Located in Gargas in the Luberon Valley, Mathieu Lustrerie is recognized worldwide for its chandelier restorations. A chandelier is more than just a light; it is an art form, and Mathieu Lustrerie merits the prestigious label Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV). The EPV designation is open to trades involved in …

“Les treize desserts” is an old Christmas tradition in Provence. Thirteen desserts are enjoyed after Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally representing Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Each guest must eat all thirteen desserts to guarantee good luck for the year to come. There must be a minimum of 13 desserts, but …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence Winter in Provence. What are the colder months like in the South of France? Is it a good time to visit? So many images of the Provence and the Côte d’Azur are summer scenes with ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with …

One of the more challenging aspects of moving to France for my wife was losing her garden. In Nashville, where we lived for almost twenty years, we had an acre of property with lots of room for her to plant multiple gardens. Here in Vence, we live in an apartment …

Few books capture my attention in the first paragraph, but Double Cross: The Second Crucifixion of Solomon Lunel certainly did. At almost 90 years old, Solomon Lunel prepared his Shabbat eve meal of aioli paired with Provençal rosé, evoking memories of his days in Marseille as a younger man. He …

Situated in the Bouches du Rhône, Aix-en-Provence may lack Marseille’s waterfront and beaches, but the beauty of Aix more than makes up for it. A day is hardly long enough to appreciate a city that began as a Roman settlement over 2,000 years ago. But it is possible with our …

The Rhône and Durance rivers are like bookends creating fluid boundaries of the Bouches du Rhône (mouth of the Rhône) while providing irrigation for the department’s agricultural land. After an 800 km journey from its source, the Rhône Glacier in Valais, Switzerland, the Rhône River yawns lazily into the Mediterranean …

Provence is rich in history. Visitors to the region are often interested in seeing ancient Roman ruins like those in St-Remy-de-Provence. But there are many places where you can find contemporary architecture in the south of France. Read below as we highlight some locations where you can find the works …

Lyon is the 3rd largest city in France and the French capital of gastronomy! With its beautiful old town, many restaurants, museums and shops, there are plenty of things to do in Lyon. Here are all our tips for your next road trip or a perfect weekend trip in Lyon. …

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 …