Spring is Upon us! Or, at least, it is here. The almonds are blooming and it’s about 20 degrees in the sun. I remember growing up in Montréal when you could smell the spring mud and ice thawing, there would always be one last snow generally right before my birthday …

Almonds, olives, tomatoes, and citrus fruit are some of the culinary signatures of the Mediterranean climate. In Provence, the citrus groves are found on the Côte d’Azur near Menton. There is no question that a visit Menton one year during the Fête du Citron is on my travel bucket list. However, …

The lavender season may be over for another year in Provence, but the locally-grown citrus will be available shortly. Perhaps these Lemon-Lavender Hearts (Coeur à la Crème au Citron et Lavande) are the perfect dessert to bridge the gap between seasons in the South of France. The combination of sweet lemon curd and cream cheese blended into a delicious finish to any meal.

I’m very happy to share some tips for families visiting the French Riviera, being a ‘local’ I sometimes forget where the hidden gems are myself. The French Riviera is a great place for families with an appealing mix of culture, outdoor activities and great climate adding up to a holiday …

Menton is a commune in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It’s the last major town before leaving the French Riviera, wedged in-between the French-Italian border. It’s a place where you can tickle the turquoise sea, or enjoy the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Whether you call it the …

#1 Nice Carnival, Nice 11 February – 25 February 2017 One of the world’s biggest carnivals, the 2017 theme for this annual event is ‘King of the Energy’. Fabulous flower battles, parades with floats and costumed actors and animations ensure a family-friendly event with plenty of entertainment. My top tips:  …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Is it just me or does anyone else feel a slight lull after Festival February that saw some major events here on the French Riviera – Nice Carnival, Fête du Citron, Fête du Mimosa etc?? Personally, I enjoy that each month there is always so …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Menton on the French-Italian border is blessed with high sunshine hours and it is this climate that supports the growth of citrus fruits, in particular the famous Mentonnais lemon. Each year in February the town celebrates its citrusy wonders by hosting Fête du Citron, literally …

Remarkable French Gardens If you need another reason to head to the Mediterranean coast, there are 14 gardens registered as Jardins remarquable (Remarkable Gardens) near the Côte d’Azur. Visit any one of these verdant paradises created by gardening enthusiasts and get lost in the beautiful scenery. Spread along the coastline …

Wishing you the happiest 2019! Hoping that readers have had a restful festive season – locking out the realities of the world for a few days. French Riviera Winter Festivals The ferris wheel in Nice might soon be “taking a rest” but the French Riviera never sleeps. Your waistbands may be …