Lavender blooms for a relatively short time in Provence. Like any plant, the exact peak flowering time depends on several factors, including weather and altitude. Generally, the lavender fields in the South of France peak in early July and are harvested by mid-August. Many people plan their trips specifically to …

Carrières des Lumières, the fabulous immersive art show held inside a giant cavern near Les Baux-de-Provence, usually features a significant artist like Vincent van Gogh or Paul Cézanne. Works by the artist are displayed along with music in a brilliant choreography. But this year, the organizers decided to do something …

Join me in Provence for a French immersion stay and learn about French painter Paul Cézanne and his atelier (workshop) in Aix-en-Provence.  That’s why I always have a lot of fun receiving students in immersion courses and sharing my love for this city and its region with them. Cézanne Fan …

Provence is a famous winemaking (and drinking) country. The region has a justified reputation in wine circles for terrific rosé blends, celebrated reds and coveted whites from Châteauneuf du Pape, and the outstanding production of crus from the Côte du Rhone vineyards. So, perhaps it’s unsurprising that beer is not …

Marseille Provence Gastronomie (MPG) is back this year with several food festivals, special dinners and other options for the gourmets and gourmand(e)s. If you are a food lover, don’t miss the upcoming Street Food Festival #4 in Marseille. Starting June 13 and running through June 15, 2024, you can taste …

The Book of Rosé: The Provençal Vineyard That Revolutionized Rosé By Whispering Angel and Château D’Esclans. Published by Rizzoli International Publications in April 2024. Wrapped in dusty pink, the book promised a visual feast almost as appealing as a chilled glass of Whispering Angel from the wine estate. The Book …

There is an excellent small museum in the Alpilles village of Saint-Andiol. The museum’s archive recounts the life of World War II hero Jean Moulin, and it is well worth a visit. For those unfamiliar with him, Jean Moulin is the man who unified the French Resistance before being captured …

What’s On in the South of France? While summer has not officially arrived in Provence, we are posting this article early, as some festivals open their online ticketing in May and sell out quickly. During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. …

Thankfully, “gap year” was not something I had ever heard of when I was in school. Otherwise, I would have lobbied to spend a year, or a lifetime, in Europe. Instead, I followed the traditional and well-beaten path, graduating and then travelling through Europe on a Eurail pass for as …

A large group of friends were visiting us in Provence in September. Our dilemma was introducing the first-timers to the highlights of the Alpilles and keeping everyone else interested in discovering some (new to them) hidden gems of the region. After some back-and-forth, we created a car rally itinerary that …