Does that sound romantic? Actually, Ginger was away in Canada and Nutmeg was certain that he had zero interest in visiting the Provence perfume distillery le Musée des Arômes or the candle maker at the Ciergerie de l’abbaye des Prémontrés. The aroma museum is located in the Provencal town of Gravason, …

Contributor blog post by Victoria Koning @Mirabeau Wine: French artist Sophie Papazian graduated at the Fine Arts of Lyon in 1987 and pursued a career as a painter. In 2007 she discovered ceramics, and completed her studies at the School of Ceramics in Provence. Since then, she has been creating …

It was a solo visit for Nutmeg. Ginger had no interest in the Souleiado fabric museum in Tarascon. The display provides a historical overview of their fabrics and methods of textile printing.  The lighting in the small museum could be improved, and the information provided could be more explicit. The history …

Trouvé: Gamelles d’Ouvrier We’ve found this three gamelles (containers used to carry food) at various vide greniers in nearby villages. They are usually sold by older French ladies that can tell you a little of what they used to put into these boxes for their husbands to take to …Continue …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: OK it’s not quite the title that usually draws readers, but I thought this afternoon’s trip was worth sharing. Since moving in I’ve been busy trying to find nice pieces of furniture for the house and needless to say I don’t want to spend …

Contributor blog post by Allison @Best of Nice: If you like vintage glamour, second-hand chic, discount designer duds and unique fashion finds, put on your shopping shoes and head to Old Nice.  Here is a circuit over just a couple of blocks where bargain hunters will find their bonheur in boutiques ranging from vintage to retro thrift …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: From the middle of the week I could see that today was shaping up to be a busy day. Not that I had a list of things that had to be done, but more because I’d seen signs for 3 local ‘Vide Grenier’ events …

Like many other women who arrive in Provence for various reasons, Caren Trafford has been busy restyling her life. Previously based in Sydney, where she was an author of environmental books for children, she is now additionally becoming an expert in the world of antiques. Caren has become the Provence …

Perhaps it is the weather or the hunt for a bargain that drives literally thousands of people to visit a brocante (second-hand markets) especially in the summer. Well-known places such as Isle-sur-la Sorgue seamlessly blend antiques with second hand goods. I have never known what is a bargain and what …

Always good for entertainment, and the odd little treasure are the vide greniers; France’s answer to garage sales. These are sales on a village scale, with a festive atmosphere. Typically, vendors secure a spot by paying a nominal fee to the local town hall (Marie).  The wares for sale, oscillate between …