
What’s Going on in May Events in Provence 2018
On the 1st of May, make sure to visit the celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians takes over the city. Worth a visit! You may even see the queen of les Arlesiennes. This is the month of public holidays in France. Make sure to be aware of store closings. I would …
On the 1st of May, make sure to visit the celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians takes over the city. Worth a visit! You may even see the queen of les Arlesiennes. This is the month of public holidays in France. Make sure to be aware of store closings. I would …

Day Tripping in the Var at Gorges du Verdon, Moustiers and Valensole
If you’re around in summer, enjoy this top travel tip that has something for everyone – from paddling about in Europe’s deepest canyon to enjoying a picturesque lunch and then finishing off in the fields of lavender. We recommend an early departure for the beaches near Aiguine, take the D957 …
If you’re around in summer, enjoy this top travel tip that has something for everyone – from paddling about in Europe’s deepest canyon to enjoying a picturesque lunch and then finishing off in the fields of lavender. We recommend an early departure for the beaches near Aiguine, take the D957 …
Aix-en-Provence’s Cours Mirabeau – the Fate of the Plane Trees
Having just returned to Aix after some weeks away, my second shock (after seeing the excavations in front of the Palais de Justice being filled in – inevitable I know) was to see the gaps in the Cours Mirabeau where plane trees had been. I had read about the ‘chancre …
Having just returned to Aix after some weeks away, my second shock (after seeing the excavations in front of the Palais de Justice being filled in – inevitable I know) was to see the gaps in the Cours Mirabeau where plane trees had been. I had read about the ‘chancre …

Salt and Pepper Calamari a Spicy Appetizer
Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.
Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.

The Cote d’Azur is Riot of Colour at Carnaval de Nice
In February, there is an explosion of colour along the Cote D’Azur when the hillsides are fringed with yellow from the bright flowers of the Mimosa trees and the citrus fruits glow orange and yellow against the dark green leaves– it’s as if the plants are reminding us of the …
In February, there is an explosion of colour along the Cote D’Azur when the hillsides are fringed with yellow from the bright flowers of the Mimosa trees and the citrus fruits glow orange and yellow against the dark green leaves– it’s as if the plants are reminding us of the …

Visiting the Pink Flamingos of Camargue in Provence
Flamingos in Provence Did you know that we have a lot of pink flamingos in Provence? It’s not something that one would associate with the place of hilltop towns, olives, almonds, sunflowers, and lavender but that is my favourite thing about this region- it’s diversity. From our location in Provence, close to St …
Flamingos in Provence Did you know that we have a lot of pink flamingos in Provence? It’s not something that one would associate with the place of hilltop towns, olives, almonds, sunflowers, and lavender but that is my favourite thing about this region- it’s diversity. From our location in Provence, close to St …

Book Review: Passion for Provence a Memoir by Gayle Smith Padgett
While reading Gayle Smith Padgett’s book, Passion for Provence, 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, I kept thinking this lady is someone you would enjoy getting to know in person. The book (her first) is just over 260 pages long, after each of the 22 chapters she shares her “key” …
While reading Gayle Smith Padgett’s book, Passion for Provence, 22 Keys to La Belle Vie, I kept thinking this lady is someone you would enjoy getting to know in person. The book (her first) is just over 260 pages long, after each of the 22 chapters she shares her “key” …

Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup in Under an Hour
Never trust anyone who doesn’t like soup. Whether your preference is hot, cold, spicy, creamy, chunky or smooth there are thousands of possible variations on this dish that requires a spoon. This Cream of Mushroom Soup will satisfy those who like their soup warm, fresh and delicious.
Never trust anyone who doesn’t like soup. Whether your preference is hot, cold, spicy, creamy, chunky or smooth there are thousands of possible variations on this dish that requires a spoon. This Cream of Mushroom Soup will satisfy those who like their soup warm, fresh and delicious.

Why Visit Fontvieille and its Windmills in the Alpilles
Inscribed in the stone and fixed to one side of the St. Pierre windmill is a quote by French writer Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897). Although, he was born in Nîmes and spent time in both Lyon and Paris, it was here in the Alpilles were he described his affection for the town of Fontvieille …
Inscribed in the stone and fixed to one side of the St. Pierre windmill is a quote by French writer Alphonse Daudet (1840-1897). Although, he was born in Nîmes and spent time in both Lyon and Paris, it was here in the Alpilles were he described his affection for the town of Fontvieille …

Understanding Corsican Cuisine Here is Your Cheatsheet
A Brief Summary of Corsican Cuisine We felt almost obligated to visit this stunning island; it’s the favourite vacation place of people living in Provence. You’ll often notice the stickers still proudly displayed on many cars here from the Marseille-Corsica ferry. We still have ours! We figured that if the …
A Brief Summary of Corsican Cuisine We felt almost obligated to visit this stunning island; it’s the favourite vacation place of people living in Provence. You’ll often notice the stickers still proudly displayed on many cars here from the Marseille-Corsica ferry. We still have ours! We figured that if the …