Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions Exploring Van Gogh’s Era: The Sicard Sisters Photographers in Provence April 25, 2025What 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 masterpieces like The Starry Night …Continue Reading
Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions A Guide to the Chateaux of the Alpilles Hilltop Castles May 21, 2019Chateaux Guide the Alpilles Castles If you’ve spent time in the Alpilles, the small mountain range near St-Rémy-de-Provence, you’ve probably spotted a medieval chateau or two. Some are hard to miss, like the magnificent chateau and fortified city of Les Baux. Others are little more than piles of rubble. The Alpilles were once dense with …Continue Reading
Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France? February 5, 2016How is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France? As it turns out, the day is actually is quite linked to French historical customs. As far back as the middle ages, the belief was that birds started mating in the middle of February. Evidence from the 14th century, stressed a romantic theme emanating from poets and literature …Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions The Pallières Windmill in Pennes-Mirabeau Back to Milling Flour April 18, 2022Named after a rocky outcrop in Pennes-Mirabeau, the 18th-century Pallières windmill stopped working sometime between 1862-66. Finally, after a lengthy restoration project commencing in 2019, the mill is functioning and open for visitors. Once again, sitting on its rocky ledge, the Pallières windmill has operational blades and a dedicated miller – Guy Lagier – producing …Continue Reading
