Provencal History & Traditions

History is ever present in Provence from the remaining traces of the Romans to cultural and culinary influences from around the Mediterranean. Local traditions have evolved from a society very dependant on agriculture and the sea. Many of these customs are maintained today in local festivals and annual celebrations.

Step Back in Time a Visit to Ancient Glanum in St Remy de Provence

September 12, 2018

Reflections on the Past There is no need to enter the Glanum archaeological site, located just outside the centre of St Remy de Provence, to view two well-preserved Roman structures. Known as “Les Antiques” these monuments – the Mausoleum and the oldest triumphal arch in France – were classified as national monuments in 1840. The …

Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions

The Legends of Provence: The Tarasque Monster of Tarascon

July 12, 2018

During our last visit to Provence, I picked up a book called the “Legendes de Provence” by Eugene Bressy. This book is comprised of a series of short stories about the legends of Provence. In this series of posts, I will dive into some of these stories and let you decide whether you believe the legends …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Understanding Boules: Why The Game of Pétanque is Like Religion in Provence

June 19, 2018

A reason to gather in a central location, a place to rest, a circle of trust and refreshments. It is not a huge stretch to think of pétanque, also known as boules, as a form of religion in Provence. In most Provencal villages, there is a place where the townsfolk come together for the social connection and …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Airing Your Dirty Laundry, the Lavoirs of Provence the Place for Washing and Gossip

May 11, 2018

Kneeling on a garde genoux (wooden knee protector) by the edge of the public wash basin, local peasant-class women exchanged tidbits of town gossip as they worked tirelessly to brighten their laundry. Their weathered hands vigorously scrubbed away at stubborn stains as water sloshed against the shallow stone sides of the village lavoir in Provence. Before communal lavoirs, personal …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Witnessing the Magic of the Transhumance in Provence

March 29, 2018

The tinkling of bells was the musical clue. Our friend encouraged us to rush to their property’s perimeter wall to witness a shepherd (berger) moving his flock near Eguilles in Provence. The collection of sheep and herd dogs consumed the entire back lane as far as the eye could see, it was a vision of …

Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions

Gaso de Taureaux When the Bulls Go For a Swim in Provence

March 20, 2018

An abrivado is a special event in Provence, where French cowboys called gardians run bulls through a town as part of a big sporting event. It’s an exciting test of horsemanship that not all gardians can master. Even more exciting is the Gaso de Taureaux. Here, instead of running through the streets, the bulls are …

Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions

Cowboy Culture Living Dangerously in Provence

February 27, 2018

“The bull has escaped!” Cowboy Culture in Provence I looked up to see a thousand pounds of anger barreling down the street at me. Everyone scattered, frantically jumping over the metal barriers to safety. The bull thundered past, followed by closely by French cowboys on horseback. It was a terrifying moment, the kind you remember …

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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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2-Bedroom Penthouse in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Extremely private, the Waterfront Penthouse 2-bedroom, 2-bath holiday rental with a panoramic view is a very romantic place.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
Two Bedrooms

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Holiday Cottages Near Toulon

Near Toulon and its Mediterranean beaches, Villa Bernice has 3 cottages available for holiday rentals. There is an apartment with two bedrooms suitable for 4 people and two studios for 2 persons.

Var
One Bedroom
Two Bedrooms

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1-Bedroom Apartment in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Le Beau Balcon is a sunny apartment on Rue Volti in the heart of the old town, the building is a short walk to shops and restaurants.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Le Clos du Buis Hotel in Bonnieux

Le Clos du Buis welcomes guests to a family-run 10 room hotel in the heart of Bonnieux in the Luberon Valley. Tasteful Provencal décor combined with modern comforts.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Boutique Hotels

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Provence Marketplace

Table and Home Decor Collection in Jacquard Fabric

Fresh and bright, a lovely magnolia pattern adorns the jacquard weave fabric, a sturdy blend of cotton and polyester for durability. The collection includes a table cloth, table runner, placemats, and cushion covers.

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Perfume Diffuser Rose’s Sun Water

This stylish glass bottle contains a fragrance created in Grasse exclusively for Rose et Marius. The 7 sticks perfume your home with a floral bouquet of jasmine, rose, orange blossom and vanilla. "Just like a summer day in Provence."

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Guest Towels 100% French Linen Herb Garden Design

These beautiful guest towels from My French Country Home bring the beauty and fragrance of a French herb garden to your home . Designed with an elegant botanical print featuring beloved culinary herbs, these towels add a fresh and sophisticated touch to any guest bathroom or kitchen. Made with 100% high-quality linen and sold as a set of two (2).

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Glass Pitcher for your Table

Fill this pitcher with water, lemonade or your favourite cocktail, and it will brighten your table. Made in France by a long-standing glass manufacturer, the bee pattern is a nod to Emperor Napoleon.

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Provencal Design Cotton Tea Towels

Remember Provence selected these top-quality jacquard cotton tea towels for the absorbant qualities and fun designs. Made in Provence they are quick-drying and make great gifts (sold in sets of three). This version is a tribute to the local drink - Pastis.

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Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Botantical Sensitive Skin Toner

Grown at Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm, this toner includes distilled damask roses and lavender blended with a note of chamomile – a year-round favourite for hydrating and nourishing your face. Especially beneficial for mature and sensitive skin as it helps to heal and balance redness and irritation. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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Travel Journal – Cannes

Whether you are visiting Cannes for the film festival or not this travel journal is perfect for recording you adventures on the Côte d’Azur. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolour prints on throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm. It is beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Provencal History & Traditions

Step Back in Time a Visit to Ancient Glanum in St Remy de Provence

The Legends of Provence: The Tarasque Monster of Tarascon

Understanding Boules: Why The Game of Pétanque is Like Religion in Provence

Airing Your Dirty Laundry, the Lavoirs of Provence the Place for Washing and Gossip

Witnessing the Magic of the Transhumance in Provence

Gaso de Taureaux When the Bulls Go For a Swim in Provence

Cowboy Culture Living Dangerously in Provence

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