Ville de Sanary-sur-Mer Noel
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Christmas Traditions in Provence a Festive Guide to the Holidays

In Provence, Christmas is a festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in Provence and the rest of France, many old customs continue today. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, holiday …

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Ice Production Provence's Glacières
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Revealing the Secrets of Ice Production at Provence’s Glacières

Provence, known for its scorching summers, may not seem ideal for ice production. Yet, between 1650 and 1885, many ice houses (glacières) were ingeniously constructed in the region. This historical innovation, born out of necessity, is a testament to the resourcefulness and some royal assistance. Ice Production Provence’s Glacières In …

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WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & TraditionsWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years. The show, organized by …

READ MORE  WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October
Patrouille de France #Patrouille
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsVirginie Van Der Wees

Discovering French Bastille Day Traditions in Provence

On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the Bastille in Paris, which housed only seven inmates. To an enraged crowd, the medieval structure represented a landmark symbolizing their frustration with the reigning monarchy, a weak economic environment, high taxes and a lack of personal financial control. This milestone event …

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Jean Moulin French Resistance
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

Visit The Jean Moulin Museum in Saint-Andiol for WWII History in Provence

There is an excellent small museum in the Alpilles village of Saint-Andiol. The museum’s archive recounts the life of World War II hero Jean Moulin, and it is well worth a visit. For those unfamiliar with him, Jean Moulin is the man who unified the French Resistance before being captured …

READ MORE  Visit The Jean Moulin Museum in Saint-Andiol for WWII History in Provence
Provence Poppies Spring Landscapes
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsVirginie Van Der Wees

The Month of May in Provence Springtime Highlights

May is one of my favourite months in Provence, with longer days and milder temperatures. Even though I often recommend discovering Provence during winter. May is a month when it is good to explore our region. It is also a month with several public holidays. The text below is in …

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Jewish Provence Cavaillon synagogue from museum
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

The Cavaillon Synagogue and More Historic Jewish Sites in Provence

In a previous article, I reviewed Ten (10) historic Jewish sites in Provence – the details are included below. Recently, I discovered that 2024 marks several anniversaries of the Cavaillon synagogue:  the 250th anniversary of its construction, the 100th anniversary of it being classed as a Historic Monument of France, …

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Easter Traditions in France
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsVirginie Van Der Wees

Easter Traditions and Celebrations in France

Easter is a holiday period in France when children have a school break. It is a chance for families to gather over meals and enjoy some downtime while hiding chocolate treats. Below are some traditions and celebrations surrounding the Easter period in France and beyond. I have written the text …

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Carnaval de Nice History
Barefoot BloggerInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Highlights of Carnaval in Nice and a Bit of History

It was a “bucket list” item to visit Nice during the annual carnival period. The Carnaval de Nice is a long-standing festival in this French Riviera city and one more reason to visit. While the dates shift slightly each year depending on when Easter falls, from colourful parades to “flower …

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Christmas Traditions Santons Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

For the Christmas Creche in Provence Santons are a Must

As a family, we always had a creche at Christmastime. Saying it was handmade makes it sound like a professional job. However, it was anything but rather the result of a haphazard artistic collaboration between my brother and me. Somehow that creche has stood the test of time, and my …

READ MORE  For the Christmas Creche in Provence Santons are a Must