Provence takes a long time to wake up in the morning. Especially on market days in Aix-en-Provence. It may be cold, grey, and dark when the market vendors arrive, but eventually, the market starts to buzz when the sun rises. Vendors begin arriving at 5:30 am for set up. I …

Ice cream is exquisite. What a pity it isn’t illegal. ~ Voltaire* Susan Gish writes: Sam and I had a really tough assignment over the summer doing the research for this article (she said sarcastically). But someone has to do it, so instead of worrying about getting rid of those …

Spring Events in Provence Spring in Provence is lovely. As is the case with most of the year, the sun shines brightly, but expect the odd rainstorm. Moisture in this period is critical for the grapes, olives, and almonds to start their growing cycles. In March and April, expect to …

Carrières de Lumières, the former quarry now a centre for immersive art displays, has announced its theme for 2021, and it should prove popular with the Aixois. The 2021 show, at Les Baux de Provence, will celebrate the work of Paul Cezanne. This show’s design and production are being masterminded …

Holiday Traditions Christmas in Provence takes place, as in most regions of France, with family. It is a traditional holiday loaded with Christian symbols. The festivities start at the beginning of December at the time of Saint Barbara. Noël en Provence se passe, comme dans la plupart des régions de …

Provence is one of the many regions in France blessed with breath-taking landscapes and incredible food. Most people associate the area with summer activities, lavender fields, and rosè wine. But Provence is much more than that. This fantastic region opens its arms to protect you from the cold, dark months …

I’m always on the lookout for interesting spots in the Alpilles, and I’ve recently found a new one! Les Gourmandises de To is an Epicerie Gourmande in the countryside between Saint Remy de Provence and Les Baux de Provence. I visited a couple of days ago after the market in …

Exploring the Provencal market stands piled high with seasonal produce, fragrant fresh fruit, buckets of just-picked flowers, table linens and bright pottery is pure delight. However, it’s not always rewarding for market vendors facing early mornings, erratic weather, and fickle crowds. Determined to carry on an artisanal tradition, Elsa Lenthal, …

Olives from Provence In the Alpilles, near the Vallée des Baux, there is nothing that signals that autumn has arrived more than the olive harvest. The exact timing of the récolte depends on Mother Nature’s impact on the fruit’s maturity. Like every crop, farmers hope to get the timing right …

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 …