In Provence, at Christmastime, there are many holiday traditions, including nativity scenes with Santons (little saints). Santons are little clay figurines depicting the biblical characters – baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Wisemen. Anyone expecting the “typical” nativity scenario might be surprised by the Provencal version with figures representing the …

2023 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide As December approaches, the countdown is on for holiday shopping. In our 2023 Holiday Shopping Gift Guide and Our Provencal Marketplace, we have collected some of our favourite creators from Provence and beyond. These made-in-France products are for the home (table, kitchen and décor), fashion, …

Search for Provence on the internet, and your screen fills with beautiful images of a part of the world that captures our imagination. In her second book, Jamie Beck tempts the reader with stunning Provencal landscapes and magnificent French gardens while celebrating the soft floral details. The Flowers of Provence …

When you think of global food capitals and delicious street food, does Marseille spring to mind? If not, Taste the World in Marseille: Marseille Cuisine by the Marseillais will convince you to book a trip and stay long enough to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and discover the innovative chefs and …

Virginie Van Der Wees wrote this article about Black Friday in Provence. She is a mother, wife, and French teacher who offers language immersion holidays near Aix-en-Provence. The text about consumer shopping trends in France is written in English, followed by French. Please keep reading for anyone interested in improving …

Where to See Art in Provence In a place that inspired so many famous artists, including Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Nicolas de Stael, among countless others, there is no lack of opportunities to see art in Provence. We have compiled a list of places …

This article is about the traditions surrounding La Toussaint by a student who participated in a French immersion holiday with Virginie Van Der Wees. The text is written in English, followed by French text. Please keep reading for those interested in improving their French and learning about the holiday traditions …

This article about Halloween in Provence by Virginie Van Der Wees is bilingual, written in English, followed by French text. For those interested in improving their French and learning about the traditions of Halloween in the South of France, please keep reading. French Immersion Holiday Celebrating Halloween in Provence As …

Not much has changed since the Roman era in Nîmes – fabulous monuments and good food remain central to the city’s fabric. In 1840, la Maison Carrée, a beautifully restored Roman temple, was listed as a French historic monument, and as of September 18, 2023, it is now on the …

Nicholas Woodsworth wrote Seeking Provence, Old Myths, New Paths about his lifestyle transition that began with a “Career Discussion.” The book starts with meeting his new boss at the newspaper’s headquarters in London, England, to life in Aix-en-Provence. Woodsworth was not enthusiastic about the unanticipated leave of absence and permanent …