Ruby Boukabou is an entertainer and a seasoned writer/reporter focusing on travel, culture, and lifestyle. She lives in Paris part-time. Ruby attends the annual Cannes Film Festival and interviews key event organizers between watching the movies and movie stars on the red carpet. As a regular attendee at the annual …

Provence, known for its scorching summers, may not seem ideal for ice production. Yet, between 1650 and 1885, many ice houses (glacières) were ingeniously constructed in the region. This historical innovation, born out of necessity, is a testament to the resourcefulness and some royal assistance. Ice Production Provence’s Glacières In …

A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years. The show, organized by …

If you are in the Alpilles this summer, head to the centre of St Remy de Provence to Espace Hôtel de Lagoy. This elegant space was once a private mansion named in honor of its owner, Jean-Baptiste Florentin Gabriel Meyran de Lagoy (1764 -1829). The Marquis de Lagoy was a …

Imagine sitting in a comfortable seat in an ancient Roman city with a mountain rising behind it. As the sun sets, and you can see thousands of candles among the ruins, perched on stone walls, stairs, and fallen columns. As the sky darkens, the candles begin to glow. Then, a …

Once a humble fishing village, Cannes has blossomed over the past 200 years into a vibrant city with 75,000 residents, attracting three (3) million visitors annually. This enchanting city boasts many experiences, from bustling local markets and charming artisanal bakeries to harbours filled with luxury yachts and glamorous events. Join …

When students join me in Provence for a French immersion stay, I want to make sure that they improve their language skills and also get a chance to visit the region. Below are a few excursions from Aix-en-Provence that I have taken with students during their visits. Some of these …

Cold ocean seascapes, giant icebergs, and barren tundra are far removed from Provence, exactly where Elizabeth Birkelund begins her novel. A Northern Light in Provence is a captivating tale that follows Ilse Erlund, a multilingual translator living in Greenland. Despite never setting foot in France, she embarks on a journey …

It’s hard to compete with a long list of magnificent, historically significant gardens in a country that includes gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees in Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of …

Stunning is the only way to describe Rosa Jackson’s cookbook Niçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France’s Sunniest City. Filled with over 100 recipes, this beautiful book salutes the simplicity of Nice’s traditional cuisine. Niçoise is more than a cookbook, cracking open the window into life in Nice through the seasons. The …