The Stunning Alpilles The landscape of the Alpilles is not exactly the land of milk and honey but rather a harsh alpine climate that supports the growth of grapes and olives. Known as the Alpilles (small Alps), this 30km band of jagged limestone cliffs and scrub brush is a protected …

Beautiful Alpilles Established in 2007, the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles covers the mountain range and its flanks. As a protected natural area, there are restrictions on construction and park usage. However, the artifacts from human settlements discovered in these hills date back to the Neolithic era, and the range …

With so many things closed right now, maybe seizing the opportunity of a sunny January day to wrap up and have a walk around some purely Provencal sites might be just the ticket to lift the spirits; and if you’re not in Provence right now, these seven art walks may …

Considered the gateway city to the Camargue, Arles has it all – history, shopping, gourmet food and enough grit to capture your interest. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Arles: Artsy Arles Frank Gehry designed Luma Arles, opened in June 2021, a project commissioned by local philanthropist …

Provencal markets, like French cheeses, come in many sizes and varieties. For food lovers, selecting just-picked produce, fresh fish, local meat, and cheeses is a culinary delight. In many cases, this is precisely how local chefs decide upon their daily menus and the signature plat du jour. Every Day is …

Like a multi-layered quilt, the city of Arles is coated with 2000+ years of history. Sitting on the western bank of the Rhône, Arles is considered the gateway to the Camargue. The city strikes a balance between old and new. Visit the time-worn Roman monuments or the gleaming Luma Arles …

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 …

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 …

I have started to note a pattern emerging in my tasting notes during the past couple of years, which shows just how much I love Grenache Gris white wines. I love their richness, texture and structure. But I also noted how few of these wines, in their purest form, are …

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 …