The Pleasures of Provence by Gayle Smith Padgett – Our Book Review

Driven by a longing to uncover the secret to a truly wonderful life, Gayle Smith Padgett invites us into her third book, Pleasures of Provence: A Quest for the Secret to Joie de Vivre in La Belle France. Through vivid storytelling, she shares her adventures across Provence and beyond...

Enjoy an Architectural Visit to La Cité Radieuse in Marseille

If you are a fan of contemporary architecture, visiting Marseille should be on your list. This ancient city, established around 600 BC, is a dynamic metropolis with beaches, modern museums, old forts, and Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse. The Marseille tourism office offers guided tours of the architect’s post-World...

Picasso, Kahlo, and The Little Prince at the Carrières des Lumières in Les Baux

The Carrières des Lumières (Quarry of Light) is one of the most remarkable venues in France. Described as “a magical sound and light show inside a mountain,” it’s a must-see for any visitor to Provence. This immersive show takes place in the Alpilles, at Les Baux-de-Provence, inside an old...

A Charming Getaway: Short Holiday Stays in Villefranche-sur-Mer this Summer

Villefranche-sur-Mer, a seaside town on the French Riviera, is an ideal short summer escape. With breathtaking views, a mild climate, and proximity to Nice, it promises a picturesque retreat for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Experience the coastal charm of this French Riviera destination, perfect for anyone seeking...

Enjoy St-Rémy-de-Provence with Keith Van Sickle’s Insider Tips

Each year, Keith Van Sickle and his wife, Val, immerse themselves in Provence for several months, embracing the local language and culture. They focus on learning French to deepen their appreciation and strengthen connections with locals, while exploring the region’s culture, history, gastronomy, and traditions. Keith has authored several...

Download Our Spring Menu Collection

This seasonal collection features 19 recipes, including starters, main courses, side dishes, and desserts. Featuring seasonal ingredients such as artichokes, asparagus, lamb, and strawberries. Download this PDF, which includes for recipes for entertaining at this time of the year.

Explore Provence

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Caroline Longstaffe · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Exploring the Haute-Alpes de Provence: A Rich History and Stunning Landscapes

February 27, 2026
Did you know that not far from the beaches, shopping, and glitz of the French Riviera is another world? The Southern Alps are a relatively short drive from the Côte d’Azur city of Nice. These mountains offer plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts, including skiing, hiking, cycling, and incredible sightseeing. However, even Caroline Longstaff, a …
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Explore · Learning French · Villages Towns and Cities · Virginie Van Der Wees

Le Château d’If à Marseille, rendu célèbre par le Comte de Monte-Cristo

February 6, 2026
Saviez-vous qu’à quelques minutes en bateau de Marseille se trouve un archipel d’îles ? L’archipel des Îles de Frioul compte quatre îles et des navettes partent régulièrement du Vieux-Port pendant les mois d’été. Vous pouvez facilement passer une journée à faire de la randonnée sur les sentiers ou à vous prélasser sur les plages de …
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Explore · Guest Post

Things I Wish I Knew Before Spending a Month in Provence

January 14, 2026
I’ve been slow-travelling full-time for over five years now, spending at least a month in each place I visit. And while I’ve explored everywhere from Thailand to New Zealand and beyond, there was something about Provence that felt entirely different. I’d been to France many times before, but Provence stood apart. I knew it would …
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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · What's On Provence & Cote d'Azur · Winter in Provence

2026 Winter in Provence Events and Festivals Calendar

November 26, 2025
 Winter Festivals and Events in Provence Many images of Provence and the Côte d’Azur depict summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation, and beautiful people in straw hats enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less attention, but it’s a great time to enjoy the region …
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Tastes of Provence

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Lunchtime Meals · Provencal Recipes · Street Food · Taste

How to Make La Pissaladière the Niçoise Flatbread

It’s hard to define la Pissaladière with slow-cooked onions, olives and anchovies. It’s not quite pizza, not quite a focaccia, but somewhere in between. Nevertheless, this popular street food is a delicious reason to visit Nice, France! What is La Pissaladière? A staple in traditional Cuisine Nissarde recipes, la Pissaladièra (in Nissart) is reproduced below …
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Guest Post · Lunchtime Meals · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Tian Provencal Recipe a Vegetable Tart Flower

How do you make friends when we are all trying to self-isolate and social distance? You start scrolling through Instagram and stumble upon eye-catching feeds like frenchified_wife that then lead to Jane’s beautiful blog – On Mange. Jane has travelled extensively, a passionate cook she loves exercising her creative talents in the kitchen. Enjoy this spring-summer recipe …
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Drinks · Maison Mirabeau Wines · Provencal Recipes · Taste

Spicy Gin Winter Punch

When you’re looking for a beverage to enjoy on a cold winter’s eve, this delightfully spiced cocktail is a must-have! Mirabeau rosé wines and liquors are delicate, divine, elegant, and uncomplicated — a surefire way to enjoy the flavours of the French countryside in the comfort of your own home. A wonderfully warming gin cocktail …
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