InspireJulie Whitmarsh

Provence in Lavender Season Purple Fields Forever

I love our little corner of Provence, all year round, but there is something incredibly special about the time of year, when the area turns purple, with the Lavender fields exploding with colour, filling the air with scent as the flowers gently brush against each other in the breeze. The …

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marche de noel isle sur sorgue
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreGuided Holiday Tours

Booking Now a Magical Christmas Holiday Tour in Provence

There are encouraging signs for travellers hoping to venture to international destinations. Halfway through 2021 and six months from Christmas day, it’s time to give yourself a present – the gift of travel. Goût et Voyage is booking spots on the Provence for the Holidays tour for this December. At the …

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History Transhumance Provence St Remy
InspireProvencal History & Traditions

Don’t Miss These Transhumance Events in Provence

Weather Moves If you are in Provence in the spring or fall, you might see the movement of sheep and goats to greener pastures – transhumance. These organized transhumance events in Provence are kid-friendly and entertaining. Watching several thousand animals moving through village streets is worth experiencing. Seasonal weather dictates …

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Aix-en-Provence Fresh Produce Market
Guest PostMarkets in Provence and Cote d'AzurTaste

Springtime at the Aix-en-Provence Markets

Provence takes a long time to wake up in the morning. Especially on market days in Aix-en-Provence. It may be cold, grey, and dark when the market vendors arrive, but eventually, the market starts to buzz when the sun rises. Vendors begin arriving at 5:30 am for set up. I …

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Active Holidays French Riviera Cycling
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreStay Fit

Ideas for Active Holidays on the French Riviera

Only 35 minutes from the Nice Airport at 550m above sea level, the peaceful village of Châteauneuf-Villevieille is a clear contrast to the dynamic French city. Set against the flank of Mont Férion in the préalpes, Châteauneuf-Villevieille is an excellent base for an active holiday near the French Riviera. The …

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Springtime Debudding the Vines
Maison Mirabeau WinesTasteWines and Spirits of Provence

Springtime Debudding the Vines at Domaine Mirabeau

May is a critical month in the lifecycle of the vines on Domaine Mirabeau. In April, the buds break and begin to swell to show the first leaves and future branches. Then follows the critical process of ‘ebourgeonnage’ or debudding; the viticulturalist and their team select the branches that will …

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Remarkable Mediterranean Gardens Coast Nice Public Gardens
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottFrench Decor & GardensInspire

Remarkable Mediterranean Gardens of the French Riviera

Remarkable French Gardens If you need another reason to head to the Mediterranean coast, there are 14 gardens registered as Jardins remarquable (Remarkable Gardens) near the Côte d’Azur. Visit any one of these verdant paradises created by gardening enthusiasts and get lost in the beautiful scenery. Spread along the coastline …

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Un Automne en Pays de Fayence
Books on ProvenceCarolyne Kauser-AbbottInspire

Un Automne en Pays de Fayence Captures the Heart of Provence

With non-essential travel to France restricted due to Covid-19, soulmates Catherine Karnow (National Geographic photographer) and Gilles Portaz (geography and history professor) spent a year apart. Finally, thanks to the “love visa,” a compassionate entry permit for non-married couples, they were reunited in Provence in November 2020. They got reacquainted …

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Villefranche-sur-Mer French Coast Living
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreLiving in ProvenceVillages Towns and Cities

Villefranche-sur-Mer the best of French Coast Lifestyle

Shelley and Riccardo are both Americans who have lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer for 21 years. They initially arrived in this charming seaside town to visit a friend, then returned for an extended stay and decided that they never wanted to leave the French Riviera. In 2004, they launched a holiday apartment …

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Charming Reillanne Luberon Village
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreLiving in ProvenceVillages Towns and Cities

Charming Reillanne a Luberon Village to Visit

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 …

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