Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Provencal History & Traditions · Stay Fit Mur de la Peste a Rocky Trail in Provence’s History September 13, 2016Over 100,000 people (some estimates as high as 126,000) died in Provence between 1720 and 1722, including almost 50% of Marseille’s population some 46,000 inhabitants. All in the name of commerce. The Grand Saint-Antoine arrived in Marseille’s port on May 25, 1720, from Syria (previously Levan), the vessel was late, delayed due to weather and …Continue Reading
Explore · Our House in Provence · Villages Towns and Cities Discover Carpentras in the Vaucluse it is Well Worth Visiting October 6, 2025Many times over the years, we have headed to Carpentras on Fridays for the year-round morning market. Carpentras is a medium-sized city in the Vaucluse, a short 25-minute ride down the D-7 from our holiday home in Sablet (it’s available for rent too). As we get near, we see Notre Dame de l’Observance (photo) towering …Continue Reading
Explore · Our House in Provence · Villages Towns and Cities Roussillon, a Village Not to Miss in Provence July 30, 2025We usually suggest that visitors include a trip to the vibrant, red-ocher-colored town of Roussillon. It is one of five villages nestled in the Luberon hills and classified as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (the Most beautiful villages of France). Roussillon is one of our favourite villages in Provence, just one hour …Continue Reading
Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities Understanding The Merindol Massacre and Provence’s Dark Religious History August 15, 2018Plenty of villages in the Luberon Valley lay claim to les plus beaux villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France), and many of those proudly display Villages Fleuris (flowering villages) emblems on local street signs. Enchanted by weather-worn scenes of charming hilltop hamlets and gently numbed by a glass of chilled local rosé, it would …Continue Reading