When students join me in Provence for a French immersion stay, I want to make sure that they improve their language skills and also get a chance to visit the region. Below are a few excursions from Aix-en-Provence that I have taken with students during their visits. Some of these …

It’s hard to compete with a long list of magnificent, historically significant gardens in a country that includes gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees in Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of …

Thankfully, “gap year” was not something I had ever heard of when I was in school. Otherwise, I would have lobbied to spend a year, or a lifetime, in Europe. Instead, I followed the traditional and well-beaten path, graduating and then travelling through Europe on a Eurail pass for as …

A large group of friends were visiting us in Provence in September. Our dilemma was introducing the first-timers to the highlights of the Alpilles and keeping everyone else interested in discovering some (new to them) hidden gems of the region. After some back-and-forth, we created a car rally itinerary that …

Beautiful Gardens of Provence France has many magnificent, historically significant gardens built for French royalty. The Palace of Versailles and its immaculate grounds are on your list of must-sees near Paris. Then there are the Jardins du Château de Fontainebleau south of the capital and the stunning Château de Chenonceau …

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 …

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 …

Arles has it all – history, contemporary architecture, museums, shopping, gourmet food and enough grit to capture your interest. Arles is considered the gateway to the Camargue wetlands and Rhône River delta. It is the last major urban centre before leaving Provence’s southwestern boundary. Below is our city guide for …

While there is no reason to wait until February 14th to show your affection, not acknowledging Valentine’s Day might not be a good love strategy. In France, la fête de Saint Valentin has historical and religious roots. In the middle ages, the belief was that birds started mating in the …

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 …