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.

Sweet Treats, Food and Easter Traditions in Provence

April 6, 2022

The following article on Easter traditions in Provence is an excerpt from Marie Helene, the founder of Remember Provence. Online store Remember Provence sells Provencal-themed housewares, gift items and culinary ingredients to customers worldwide. In 2013, the French company relaunched the website and moved product sales to an entirely Internet-based store. Easter in Provence The …

Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions · Sue Aran

Gypsy Pilgrimage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue

March 4, 2022

I find myself increasingly comfortable listening to conversations I don’t understand. Throaty vowels, rusty consonants, over half a dozen languages being spoken at once; French, Spanish, Catalan, American, Austrian, Italian, Romani during the Gypsy Festival, Pélerinage Gitan, in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. Listening with our minds instead of our hearts, language often limits the art of being human. …

Inspire · Julie Whitmarsh · Provencal History & Traditions

The Fascinating Medieval History of Apt

January 24, 2022

Over the last few weeks, we have got a little bit further under the skin of the local area, and it’s taken us to some very different places, most recently on a guided tour of the Cathédrale Sainte Anne, in the heart of Apt, focusing on its medieval history. Each year the weekend of the …

Inspire · Margo Lestz · Provencal History & Traditions

Christmas Traditions the Santons of Provence

December 2, 2021

Christmas Traditions in Provence This year, all I wanted for Christmas was santons – those little clay Provençal figurines that pop up every Christmas in the south of France. They’re part of the local Nativity scenes, and every person in the village is represented. I began collecting santons when I lived in France. I would …

Guest Post · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

The Seasons of Tour de l’Horloge in Aix-en-Provence

August 31, 2021

It’s someone’s job to clamber up narrow staircases and reach across the void inside the Tour de l’Horloge to manoeuvre the four (4) statues around every 3 months when the season changes. It’s down to (or should we say up to) the Mairie concierge, who says he didn’t realize this was involved when he took …

Inspire · Julie Whitmarsh · Provencal History & Traditions

Remembering the Resistance Movement in Provence

August 5, 2021

In the centre of the pretty village of Saint Saturnin les Apt is a peaceful square (home to the vibrant Tuesday morning market), and to one side is a small garden area that sits in front of a stark stone wall, which is a memorial to the dramatic and devastating events that happened there on …

Guest Post · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Mary Magdalene’s Cave the Sainte Baume Grotto

July 27, 2021

Easter Sunday Mass was celebrated at ‘La Grotte de Sainte-Baume’ at the weekend to formally re-open the cave of Saint Mary Magdalene after its being closed for 10 months’ work. I hadn’t realized that this is Christianity’s 3rd most holy shrine after Christ in Jerusalem and St Peter in Rome. It is a memorable place …

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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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Holiday Apartment 3-Bedrooms in an Olive Grove

A delightful 3-bedroom holiday apartment at Domaine des Escavalins is an organic olive farm. Well-appointed and private, the gite has room for six (6) people.

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Three Bedrooms

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3 Rental Apartments Near Aix-en-Provence

La Bastide des Amandiers has 3 self-contained apartments. The layout provides plenty of privacy and different spaces. A perfect place to spend time in the Luberon.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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5-Bedroom Country House Near Apt

Chez Manon is a private countryside location that is large enough for family gatherings and a relaxing place to unwind and explore Provence.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Five 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.

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One Bedroom
Two Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Quilted Tote Bags in Provencal Fabrics

These large tote bags come in a range of Provencal fabrics. Whether you choose lavender, wild flowers or one of the other two patterns these sturdy bags are light yet strong enough to carry all the necessary accessories and even a laptop. The bags are made with printed and quilted fabric and have solid handles.

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Makeup Bags and Travel Kits in Provencal Designs

Available in several different patterns and 3 sizes these makeup bags are constructed with quilted fabrics and made to last. Made in Provence by an artisanal textile manufacturer. Choose a pattern that you like and buy the matching set.

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Antique French Basket

My French Country Home sourced this classic French wicker basket. It is ideal for harvesting flowers, vegetables or fruit around the garden! The wicker basket is attached to two wooden feet, giving it extra weight and height. It is a lovely piece.

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French Linen Table Runner

A linen table runner that is the perfect combination of rustic and refined. The embroidered stitching enhances the neutral-coloured linen. Add this French Address runner to your collection.

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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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Candles Fig Perfume from Provence

Rose et Marius combines citrus notes of fig leaves with Indian absolute for a summer in Provence into fragrance in this scented candle. Infused with exclusive perfumes, buy these refillable candles that burn for about 60 hours, making great gifts or additions to your home.

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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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Glass Storage Jars with Lavender Design

These hand-painted glass jars are designed in Paris with a red lavender motif. The canisters are suitable for dry goods or even as a flower vase. The jar capacity is 0.4 gallons (1.5 litres), made with transparent, sturdy glass and a wooden lid.

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Rectangular Linen Tablecloth Citrus Design

This gorgeous linen tablecloth will set a Mediterranean mood in your dining room. My French Country Home chose this citrus pattern for it's bold, playful colours. This rectangular tablecloth measures 170 x 250cm / 67 × 98″.

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Provencal History & Traditions

Sweet Treats, Food and Easter Traditions in Provence

Gypsy Pilgrimage to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the Camargue

The Fascinating Medieval History of Apt

Christmas Traditions the Santons of Provence

The Seasons of Tour de l’Horloge in Aix-en-Provence

Remembering the Resistance Movement in Provence

Mary Magdalene’s Cave the Sainte Baume Grotto

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