Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: August is a quiet month in Provence where everyone believes it to be their right to do absolutely nothing (farniente) that requires any energy (other than catching up with friends, sunbathing by the pool or on the beach) In September, there are plenty of festivals …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Beautiful Gordes Market in Pictures Gordes, classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France. This famous hilltop town looks out over the Luberon National Park. You feel obligated to stop your car driving into the village as the village is arguably even more …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: This is the month where just about the whole of Northern France descends onto the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. On the radio, they announce “black weekends” which signify lots of Parisians heading south causing a rather lot of traffic. Everyone is finally on …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Provence Vacation Portraits You may be curious, if you’re a regular here, where I’ve been during recent weeks. Well, I’ve been busy with photo shoots, itineraries and market tours. Provence truly is a magical place. The light is stunning and the landscape is stunning. I …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Juillet/July Events in Provence 2017 It’s full summer here in Provence. The cigales are singing (quite loudly I must say!) and the sunflowers and lavender are in full bloom. The ballet (or science?) of knowing when to open and close your shutters has been mastered for all …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: How much are you willing to pay for your meal at a restaurant in Provence? Sometimes the best meals are the most simple. There’s nothing more disappointing then paying good money for a meal you could have produced better yourself. Are Michelin star restaurant …

A traditional clafoutis with a twist, assorted fresh fruit baked in to your delicious batter as opposed to the traditional cherries.

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Expat Living in France Here are just a few anecdotes from the last month of my life in France as I try to navigate where I come from and where I live now. Hamburger Shame I ate at a hamburger restaurant in Avignon (link …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Last Saturday Robin and I took a guided tour of Aix en Provence with Frédéric Paul. A Tour Guide Local with Passion for Sharing History A rising television star and truly passionate about history, Frédéric aims to share insights into the history of his …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: I came across this document in a pile of papers in a French flea market. It’s dated 1896. I find details like this really indicative of their time and culture. For example, the imagery of a military hat, canon, soldiers, rifle, and sword are most …