Understanding the Cowboys of Provence Summer days in Provence are bathed in sunshine and surrounded by a chorus of cicadas. In the Bouches du Rhone, the blinding blue skies and the sweltering heat are also prime time for village festivals surrounding horse and bull events. These horsemen and women are …

Contributor blog post by Barefoot Blogger: When I heard there were going to be white horses racing on the beach at Saites-Maries-de-la-Mer, I couldn’t wait to get there. I sent a note to my photographer friend, Alan McBride, and suggested he join me with his fancy cameras. It was an …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: The cherry trees are flowering in Provence and there are punnets full of local tasty strawberries varieties at the local veg shop. We’ve officially (only today) moved into our new house and though we’re quite busy- …Continue reading here for Ashley’s list of all the festivals …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Is it just me or does anyone else feel a slight lull after Festival February that saw some major events here on the French Riviera – Nice Carnival, Fête du Citron, Fête du Mimosa etc?? Personally, I enjoy that each month there is always so …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Things are starting to feel decidedly spring-like here in Provence. There are orchids in the grass, the almond blossom has just waned in time for the pear trees to start budding. We’ve had, as seemingly everywhere, a mild winter. We haven’t had anywhere near as …

France is a country of foodies with broad ranging tastes. After all would you have thought of pairing foie gras with gingerbread? France is also the place with countless opportunities to try some downright strange things like sea urchins or oursin. On Sundays in February, there is a festival in …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: February is approaching quickly and it brings a number of excellent festivals to the French Riviera ranging from food fairs to flower parades and world class carnivals. With half term school holidays for Zone B (Alpes Maritimes and the Var) falling on the dates 06 …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: No snow yet this year! The villages of Provence become quiet after the holidays. People tend to stay in, stoke their living room fires, and leave a pot au feu (stew) on the stove for many hours. There are fewer of the festivals that celebrate …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: In the fall, there are fêtes celebrating the season of the chestnut – or marron. The sweet chestnut is known as the châtaigne and is a frequent visitor to autumn dining tables and village fêtes. Collobrières is a main town for the chestnut industry, …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: If you missed the Fete de la Courge at Rians a couple of weeks ago, you have a chance to visit another village en fete – this time Rognes. Their all-day Fête de la Courge will take place on Sunday 8th November, from 9:00 onwards …