Relax at Home Flairesse is the name of Claire McAlpine’s company. She offers massage and aromatherapy treatments in the comfort of your home in Provence. How did you land on this name? “Flair was a nickname my friends called me at university, and ‘esse’ from Latin means existence, the essence …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence What is winter like in Provence? It’s a good question. So, many images of the South of France are summer scenes; ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation and beautiful people in enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less …

Provence is known for its landscapes, famous artists, food markets, and culture. Perhaps by default, the region is less recognized for its designers, artisans and craftsmanship. Whether you are searching for a unique gift for someone special, or yourself, there is a wealth of artistic talent in the region.  Made …

After all the December festivities, the holidays are a great time to disconnect from your e-devices and read. Whether you are searching for a gift or looking for a good book for yourself, these are some of our picks Holiday Reading List from Provence. Holidays Reads from Provence Discover the …

A Week in Provence Key to a great holiday in Provence (or anywhere) is striking a balance between activity and downtime. We have been fortunate to have many friends visit the region. Of course, we like to think it all about us, but the reality is Provence is magnetic. After …

Lavender fields and rosé are among the hundreds of reasons to book a trip to Provence. A visit to the region often revolves around seeing all the main sights to “tick the boxes.” Don’t make that mistake! Provence is also the perfect choice for a relaxing spa break, a yoga …

December Holiday Shake-up Christmas holiday routines can get a bit tedious, and for many people, overwhelming. Why not mix things up this year and book a week in Provence near Isle sur la Sorgue? Delightful Domaine de Palerme, near Isle sur la Sorgue, is available for Christmas or the New …

Nothing Without Almonds Le Roy René factory needs some 200 metric tons of almonds annually for the production of calissons d’Aix and nougats. As almonds are one of the key ingredients in these typically Provencal sweets, a reliable supply chain is critical to the operation. In 2016, 300 almond trees, …

“I was born in the town of Aubagne, under the Garlaban crowned with goats, in the days of the last goatherds.” ~ Marcel Pagnol Writer Marcel Pagnol So begins the memoir of Marcel Pagnol, the master storyteller of Provence. If you ask someone which author comes to mind when they …

Who is the Provence Guru? During their honeymoon, Jamie Ivey announced to his bride that it was time for a career change. Thankless legal deals and long hours related to corporate mergers were not how he envisioned spending his life. He wanted to become a writer. Ivey proposed a somewhat …