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 Keith Van Sickle

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Keith and Val Van Sickle made their first trip to Provence decades ago, and it was love at first sight. After that, they came back every year until 2008, when they began a part-time life there, splitting their time between Provence and California.

Over the years, they’ve travelled all over Provence, seeing sights both well-known and obscure. Their French friends have introduced them to favourite restaurants and wineries and picnic spots and taught them funny local expressions (not all for polite company).

Keith now shares this local knowledge in his new book, An Insider’s Guide to Provence. Packed with the Van Sickles’ favourite things to see and do, it’s a must-have for anyone travelling to this glorious corner of France.

Keith previously published two books about the couple's experiences in Provence. One Sip at a Time: Learning to Live in Provence, and Are We French Yet?, both are available from Amazon.

You can see all of Keith’s blog posts at Life in Provence.

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Keith Van Sickle · Local Food Producers · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Provence’s Tasty Cavaillon Melons Achieve IGP Protected Status

May 5, 2025
After a complicated process that took eight long years, on February 12, 2025, the European Commission granted the Melon de Cavaillon its coveted IGP designation. IGP laws (Indication Géographique Protégée) mean that only products from a certain geographic area, following strict rules, can carry the label. It guarantees quality and authenticity for the consumer and …
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Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions

Exploring Van Gogh’s Era: The Sicard Sisters Photographers in Provence

April 25, 2025
What was Provence really like in the days of Vincent van Gogh? Vincent Van Gogh spent two years in Provence, first in Arles and then at a mental asylum called Saint-Paul le Mausole in St-Rémy-de-Provence. His time in Provence was remarkably productive, with an output of over 200 paintings, including masterpieces like The Starry Night …
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Explore · Keith Van Sickle · Villages Towns and Cities

Sanary-sur-Mer, A Gem on France’s Mediterranean Coast

January 13, 2025
It’s one of the prettiest towns on France’s Mediterranean coast and one of the country’s sunniest. But while international tourists flock to places like Nice, Antibes, and St-Tropez, lovely little Sanary-sur-Mer remains relatively undiscovered. Sanary, as the locals call it, was founded as a fishing village in the 16th century. Fishermen still ply their trade …
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Keith Van Sickle · Taste · Wines and Spirits of Provence

Notre Dame des Pallières a Hidden Wine Gem in the Rhône Valley

October 21, 2024
Nestled among vineyards near the village of Gigondas sits Notre Dame des Pallières, a family-run winery specializing in the wines of the southern Rhône. It should be a stop for anyone who loves the robust, long-lived wines of this part of France. Gigondas is sometimes described as the little brother of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the …
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Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

August 13, 2024
A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years. The show, organized by the CEPPIA Foundation and the …
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