Happy, Healthy Holidays to all! It’s time to wish all our readers the best for this joyful season. However, before we head out on a technology break, we want to acknowledge all our terrific contributors and partners. As an Amazon Associate, the site earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase …

St Francis and the Provencal Creche The traditional French nativity scene that represents the story of the birth of Jesus is essentially a Provençal tradition, but it has a long history that began in Italy. In 1223, in Greccio, St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first …

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 …

When you find yourself on the stunning Côte d’Azur, set aside a day to explore the enchanting town of Grasse, renowned as the perfume capital since the 18th century. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque region boasts the perfect climate for cultivating fragrant flowers essential for …

Are you shopping for book lovers? Here is our 2024 holiday gift guide for books from Provence for those on your list who love reading, travelling, and dreaming of France. These books are for anyone who wants a literary “dose” of Provence. 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Books Whether you have …

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, …