Val and I are back in France for the spring, in St-Rémy-de-Provence. One of the things we enjoy most about this area is biking. St-Rémy is right next to the Alpilles, a low mountain range with rocky outcroppings. Well, to call the Alpilles “mountains” is a bit of a stretch, …

What we’ve realised since we bought the house this time last year is that there is no really bad time to cycle in Provence. Yes Summer is hot, but speaking as a‘mad dog’ I’m very happy to go out in the mid-day sun and to be honest it gives us …

The French Riviera has over 40 museums with rich collections often set in picturesque locations overlooking manicured gardens, village squares or the sea. From Belle Époque paintings to modern sculptures, visitors to the region will find enough cultural places of interest to entertain them for a day, week or longer. …

Contributor blog post by Michel: In the morning we walked across the Pont du Gard and then hiked up the trail to get an “aerial” view. After a light meal consisting of food and drinks from the Canteen at the Pont du Gard visitor center, we headed to Collias for …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Last Saturday Robin and I took a guided tour of Aix en Provence with Frédéric Paul. A Tour Guide Local with Passion for Sharing History A rising television star and truly passionate about history, Frédéric aims to share insights into the history of his …

There is a permanent installation by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei at Chateau La Coste. It’s entitled Ruyi Path after the ceremonial sceptre that symbolizes power and good fortune in Chinese history. The artist has followed the shape of the sceptre for a new pathway that weaves between the forest trees …

Contributor blog post by Michel: We frequently take day trips from Sablet to explore the hilltop villages of the Luberon. To get there, we drive down the D4, a scenic route that takes you across Carpentras before it becomes a narrow winding road flanked by cherry orchards until it passes below …

Iconic Promenade des Anglais The celebrated 7-kilometre coastal boulevard between the sea and palm trees offers superb views of the Bay of Nice and gives the city its unique identity. The openness and long span of the uninterrupted path gives a sense of freedom and space that is found nowhere else. …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: Spring is in the air in Provence: Once again we have flung open the shutters on the house, switched the hot water on, filled the fridge & checked the tyres on the bikes. Over the last year (and it really is nearly a year since …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: I came across this document in a pile of papers in a French flea market. It’s dated 1896. I find details like this really indicative of their time and culture. For example, the imagery of a military hat, canon, soldiers, rifle, and sword are most …