My name is Virginie Van Der Wees. I am a French teacher for non-French speakers. I live near Aix-en-Provence. Every morning, it’s a pleasure to wake up and tell myself that I live at the foot of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, 25 minutes from Aix-en-Provence. Je m’appelle Virginie Van Der Wees. …

As Aixcentric followers will know, the 18th-century country house, Jas de Bouffan, which was home to the Cezanne family for 40 years, was closed over a year ago for renovation.  I went in for a visit on its last day of opening, and my goodness, it needed renovation: think cold, …

The owners of Riviera Experience, both from southern California, would not trade winter on the French Riviera for any North American “snowbird” experience. Forget wintering in Florida, Arizona, or California! The famous Côte d’Azur has long attracted travellers in the first few months of the year. When the French Riviera …

Provence in France is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Here, you can come across ancient Roman ruins, picturesque villages, and lavender fields. In this southern region, you can see the magnificent and colourful landscapes along the Mediterranean coast. The beauty of Provence inspired many famous artists. …

Provence’s diversified nature is what makes it the perfect source of inspiration for writers. For centuries, the South of France has been a getaway for writers and artists looking for creative inspiration. From rolling vineyards over pine forests to lavender fields, Provence can provide you with different experiences, whether you …

When imagining Provence, perhaps you think of three-star Michelin restaurants serving snails with white truffles, paired with decades-old Bandol rosé. Sure thing, but regular French people also live in Provence and don’t have that much money to spare on a meal. Smart tourists will follow the local’s lead and can …

For two decades, Gayle Padgett and her husband Ralph maintained a long-distance relationship with Provence. They often travelled to the South of France during their vacation time from US government jobs in Germany. As their retirement years approached, the “Where are we going to live?” question loomed. The couple chose …

An hour from glamourous St. Tropez on the French Riviera, and about the same distance from the chic city of art and water Aix-en-Provence, Lorgues sits in the heart of the Var. There are many reasons to visit Lorgues, but freshly, roasted coffee was not one of them until recently. …

Americans Susan and Sam Gish moved to Aix-en-Provence two years ago. It’s unlikely that this Francophile couple’s relocation to France, from Philadelphia, was a surprise to any of their food industry friends. During previous travels to France, Susan and Sam discovered the influence of terroir in the different French wine …

With the large geographic footprint of Provence visiting the entire region in one trip, or a lifetime is nearly impossible. In high season (July and August), long drives and even longer lines should make you think twice about extended road trips. Instead, we suggest picking an activity each day and …