In a month’s time, I shall be visiting vineyards in the Negev desert and the archaeological remains of the ancient Nabatean kingdom. Splendid remains of buildings and extensive evidence of large scale agriculture and winemaking indicate the richness of this area in ancient times. The 1st century BCE historian Strabo …

These trees can be bought at the “Marché de Sapin” on Rue Carnot that is impressively open 7 days a week until Christmas! Today and tomorrow Avignon is particularly in the mood for some Christmas spirit. Carols are playing all throughout the town and the fairy lights have been left …

Cover of 1953 “Rustica” magazine which covers mostly rural subject matter. Some great images of chickens! I personally love looking through magazines from a different era. What interests me in particular is the advertisements. I like to look out for what might be very different today- or not! I picked …

Contibutor blog post by Victoria Koning @Mirabeau Wine: Sir Francis of Assisi established the tradition of nativity scenes in 1223 with live enactments by people and animals during the midnight mass on Christmas eve in his church of Greccio, Italy. The tradition halted after the French Revolution, when many churches …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Ho ho ho! The festive season has crept up on me once again and I’ve been so busy with my kids picking up every cough or virus found on a school playground, and juggling lots of Christmas events that I didn’t get around to …

Contributor blog post by Mirabeau Wine: Wine is a great Christmas present for many reasons, as long as it’s appropriate…i.e. you are not giving it to your spouse who’s really expecting a diamond ring or to someone who’s teetotal.  But it’s a fantastic present for family and friends as well …

Christmas markets in France are becoming increasingly popular every year, yet when many people think of Christmas markets in Europe, France probably doesn’t even spring to mind. A quick internet search will throw up many suggestions for Germany and Austria, maybe Belgium too, but France doesn’t often feature. Continue reading …

Recently, author and Perfectly Provence contributor PJ Adams visited the Strasbourg Christmas Market. PJ wrote this article following her trip to France where she compares the seasonal holiday traditions between Alsace and Provence. Keep reading for PJ’s tasty Christmas post on sauerkraut, gingerbread, calissons and nougat. Strasbourg France, the “Capital …

Contributor blog post by Jill Barth: Join me here, on Twitter or Instagram for my traditional 12 Days of Wine. Combining photography, wine facts and vineyard history we’ll enjoy a treat each day to celebrate the season of cheer. After we’ve woven through 12 days, I’ll offer my tips on …

Contributor blog post by Elizabeth Gabay: Vin cuit and the 13 desserts are a traditional combination served at Christmas in Provence. Today, however, the 13 desserts are often only symbolically represented – with baskets filled with a selection of dried and glacé fruits and nuts, available in most food shops around …