Fête de la Transhumance in Provence's Tinée Valley
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsSteve Wilkison

My Fête de la Transhumance Experience in Provence’s Tinée Valley

A Sea of Sheep I pressed my back tight against the stone facade of the ancient house on the narrow street where I stood. Around me were dozens of other people doing the same. How, I wondered, was that huge mass of sheep barreling toward us going to fit through? …

READ MORE  
Place d’Albertas in Aix-en-Provence
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Place d’Albertas in Aix-en-Provence Time for Improvements

According to information from the Mairie in Aix-en-Provence, the long-running saga of this 18th-century square might be resolved soon. The ‘travaux’ should begin quickly and will last nine months. The square dates back to 1745 when the d’Albertas family, who lived in the large building opposite what was then a …

READ MORE  
Legends of Mont Ventoux
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

Provençal Legends of Mont Ventoux and the Mistral

I recently read Le Dit du Mistral, by Olivier Mak-Bouchard, an entertaining book set in Provence. The author, who grew up in the Luberon, weaves fact and legend into the story of two neighbours who discover an ancient relic, and the adventures that follow. Reading the book taught me a …

READ MORE  
Easter Celebrated in Provence
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & Traditions

How is Easter Celebrated in Provence? Find Out Here

Remember Provence sells Provencal-themed housewares, gift items and culinary ingredients to customers worldwide. Marie Helene, the president of Remember Provence, manages everything from product selection to sales and customer relations. The merchandise range continues growing as Marie Helene sources quality goods from market vendors and artisan producers. Having grown up …

READ MORE  
Pétanque Provence's Favourite Game Moustieres St Marie
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsVirginie Van Der Wees

Pétanque Provence’s Favourite Game is Balls of Fun

Join us for a French immersion stay in Provence with us, where your accommodation is a private bungalow next to our Mas. During your immersion, you will have 3 hours of lessons per day. We will share two meals together a day, and we will do two excursions together in …

READ MORE  
Roman Barge Arles Museum Antiquity
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

5 Places to Find Roman History in Provence

Visible traces of Roman history weave throughout Provence, which is one of many reasons to visit the region. Below we highlight five (5) top places for evidence of the Roman era. #1 Roman Aix-en-Provence The Romans understood the need for freshwater for a settlement to thrive and survive. So, Entremont, …

READ MORE  
Dreaming of Christmas in Provence
Caroline LongstaffeInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Why I’m Dreaming of Christmas in Provence

We departed Lourmarin just as winter had arrived, with Christmas around the corner. The trees were almost bare, only a few remnants of their golden autumn gown still clinging to the branches. Temperatures had fallen, especially when the Mistral blew her cruel, icy breath down the Rhône Valley. There were …

READ MORE  
Les Baux de Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

8 Châteaux Castles of Provence to Visit

Perched on hilltops throughout the region, the castles of Provence are intriguing. These seemingly impenetrable fortresses have stone foundations and ramparts for defensive purposes. Reflective of turbulent periods in French history, many of the châteaux in southern France were built on summits maximising the ability to anticipate enemy approach. Today, …

READ MORE  
History Pigeonniers of France
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & Traditions

History the Pigeonniers of France in Perspective

Beautiful Bird Homes Thousands of pigeonniers, or pigeon towers, dot the landscape of the south of France. If you look for them, you will quickly realise that they come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Arguably, no creature has had more beautiful homes built for it than …

READ MORE  
Le moulin de Pallières official photo
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

The Pallières Windmill in Pennes-Mirabeau Back to Milling Flour

Named after a rocky outcrop in Pennes-Mirabeau, the 18th-century Pallières windmill stopped working sometime between 1862-66. Finally, after a lengthy restoration project commencing in 2019, the mill is functioning and open for visitors. Once again, sitting on its rocky ledge, the Pallières windmill has operational blades and a dedicated miller …

READ MORE