Just the name Joucas alone is pretty. There is something about this village, some je ne sais quoi, that just makes it mine. I could imagine myself living here. It’s quiet, peaceful, scenic, charming, and pretty. Yet, it’s not far from the shops and restaurants in Gordes, Goult, and Roussillon. …

This post is republished from the early Barefoot Blogger archives a road trip through Provence with stops in some of the places where Vincent Van Gogh once painted. For those of you who have not followed the early adventures of the Barefoot Blogger, you will be introduced to one of the main “characters” — …

Take a road trip to a world away from lavender-scented fields, perched villages, and candy-coloured shutters. Head to the Camargue! The marshland and brackish waters where the Rhone River finally meets the Mediterranean define Provence’s “wild west.” Created in 1986, the natural wetland preserve is 100,000 hectares in size (read …

Finally, another way to see Avignon! Every visitor should see the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon, but once you have seen those it is time to dive into the local’s side of the city with Avignon Gourmet Tours. This 3-hour tour will introduce you to the city and …

When Ginger and Nutmeg first ventured to Provence they felt prepared for the adventure. After all, it was not their first trip to France, they had previously biked in the region, and they had read Peter Mayle’s books – so they were confident in their basic understanding of the region. …

Created in 1982, the Fete de la Musique is held all over France, on the summer solstice, on June 21st. But not in Aix this year. Unfortunately, the date clashes with a Euro-football match at the Velodrome where Ukraine will be playing Poland; and there aren’t enough …Continue reading here to find …

What to do in the Var? Here, are a few not-to-be-missed sites: The Thoronet in the Var one of three Cistercian abbeys in Provence. L’Abbaye du Thoronet was classified as a French historical monument in 1840. Restoration work started the year after and still continues today. Also, worthwhile are the caves of Villecroze, carved into the side of …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Yet again I wonder how all this is affordable …compared to our base in England where we have been using the same small, chilly pool for decades. But this new swimming complex looks as though it will be lovely, so lucky for Venelles and for Aix …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: …at CEA Cadarache which is after all right on our doorstep and with all the debates ongoing about sourcing energy, this is a very thought-provoking and topical visit to make. In 2005, Cadarache was selected to be the site of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Recator (ITER) …

When I heard there were going to be white horses racing on the beach at Saites-Maries-de-la-Mer, I couldn’t wait to get there. I sent a note to my photographer friend, Alan McBride, and suggested he join me with his fancy cameras. It was an event neither of us could miss! …