Cavaillon is a good-sized city east of the Durance River in Provence with a deep history linked to local agriculture. Most visitors drive straight through Cavaillon on their way to the Luberon’s perched villages and Vaucluse towns, vineyards, and lavender fields without stopping, which is a shame. Cavaillon has lots …

In a previous article, I reviewed Ten (10) historic Jewish sites in Provence – the details are included below. Recently, I discovered that 2024 marks several anniversaries of the Cavaillon synagogue:  the 250th anniversary of its construction, the 100th anniversary of it being classed as a Historic Monument of France, …

France has a thriving Jewish community, the third largest in the world after Israel and the United States. And while today Paris is the center of French Jewish life, this wasn’t always the case. That center was Provence for centuries, thanks to a surprising protector: the Pope. This article covers …

My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy-de-Provence, a town famous for its Roman ruins, Vincent van Gogh, and its fabulous weekly market. I’ve written two guidebooks about the area, plus hundreds of articles, so I get many questions from people planning a visit. While this isn’t …

Martine Bertin-Peterson is the founder of the travel company Goût et Voyage. Her focus is small group tours featuring culture and gourmet delights in Provence and Tuscany. These food and wine excursions in Provence are like travelling with your best friends, as a Goût et Voyage tour never exceeds six …

Located in Provence’s wine country, Fontaine des Magnarelles is a delightful Bed and Breakfast (B&B). The 18th-century Provençal country house, constructed with traditional stone, has five spacious guest bedrooms. In addition, there is a communal space with room for sharing meals, playing board games, and planning excursions. Each morning guests …

Perched on hilltops throughout the region, the castles of Provence are intriguing. These seemingly impenetrable fortresses have stone foundations and ramparts for defensive purposes. Reflective of turbulent periods in French history, many of the châteaux in southern France were built on summits maximising the ability to anticipate enemy approach. Today, …

Artist Tessa Baker has finalized the details for two painting tours this fall. Now is your chance to visit the region and explore your artistic side. Join an intimate group of other creative types wanting to improve their painting skills in Provence with Tessa’s coaching. September 4 – 11, 2021: …

Painting in Provence Sometimes when you meet someone, it feels like you have known them forever, which was the case with Tessa Baker. Warm and welcoming, Tessa is a talented artist who runs small-group painting holidays and workshops in Provence, Italy and beyond. She had invited me to join her …

Travel and Literature: two passions that usually go hand in hand! After all, surprising stories are what we look for in books and the most diverse scenarios in the world. One of the most inspiring places in this context is Provence. Lavender fields, mountain inland villages, historic cities, nature parks, …