By Caroline Longstaffe: Shopping in Lourmarin As we’ve spent increasing amounts of time in Lourmarin we’ve come to know more of the people in the village, all of whom have been warm and welcoming.  Like us, many of them are not originally from the area but similarly captivated by its’ enchantment have …

By Caroline Longstaffe: When Philippe Franc, the owner of La Maison FRANC first came to live in Pertuis, near Lourmarin, his neighbor welcomed him with a gift, a lavender wand or Coeur de Lavande. It was a defining moment and the first step in a story which led to the opening …

Wishing you a Perfectly Provence Holiday The holidays are here, and it’s time to wish everyone Merry Christmas – Joyeux Noël and all the best for a joyful season. However, before we head out on a little technology break, it’s time to acknowledge all our terrific contributors. Time Out in …

Keith Van Sickle just published his second book, “Are We French Yet? Keith & Val’s Adventures in Provence.” In a word the book is delightful. Please scroll to the bottom for giveaway details. Author Keith Van Sickle Few couples in Silicon Valley (or anywhere) would take a leap of faith …

Nestled among rolling vineyards between the historic city of Aix-en-Provence (14km) and the stunning Luberon Valley (21km), you will find Château La Coste. Purchased by Irish real estate developer Paddy McKillen in 2002, the ordinary has been transformed into the extraordinary. Château La Coste is now a stunning domain set within 600 …

It’s raining today in Provence and after nearly a month of clear, blue skies and gentle, warm autumnal days, temperatures have plummeted signalling the beginnings of winter. Nowhere, even Lourmarin, is idyllic in the rain, or is it? Perhaps enticed by the recently hung lights across the streets of the village …

An Artist in Provence Born in London, Tessa Baker’s spent her early years in the English countryside. Her creative education included Chelsea School of Art and later at Slade School of Fine Arts. Baker also studied culinary arts in Switzerland. Fast forward, she has painted for over 30 years, and …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: Recently someone who only had four days to spend in Provence asked me if I had to choose between a visit to Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, which would it be. Preferably I’d find the time for both but as stunning a city as Aix is, …

Provence Reads for Children The pages of these books are geared towards sparking your imagination and desire to travel to Provence. Whether you are a kid, the authors have crafted stories with enough interest for adult readers. NOTE: Click on the book images to order your copy. Affiliate Statement: Please …

Vincent Van Gogh Meets Provence Born in the Netherlands in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh started his painting in his twenties. Among his works were several themes, like self-portraits, landscapes, still life competitions, and plant paintings such as sunflowers and cypress trees. During these early times, most people did not appreciate …