Lunch the Movies On the day of the special red carpet screening of Dolar Y Gloria by Pedro Almodóvar at the Grand Théâtre Lumière (Palais du Festival) at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, I headed to one of my favorite beachside spots, Nikki Beach. This restaurant is a regular pop-up …

Spring Events in Provence Spring in Provence is absolutely lovely. As is the case with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but expect the odd rain storm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. In March and April, …

Carrières de Lumières Art Shows One of the most popular visitor sites in Provence is the Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light). It draws over half a million visitors annually. Located in the massive and interconnected rooms of an abandoned quarry next to Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s a magical sound and …

Spring is Upon us! Or, at least, it is here. The almonds are blooming and it’s about 20 degrees in the sun. I remember growing up in Montréal when you could smell the spring mud and ice thawing, there would always be one last snow generally right before my birthday …

By Aixcentric: The French Formula 1 Grand Prix will be taking place at the Paul Ricard circuit again this summer, 20-23rd June 2019, the second event of a five-year contract bringing the sport back to Provence. Of course, it is a memorable occasion with the world’s top F1 teams, the …

Sea Urchins, Truffles, and Long Walks The villages of Provence become quiet after the holidays. People tend to stay in, stoke their living room fires, and leave a pot au feu (stew) on the stove for many hours. There are fewer festivals that celebrate one particular type of local produce …

Wishing you the happiest 2019! Hoping that readers have had a restful festive season – locking out the realities of the world for a few days. French Riviera Winter Festivals The ferris wheel in Nice might soon be “taking a rest” but the French Riviera never sleeps. Your waistbands may be …

French Riviera in December The Mediterranean coastline is more than just a summer adventure playground. December is a very festive season on the Côte D’Azur. Welcome to the South of France – all year round!  Yes, there is the sparkling blue Med – but don’t be shy – you can …

During December in Provence, the local bakeries and gourmet grocery stores are filled with delicious specialties and the winding streets of hilltop towns come alive again (after quiet November) for the Christmas markets. The gift of food is king here. I have to say I cannot be more on board …

November in Provence. Bring on the chestnuts! Have you ever had crème de marrons (chestnut cream)? It’s like a gourmet version of Nutella. How about chestnut honey? Now that’s different! Are you in the holiday spirit yet? The massive amounts of high-quality chocolate boxes at the supermarkets are tempting me… …