Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Christmas in Aix is lovely; the colourful lights, the busy markets, the crowds rushing round the shops and watching the children’s rides all make the festive season in Provence so special. Here is the new Aix magazine which has full details: Aixmagazine_site In brief, these …

When you see figs in your local market, or better yet on trees along your way, gather some to make this easy appetizer. The recipe is Italian inspired, but made in Provence

Looking for an alternative to gluhwein and gingerbread this festive season? Or simply looking for a chance to find your festive spirit? Luckily, as with every year, numerous events are taking place throughout the vineyards of Provence to help us get into the Christmas mood, such as traditional Christmas markets. …

The game of pétanque, sometimes called boules is a form of religion in Provence. Most villages have an official or unofficial boules pitch. The more elaborate centres will even have a “clubhouse” offering refreshments. The word pétanque is Provencal in origin from the word petanca, which means “feet anchored”. The game in its’ …

A tian is an earthenware dish similar to the Moroccan tagine but without a lid. It is used for baking a simple, local recipe of the same name. The recipe for Tian is an excellent example of rustic provençal cooking using just a few ingredients to enhance seasonal produce. It …

Marché de Sénas Artisanal Provence à Alsace Every year Robin and I visit the weekend-long Christmas market that takes place in Sénas. I love this market because it’s so different than any of the others in the small towns in the Bouches du Rhône or Vaucluse regions. You really get …

Grotto on a Hillside Nutmeg got a little lost on her way to this hike. Given the religious significance of the location, maybe she was not the first lost soul during the long history of the Sainte Baume grotto. The grotto is located inside a natural cave high on the …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Every year in Marseille, members of All Saints Anglican Church ‘the English Church’ work hard to get lots of seasonal items together for a Christmas Fair to raise money for building maintenance. This year it is happening on Saturday 28th November and they need your …

Friends ask “how’s your life in France.” Yes, it’s very different from my life in the States. Some of the simplest things in France are the most unusual and most complicated. Here are just a few of the differences. 1 Cemeteries Cemeteries in France are above the ground 2 Stairs …

Grape harvest season may be well and truly over, but the shorter days and cooler nights of November can only mean one thing – the turn of the olives on the French Riviera. The harvest season officially kicked off on October 27th. There are some 300,000 olive trees in the …