There are many events this month including the Fête de la Saint Eloi. Saint Eloi is the patron saint of metalworkers, blacksmiths, cart drivers and craftsmen of all kinds. He is a particularly favourite saint here in les Alpilles. The Fête is normally transferred to the end of June rather than the …

On the 1st of May, make sure to visit the celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians takes over the city. Worth a visit! You may even see the queen of les Arlesiennes. This is the month of public holidays in France. Make sure to be aware of store closings. I would …

April Tendencies in Provence So I’m perhaps little nuts but at this time of year, I love to sit in the evening with a glass of wine, talk to my man and shell fresh peas. Those plump lovelies are so delicious it’s worth the effort, and relaxing too. I know …

Spring is Upon us! Or, at least, it is here. 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 on April 26th. Urgh. For all of you in colder climes, you’re …

Mimosa and Sea Urchins Despite it being February, the coast of France, which borders the Mediterranean, becomes bright yellow during this time of year. Synonymous with the Mediterranean, I’ll never forget when I was in Italy during International Women’s Day. It’s the custom there to hand out Mimosa to every …

On Sunday, January 21, 2:30 at the Renaissance Hotel, there will be a broadcast of Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Follies’. The production had terrific reviews when it showed at London’s National Theatre. Here is a short video trailer of the show. “Setting the Stage”: It’s New York, 1971. There’s a party on the …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is a yearly circus festival hosted under the Chapiteau (big top) at Espace Fontvieille in Monaco. This year, it will run from 18 to 28 January 2018. What To Expect The Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo is …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: The Zone B school holidays over the Christmas period run from 22 December and finish 7 January so it’s a good time to use the fortnight’s break to partake in some festive activities. As well as the usual Christmas markets that pop up each year …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: December Events in Provence 2017 Snow in Provence! For once we might get a white Christmas! There are many Christmas markets this month in Provence. This is the time to binge on delicious nougat, foie gras, pink champagne and oysters. Yes, that is basically a …

If you’re in Provence, you will probably have already bought your little pack of seeds to plant today to mark the feast of Saint Barbara (Sainte-Barbe). Hopefully, with some warmth and sunshine, they will be ready for Christmas. The local saying is: Quand le blé va bien, tout va bien. …