Are you shopping for book lovers? Here is our 2024 holiday gift guide for books from Provence for those on your list who love reading, travelling, and dreaming of France. These books are for anyone who wants a literary “dose” of Provence. 2024 Holiday Gift Guide Books Whether you have …

In Provence, Christmas is a festive season lasting over two months with many holiday traditions. While there are commercial aspects to the holidays in Provence and the rest of France, many old customs continue today. At this time of year, there is vin chaud, little saints (santons), thirteen desserts, holiday …

Whether you are a keen skier, you probably recognize famous French ski resorts such as Val d’Isère, Courchevel, Chamonix, Méribel and Megève. It may surprise some people that besides lavender and rosé, Provence has several ski resorts readily accessible from major centres such as Aix-en-Provence, Marseille and Nice. So, if …

Growing up, the beginning of winter was marked by the first pot au feu appearing on our table. My mother’s version is more traditional and typical of what you would find in most homes. It is made with different cuts of beef that are slowly simmered together. The vegetables are …

One of my French students, Mary Katherine, wanted to visit the French Riviera during her immersion homestay in Provence. It was January, a lovely month to see the Côte d’Azur. It is not beach weather, but it is generally sunny and, with the proper layers, comfortable for touring around. Plus, …

The Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm is one of over 5,400 farms in western Canada’s Thompson-Okanagan Region. This family-operated farm grows flowers and herbs on its property, producing high-quality botanical products. They sell products for face and skin care, aromatherapy, and culinary items such as herbes de Provence. Shop for …

Fall in Provence is my absolute favourite time of year. Since it is la récolte season, it is a time to harvest figs, pears, apples, pumpkins, butternut squash, and chestnuts. The grape harvest in Provence, known as la vendange, often starts in late August or September, depending on the year. …

Students who join me in Provence for a French immersion experience want to improve their French and explore the region. Our home and Mas de Trois Pins studio are in Rousset, a village near Mont Sainte Victoire. This article highlights a few of the hiking trails on this mountain. It …

Provence, known for its scorching summers, may not seem ideal for ice production. Yet, between 1650 and 1885, many ice houses (glacières) were ingeniously constructed in the region. This historical innovation, born out of necessity, is a testament to the resourcefulness and some royal assistance. Ice Production Provence’s Glacières In …

When students join me in Provence for a French immersion stay, I want to make sure that they improve their language skills and also get a chance to visit the region. Below are a few excursions from Aix-en-Provence that I have taken with students during their visits. Some of these …