For over a century the striking Hotel Negresco has been the favourite holiday destination for celebrities, royalty, millionaires, and politicians. This magnificent belle-époque building, instantly recognizable by its pink domed roof, stands proudly on the promenade des Anglais in Nice. The hotel celebrated its centennial in 2013. Five centuries of …

Our village, like many in southern France, has a semi-permanent population; one of the first questions asked on being introduced is whether or not we are here all year round. A fairly cosmopolitan atmosphere is enjoyed here, particularly throughout the summer months, evident at the annual 14th July celebrations opposite …

Summer is still here! With the hot weather, the options for outdoor activities expand as attractions and sightseeing operators open for the season. However, some of the best family-friendly activities are free and right on our doorstep! Around 40 minutes’ drive from where I live is the start of the …

The 2016 season has begun, a sure sign of which is the reopening of many of our favourite restaurants. La Bartavelle is a small cosy restaurant seating about 20 covers in the back streets of Goult. The menu at 45 € offers an amuse-bouche followed by a choice of two …

In 2003, Clément Demontis first arrived in Avignon; to attend l’Université d’Avignon. Clément followed his undergraduate studies (history and geography) with a Master’s degree in history, so he is well qualified to share the city’s historical facts. Avignon Authentic Stories, Clément’s tour company, launched in 2014 (first tours in 2015). …

I’m a real Francophile and have stayed in more than one hundred towns, cities, villages and hamlets in France. Twenty-two of these have been in Provence, the shortest for one night, the longest for four months. Every time I plan a trip to Provence, the dilemma is where to choose… …

Admittedly, it would be a tough choice for anyone to pick between, between the lush gardens of the UK, the sunny skies of California and postcard perfect Provence. Caroline Longstaffe’s solution was to start writing a blog Shutters and Sunflowers her artistic outlet for west coast beauty, British heritage and …

Like an old postcard or an entry in a dusty travel journal the city of Nice has long summoned me to return and I did! The half-moon smile of Baie des Anges still grins under 300+ days of sunshine as locals and tourists slide by on the Promenade des Anglais. …

Contributor blog post by David Taylor: France is of course renowned for its gastronomy and in Provence one of the most famous dishes is the Bouillabaisse, originating from Marseille. We ate at one of our favourite restaurants (in the world!) this week , which specialises in this great dish. A …

By David Taylor Eating out in big cities is always difficult as there is so much choice and one wants to avoid the tourist traps. We have eaten at Cote Cours on the Cours Mirabeau three times and enjoyed all occasions although lunches were our favourite. On Saturday we ate …