On April 16, 2024, the Olympic tradition continues in Olympia, Greece, with the Flame lighting. After a relay journey through the Greek mainland and a sea crossing on Belem, a beautiful three-masted sailing ship, the Flame, arrives in Marseille’s Old Port on May 8. From the Mediterranean city, 10,000 runners …

Provence’s Mediterranean climate includes warm, dry summers, mild winters, and soil well-suited for vineyards. It’s no wonder that the wine regions of Provence are well known for producing some of the best wines in France – and around the world. The following article overviews the Provence wine regions, wineries and …

In a previous article, I reviewed Ten (10) historic Jewish sites in Provence – the details are included below. Recently, I discovered that 2024 marks several anniversaries of the Cavaillon synagogue:  the 250th anniversary of its construction, the 100th anniversary of it being classed as a Historic Monument of France, …

In Provence and the rest of France, Christmas is a long festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in France, many historical customs continue annually. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, …

In Provence, recipes change in concert with the seasons, matching available ingredients and the temperatures. In larger centres like Aix-en-Provence, Avignon and Marseille, the daily markets inspire professional chefs and anyone cooking dinner at home. The classic French onion might spring to mind when you think of French soups, but …

2024 is the year of Marcel Pagnol in Provence, marking the 50th anniversary of his death in 1974. Several special events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the life and works of this brilliant author and filmmaker. Pagnol Celebrations The festivities begin in Aubagne on February 28, Pagnol’s …

Not everyone can stick with a creative project for over twenty years, but Kristin Espinasse is one of those people. She has been writing her blog, “French Word a Day,” since 2002. In addition, she has published two books, including Blossoming in Provence (2011). I was thrilled to receive a …

When you think of a golfing holiday, Provence may not be the place that first springs to mind. Perhaps it’s Scotland or Ireland that you think of first. While we agree that golf may have been invented in Scotland, and almost any golfer would love to play at the Old …

Many people think of Provence in the summer with its lavender fields, sunflowers, chilled rosé and swimming pools. I invite you to explore my winter travel ideas for those months in Provence. The text below appears in English first, followed by French for those trying to improve their language skills. …

Yesterday we awoke to freezing temperatures in Provence with bright blue skies and decided that it was far too cold for a bike ride, so instead, we would take Millie on a walk that we hadn’t done before. I know I have mentioned the fantastic walks here in previous posts, …