Christmas in #Avignon #Provence @CuriousProvence
Ashley TinkerInspire

A Christmassy Weekend in Avignon

These trees can be bought at the “Marché de Sapin” on Rue Carnot that is impressively open 7 days a week until Christmas! Today and tomorrow Avignon is particularly in the mood for some Christmas spirit. Carols are playing all throughout the town and the fairy lights have been left …

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Provence santons figurines Provence History Christmas
InspireMaison Mirabeau WinesProvencal History & Traditions

The Santons of Provence

Contibutor blog post by Victoria Koning @Mirabeau Wine: Sir Francis of Assisi established the tradition of nativity scenes in 1223 with live enactments by people and animals during the midnight mass on Christmas eve in his church of Greccio, Italy. The tradition halted after the French Revolution, when many churches …

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Savon de Marseille Soap Marseille
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireShopping & Gifts

Savon de Marseille a Provencal Tradition

Over 600 years! Talk about a recipe that has stood the test of time. 72% vegetable oil 28% moisture content Small amounts of salt and soda ash A cauldron with the perfect amount of heat Large moulds for the appropriate cure time A little Mistral to help with drying Start …

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Christmas Markets France Nice #ChristmasMarkets @FibiTee
InspireShopping & Gifts

Christmas Markets in France

Christmas markets in France are becoming increasingly popular every year, yet when many people think of Christmas markets in Europe, France probably doesn’t even spring to mind. A quick internet search will throw up many suggestions for Germany and Austria, maybe Belgium too, but France doesn’t often feature. Continue reading …

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Vincent Van Gogh’s St Remy Statue
Artists Inspired by ProvenceGinger and NutmegInspire

Van Gogh’s St Remy de Provence

Much has been written about Vincent Van Gogh’s life, the famous Dutch painter who led an expressive, tortured life. This statue le voleur de tournesol (the Sunflower Thief) by Gabriel Sterk may just capture the essence of Van Gogh’s work – as you never quite look at sunflowers, irises, olive trees …

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Sunday Flea Market
Ashley TinkerInspireShopping & Gifts

Puces Brocante à Carpentras – Sunday Flea Market

The photo is just an example of the great mix of treasures you’ll find at Carpentras. The Sunday antique market at Carpentras is my favourite weekly antique market. As you may already know, the town of Isle sur la Sorgue is the king of antiques in the south of France. …

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Learn French @gymglish
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottLearning French

How Learning French Became Frantastique

Are you a spelling bee champion? Or, do you rely on spell check once in a while? Are you a grammar pro? Perfecting your mother tongue is not easy! Even French speakers will admit that learning French can be frustrating… What is the word for ___? How do you conjugate …

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Present Tree #Christmas #Provence @CuriousProvence
Ashley TinkerInspireShopping & Gifts

Christmas Markets and December Events in Provence

December is upon us! I haven’t even begun my Christmas shopping. Oh my… The Christmas markets have already started here in Provence but now it’s getting serious. Stacks of foie gras and artian chocolates are piled high in the grocery stores, the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine is …

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Christmas in Aix en Provence
Guest PostWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Christmas Carols in Aix

Two unmissable carol concerts at the Cathedral, one international and one very Swedish! The annual international concert will be held on Saturday 6th December. It’s hugely popular so get there well before the 16:00 start if you want a seat. Carols, candles and happiness guaranteed!

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Barrage de Malpasset Frejus
ExploreProvencal History & TraditionsRoad Trips South of France

3 Must-do Adventures in Provence

With its sobering history the story of the incredible Malpasset Dam that ruptured on December 2, 1959 killing 421 is definitely worth a visit if you are near Fréjus. For a relaxing drive through an uncrowded part of Provence the Vallee de Jabron in Haute Provence has stunning vistas with …

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