Perhaps it is the weather or the hunt for a bargain that drives literally thousands of people to visit a brocante (second-hand markets) especially in the summer. Well-known places such as Isle-sur-la Sorgue seamlessly blend antiques with second hand goods. I have never known what is a bargain and what …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: May in Provence is the continuation of annual flower markets and the beginning of the abrivado season. Horse festivals, running of the bulls…For me, the season really starts with the 1st of May celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians …Continue reading here for Ashley’s …

Always good for entertainment, and the odd little treasure are the vide greniers; France’s answer to garage sales. These are sales on a village scale, with a festive atmosphere. Typically, vendors secure a spot by paying a nominal fee to the local town hall (Marie).  The wares for sale, oscillate between …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Raising the Curtain on Filming in Provence This is the theme of a talk on the local film industry here in Provence at the IAU in Aix-en-Provence, on Tuesday May 3. It’s organised by the MAABN (Mediterranean Anglo-American Business Network), in partnership with the IAU. Provence …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Jazz e Brasil will inject some Latino rhythm in your afternoon on Saturday 30 April when the Cannes Bel Age Orchestra pairs with the Rio Ao Vivo Orchestra to bring a concert of jazz, Brazilian music and swing alongside capoeira and dancers. 3pm, Espace …

If you are lucky enough to be in Provence in time for the traditional movement of sheep and livestock (spring and fall) you might catch a transhumance as the animals head to greener pastures. Although, this is really for tourists and kids now it remains something worth seeing. The practice …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Carnaval in Aix is great fun: last year it took me hours to get all the confetti out of my hair and clothes…and it reappeared in the apartment for days afterwards. The children of the town take great delight in flinging handfuls everywhere. This year …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Now open! The 2016 show at the Carrieres de Lumieres at Les Baux de Provence – it’s ‘Chagall: Songes d’Une Nuit d’Eté’. What a treat this should be! If you haven’t visited before, this is a unique venue, a disused quarry where 100 projectors transmit images across …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: The cherry trees are flowering in Provence and there are punnets full of local tasty strawberries varieties at the local veg shop. We’ve officially (only today) moved into our new house and though we’re quite busy- …Continue reading here for Ashley’s list of all the festivals …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Network Provence has been set up for local women to promote their businesses. I attended one of their meetings in Aix back in November and really enjoyed learning about activities being set up. There are so many women who find themselves in Provence and set …