Christmas Traditions in Provence This year, all I wanted for Christmas was santons – those little clay Provençal figurines that pop up every Christmas in the south of France. They’re part of the local Nativity scenes, and every person in the village is represented. I began collecting santons when I …

Winter Festivals and Events in Provence What is winter like in Provence? It’s a good question. So, many images of the South of France are summer scenes; ribbons of blooming lavender fields, glasses of rosé with beads of condensation and beautiful people in enjoying their holidays. Perhaps wintertime in Provence garners less …

Retired and living in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence since 2011, even after a decade, Gayle Smith Padgett and her hubby Ralph continue their exploration of the region. In 2019, they embarked on “The Big Birding,” a 12-month project they decided would feed Ralph’s passion for birding and test Gayle’s logistical, writing, and record-keeping …

“The chandelier is a jewel that never goes out of style.” ~ Mathieu Lustrerie website Régis Mathieu is a true artisan. His expertise lies in working with bronze, creating, and restoring chandeliers. After his father’s passing, he assumed the helm of the family business in 1990 – Mathieu Lustrerie. The …

We went to Avignon so Shirley could shop, so I took the opportunity to walk around and see what was new or different after our long absence. One of the first things I noticed, this was the first time in a long time that the Opera – Theater of Avignon …

Aix-en-Provence is a moderate-sized city in the Bouches du Rhône department of Provence. Home to Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) and several prestigious Lycées, the city has a dynamic vibe and a long history. Initially settled by the Romans in 122 BC, Aix is one of the most visited cities in Provence. …

Beautiful Alpilles Established in 2007, the Parc Naturel Régional des Alpilles covers the mountain range and its flanks. As a protected natural area, there are restrictions on construction and park usage. However, the artifacts from human settlements discovered in these hills date back to the Neolithic era, and the range …

The amazing region of Provence, France, has so many wonderful places to explore and points of interest to check out that it is almost impossible to decide my favourites. After not going to Sablet because of the pandemic for more than 1 year and 1/2, I am trying to figure …

Artists and the Sacred Mountain Mont Sainte-Victoire was a recurring subject in Paul Cézanne’s paintings. The painter born in Aix-en-Provence completed over 30 canvases, in oil and watercolour, of the mountain situated to the east of the city. On the other hand, Pablo Picasso chose to not paint “Cézanne’s Mountain” …

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 …