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 …

In Provence, Christmas is a festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in Provence and the rest of France, many old customs continue today. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, holiday …

The adventures begin in 1997 when Carole and Winston Bumpus visit Provence for the first time with two other couples. Their stay in a remote village in the Var provides a flavour of Provencal life away from the crowds and enough of a taste of the glitz and glamour of …

It was fitting that Louise Treger had a book signing for her latest novel, The Paris Muse, in Ménerbes at the Dora Maar House. Inspired by the tumultuous relationship between Dora Maar and Pablo Picasso, I read the gripping tale into the wee hours of the night. Impossible to put …

One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …

In France, you don’t just set a table for a meal. You create a “stage” for food and conversation, and it’s called l’Art de la Table. It’s no secret that France is a leader in fashion design (names such as Christian Dior, Coco Channel, Pierre Cardin, and Yves Saint Laurent), …

Is there something in the Provencal air, in the water, or is it in the earth? Provence’s ceramics industry is a vibrant and integral part of the region’s cultural and economic landscape. It blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, contributing significantly to local heritage and the economy. Below, we explore …

Have you ever wanted to bring a little piece of France home after returning from a trip? Maybe you’ve thought about cooking a delicious French recipe, improving your French language skills, or learning more about France’s rich history, arts, and culture. Keep reading below to discover how you can get …

Escaping from the vibrant Côte d’Azur to the serene countryside is always refreshing. Less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, you’ll find the charming medieval village of Tourrettes, nestled in the Var department. This village is one of the eight ‘villages perchés’ of the Pays de Fayence, along with Mons, …

Here we are, October first, and it’s impossible to deny the season is changing. Thankfully, it can be glorious and sunny, with many days reaching up to +30. One never knows past mid-September if you’ll ever see those summery days again, but we have lucked out this year after a …