The game of pétanque, sometimes called boules is a form of religion in Provence. Most villages have an official or unofficial boules pitch. The more elaborate centres will even have a “clubhouse” offering refreshments. The word pétanque is Provencal in origin from the word petanca, which means “feet anchored”. The game in its’ …

We are experiencing the most wonderful autumn in the South of France.  For several weeks now, the mercury has been hitting the 20s, with a high of 28°c last week!  November is often lovely on the French Riviera, but these temperatures are even higher than normal.  The garden is still …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Marché de Sénas Artisanal Provence à Alsace Every year Robin and I visit the weekend-long Christmas market that takes place in Sénas. I love this market because it’s so different than any of the others in the small towns in the Bouches du Rhône …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Every year in Marseille, members of All Saints Anglican Church ‘the English Church’ work hard to get lots of seasonal items together for a Christmas Fair to raise money for building maintenance. This year it is happening on Saturday 28th November and they need your …

Need some ideas for souvenirs and presents to take home? Check out Christmas Presents from Provence and kitchen essentials for an aspiring Provencal cook. Speaking of Christmas the “marchés de noël” starts up in every town and village in late November. Of course there is food, that pretty much goes …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: For the seventh year, cinemas in Nice are hosting a kids film festival on the dates of 14, 15, 18, 21 and 22 November. The programme includes old classics such as Pinocchio, Bambi and Sleeping Beauty as well as newer films such as Paddington, …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Have you heard of ‘Les Vaporistes Amateurs de Provence’? They are holding mini-steam train rides and showing other model trains on Sunday 15th November, 14:30-17:30 at the Musée Provençal des Transports Gare de la Barque – 13710 Fuveau. There will be similar events on the …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Carrieres de Lumieres, venue of the amazing annual sound-and-light show at Les Baux de Provence, has announced that the subject for its 2016 show will be….Chagall! What an inspired choice. His colourful Russian villages, animals, young lovers, goats, violinists, nudes and peasants, are bound to …

It is difficult to avoid the “Route Jean Moulin” signs on the roadways in Provence, France. We had to find out who Jean Moulin was. We learned about his involvement in the French Resistance, his political days and his challenging work to combine resistance groups during the 1940’s. Learn more at Ginger …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: The annual Phot’Aix expo has just begun. Photos are being exhibited across town in shops, hotel foyers, restaurants and galleries. There are 7 trails, taking you to see the work of 50 different photographers in 30 locations. This year’s theme is Japan. If you are …