Explore the Var The Var is a large geographical and administrative department in Provence. It includes varied terrain from seaside towns to the Îles d’Hyères Archipelago (including Porquerolles) to France’s Grand Canyon – the Gorges de Verdon. From the Mediterranean to the foothills of the Southern Alps, this region offers …

Chefs in Provence build their menus around seasonal, locally available produce, small-batch cheeses, ethically raised meats and Mediterranean seafood. However, as a visitor, knowing where to go for good value food is not always evident. So we asked the owners of Le Prieuré La Madelène for suggestions on places they …

Located in Provence’s wine country, Fontaine des Magnarelles is a delightful Bed and Breakfast (B&B). The 18th-century Provençal country house, constructed with traditional stone, has five spacious guest bedrooms. In addition, there is a communal space with room for sharing meals, playing board games, and planning excursions. Each morning guests …

Recently, I’ve seen quite a few questions about whether it’s possible to visit the Luberon without coming by car. The queries range from how to get to the area from airports across France to whether it’s possible to explore once they arrive. The simple answer to them all is yes. …

Mont Ventoux soars from the Provencal orchards and vineyards to its stark limestone summit at 1909 metres (6,263 ft). In the winter, the top of Mont Ventoux can have snow, and then a tiny ski hill operates. The stark white limestone peak is visible all year from a fair distance …

Le Prieuré La Madelène Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is the site of a former 12th-century Benedictine monastery nestled just outside the village of Malaucène at the foot of Mont Ventoux. This B&B with five (5) guestrooms and a private cottage (gîte) is a few minutes from Vaison La Romaine. Surrounded …

If you like French wine, there is a good chance that you have sampled some vintages from the Rhône Valley. Some vineyards in the southern Rhône are near the famous Mont Ventoux – Provence’s giant mountain. This article focuses on six (6) villages in the Côtes du Rhône wine region. …

Looking at the Mediterranean while sipping a crisp glass of Rolle at a vineyard confirms the City of Nice’s enviable location on the French Riviera. Historians believe that wine grapes have grown in the vineyards of Bellet since Phocean mariners settled in Massalia (Marseille) and Nice near the Baie des …

Holiday Wishes! Happy, Healthy Holidays to all! After a year that felt a little more “normal”, it’s time to wish all our readers and partners the best for this joyful season. However, before we head out on a technology break, we want to acknowledge all our terrific contributors: Inspired by …

Between the intense month-plus-long heatwave and lack of rain this past summer, our planet is obviously not happy. There was a moment during the pandemic when the planet was given a chance to take a big breath of fresh air. But that didn’t last long, and we are back to …