In Provence, at Christmastime, there are many holiday traditions, including nativity scenes with Santons (little saints). Santons are little clay figurines depicting the biblical characters – baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the Wisemen. Anyone expecting the “typical” nativity scenario might be surprised by the Provencal version with figures representing the …

Where to See Art in Provence In a place that inspired so many famous artists, including Paul Cezanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Nicolas de Stael, among countless others, there is no lack of opportunities to see art in Provence. We have compiled a list of places …

Not helped by its setting for gangster and crime movies, France’s second-largest city – Marseille – used to have an image problem. However, ask any local this city is pure magic. Situated on the Mediterranean, Marseille residents can swim at their favourite beach before work and watch the sunset over …

Whether this is your first trip to the French Riviera or you are a regular visitor to the Côte d’Azur, the only problem is overwhelming choices. Where should you start? In alphabetical order, we have highlighted ten (10) of our favourite places to visit along (or near) the coast. However, …

The wonderful thing about the Provence and the Côte d’Azur is the wealth of artistic talent, historical and present day. This reference guide lists museums and art venues by department within the region. We have attempted to be as comprehensive as possible but may have missed a few and will …

Here is our collection of articles on Marseille in one page covering the city’s highlights. Marseille is a city its residents adore, and visitors need to explore. Why Visit Marseille? Because Marseille is unlike any other city in France or the world, and at 2600+ years old, there is no …

Customs and terminology can be confusing in a foreign country, and France is no exception. North Americans and other international travellers might not understand (or search for) terms like gîte, mazet, chambres d’hôtes, or hôtel de charme. What is a Gîte? A gîte is a terrific option for holiday rentals …

This restaurant, a bar-tabac (café, bar, restaurant and more), is the beating heart of St-Rémy-de-Provence. St-Rémy-de-Provence is famous for its Roman ruins, a Wednesday morning market, and former residents like Vincent van Gogh and Nostradamus. A stop in St-Rémy should be on every tourist’s itinerary in Provence. My wife and …

They are finally coming. They are finally coming! After two years of travel delays and several uncelebrated milestones, most of my family arrived in the South of France to spend a week in Provence enjoying the sites, the pool and some rosé bien sûr. Now what? We were ten, aged …

Situated in the Bouches du Rhône, Aix-en-Provence may lack Marseille’s waterfront and beaches, but the beauty of Aix more than makes up for it. A day is hardly long enough to appreciate a city that began as a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago. But it is possible with our …