When imagining Provence, perhaps you think of three-star Michelin restaurants serving snails with white truffles, paired with decades-old Bandol rosé. Sure thing, but regular French people also live in Provence and don’t have that much money to spare on a meal. Smart tourists will follow the local’s lead and can …

Artichokes à la Barigoule might be on the menu, I could hardly wait for the day to arrive. This classic Provencal dish includes artichokes, salted pork, onions and white wine. What’s not to love about that combination?

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 …

After living in nine countries, Phoebe Thomas considers herself a career expat, “Where I was born doesn’t help clarify anything, it just complicates things! Born in Paris but moved when two weeks old so not exactly a Parisienne! Pure coincidence that I’m now married to a Frenchman and living in …

Essential Lavender The lavender industry in Provence is a significant economic driver impacting agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and retail. There are 2,000 producers and roughly 25,000 people employed in the industry. The main growing areas are the four (4) departments the Drôme, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, with some small production in the …

Holiday planning is not for the faint of heart. Spending your precious vacation time with family or friends is a bit like rolling the dice at a casino. Striking the delicate balance between activity, sightseeing, and relaxation to suit everyone’s taste is a juggling act. To control what you can, …

What’s On? During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. So, you don’t need an excuse to laze by the pool. At this time of year, the lavender is in bloom, and the sunflowers put on a spectacular floral show. From music …

Who could blame New Zealand native Rebecca Whitlocke for falling in love with an Englishman and the French Riviera? For over a decade, Rebecca has lived with her young family on the French Riviera in Juan les Pins. This seaside town is a relatively small centre, as compared to Nice …

Provence is a fantastic geographical region located in southeastern France, and it is known for its incredible mix of landscapes and glamour cities. Visiting Provence and discovering all its beauties will take at least one week, but the trip is worth it. You will have the opportunity to visit the …

Purple Lavender It’s the essence of Provence—intoxicating, calming, soothing, stunning—the purple elixir of Provence. Yet, it’s here for just a short time—at its peak in July but still stunning at the end of June. Provence is raw, rugged, and enchanting all year, but how can one resist being there when …