Launched in 1995, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) Les Baux de Provence was a bold step for a dozen winemakers. They joined forces in an attempt to carve out a unique identity in the ocean of mediocre (at the time) Provencal wine. These wineries had fallen under the umbrella of the …

I’ve always loved fabrics, their feel, the patterns of their weave or printed design, the richness of their colours, as well as their potential for being transformed into the functional or the beautiful, the mundane or the luxurious. They also have a rich and fascinating history. Stone loom weights, used …

How do you test a hotel’s 5-star rating? Forget about checking for dust on picture frames — deliver a thunderstorm in the middle of a meal service. L’Orangerie’s terrace was brimming with lunchtime customers enjoying their market-fresh plats du jour and local rosés when the typically far-reaching view of the Luberon vanished …

We all know that house hunting is an emotional experience and that the majority of house buying decisions is made on first impressions alone. Most house hunters will say is that a house must “feel right.” There’s nothing wrong with listening to your instinct, as long as you keep in …

Is it time for a renovation? Are you are looking for inspiration for tired finishes? Wondering about the latest home decor trends? Samantha Mureau of Trendline Europe and Mariel Vanbremeersch owner of La Baleine Rouge in Marseille have teamed up to bring 30 designers together under one roof in Aix-en-Provence. …

Provence is a rich environment for writers. Peter Mayle sparked a trend for books about Provence, but reading fiction set locally is fun. Mary Lou Longworth has penned a series of crime novels based in and around Aix. Starting with Death at the Chateau Bremont. Books Set in Provence For …

It is your holiday in Provence; my job is to help make the most of every moment! (Jane Satow) Nearly ten years ago, Jane Satow and her husband Basil let a dream become a reality. Driven by a sense of adventure and love of French culture, they decided to move …

Clos Saint Paul is located just outside the village of Mazan in Provence’s Vaucluse. The 260-year-old building previously operated as a chambre d’hôte (B&B) for visitors interested in exploring Mont Ventoux and the villages of the Dentelles. This private, six-bedroom house is now owned by a group of Canadians who …

I got back to Europe from Australia this morning. As usually happens when I go home to Sydney, people (especially those who I don’t know very well) kept asking me: “When are you coming home?” (ie moving home. growing up. Coming back to reality – it’s a loaded question – I’ve been travelling pretty much since …

Nutmeg had a few items on her to-do list; number one was to replenish the wine stock before Ginger arrived. The challenge was making a decision in the Alpilles given the number of vineyards nearby. On this particular occasion, she chose Domaine de la Vallongue as they had reopened their boutique after …