Spring Events in Provence Springtime in Provence is lovely. As with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but you should expect an odd rainstorm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. You will see the apple, pear, apricot, …

Since I love trains and train travel, we took a day and rode the vintage steam train last summer. The Train de Pignes à Vapeur runs from Puget-Théniers in the Alpes Maritimes to the charming village of Annot in the Alpes de Haute Provence. Bygone Era As a young American …

Nice, France’s 5th largest city, was not always part of l’hexagone but rather part of Italy until 1860, when it was ceded to France under the Treaty of Turin. As a result, the local cuisine evolved from Italian and French culinary influences. Mediterranean ingredients such as almonds, olives, olive oil, …

Looking at the Mediterranean while sipping a crisp glass of Rolle at a vineyard confirms the City of Nice’s enviable location on the French Riviera. Historians believe that wine grapes have grown in the vineyards of Bellet since Phocean mariners settled in Massalia (Marseille) and Nice near the Baie des …

Céline O’Donnell is a private tour guide and native of Nice, France. She has lived in this Côte d’Azur city for 40 years and now runs guided walking tours of her city through her company Nice by Heart. After studying and working in the design field in London, and extensive …

Known for its stunning landscapes and rolling vineyards, Provence is one of southern France’s most popular places to visit. The region offers a range of delights, but it can be difficult to pack everything within one holiday. We’ve compiled some of the best places in Provence, the region’s attractions you …

Once a private residence to the east of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and near Villefranche-sur-Mer, the Villa Kérylos sits prominently on a rocky outcrop with a panoramic visit. Kérylos is a Greek word for a kingfisher bird and an omen of good luck. Villa Kérylos History Théodore Reinach commissioned the construction of a …

Seaside Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its sheltered harbour and long sweeping sandy beach, holds an enviable position on the French Riviera. Tucked between Nice to the west and Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat to the east, Villefranche feels like a small town. However, arriving in Villefranche by car takes a bit of …

When Life Gives You Lemons. We Make Gin! The Citron de Menton has been cultivated since the 15th century, reaching its peak in the 18th century, when millions of lemons were shipped to the United States and Russia. Plagued by scurvy, many sailors were saved by eating lemons. In the …

Discover the Pays de Fayence The Pays de Fayence is only a 30-minute drive from Saint-Raphaël. The area is a quiet contrast to the busy Mediterranean coast. With its perched villages and unspoilt natural setting, this region of Provence remains anchored to the past. There are nine (9) hilltop villages …