The Debate One of the favourite pastimes of the Aixois is fervently discussing the town’s many qualities. They cite the climate, culture and architecture; rave about the shopping and surrounding countryside; and compare notes on their favourite Luberon village, Mediterranean beach, local wine and restaurant. When we first moved here, …

What is there better to do on a warm Summer Sunday than visit Cassis – 27 degrees forecast today, leave early, take a walk along the calanques, ( inland waterways with high cliff faces), be seated for lunch by 12.30 at one of the many port side restaurants, Explore this …

Our French teacher explained to us that a guinguette was typically a make-shift café-bar, usually next to water, with strings of lights and music and bushes pour aller flirter. They were dotted around Paris for instance for workers at the weekends and of course were beloved of the Impressionists.

A.A. Milne may have made Eeyore famous in his Winnie-the-Pooh books, however in reality the hardworking donkey has been helping humans out for thousands of years. The equines family of horses, donkeys and zebras all has a long history.  There are even some prehistoric references.  The experts are divided as …

There have been a fair few changes up at Château de Bellet, in the hills of Nice, over the past few years. The vineyard, so synonymous with the appellation itself, boasts a history dating centuries and a winemaking tradition passed down through the generations of Barons of Bellet who have …

At the heart of French culture — not to mention community and architecture — is the place, or square. Every town, big or small, has its fair share of places that have overseen festivals, markets, and families for centuries. Here are 6 worth finding in Aix-en-Provence. 1. Place des Martyrs de la …

Contributor blog post by Liz Gabay: At this time of year, how often we think of holidays full of sunshine and leisure with beautiful bronzed people relaxing by or in the swimming pool or on a beach with a glass of wine or an exotic cocktail. The Côte d’Azur has …

Contributor blog post by David Taylor: July is without doubt one of my favourite months, its reliably hot, notably this year being very settled with above average temperatures. One can breakfast outside and take lunch in the shade of the plane trees. The balmy evening temperatures are perfect too for …

One of the first blog posts I ever wrote, back in early 2013, was about Le Petit Vigneau in Saint-Paul de Vence. At the time, it was the winemaker himself, Raphael Vigneau, who showed me around his vineyard, hidden on quiet (and rather plush) residential street at the foot of the …

Last week the Barefoot Blogger took a shopping trip into Nimes, the closest “big city” near Uzes. I had curtains on my mind. As much as I try, there’s always something I think will make my apartment in Uzes even better. This time I’m looking for some simple curtains for …