It’s incredible how the energy in someone’s words radiates positivity. Reading Tessa Baker’s newsletter about her 2022 painting holidays in Provence, Antigua and the Cinque Terre, I felt like life is finally returning to “normal.”  We connected via Zoom to talk about her new creative projects, including an online course …

A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to do a pop-up event with my jewellery in the cellar of our friends’ newly restored townhouse and apartments in the centre of Apt Cent Cinq. I say cellar, but this was the most beautiful, vaulted stone room, set below the …

One of my favourite biking routes is the Véloroute du Calavon, in the Luberon Valley. It’s a pretty ride and very easy. Biking on a Voie Verte This route is a voie verte (or “greenway”), a paved route for bikers, walkers and rollerbladers. There is a network of them in …

Festivals and Fall Events in Provence Fall in Provence directs you towards a heartier menu. Enjoy meat (lamb, wild boar, taureaux, rabbit, fowl) roasted with herbes de Provence, root vegetables and delicious red wine blends. At this time of year, the hiking is fabulous, biking is possible, and golfers might …

Artist Tessa Baker has finalized the details for two painting tours this fall. Now is your chance to visit the region and explore your artistic side. Join an intimate group of other creative types wanting to improve their painting skills in Provence with Tessa’s coaching. September 4 – 11, 2021: …

The label Jardin remarquable (Remarkable Garden) started in 2004 to celebrate and document France’s magnificent gardens. A Jardin Remarquable must meet the established criteria. The requirements include integration in the site, an interesting blend of vegetation, quality of the location, engaging use of plants and, where applicable, provide historical interest. …

Painting in Provence Sometimes when you meet someone, it feels like you have known them forever, which was the case with Tessa Baker. Warm and welcoming, Tessa is a talented artist who runs small-group painting holidays and workshops in Provence, Italy and beyond. She had invited me to join her …

Church Bells of Bonnieux Recently, we stayed in the hilltop village of Bonnieux in Provence’s Luberon where we were treated to a singular sensory experience. We reached out to Vincent Gils, the only carillonneur (bell-ringer) left in the Vaucluse area and one of few left in France. Vincent’s father, Bernard, …

Armchair travel never replaces the real thing, so you’ve decided to spend some holiday time in Provence. Whether this is your first trip or you are fortunate to have visited many times, booking the right accommodation should be at the top of your planning list. Ending up in a place …

Lourmarin in December It’s December and people everywhere are getting ready for Christmas. After weeks of blue skies and gentle warm days, it’s raining where I live in California and temperatures have plummeted. The puddles are splattered with the last remnants of autumn and the mornings are frosty with low …