Rosa Jackson was born in Canada, but she seems to have been destined for the South of France. Like most journeys in life, the road was not direct to Nice, France, where she lives now. However, her passion for food, culinary techniques and helping others to appreciate local cuisine led …
In 2024, France fell from first place among the largest wine-producing countries in 2023 to third place, behind Italy and Spain. 2024 Grape Growing Challenges in France Throughout the 2024 season, the wine year in France has been problematic, with great variation across the country. It started with frost in …
Readers often ask us for recommendations about where to eat lunch in Aix-en-Provence. The truth is that restaurants change hands frequently, and every establishment can have an off day. However, navigating an unfamiliar destination can be tricky, so we offer a few suggestions. Below is a list of tried-and-true restaurants …
“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, …
When most people think of the South of France, their minds jump to the glamour of Cannes or the charm of Nice. But if you’re looking for a place where history, art, and stunning landscapes come together, the artful village of Mougins is the spot you don’t want to miss. …
The Alpilles (miniature Alps) run from east to west for 30 kilometres, starting at the edge of the Durance River and the town of Orgon to the western edge near Fontvieille. Although the Alpilles are not high, with a maximum height of 498 metres, they are dramatic with jagged limestone …
For all our time spent in Provence, I’m embarrassed to admit that we had never been to les Gorges du Verdon. And it’s not far from Lourmarin, only about an hour and a half, in the hills of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. We’d heard it was worth a visit, but what …
One of the life experiences I cherish the most is spending time along the Côte d’Azur. However, I must confess that I’m geographically challenged, so the more I visited, the more confused I became about something relatively straightforward. “Which seaside towns are below which hilltop villages?” To settle the question, …
One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …
Nestled just a short ferry ride from the glamorous shores of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera. Of these islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite stands out as a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. The Journey to Île Sainte-Marguerite The adventure …
Mas de Puyvert, with four (4) bedrooms is completely private, and comfortably accommodates 6-8 people for a restful stay in the Provencal countryside.
A delightful 3-bedroom holiday apartment at Domaine des Escavalins is an organic olive farm. Well-appointed and private, the gite has room for six (6) people.
Ferme du Val is a spacious seven (7) bedroom home, including a studio apartment that sleeps, 14 people. Available for short or long-term rental.
Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.
Maison Pichon is known for its distinctive corbeilles tressées, intricately braided ceramic baskets made nowhere else. These delicate creations are meant to serve as fruit bowls but can also be dressed with dried flowers to make a centrepiece. Made by hand, each basket can take up to a month to complete.
These large tote bags come in a range of Provencal fabrics. Whether you choose lavender, wild flowers or one of the other two patterns these sturdy bags are light yet strong enough to carry all the necessary accessories and even a laptop. The bags are made with printed and quilted fabric and have solid handles.