Excellent Olive Oil Provence in the Var
Chef Burnell ShivelyLocal Food ProducersTaste

Excellent Olive Oil from the Var the Tastes of Provence

Few things exist so precious and beneficial to our health and happiness than that pure, liquid gold – olive oil. Softening, calming and astringent, olive oil nourishes strengthens and protects us inside and out. Containing vitamins E and K, omegas 3 and 6, and phenolic compounds, olive oil promotes anti-oxidant …

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Saignon Luberon Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Top 9 Luberon Villages to Visit in Provence

The Luberon region in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France is known for its picturesque villages and stunning natural beauty. These nine (9) villages are considered must-sees in the Luberon Valley: Ansouis You’ll find the village of Ansouis tucked inside the Parc naturel regional du Luberon. It is built …

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Mont Ventoux Vines
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottRestaurant RecommendationsTaste

The Mont Ventoux Villages and Our Top Restaurant Picks

Chefs in Provence build their menus around seasonal, locally available produce, small-batch cheeses, ethically raised meats and Mediterranean seafood. However, as a visitor, knowing where to go for good value food is not always evident. So we asked the owners of Le Prieuré La Madelène for suggestions on places they …

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Mont Ventoux France en Velo Biking Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Near Mont Ventoux 4 Villages You Should Visit

Mont Ventoux soars from the Provencal orchards and vineyards to its stark limestone summit at 1909 metres (6,263 ft). In the winter, the top of Mont Ventoux can have snow, and then a tiny ski hill operates. The stark white limestone peak is visible all year from a fair distance …

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Tips Cycling Mont Ventoux
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottExploreVillages Towns and Cities

6 Wine Villages in the Rhône Valley Near Mont Ventoux

If you like French wine, there is a good chance that you have sampled some vintages from the Rhône Valley. Some vineyards in the southern Rhône are near the famous Mont Ventoux – Provence’s giant mountain. This article focuses on six (6) villages in the Côtes du Rhône wine region. …

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Puyloubier Near Aix-en-Provence Trets
AixcentricExploreVillages Towns and Cities

Ideas for a Visit to Puyloubier Near Aix-en-Provence

While Provence provides many opportunities to visit local vineyards or village cooperatives, this one is close to Aix-en-Provence. Here is a parcours for a visit to Puyloubier, a village a short drive east from Aix. Situated on the lower slopes of the Sainte-Victoire, its vineyards are covered by the appellation …

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Mont Ventoux Protected Biosphere
ExplorePaula KaneVillages Towns and Cities

Mont Ventoux a Protected Biosphere for Cyclists and Wine Lovers

Between the intense month-plus-long heatwave and lack of rain this past summer, our planet is obviously not happy. There was a moment during the pandemic when the planet was given a chance to take a big breath of fresh air. But that didn’t last long, and we are back to …

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Villedieu a Vaucluse Village
ExploreOur House in ProvenceVillages Towns and Cities

Head to Villedieu a Vaucluse Village for a Provencal Lunch

As long-time readers of Our House in Provence blog know, one of our favourite villages besides Sablet is Villedieu. It’s a small village (population 505), built on a hill overlooking vineyards, olive grows and pine trees near the Eygues River on the border of the Drome Provencale. Villedieu is located …

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A Visit to Mougins, centre ville
ExploreGayle PadgettVillages Towns and Cities

A Visit to Mougins and 5 Things To Do

While in Mougins to give a talk on my latest book, The Birdwatcher’s Wife, I was delighted to reacquaint myself with the enchanting area. My previous visit had been three years ago when I made a presentation on my first book, Passion for Provence: 22 Keys to La Belle Vie. …

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Le moulin de Pallières official photo
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

The Pallières Windmill in Pennes-Mirabeau Back to Milling Flour

Named after a rocky outcrop in Pennes-Mirabeau, the 18th-century Pallières windmill stopped working sometime between 1862-66. Finally, after a lengthy restoration project commencing in 2019, the mill is functioning and open for visitors. Once again, sitting on its rocky ledge, the Pallières windmill has operational blades and a dedicated miller …

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