May in Provence is the continuation of annual flower markets and the beginning of the abrivado season. Horse festivals, running of the bulls…For me, the season really starts with the 1st of May celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians …Continue reading here for Ashley’s comprehensive list of events in …

Depending on your perspective the tiny village of Aureille, on the southern slopes of the Alpilles, is either old-school Provence at its best or way too sleepy. If this part of Provence were America’s wild west, Aureille might be described as a “one horse town.” There are two main roads, …

Artists and Art Teachers in Provence Provence is an endless canvas for artists, writers, photographers and frankly anyone with a fragment of a creative side. A place famous for its magical light, Provence has inspired master painters Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, Van Gogh and many of today’s creators (photos below). Tessa Baker …

As France’s second-largest city after Paris, Marseille appears overwhelming with well over 1 million people in the greater metropolitan area (1,831,500 January 2011 census). Marseille has been a port city since 600BC when the Greeks established a trading base in this location. Positioned on the Mediterranean Marseille has long been …

Just seen the announcement from the Musée Granet that the summer blockbuster exhibition will be dedicated to the life and work of Charles Camoin.  Great news. This painter who was influenced by Cézanne and Fauvism.

Much has been written about Vincent Van Gogh’s life, the famous Dutch painter who led an expressive, tortured life. This statue le voleur de tournesol (the Sunflower Thief) by Gabriel Sterk may just capture the essence of Van Gogh’s work – as you never quite look at sunflowers, irises, olive trees …

My birthday falls on the same date every year, and I had certainly dropped enough hints that maybe my hubby should plan something to acknowledge the day. Instead, at 12:45 pm we were headed towards Arles without any sort of agenda other than I suggested a visit to Abbey de …

Ashley of Curious Provence writes about her favourite market stand, and a trip to an enormous pottery market held every August in Aubagne. Yesterday, I went to one of Europe’s five largest pottery markets. For the past weekend, the bi-annual Aubagne Argilla Marché Potier brought the city, best known for …

Rebecca Ronane was born in the United Kingdom, but she tells me that she embarked on a career of travelling after the age of 19. Rebecca and her husband Alain (also a travel bug) met while working as tour directors. As a guide, Rebecca has journeyed throughout Europe, the United …

It’s hard to say when the Barefoot Blogger will ever get her fill of the Camargue. The preserved area south of Arles,  the Parc naturel régional de Camargue, is between the Mediterranean and the Rhone river delta. One-third of the Camargue is marshland, lagoons and lakes. Continue reading here for the original article …