They never appreciated a luxury holiday but now my girls (the whirls as I call them – because they are always whirling around) have really started to enjoy a touch of 5 star……..  Ooooh!  they exclaimed as we were shown to our room at the stunning Villa Gallici Hotel in Aix …

A quick hop, skip and a jump down the A8 and the A52 and we are in Cassis. Forty minutes to be exact. An exquisite town too small to cope with the thousands that visit. Mid October and its quieter……. Lovely.  Am I really here?   This is one of the …

Restaurant Worth the Detour Le Préau Restaurant is a hidden gem in the village of Rognes, just 19 km north of Aix-en-Provence. The restaurant is known for its inspired Mediterranean cuisine, which was influenced by the travels of chef/owner Antonin Wishart. I am fascinated by this restaurant because Chef Wishart …

Easter is a holiday period in France when children have a school break. It is a chance for families to gather over meals and enjoy some downtime while hiding chocolate treats. Below are some traditions and celebrations surrounding the Easter period in France and beyond. I have written the text …

Deciding to go to Marseille for 24 hours, one night, we landed on November 1st as the best date for our schedule, but it is La Toussaint (All Saints Day), a public holiday (jour férié) and a busy time. However, we were lucky: the place I wanted to stay was …

This article is about the traditions surrounding La Toussaint by a student who participated in a French immersion holiday with Virginie Van Der Wees. The text is written in English, followed by French text. Please keep reading for those interested in improving their French and learning about the holiday traditions …

Few books capture my attention in the first paragraph, but Double Cross: The Second Crucifixion of Solomon Lunel certainly did. At almost 90 years old, Solomon Lunel prepared his Shabbat eve meal of aioli paired with Provençal rosé, evoking memories of his days in Marseille as a younger man. He …

Previously, I shared our visit to Chateau La Coste in Le Puy-Sainte-Reparade to see the unusual art installed around this 600-acre organic winery and art center includes a luxury hotel and four (4) restaurants. The vineyard is owned by Patrick McKillen, an Irish art collector who has created a center …

Lyon is the 3rd largest city in France and the French capital of gastronomy! With its beautiful old town, many restaurants, museums and shops, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon. So, when my good friend wanted to visit a new city together, we decided on a quick …

Included The owners of Riviera Experience, Shelley and Riccardo, are originally from southern California. However, living in Villefranche-sur-Mer for 20+ years and running their holiday rental company, they have a long list of favourite things to do in town and nearby. Guests staying in their nine (9) beautifully appointed apartments …