It’s unlikely that a trip to the municipal archives in Antibes would be on many (or any) visitor’s to-do list. However, for me, the chance to see parchments dating from the 1300s was irresistible. When four parchments appeared in a British auction house two months ago, the city of Antibes …

Since 1860, Côte d’Azur is the coastline running from Cassis (although some suggest Toulon) to the Italian border. This famous coast passes through famous cities such as Saint Tropez, Cannes, Nice, Monaco and finally Menton. The Côte d’Azur has long held the imagination of travellers wishing to escape the cold …

We’ve just returned from our 3rd visit to the Cote d’Azur for our February fix of colour and fun at the Carnaval de Nice and (of course) the superb Fête du Citron that takes place in the beautiful setting of Menton from mid-February until early March each year. Menton’s Lemons …

Holiday Traditions Christmas in Provence takes place, as in most regions of France, with family. It is a traditional holiday loaded with Christian symbols. The festivities start at the beginning of December at the time of Saint Barbara. Noël en Provence se passe, comme dans la plupart des régions de …

Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes above the Cote d’ Azur is the medieval village of Lucéram. One day before Christmas, my friend decided to take me on a tour of the “Circuit des Crèches.” We drove high up the winding roads to the alpine region above the sea. Circuit des Creches …

Have you ever felt that need to travel to a place with fantastic views, rather than have to suffocate in a city environment any longer? Then look to Provence! And what better way to get in the mood for a trip to Provence than through movies! Yes, Provence is not …

The French Riviera is the ideal destination to soak up the holiday season with everything happening including Christmas markets dressed in their finest decorations and lights, food festivals and winter activities. There’s plenty for families to see and do, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune – here are …

Lourmarin in December It’s December and people everywhere are getting ready for Christmas. After weeks of blue skies and gentle warm days, it’s raining where I live in California and temperatures have plummeted. The puddles are splattered with the last remnants of autumn and the mornings are frosty with low …

Let’s face it; we all need a drink this year. It’s time to celebrate the end of 2020 with some Provencal rosé fragrance! None of us could have predicted that these sayings – social distancing, bubble, cohort, quarantine, lockdown, and self-isolation – would be commonplace. Now that mask-wearing is encouraged, …

Holiday Markets At this time of the year, Provence experiences reasonably mild weather so the Christmas markets are usually held in the open air. Associated with the celebration of Christmas, you can find everything related to holiday celebrations and Saint-Nicolas. The Christmas markets look like real little villages. Stroll through …