini Candle Collections

Rose et Marius offers box sets with 3 perfumed mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "Rose's sun water." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Tea Towels in Fresh Provencal Designs

These tea towels are beautiful and sturdy. Made of 100% cotton jacquard woven in pretty Provencal patterns. Easy to maintain, these cotton tea towels from Remember Provence are essential kitchen accessories. Sold in packs of 3.

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Cotton Tote Bag with Lavender Design

This lightweight tote bag has a beautiful watercolour design of a flowering lavender field printed on the front. Each L'AUGUSTE Provence tote bag is unique and entirely handmade in Provence.

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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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Lavender Sachet from Provence “Cyprès”

L'AUGUSTE Provence organic lavender sachets featuring a row of cypress trees. These sachets are decorative objects with a delicate soothing fragrance.

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Download Our Fall Menu Collection

Caroline Longstaffe

Head to Lourmarin on Fridays for Market Day

Lourmarin Shopping for Provencal Linens

Lavender Wands at La Maison FRANC in Lourmarin

Visit Château La Coste for Art, Architecture and Wine

Luberon Villages Lourmarin in the Off-Sesason

Our Top Local’s Picks for Your Visit to Saint Remy de Provence

Le Château Constantin Wines a Family Vineyard near Lourmarin

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