Finding work is one of the primary causes of concern for expats. What makes it even more challenging in this region, is that much of that work is given by word-of-mouth. Establishing a few contacts before the move helps enormously unless you have time (and savings) to build up some …

Provence in Autumn Bizarrely we sense and feel the changing seasons more in Provence than we do in Devon. Back in Exeter, the proximity to the sea seems to soften the edges of summer as it shifts into autumn and likewise, autumn into winter. That’s not the case here. Today …

Americans Susan and Sam Gish moved to Aix-en-Provence two years ago. It’s unlikely that this Francophile couple’s relocation to France from Philadelphia was a surprise to any of their food industry friends. During previous travels to France, Susan and Sam discovered the influence of terroir in the different French wine …

Guest Post by Aimee Laurence: French is a difficult language to learn and it’s normal to make mistakes. English speakers especially struggle with certain parts of the French language when it comes down to speech patterns. By knowing what some common French mistakes are, you can save time and confusion …

By Paula Kane I am a big fan of ritual. Simple or complex, I believe they are good for keeping us grounded in something bigger than ourselves. I have mini rituals I do every day, but when I get to France, I crash right into a whole different set of …

Living Part-time in Provence My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy and it’s been fun to get to know the place. One way we’ve done it is through local associations, which are groups organized around a common interest. Associations are popular in France and every town …

By Vaucluse Dreamer: Bee-Friendly Provence When you think of flowers in Provence, your mind tends to think about fields ablaze with poppies or the purple flashes of the lavender fields and the vibrant markets are home to stalls piled high with locally-produced fruit and vegetables or selling honey, created by …

Recipe for Learning French Take Provence a stunning, sunny, colourful area of France, known for its landscapes, food and wonderful quality of life, add to it the poetic and lyrical French language, a pinch of willpower, a spoonful of motivation and of course, a dash of fun and laughter. Gently …

Buying Property anywhere should cause one to pause and reflect on the investment. However, in France, there are some nuances to the way the residential real estate market operates. In addition, there is associated terminology that is specific to the real estate transaction process that you should know before buying …

By Vaucluse Dreamer: Yesterday Andy and I sat in the Artisan Bakery on The Quay in Exeter, raising a cup of coffee to celebrate the 3 years since we signed the papers and picked up the keys to our long-dreamed-for house in Provence. Of course we would have rather been …