Martine and George Greenlee arrived in Provence for a one-year trial – several years ago! It took time to decide that Reillanne, in the Luberon Valley, was the place that they wanted to live. Reillanne ticked all the boxes, and they bought a home in 2016 – it’s close to …

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

Carrières de Lumières, the former quarry now a centre for immersive art displays, has announced its theme for 2021, and it’s one that should prove popular with the Aixois. The 2021 show, at Les Baux de Provence, will be a celebration of the work of Paul Cezanne. This show’s design …

Holiday Traditions Christmas in Provence takes place, as in most regions of France, with family. It is a traditional holiday loaded with Christian symbols. The festivities start at the beginning of December at the time of Saint Barbara. Noël en Provence se passe, comme dans la plupart des régions de …

Provence is one of the many regions in France blessed with breath-taking landscapes and incredible food. Most people associate the area with summer activities, lavender fields, and rosè wine. But Provence is much more than that. This fantastic region opens its arms to protect you from the cold, dark months …

I’m always on the lookout for interesting spots in the Alpilles, and I’ve recently found a new one! Les Gourmandises de To is an Epicerie Gourmande in the countryside between Saint Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence. I visited a couple of days ago after the market in …

Exploring the Provencal market stands piled high with seasonal produce, fragrant fresh fruit, buckets of just-picked flowers, table linens and bright pottery is pure delight. However, it’s not always rewarding for market vendors facing early mornings, erratic weather, and fickle crowds. Determined to carry on an artisanal tradition, Elsa Lenthal, …

Olives from Provence In the Alpilles, near the Vallée des Baux, there is nothing that signals that autumn has arrived more than the olive harvest. The exact timing of the récolte depends on Mother Nature’s impact on the fruit’s maturity. Like every crop, farmers hope to get the timing right …

Festivals and Fall Events in Provence Fall in Provence directs you towards a heartier menu. Enjoy meat (lamb, wild boar, taureaux, rabbit, fowl) roasted with herbes de Provence, root vegetables and delicious red wine blends. At this time of year, the hiking is fabulous, biking is possible, and golfers might …

Gayle Padgett and her husband Ralph maintained a long-distance relationship with Provence for two decades. They often travelled to the South of France during their vacation from US government jobs in Germany. As their retirement years approached, the “Where are we going to live?” question loomed. The couple chose a …