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 …

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Christmas Traditions Santons Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Little Santons Play a Big Role in Provence’s Christmas Traditions

In Provence, at Christmastime, there are many holiday traditions, including nativity scenes with Santons (little saints). Santons are little clay figurines depicting the biblical characters – baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Wisemen. Anyone expecting the “typical” nativity scenario might be surprised by the Provencal version with figures representing the …

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La Toussaint in France at the cemetary
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsVirginie Van Der Wees

November 1 is La Toussaint in France Discover the Traditions

This article is about the traditions surrounding La Toussaint by a student who participated in a French immersion holiday with Virginie Van Der Wees. The text is written in English, followed by French text. Please keep reading for those interested in improving their French and learning about the holiday traditions …

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Nîmes Roman History Highlights Arena and Nimes Musée de la Romanité
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Reasons to Visit Nîmes UNESCO Sites and Roman Inspired Sandwich

Not much has changed since the Roman era in Nîmes – fabulous monuments and good food remain central to the city’s fabric. In 1840, la Maison Carrée, a beautifully restored Roman temple, was listed as a French historic monument, and as of September 18, 2023, it is now on the …

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Jewish Provence Carpentras synagogue site
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

10 Historic Jewish Sites in Provence

France has a thriving Jewish community, the third largest in the world after Israel and the United States. And while today Paris is the center of French Jewish life, this wasn’t always the case. That center was Provence for centuries, thanks to a surprising protector: the Pope. This article covers …

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Savon de Marseille Soap Provence
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & TraditionsShopping & Gifts

Why Buy Savon de Marseille? It’s Eco-Friendly and Artisanal

Remember Provence is an online boutique specializing in high-quality products made in Provence. Marie-Hélène and her husband work with artisanal companies in Provence dedicated to continuing traditional industries for a unique collection of housewares, linens, earthenware, pottery, culinary ingredients, and body and bath products. Remember, Provence ships to customers worldwide. …

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