Travel and Literature: two passions that usually go hand in hand! After all, surprising stories are what we look for in books and the most diverse scenarios in the world. One of the most inspiring places in this context is Provence. Lavender fields, mountain inland villages, historic cities, nature parks, …

Every summer, the Luberon village of La Roque d’Anthéron greets visitors from around the world for the International Piano Festival. The month-long Festival starts in mid-July, and music lovers fill the stands at Château de Florans. For four decades, the acoustical stage, set under a leafy canopy of Plantanes (Plane …

I’m often asked why I set my stories in this part of France and there are many reasons. Here I’ve picked out just a few for you: A Sensual Place Well firstly, it’s a stunning part of the world, as anyone who’s visited will know. The colours are intense, the …

Lavender Fields of Provence Rows of fragrant lavender plants stretching toward the horizon are an unforgettable sight. In fact, for many people, this is the first image that comes to mind when they think of Provence. You might imagine that the landscape has always been swathed in lines of lavender, …

What’s On? During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. So, you don’t need an excuse to laze by the pool. At this time of year, the lavender is in bloom, and the sunflowers put on a spectacular floral show. From music …

Fascinated with France since her childhood, Raina Stinson visited the country for the first time in 2014. That trip was a career turning point for this long-time nurse from Portland, Oregon. Shortly after that journey, she decided to take early retirement and combine her two passions, portrait photography and the …

“C’est la sardine qui a bouché le port de Marseille!” (A sardine blocked Marseille’s port!) This local saying is famous throughout France. Another that is less well-known is “Chercher Molinari” (look for Molinari). Both expressions, curiously, come from the same famous disaster that took place in the 18th century. The …

World War II France Jean Moulin is not a familiar name to those, like myself, who only took basic history courses in school. Our overview of World War II never mentioned this wartime hero. Once we began spending time in the Alpilles and noticed the Route Jean Moulin road signs, …

As we grow tired of self-isolation and social distancing, there is probably no better time to “stop and smell the roses” or, in this case, the intoxicating perfume of Provencal rosé wine. We are excited to announce our first collaboration with Rose et Marius, the luxury perfume house and home …

Oh, to be in France in the spring! My wife and I live part-time in St-Rémy-de-Provence but had to cancel our travel plans this year. Now we are sheltering-in-place and yearning for sunny days in the South of France. But all is not lost! We are still connected to la …