Calisson d'Aix
Local Food ProducersTasteVirginie Van Der Wees

Where to Find the Best Gourmet Treats in Aix-en-Provence

When I was pregnant (which happened three times in my life!), I cooked a lot and especially pastries. For my first pregnancy, I wanted to create a food truck and sell pancakes in Australia. So, at eight months pregnant, I went to Brittany to take a course to learn how …

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Vendanges Grape Harvest Provence
TasteVirginie Van Der WeesWines and Spirits of Provence

My 4 Favourite Vineyards Near Aix-en-Provence

We have been living in Rousset since 2020. Rousset is a small Provençal village located at the foot of the Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Therefore, this little haven of peace is a magnificent natural environment just 15 kilometres from Aix-en-Provence. Arriving at Rousset for a French immersion stay with us, you will …

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Unite-d-Habitation-by-Le-Corbusier_Foundation-Le-Corbusier_dezeen_468_4
Learning FrenchVirginie Van Der Wees

Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse Marseille’s Amazing Architecture

Hello, My name is Angela. I want to tell you about my excursion with Virginie during my immersion in Provence. I wanted to return to Marseille during my second one-month immersion with Virginie. We started the day with a city tour. Then we visited the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Finally, we …

READ MORE  Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse Marseille’s Amazing Architecture
Paul Cezanne Walking Trail Aix-en-Provence
Learning FrenchVirginie Van Der Wees

Cezanne and Visiting his Atelier in Aix-en-Provence

I am a big fan of Cézanne. I visited his studio a dozen times. I like his story and his paintings. I often offer this visit to my students coming for French immersion in Provence. The visit lasts 30 minutes. It can be done with a guide in French, with …

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Marseille Resaons Visit View Chateau d'If
Learning FrenchVirginie Van Der Wees

Discovering Marseille Learn French on Holiday in Provence

During Angela’s French immersion holiday in Provence, we set off one day to discover Marseille’s highlights, including its Bonne Mere – Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. French Immersion Hello. My name is Angela. I’m in Provence again this year for an immersion holiday with Virginie. We decide to go …

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Making Bûche de Noël
Christmas & HolidayDessertProvencal RecipesTasteVirginie Van Der Wees

Bûche de Noël: A French Christmas Recipe

History of the Bûche de Noël The log is generally eaten on December 24, during the Christmas meal. The cake was born around 1870. Several pastry chefs are fighting over paternity. But it seems they had the idea at the same time for a cake roll that looks like a …

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Galette Provençale a Traditional Holiday Recipe
Christmas & HolidayDessertProvencal RecipesTasteVirginie Van Der Wees

Galette Provençale a Holiday Dessert Recipe

Discover the Galette Provençale If you don’t have a galette variation in your country, you can very well make it yourself. While you cook, the children in the family can have fun making wreaths. It really is a very festive time. Moreover, this cake really encourages conviviality, between friends and/or …

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Back to School in France
Expat Living and Real EstateLiving in ProvenceVirginie Van Der Wees

School in France Holidays and More

In France, the school calendar follows a rhythm of intense periods of study followed by well-deserved breaks. As a result, the vacances scolaire (school holidays) occur on roughly the same dates year-to-year, which allows families to plan their holidays well in advance. There are three school zones (A, B and …

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Château Grand Boise Vines
TasteVirginie Van Der WeesWines and Spirits of Provence

Understanding Vendanges the Grape Harvest in Provence

Recently, I met Ana Sofia, event manager at Château Grand Boise. The Château Grand Boise has existed since 1610. There is also a symbolic cuvée named “1610” created to commemorate the historic origins of the property. Ana Sofia and her husband took over the management of the estate in 2013 …

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My Visit Aix-en-Provence
ExploreVillages Towns and CitiesVirginie Van Der Wees

My Many Reasons to Visit Aix-en-Provence

My name is Virginie Van Der Wees. I am a French teacher for non-French speakers. I live near Aix-en-Provence. Every morning, it’s a pleasure to wake up and tell myself that I live at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. Je m’appelle Virginie Van Der Wees. …

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