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 …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: Anyone who really knows me will say I’m not really a city person. I’ve always lived in small villages or on the edge of small market towns and although I enjoy spending the odd day in a large town or city – I usually can’t …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Returning to Aix last week, it was good to see the textile market stalls back together in the Cours Mirabeau after being scattered around during the Christmas period; but further changes are afoot from June onwards and the stall holders are not happy. All three markets …

As a mother of 2 rugby-loving teenage boys, I know that there is potentially a very short shelf-life for any nice pieces of pottery in our house, which is such a pity. I must admit that both my hubby and I look forward to the day when we may be …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Did you know that as a tourist in France you are entitled to claim back the Value Added Tax (VAT or TVA) on purchases over €175 made in a single store? You didn’t know that? Well, luckily for you this blog post will shed …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: I was at the Carpentras flea market a couple weeks ago and came upon this 1920s album. I couldn’t help myself when I saw that the book was being sold with postcards as well. Despite most likely paying too much, the first 3 pages …

Over 600 years! Talk about a recipe that has stood the test of time. 72% vegetable oil 28% moisture content Small amounts of salt and soda ash A cauldron with the perfect amount of heat Large moulds for the appropriate cure time A little Mistral to help with drying Start …

Christmas markets in France are becoming increasingly popular every year, yet when many people think of Christmas markets in Europe, France probably doesn’t even spring to mind. A quick internet search will throw up many suggestions for Germany and Austria, maybe Belgium too, but France doesn’t often feature. Continue reading …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker The photo is just an example of the great mix of treasures you’ll find at Carpentras. The Sunday antique market at Carpentras is my favourite weekly antique market. As you may already know, the town of Isle sur la Sorgue is the king of …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: December is upon us! I haven’t even begun my Christmas shopping. Oh my… The Christmas markets have already started here in Provence but now it’s getting serious. Stacks of foie gras and artian chocolates are piled high in the grocery stores, the smell of …