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.

Exploring Van Gogh’s Era: The Sicard Sisters Photographers in Provence

April 25, 2025

What was Provence really like in the days of Vincent van Gogh? Vincent Van Gogh spent two years in Provence, first in Arles and then at a mental asylum called Saint-Paul le Mausole in St-Rémy-de-Provence. His time in Provence was remarkably productive, with an output of over 200 paintings, including ...

Guest Post · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Nîmes UNESCO Maison Carrée is it Really Square?

January 20, 2025

The residents of Nîmes (Nîmois) are incredibly proud of their Roman heritage. The Maison Carrée is renowned for being one of the most remarkably well-preserved Roman monuments, alongside Rome’s Pantheon. Renovated in 1992 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023, it has gained even greater fame and visibility. ...

Beatrice Carrot · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Creating Holiday Magic a Provencal Christmas Creche with Adorable Santons

December 11, 2024

St Francis and the Provencal Creche The traditional French nativity scene that represents the story of the birth of Jesus is essentially a Provençal tradition, but it has a long history that began in Italy. In 1223, in Greccio, St. Francis of Assisi is said to have created the first ...

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Christmas Traditions in Provence a Festive Guide to the Holidays

December 2, 2024

In Provence, Christmas is a festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in Provence and the rest of France, many old customs continue today. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, holiday ...

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Revealing the Secrets of Ice Production at Provence’s Glacières

August 19, 2024

Provence, known for its scorching summers, may not seem ideal for ice production. Yet, between 1650 and 1885, many ice houses (glacières) were ingeniously constructed in the region. This historical innovation, born out of necessity, is a testament to the resourcefulness and some royal assistance. Ice Production Provence’s Glacières In ...

Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

August 13, 2024

A unique photo exhibition will be shown in Aix-en-Provence to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation on August 21, 1944. Called Ombres et Lumières (Shadows and Light), it traces the history of Aix between 1930 and 1950, with particular emphasis on the war years. The show, organized by ...

Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions · Virginie Van Der Wees

Discovering French Bastille Day Traditions in Provence

July 5, 2024

On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the Bastille in Paris, which housed only seven inmates. To an enraged crowd, the medieval structure represented a landmark symbolizing their frustration with the reigning monarchy, a weak economic environment, high taxes and a lack of personal financial control. This milestone event ...

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Villefranche-sur-Mer Gem 1-bedroom holiday rental

Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Rustrel: Luberon Village House Sleeps Six (6)

Au Coin des Amis is a village home with 3 luxurious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. and breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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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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Rental Home in Crillon-le-Brave for 6 People

Designed for indoor-outdoor living, Villa Armajeva has three spacious bedrooms and all the modern comforts for a family vacation. Enjoy the views from any one of the terraces. The Crillon-le-Brave village centre is steps from this lovely home.

Vaucluse
Three Bedrooms

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Lourmarin Self-Catered Rental Apartments

Les Olivettes, once a Provencal farmhouse in the Luberon, has 4 spacious rental apartments only a 4-minute walk from the centre of Lourmarin.

Luberon
Vaucluse
One Bedroom

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Provence Marketplace

Hand-Crafted Decorative Ceramic Sunflowers

Available in six (6) different colours these durable ceramic sunflowers are suitable for indoor or outdoor settings. Made by hand in Uzès by Maison Pichon these sunflowers are sold individually. Maison Pichon is an artisanal French ceramics manufacturer since 1802.

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Beeswax Candles in a Traditional Pillar Shape

Handcrafted in Apis Cera's workshop in Provence, Ambroise is a 100% pure beeswax candle pillar produced in a custom mold. A cylindar-shaped candle gets it's name from Saint Ambrose (c. 340 – 397), the archbishop of Milan, who was the protector of beekeepers. Sold in a set of two (2) candles they burn for approximately 36 hours.

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Sunny Provence in a Natural Scented Soap

All Rose et Marius soaps are palm oil free and made with 97% natural ingredients. They are formulated with poppy and olive oil from Provence. Scented with an exclusive concentration of orange blossom absolute from Tunisia and Turkish rose essence, this soap smells divine.

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Linen Napkins from France

Chic linen napkins with an embroidered floral pattern are available in white or natural unbleached cloth. Manufactured in Northern France, they are sold in twos by French Address.

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Stylish Cooler Bag from Provence

Le Rob'Fresh is a lightweight cooler bag for bottles, lunch or even a picnic. The cooler bag weighs 300g (10 oz) and can hold 2.8 kg (6 lbs). Available in a collection of designs. The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. Le Rob'Fresh medium version is L 37 cm (14.5 in) x H 25cm (10 in) x W 10 cm (4 in). The bags are machine-washable (in cold). Price is 35€ + shipping.

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Travel Journal for Nice, France

Record your Côte d'Azur adventures in Nice in this beautiful journal. This travel journal from My French Country Home features watercolor prints on both the cover and throughout its 128 pages. Size: 14.5 x 20.5 cm, made recycled paper (25%) the journal is eco-friendly and beautiful, combining sustainability with artistry.

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Mini Candle Collections

Rose et Marius offers box sets with 3 perfumed mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "Rose's sun water." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Scented Mini Candle Box Sets

Rose et Marius offers box sets with three (3) mini candles. These candle collections include signature fragrances such as "siesta in a sunlit home" and "early morning in the orange grove." These mini candles burn for approximately 25 hours in pretty glass containers.

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Sunflower Design Provencal Table Linens and Cushions

Provence's sunflower for your home with this beautiful collection in two background colours (white or blue). Choose from tablecloths (of different sizes), runners and cushions. Made with 100% cotton these products from Remember Provence are durable and easy to clean.

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Provencal History & Traditions

Exploring Van Gogh’s Era: The Sicard Sisters Photographers in Provence

Nîmes UNESCO Maison Carrée is it Really Square?

Creating Holiday Magic a Provencal Christmas Creche with Adorable Santons

Christmas Traditions in Provence a Festive Guide to the Holidays

Revealing the Secrets of Ice Production at Provence’s Glacières

WWII Liberation of Aix-en-Provence a Photo Exhibition Until October

Discovering French Bastille Day Traditions in Provence

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