Contributor blog post by David Taylor: Despite living here in Provence for over ten years we continue to make great discoveries! Château de Bourgane is on the road leading from Apt to Saint Saturnin Les Apt. The Chateau dates to 1775 and was probably one of the most important houses in …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is a yearly circus festival hosted under the Chapiteau (big top) at Espace Fontvieille in Monaco. This year, it will run from 18 to 28 January 2018. What To Expect The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is …

Now that I’ve seen the movie “Loving Van Gogh” — in French no less, with no subtitles — I remember my first visit to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. I started my quest for Vincent Van Gogh’s trail in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence early on a beautiful, sunny morning. Temperatures were in the high 70’s, and a …

Are you scratching your head to find the right Christmas gift this year? Most of us have plenty of clothes, sporting goods, electronics and other gadgets. Consider giving a brain-enhancing present that improves cognitive function, builds multitasking skills and makes you smarter. Give the gift of French language lessons. According …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: The Zone B school holidays over the Christmas period run from 22 December and finish 7 January so it’s a good time to use the fortnight’s break to partake in some festive activities. As well as the usual Christmas markets that pop up each year …

There are hardly more historically significant towns in France than Aigues-Mortes. Within the walled city, legends and facts reveal a rich history of conquering heroes and suffering martyrs. Today the place has transformed into a popular destination for travellers, filled with souvenir shops and sidewalk cafes. Visit with me inside …

The Heart of Darkness or Niger Focus (later Nerluc) might have been an appropriate name for the hamlet located on the shores of a murky, swampy river. The muddy, opaque waters fueled rumours cultivating the nightmares of residents who asked was the beast: A huge serpent? A dragon? A fierce …

You may know the traditional Biblical Christmas story, but in Provence, there is a bit more to it. The Provence Christmas story is told in a Nativity play called a pastorale. It incorporates the main details of the traditional Nativity but sets it in a nineteenth-century Provençal village. …Continue reading here …

Please no! Anything but that. Upon visiting Provence this past June, with the unusually high temperatures of 95-100 degrees, my pasty white, sun-deprived skin went into shock. I developed hives or eczema all over! What to do? I finally stopped in at the pharmacy in Bonnieux—the French pharmacy is the …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: December Events in Provence 2017 Snow in Provence! For once we might get a white Christmas! There are many Christmas markets this month in Provence. This is the time to binge on delicious nougat, foie gras, pink champagne and oysters. Yes, that is basically a …