Walking in the Luberon
ExploreJulie WhitmarshStay Fit

Why Walking in the Luberon is a Great Way to Explore Provence

The Luberon is a great area to explore on foot. There is a wonderful network of well-marked hiking trails, with many of the villages having their own circular walks too. While, in the height of summer, it can be too hot to really walk any distance, and many of the …

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Markets in Provence Favourites
Julie WhitmarshMarkets in Provence and Cote d'AzurTaste

Markets in Provence a Few Favourites in the Region

There’s something about French markets that makes them stand out from others we’ve visited over the years. It doesn’t matter where you are in France; a market will always be nearby. Sometimes, a few stalls in a small village or a vast event filling the streets and squares of a …

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Cycling Exploring Provence
ExploreJulie WhitmarshStay Fit

Cycling a Great Way of Exploring Provence on Two Wheels

There is something about pottering around Provence on two wheels that makes my heart sing, as it’s just such a delight for all your senses: It may be the beautiful views, perhaps taking a moment or two to sit on a wall watching the sunlight shift across the landscape, or …

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Day Sightseeing in Arles
ExploreJulie WhitmarshVillages Towns and Cities

How to Spend a Day Sightseeing in Arles

This week has flown by to the extent that it feels like someone has been playing with time. Whereas the days slipped comfortably by last week, these last seven days have hurtled past, with so much going on that it’s been hard to keep up. It felt like I’d stumbled …

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Provence Holidays Without Car
ExploreJulie Whitmarsh

Provence Holidays in the Luberon Without a Car?

Recently, I’ve seen quite a few questions about whether it’s possible to visit the Luberon without coming by car. The queries range from how to get to the area from airports across France to whether it’s possible to explore once they arrive. The simple answer to them all is yes. …

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Visit Château de Mille
Julie WhitmarshTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Near Apt Visit Château de Mille for Wine and the Castle

Since buying our little place over six years ago, we must have cycled past the huge old barrel at the entrance to the Château de Mille hundreds of times and have always wondered what it is like, promising ourselves that one day, we would go and visit this ancient Domaine. …

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Cakes & CookiesChristmas & HolidayJulie WhitmarshProvencal RecipesTaste

Celebrating the Epiphany with Cake Brioche des Rois

The Epiphany in France is an excellent opportunity to make (and eat) cake. Although not just any cake, the day is traditionally celebrated with either a Galette or a Brioche Des Rois, recognising the 12th day of Christmas, when the three Magi arrived to offer gifts to the newborn baby. …

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Les Davids Organic Vineyard
Julie WhitmarshTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Les Davids Organic Vineyard in the Luberon

We have watched, with some fascination, the construction of a new building at Les Davids, an organic vineyard and fruit and vegetable producer, set just below the main road, by the turning to Oppedette. For months there was large-scale construction of what was to become the new home for their …

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Nougats Silvain in Provence
Julie WhitmarshLocal Food ProducersTaste

Nougats Silvain Sweet Treats in Provence

Anyone who knows me will tell you I have a sweet tooth, the fridge always has a few little treats in it, there’s inevitably a great supply of chocolate in the house and of course, ice creams in the freezer. I have been known in the family, as ‘the fridge …

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Luberon Mines De Bruoux
ExploreJulie WhitmarshVillages Towns and Cities

Ochre Exploration Luberon Mines De Bruoux near Gargas

I have a confession to make. It’s been over 30 years since we first visited the area and over five (5) years since buying the house here, yet I hadn’t seen the incredible Mines de Bruoux, at nearby Gargas, until recently. Incredible Mines de Bruoux Typically when Ochres are mentioned, …

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