Christmas Traditions Santons Provence
InspireMargo LestzProvencal History & Traditions

Christmas Traditions the Santons of Provence

Christmas Traditions in Provence This year, all I wanted for Christmas was santons – those little clay Provençal figurines that pop up every Christmas in the south of France. They’re part of the local Nativity scenes, and every person in the village is represented. I began collecting santons when I …

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Lavender Fields Provence
InspireMargo Lestz

Exploring the Lavender Fields of Provence

Lavender Fields of Provence Rows of fragrant lavender plants stretching toward the horizon are an unforgettable sight. In fact, for many people, this is the first image that comes to mind when they think of Provence. You might imagine that the landscape has always been swathed in lines of lavender, …

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Walking Tour Old Nice Matisse-house
ExploreMargo LestzVillages Towns and Cities

A Walking Tour Old Town Nice

By Margo Lestz: While in Nice, I decided to put together a little walking tour of the Old Town (Vieux Nice). It’s a route that you can follow to see most of the historic sites (with lots of shops and restaurants along the way). Vieux Nice on Foot Nice’s Old …

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Provence Legends Tarasque Monster Tarascon
ExploreMargo LestzVillages Towns and Cities

Tarascon Fêtes de la Tarasque Festival for the Fun of It

Fêtes de la Tarasque Don’t miss this quirky Provencal festival. There are dragons in the streets and much more to entertain all ages. We were preparing to leave Nice and fly back to London. And, just out of curiosity, I had a peek at what was going on in Provence. …

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La Marseillaise French National Anthem
InspireMargo LestzProvencal History & Traditions

French National Anthem La Marseillaise the History of the Song

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: It took a Revolution France’s rousing national anthem, the Marseillaise, was written during the French Revolution. In 1792 the Revolution was in full swing, and all the monarchies of Europe were nervous. It made them uneasy to see people rise up against a king, and it was …

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Fleur de Lys
InspireMargo Lestz

French History of the Fleur de Lys: The Iris of Kings

By Margo Lestz The fleur de lys is a stylized flower that has a long association with the kings of France. There are two spellings for this floral emblem – fleur de lis and fleur de lys. Both can be used to refer to the botanical lily flower or the symbol. “Fleur de …

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French Fashion Striped Tops-onion-johnnies
InspireMargo LestzShopping & Gifts

French Fashion What’s with the Striped Tops?

By Margo Lestz: If you’re looking to add a bit of Frenchness to your wardrobe, a blue and white striped knit shirt could just do the trick. It’s a classic that anyone can wear. Whether you are male, female, young, or old the crisp stripes will add a dash of …

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France Book Berets Baguettes
Books on ProvenceInspireMargo Lestz

New France Book: Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond

I’m happy to announce that my new book, Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond: Curious Histories of France is out now. Just in time for the holidays! If someone on your gift list loves France, maybe this book would fill the bill. Berets, Baguettes, and Beyond: Curious Histories of France is a collection of …

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Typical Dishes Nice
Local Food ProducersMargo LestzTaste

Here are the Typical Dishes to Eat in Nice, France

If your holiday plans include a visit to Nice, France, I’m sure you’ll want to try some of the local specialties. Niçoise food is simple, Mediterranean fare based on fresh ingredients and lots of fish. One old Niçois saying says: “Fish are born in water, but they die in oil.” …

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Life in France Demonstrations and Strikes
Expat Living and Real EstateLiving in ProvenceMargo Lestz

Life in France Demonstrations, Strikes, and Bossnappings

Contributor blog post by Margo Lestz: It’s springtime in France, and it’s also strike time. I’m just setting off on a trip across the country by train and I’ve had to adjust my travel dates because of the rail strikes – at least they put out a schedule. This spring/summer the …

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