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.

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 …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Provencal History & Traditions

Touring Mysterious Château de Saumane in the Vaucluse

February 21, 2018

Until recently the village of Saumane, in the Vaucluse, was not on many tourist’s itineraries and the town’s residents probably liked it that way. After four years of restoration work and a large budget, the hilltop Château de Saumane has opened for public visits during summer months. Writer, philosopher, political activist Marquis de Sade lived in …

Guest Post · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Is This the Face of Mary Magdalene?

February 7, 2018

As most of you living in and around Aix will know, the region has long been associated with Mary Magdalene, the companion of Jesus who, according to legend, was driven out of Palestine during early Christian persecutions. She was expelled together with other saints in a boat without sails, which pitched up at Stes-Maries-de-la-Mer in …

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3 Luberon Holiday Rental Cottages

Looking for a tranquil, self-catered vacation home for two? Book your stay at one of the 3 cottages - maisonettes - at Maison Valvert.

Luberon
Vaucluse
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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Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Eygalières Hotel: Domaine La Pierre Blanche

The moment you drive through the front gate, you enter the embrace of this exclusive 15-room boutique hotel located minutes from Eygalières.

Alpilles
Boutique Hotels

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Rental Home in Crillon-le-Brave for 6 People

Designed for indoor-outdoor living, Villa Armajeva has three spacious bedrooms and all the modern comforts for a family vacation. Enjoy the views from any one of the terraces. The Crillon-le-Brave village centre is steps from this lovely home.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Floral-scented Candle

Created for the Rose et Marius founder, this candle fragrance includes jasmine, roses, iris, orange blossom and vanilla bouquets. This candle - Rose's scented water - smells like sunshine in Provence. Buy these refillable candles as gifts or for your home.

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Cotton Tote Bag with Lavender Design

This lightweight tote bag has a beautiful watercolour design of a flowering lavender field printed on the front. Each L'AUGUSTE Provence tote bag is unique and entirely handmade in Provence.

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Provencal Table Linens Blue Sunflower Design

Provence's sunflower for your home with this beautiful collection in a blue background. Placemats are shown in the image. Choose the entire collection of decorative linens. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Liquid Shower Soap from Provence

Imagine a typical Provencal relaxed lunch with chilled rosé under the arbour. These Rose et Marius liquid shower soaps are paraben-free. Made with olive oil from Provence and exclusive fragrances created in Grasse. Find these refillable soaps in beautiful 5* hotels, top-quality restaurants, or your home.

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Naturally Beautiful Beeswax Candle

Some things start at the beginning and one example is Origine a gorgeous 100% beeswax candle that is shaped like a behive. Produced in the Apis Cera atelier in Provence this candle burns for approximately 100 hours. Beautiful designed this handcrafted candle is made with 100% pure beeswax and has a cotton wick.

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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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Herbes de Provence in Pretty Canisters

These dried herbs are from Esprit de Provence. Grown in France, the selection includes Herbes de Provence, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Garlic, Salt with Piment d'Espelette, and Salad Herbs. Buy the collection and make some Provençal recipes.

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Travel Journal for Your Visit to Marseille

From bouillabaisse to petanque, Marseille is a city that combines a Mediterranean lifestyle with great food. This travel journal from My French Country Home for Marseille features watercolour prints on the cover and throughout its 128 pages. It is 14.5 x 20.5 cm and made of recycled paper (25%). The journal is eco-friendly and beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Spring Menu Collection

Spring recipes from Provence is organized by course, from starters to desserts. We have featured menus crafted by our favourite food enthusiasts who have shared our love for Provence for several years. This spring recipe collection brings many of those delicious dishes together in one place. These menus, spanning multiple courses, are a testament to their connection with the region and the use of seasonal ingredients.

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Download Our Summer Menu Collection

Provencal History & Traditions

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

Touring Mysterious Château de Saumane in the Vaucluse

Is This the Face of Mary Magdalene?

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