
Shutters and Sunflowers the Provencal Landscape
Admittedly, it would be a tough choice for anyone to pick between, between the lush gardens of the UK, the sunny skies of California and postcard perfect Provence. Caroline Longstaffe’s solution was to start writing a blog Shutters and Sunflowers her artistic outlet for west coast beauty, British heritage and …
Admittedly, it would be a tough choice for anyone to pick between, between the lush gardens of the UK, the sunny skies of California and postcard perfect Provence. Caroline Longstaffe’s solution was to start writing a blog Shutters and Sunflowers her artistic outlet for west coast beauty, British heritage and …

Christmas in Provence: Vin Cuit and 13 Desserts
Contributor blog post by Elizabeth Gabay: Vin cuit and the 13 desserts are a traditional combination served at Christmas in Provence. Today, however, the 13 desserts are often only symbolically represented – with baskets filled with a selection of dried and glacé fruits and nuts, available in most food shops around …
Contributor blog post by Elizabeth Gabay: Vin cuit and the 13 desserts are a traditional combination served at Christmas in Provence. Today, however, the 13 desserts are often only symbolically represented – with baskets filled with a selection of dried and glacé fruits and nuts, available in most food shops around …

Christmas Carols in Aix
Two unmissable carol concerts at the Cathedral, one international and one very Swedish! The annual international concert will be held on Saturday 6th December. It’s hugely popular so get there well before the 16:00 start if you want a seat. Carols, candles and happiness guaranteed!
Two unmissable carol concerts at the Cathedral, one international and one very Swedish! The annual international concert will be held on Saturday 6th December. It’s hugely popular so get there well before the 16:00 start if you want a seat. Carols, candles and happiness guaranteed!

Saturday Market in Pezenas, France
As you know by now, market day is my favorite time to visit new places in France. Saturday Market in Uzes is a hard act to follow. Pezenas isn’t far behind. One of the “most beautiful towns” in Languedoc Pezenas, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful …
As you know by now, market day is my favorite time to visit new places in France. Saturday Market in Uzes is a hard act to follow. Pezenas isn’t far behind. One of the “most beautiful towns” in Languedoc Pezenas, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful …

Mirabeau Recipe: Roasted Figs with Cheese and Bacon
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
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

Christmas in Provence’s Vineyards – 2015
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. …
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. …

Pétanque Provence’s Other Religion
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’ …
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’ …

Pumpkin Tian Recipe – Tian de Courges from Provence
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 …
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 …

Upcoming Event: Sénas-Alsace Christmas Market
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 …
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 …

Sainte Baume Grotto and Mary Magdalene in Provence
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 …
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 …