Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: I’m thrilled to be invited to be a contributor to Perfectly Provence, a digital magazine for locals and visitors alike, with content collected from the region’s top regional writers. Focused exclusively on Provence, Perfectly Provence includes targeted regional content for both tourists and for …

Cotignac’s permanent population hovers around 2,300 people. The official count swells on a sunny Tuesday when throngs of visitors appraise market stalls on the main street — Cours Gambetta. A column of plane trees provide welcome shade to vendors watching their stands that are heaving with tempting melons from Cavaillon, …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: This is most certainly the busiest month here in Provence while at the same time – oddly very calm as well. All the Northern French head to the sea and sun, as indicated by the stressful traffic reports radiating out of Paris, for a …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric This restaurant is 2 miles outside Jouques and feels quite remote, lost in Provencal trees and garrigue. But the interesting thing is that when we went for Sunday lunch, it was packed. I have since learned that it has a very enthusiastic local following, quite …

Special friends are on the way to visit the Barefoot Blogger, including my dear 10-year-old McKenna. Planning the 7-day visit has been easier than you’d think. McKenna and I have always had a closer-than-usual relationship because we share the same birthday date. We both agree, that makes us “twins” of …

Contributor blog post by David Taylor Thank you to our guest at Le Chene, Jeremy Birkett who took this picture last week whilst staying and enjoying the Lavender in the garden. The ‘Scarce Swallowtail’ is in fact quite common in central and southern Europe. The name ‘Scarce’ is the result …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Cannes has many summer events and festivals happening so if you are in town as a tourist or you are a local looking to find out what’s happening in one place – read on! From classical concerts to dance parties on the beach, traditional …

When we travel, we usually shun hotels. Sure, there’s a lot to be said about room service and having someone make your bed every day, but with the advent of Airbnb, HomeAway, and other vacation rental websites, we’ve opened our eyes to a new way to live like locals.  Why …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: I really enjoy all the traditional festivals in France and it doesn’t matter when you visit the French Riviera you will always find some type of celebration or traditional event to attend. Traditional festivals here are based on historical re-enactments, patron saints, food (including …

By aixcentric There weren’t of course any cameras around in 18th century Rome, London or Venice but right now in Aix, we can get a fairly accurate view of what these cities looked like thanks to careful and colourful paintings by Antonio Canaletto. Although some of his work on show …