Lourmarin on Fridays Early on Friday morning, when the clock chimes eight, the sound of clanking metal posts gently peppers the air. White vans fill the car park outside my door, and market stalls spring up in Lourmarin’s Place Henri Barthélémy, spilling out along the streets. Friday is market day …

Provencal Fabrics on Sale! Hot summer days and warm evenings beg for hassle-free entertaining – picnics, garden parties. Table settings to match the season makes outdoor dining easy. Today bright, cotton Provencal prints mirror images of the region; the cigale (cicada), lavender, sunflowers, and olives. Until July 31st, Remember Provence …

What’s On? During the summer in Provence and the Côte d’Azur, daytime temperatures range from warm to hot. So, you don’t need an excuse to laze by the pool. At this time of year, the lavender is in bloom and the sunflowers put on a spectacular floral show. From music …

Spring Events in Provence Spring in Provence is absolutely lovely. As is the case with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but expect the odd rain storm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. In March and April, …

Carrières de Lumières Art Shows One of the most popular visitor sites in Provence is the Carrières de Lumières (Quarries of Light). It draws over half a million visitors annually. Located in the massive and interconnected rooms of an abandoned quarry next to Les Baux-de-Provence, it’s a magical sound and …

By Caroline Longstaffe: Shopping in Lourmarin As we’ve spent increasing amounts of time in Lourmarin we’ve come to know more of the people in the village, all of whom have been warm and welcoming.  Like us, many of them are not originally from the area but similarly captivated by its’ enchantment have …

By Caroline Longstaffe: When Philippe Franc, the owner of La Maison FRANC first came to live in Pertuis, near Lourmarin, his neighbor welcomed him with a gift, a lavender wand or Coeur de Lavande. It was a defining moment and the first step in a story which led to the opening …

Wishing you a Perfectly Provence Holiday The holidays are here, and it’s time to wish everyone Merry Christmas – Joyeux Noël and all the best for a joyful season. However, before we head out on a little technology break, it’s time to acknowledge all our terrific contributors. Time Out in …

Keith Van Sickle just published his second book, “Are We French Yet? Keith & Val’s Adventures in Provence.” In a word the book is delightful. Please scroll to the bottom for giveaway details. Author Keith Van Sickle Few couples in Silicon Valley (or anywhere) would take a leap of faith …

Nestled among rolling vineyards between the historic city of Aix-en-Provence (14km) and the stunning Luberon Valley (21km), you will find Château La Coste. Purchased by Irish real estate developer Paddy McKillen in 2002, the ordinary has been transformed into the extraordinary. Château La Coste is now a stunning domain set within 600 …