One of the main reasons I moved to France was to experience the French way of life. What I’ve learned so far has given me eco-friendly, economical and sure-fire ways to solve some vexing problems … like how to: 1. Treat cold sores …Continue reading here to learn about what …

Recently, we introduced you to Shutters and Sunflowers, a blog about the Provencal landscape and many other things that inspire Caroline Longstaffe to write. Please read the full story here. The Longstaffe family lived in Provence for about 18 months in 2012-13 and were smitten. We asked Caroline if she …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Often I see advertising for upcoming exhibitions at the major art museums and galleries in this region, but sometimes the best exhibitions fall under our noses and pass by unnoticed. Here are 3 Exhibitions that I highly recommend you find time to see – they …

The Musée Regards de Provence is always worth visiting. The current exhibition, Vies Silencieuses, focuses on still-life paintings, many from the gallery’s collection of provencal art. But it starts with some 16th-century Dutch paintings, which are amazing in their faithful detail and feature peonies, stripy tulips, dewdrops, and butterflies.

As France’s second-largest city after Paris, Marseille appears overwhelming with well over 1 million people in the greater metropolitan area (1,831,500 January 2011 census). Marseille has been a port city since 600BC when the Greeks established a trading base in this location. Positioned on the Mediterranean Marseille has long been …

As a mother of 2 rugby-loving teenage boys, I know that there is potentially a very short shelf-life for any nice pieces of pottery in our house, which is such a pity. I must admit that both my hubby and I look forward to the day when we may be …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Did you know that as a tourist in France you are entitled to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT or TVA) on purchases over €175 made in a single store? You didn’t know that? Well, luckily for you this blog post will shed …

I was at the Carpentras flea market a couple weeks ago and came upon this 1920s album. I couldn’t help myself when I saw that the book was being sold with postcards as well. Despite most likely paying too much, the first 3 pages were filled with vintage postcards …Continue …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: February is approaching quickly and it brings a number of excellent festivals to the French Riviera ranging from food fairs to flower parades and world class carnivals. With half term school holidays for Zone B (Alpes Maritimes and the Var) falling on the dates 06 …

I cannot claim to be an art critic however I know what I like and this summer I was invited to a vernissage (from the French verb to varnish which is an interesting choice!). This preview event is usually by invitation and what better setting than Crillon-le-Brave? Nestling into the …