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 …

Below is a collection of things you can do while visiting Marseille. These are only some of my ideas for a day in the city or a few days. The list includes something for everyone from beachgoers to art lovers. Enjoy this fascinating city. Head to the Beach I was …

The following text, in English and French, is a short introduction to discovering Provence’s almond trees and a few recipes. In the Provencal countryside, it is common to see almond trees growing in the wild. Several regional producers cultivate almonds for local consumption and use in local confectioneries like the …

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 …

Surprisingly, Rustrel remains under the radar for many visitors to the Luberon Valley. This village is just a few minutes from Apt, the largest town in the area. Yet retains an old-world Provencal charm. If someone had a week in Rustrel, what would you suggest filling the days? We asked …

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. …

Happy, Healthy Holidays to all! It’s time to wish all our readers the best for this joyful season. However, before we head out on a technology break, we want to acknowledge all our terrific contributors and partners. As an Amazon Associate, the site earns from qualifying purchases. Note: if you …

Holiday Shopping Made Easy Are you shopping for book lovers? Here is our 2023 holiday gift guide for books from Provence for those on your list who love reading, travelling, and dreaming of France. These books are for anyone who wants a literary “dose” of Provence. Whether you have visited …