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.

Exploring the Haute-Alpes de Provence: A Rich History and Stunning Landscapes

February 27, 2026

Did you know that not far from the beaches, shopping, and glitz of the French Riviera is another world? The Southern Alps are a relatively short drive from the Côte d’Azur city of Nice. These mountains offer plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including skiing, hiking, cycling, and incredible sightseeing. However, even Caroline Longstaff, a …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Why Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie a Beautiful Provencal Village

February 24, 2025

Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is a picturesque village in the département Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, within the breathtaking Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon, whose headquarters are in Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. It was our final stop on our exploration of Les Gorges du Verdon. Like Tourtour, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France ~ the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France.’ With …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Why Cucuron is a Provencal Village in the Luberon Worth Visiting

January 22, 2025

Cucuron is a delightful southern Luberon village just a ten-minute drive from Lourmarin. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, beloved for its charm and central ‘bassin, ‘Cucuron has become a favourite of movie makers. Several well-presented information boards share old photos and some of the local history throughout the village. We’ve enjoyed reading the …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Road Trips South of France

Simply Stunning Gorges du Verdon it’s Not to be Missed

November 13, 2024

For all our time spent in Provence, I’m embarrassed to admit that we had never been to les Gorges du Verdon. And it’s not far from Lourmarin, only about an hour and a half, in the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We’d heard it was worth a visit, but what an understatement. Having gone there, …

Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Locals Travel Tips

Summer in Provence is When to See Lavender Fields

June 1, 2023

Throughout the Luberon region, the landscape is peppered with fields of small, round-shaped lavender bushes, which for almost nine months of the year lie dormant like sleeping hedgehogs. In the spring, they begin to sprout, and from about the middle of June, their fragrant flowers bloom, fanning their purple fronds along the arid ridges of …

Caroline Longstaffe · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Why I’m Dreaming of Christmas in Provence

December 5, 2022

We departed Lourmarin just as winter had arrived, with Christmas around the corner. The trees were almost bare, only a few remnants of their golden autumn gown still clinging to the branches. Temperatures had fallen, especially when the Mistral blew her cruel, icy breath down the Rhône Valley. There were occasional early morning frosts and …

Caroline Longstaffe · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Falling for Château Léoube Rosé from Provence

September 27, 2022

The first time that I tasted Château Léoube rosé was in California, not in Provence. It wasn’t that long ago that rosé wine was hard to find in the USA. Initially, it was often confused with white zinfandel, wine of a similar colour but not similar in any other way. I remember rosé being dismissed …

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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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Charming Farmhouse In The Alpilles With Private Tennis Court

Les Oliviers is a restored Provencal farmhouse near Eygalières in the Alpilles. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 6 to 8 people. Explore the Alpilles villages or enjoy the extensive property, private tennis court and pool.

Alpilles
Four Bedrooms

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Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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6-Bedroom Villa a Provencal Farmhouse Sleeps 12

Mas de Grivet is an elegant, well-equipped family home that sleeps 12 in six en-suite bedrooms. Whether you're spending the holiday with extended family or a gathering of friends, this gorgeous property is a wonderful place to enjoy your stay in Provence.

Alpes de Hautes Provence
Luberon
Six Bedrooms

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Seaside 2-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche

A sunny waterfront apartment with panoramic views, Plage Privée, is on the top floor of a 1950s art deco building by the beach.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Sunflower Design Provencal Table Linens and Cushions

Provence's sunflower for your home with this beautiful collection in two background colours (white or blue). Choose from tablecloths (of different sizes), runners and cushions. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Beautiful Ceramic Breadbaskets

Handcrafted in Uzès by Maison Pichon these ceramic breadbaskets are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802. Available in four (4) colours, these beautiful hand-made ceramic baskets are perfect for bread or simply decorating your table.

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Maison Pichon Braided Ceramic Baskets

My French Country Home is showcasing Maison Pichon braided ceramic baskets. These decorative pottery stands are beautiful decorations but equally practical on your kitchen counter for fruit or other objects. Available in two colours, the Maison Pichon products are handmade in Uzes.

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Garden Kit a Gift for the Gardener

My French Country Home has created a limited edition collection for those who love gardening. The kit includes a gardening bag, 2 notebooks, hand cream, a candle and an antique flower frog. All the items are sourced in France.

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Natural Soap from Provence with Fig Fragrance

Rose et Marius soaps are made with 97% natural ingredients (palm oil-free) and exclusive fragrances. Formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence, this soap has a perfume that will remind you of a fig tree in summer.

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Candles Fig Perfume from Provence

Rose et Marius combines citrus notes of fig leaves with Indian absolute for a summer in Provence into fragrance in this scented candle. Infused with exclusive perfumes, buy these refillable candles that burn for about 60 hours, making great gifts or additions to your home.

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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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French Porcelain Dessert Plates

Founded in 1948, La Maison Degrenne is focused on "art de la table," these delicate porcelain dessert plates are a perfect example. Sold as a set of 4 plates by My French Country Home Box, they represent the seasons; cherries for spring, sweet peach for summer, a ripe fig for autumn, and a vibrant lemon for winter.

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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 Winter Menu Collection

Caroline Longstaffe

Exploring the Haute-Alpes de Provence: A Rich History and Stunning Landscapes

Why Visit Moustiers-Sainte-Marie a Beautiful Provencal Village

Why Cucuron is a Provencal Village in the Luberon Worth Visiting

Simply Stunning Gorges du Verdon it’s Not to be Missed

Summer in Provence is When to See Lavender Fields

Why I’m Dreaming of Christmas in Provence

Falling for Château Léoube Rosé from Provence

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