The journey begins: from coast to village A winding road leads us from the sunny French Riviera coast to the Alpes Maritimes village of Gréolières, which has existed since 1033. Gréolières comes from the old French word “greolier,” meaning “crow.” We start our adventures in Gréolières at 850 meters, and …

Continuing our journey along the last coastal area, we drove towards the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel. The transition from the serene coast to the rugged hills was striking. The road gradually climbed into the Esterel Massif, where the landscape transformed dramatically. The Estérel Massif extends approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) …

Cucuron is a delightful southern Luberon village just a ten-minute drive from Lourmarin. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, beloved for its charm and central ‘bassin, ‘Cucuron has become a favourite of movie makers. Several well-presented information boards share old photos and some of the local history throughout the …

As we climbed higher, the views became increasingly spectacular. The Route des Crêtes isn’t just about the views—it’s also about the experience of driving it. The road is narrow and winding, with sharp hairpin turns and steep grades that test your skills as a driver. There were moments when it …

It’s one of the prettiest towns on France’s Mediterranean coast and one of the country’s sunniest. But while international tourists flock to places like Nice, Antibes, and St-Tropez, lovely little Sanary-sur-Mer remains relatively undiscovered. Sanary, as the locals call it, was founded as a fishing village in the 16th century. …

When exploring the stunning Côte d’Azur, visiting the captivating Cap d’Antibes is a must. This enchanting coastal path, the Sentier de Tirepoil, offers an unforgettable 5-kilometre hike, where each turn reveals breathtaking views. Nestled away from urban life, this path is perfect for adventurers wearing sturdy shoes, ready to embrace …

Winter in Provence unveils a serene, understated beauty. The villages quiet down—tourists have departed, fields lie fallow, and root vegetables are tucked away in cool, shadowy cellars. The land rests after autumn’s final harvest while the frost-kissed garrigue glimmers in the winter light. Tendrils of smoke curl from chimneys as …

Wow is the word for Notre Dame de la Menour, 800m high in the wild mountains inland from the Riviera coast. It began as a Romanesque chapel linked to the defensive walls—you can see the nearby ruins. The chapel was rebuilt in the 17th century and oriented correctly to the …

David joined Virginie and her family for a French immersion homestay in July. He wanted to incorporate some sporty challenges while learning French so Virginie suggested hiking to the summit of Mont Sainte Victoire. David wrote the following bilingual text as an exercise to test his written French. Find out …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence So many images of the Provence and the Côte d’Azur are summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation, and beautiful people in straw hats enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less attention, but it’s …