“The origin of the olive tree is lost in time, coinciding and mingling with the expansion of the Mediterranean civilizations which for centuries governed the destiny of mankind and left their imprint on Western culture.” ~ International Olive Council Olives of Provence If you like olives, wine, and beautiful vistas, …

Students who join me in Provence for a French immersion experience want to improve their French and explore the region. Our home and Mas de Trois Pins studio are in Rousset, a village near Mont Sainte Victoire. This article highlights a few of the hiking trails on this mountain. It …

Stunning is the only way to describe Rosa Jackson’s cookbook Niçoise: Market-Inspired Cooking from France’s Sunniest City. Filled with over 100 recipes, this beautiful book salutes the simplicity of Nice’s traditional cuisine. Niçoise is more than a cookbook, cracking open the window into life in Nice through the seasons. The …

The city of Arles, in what is now Provence, was essential for river trade during the Roman era. The Rhône River was a major route for transporting goods in both directions on the water and then inland. Vincent van Gogh spent over a year in Arles before moving to Saint …

We met some friends for lunch in Goult, one of the many reasons to visit this Luberon village. After lunch, they suggested an unexpected and illuminating art tour near Apt that involved lights and contemporary African art. Our first stop was Mathieu Lustrerie, a company recognized worldwide for its chandelier …

Provence is known for its picturesque villages and stunning scenery, and the Luberon Valley has some of the most famous towns perched on hillsides, historically for defence purposes and provide lovely photos today. Below is our list of 10 villages that we considered must-sees in the Luberon Valley: Ansouis The …

Deciding to go to Marseille for 24 hours, one night, we landed on November 1st as the best date for our schedule, but it is La Toussaint (All Saints Day), a public holiday (jour férié) and a busy time. However, we were lucky: the place I wanted to stay was …

This article is about the traditions surrounding La Toussaint by a student who participated in a French immersion holiday with Virginie Van Der Wees. The text is written in English, followed by French text. Please keep reading for those interested in improving their French and learning about the holiday traditions …

I have never lived in a village in France. I lived in a city (Paris), but I’ve always lived in the countryside in Provence. Never far from a town, but not actually in one. As we are working out a plan for a full-time life in Provence, I thought it …

Who doesn’t love the idea of a trip to Aix-en-Provence, France, and the chance to solve an art mystery? In her latest novel, The European Adventures: Aix Marks the Spot A Mystery Adventure Book for Kids, Rachel Selle brings characters from her first book, The European Adventures: Mystery at Mouse …