Active Provence Winter Holiday It’s never too early to start thinking about your winter getaway. Perhaps the warm winter sunshine along the French Riviera coast in Provence is tempting. Maybe you are drawn to traditional skiing and snowboarding in France’s Savoie region or in Liguria’s Piedmont. We are truly blessed …

What is the Mistral Wind? Most of us who have lived or even visited Provence have experienced the mistral, that riotous and mysterious wind that blows down the Rhône Valley, usually without warning. Think back to the opening scene of the movie “Chocolat,” watching the wind move the mother and …

By Caroline Longstaffe Provencal Antiques Sunday morning is market day in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Known throughout Europe for its astounding array of antique shops, alongside its’ conventional Provencal market, this charming town also hosts an incredible Sunday antique market. Just 39km from Lourmarin, the pretty drive through the Luberon Valley takes about …

Places to Visit in Provence The region is one of the most visited areas in France. From bustling, edgy Marseille to the red cliffs of Cassis, fragrant lavender fields of the Luberon, Aix-en-Provence’s colourful markets, wine and art. There’s something in Provence to please everyone. No wonder it’s everyone’s favourite. …

What is Candied Fruit? Don’t ask your nutritionist’s permission when it comes to candied fruit. The answer is obviously yes. The process of converting fresh fruit to a crystallized version takes lots of time and even more sugar syrup. Sometimes referred to as fruit glacé in France. The Arabs brought …

Biot Museum Have you visited the Musée Fernand Léger at Biot? It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to this major 20th-century artist who lived and worked in the town. It is also one of the few Musées Nationales de France dedicated to a single artist. Purpose-built and spacious, its …

Good news, plums are healthy, full of vitamins and low in calories. However, since I cannot resist buying the fresh plums and apricots at the farmers market, it was time to make something with all the fruit. Enjoy this plum tart.

Fêtes de la Tarasque Don’t miss this quirky Provencal festival. There are dragons in the streets and much more to entertain all ages. We were preparing to leave Nice and fly back to London. And, just out of curiosity, I had a peek at what was going on in Provence. …

My wife and I live part of the year in St-Rémy-de-Provence and we love all the great local wines. They come in any colour you like—red, white, and pink—and range from inexpensive quaffers to bottles you’d be proud to serve to anyone. Our Top Provencal Wines Over time we’ve visited …

Mystery Novels set in Provence Provence may not spring to mind as a setting for a mystery, but these authors think so. If you enjoy a who-done-it, this collection of murders, thefts, drug busts and generally bad actors is for you. Settings include Provencal vineyards, art galleries, and the chic …