Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: I have to confess driving round/past/through Gardanne several times but never stopping to have a look round. We did, this week, and found it interesting. It wasn’t a good start as the tourist office was shut. We had checked the opening hours on the website …

When I packed my cycle kit to come over this time, I put in enough layers to keep me warm in the expected arctic temperatures, hoping to snatch a few precious moments out on the bike before dashing home to thaw out in front of the fire. I think, in …

This morning I hopped in the car and headed across to Forcalquier, a short distance from us in the neighbouring Department of Alpes-De-Haute-Provence. Monday is its market day and provides the perfect excuse for a visit (if such a thing is needed?). It is a lovely drive along the northern …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: I always love Sundays in and around the Luberon, whether it’s an early morning start in the summer to head off bargain-hunting at the vide-grenier in a nearby village or a gentle cycle out for breakfast at the wonderful ‘Farmers’ Market’ at Coustellet. In …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: There is something about arriving in the Vaucluse that just makes the stress slip from our shoulders and today’s arrival in the depths of winter was no different. Travelling at this time of year is a little bit more complicated than during the summer …

I love exploring Provence in the winter. It’s quiet and you can linger in the streets of small towns to appreciate the little details such as potted plants adorably shoved onto windowsills. Or, the particular stunning shade of peach on a weather-beaten shutter. Provencal Weather in Winter: People often ask …

Southwest Provence, around Arles and the Camargue, has a very distinctive culture: it’s a horse and bull culture. This marshy area, unsuitable for development, has been of little interest to humans over the years. Thus, it was a perfect place for herds of wild white horses, black cattle, and a multitude …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Musée Regards de Provence in Marseille is a delightful gallery celebrates local artists who are very often new to me and so a visit is quite an adventure of discovery. The latest expo is dedicated to designer, painter and sculptor Quirin Mayer (1927 – ) …

I’ve mentioned before that Winter is a great time to visit Provence – of course, it can be frigid, thanks to the clear night skies and subsequent frosts, but the days can be stunning with bright blue skies, little or no breeze and the fantastic light that cheers you up …

Nestled in the heart of the French Riviera, gazing onto the azure Mediterranean, Nice is all luminous sunshine and heart-warming light. Underneath that beautiful exterior lie the things I adore about this town, the reasons I moved here. Food: those who have met know I tirelessly explore the foods of …