Pagnol Garlaban GNU Guillaume de clermont 60 Writer Marcel Pagnol Provence
Books on ProvenceInspireKeith Van Sickle

2024 Celebrating Author Marcel Pagnol in Provence After 50 Years

2024 is the year of Marcel Pagnol in Provence, marking the 50th anniversary of his death in 1974. Several special events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the life and works of this brilliant author and filmmaker. Pagnol Celebrations The festivities begin in Aubagne on February 28, Pagnol’s …

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Jewish Provence Carpentras synagogue site
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

10 Historic Jewish Sites in Provence

France has a thriving Jewish community, the third largest in the world after Israel and the United States. And while today Paris is the center of French Jewish life, this wasn’t always the case. That center was Provence for centuries, thanks to a surprising protector: the Pope. This article covers …

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Fête de la Transhumance in Provence's Tinée Valley
InspireProvencal History & TraditionsSteve Wilkison

My Fête de la Transhumance Experience in Provence’s Tinée Valley

A Sea of Sheep I pressed my back tight against the stone facade of the ancient house on the narrow street where I stood. Around me were dozens of other people doing the same. How, I wondered, was that huge mass of sheep barreling toward us going to fit through? …

READ MORE  My Fête de la Transhumance Experience in Provence’s Tinée Valley
Place d’Albertas in Aix-en-Provence
AixcentricInspireProvencal History & Traditions

Place d’Albertas in Aix-en-Provence Time for Improvements

According to information from the Mairie in Aix-en-Provence, the long-running saga of this 18th-century square might be resolved soon. The ‘travaux’ should begin quickly and will last nine months. The square dates back to 1745 when the d’Albertas family, who lived in the large building opposite what was then a …

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Legends of Mont Ventoux
InspireKeith Van SickleProvencal History & Traditions

Provençal Legends of Mont Ventoux and the Mistral

I recently read Le Dit du Mistral, by Olivier Mak-Bouchard, an entertaining book set in Provence. The author, who grew up in the Luberon, weaves fact and legend into the story of two neighbours who discover an ancient relic, and the adventures that follow. Reading the book taught me a …

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Grotte Chauvet by Torchlight
InspireKeith Van SickleWhat's On Provence & Cote d'Azur

Grotte Chauvet a Chance to See the Prehistoric Art by Torchlight

The Grotte Chauvet 2 is one of the wonders of France. Called “the cave of forgotten dreams,” it is the near-perfect replica of a cave filled with paintings made more than 30,000 years ago—the oldest ever discovered. Not only is the art recreated, but the entire cave is replicated down …

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Les Baux de Provence
Carolyne Kauser-AbbottInspireProvencal History & Traditions

8 Châteaux Castles of Provence to Visit

Perched on hilltops throughout the region, the castles of Provence are intriguing. These seemingly impenetrable fortresses have stone foundations and ramparts for defensive purposes. Reflective of turbulent periods in French history, many of the châteaux in southern France were built on summits maximising the ability to anticipate enemy approach. Today, …

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Sunflowers in Provence Mornas
ExploreOur House in ProvenceVillages Towns and Cities

Sunflowers in Provence Near the Fortress of Mornas

Last July, we went to Provence for the first time in a while. Although I wrote about our favourite things in Provence shortly before our trip, seasonal “floral” attractions such as red poppies, lavender, and sunflowers are high on our list. Since July is sunflower season, we set off one …

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History Pigeonniers of France
Guest PostInspireProvencal History & Traditions

History the Pigeonniers of France in Perspective

Beautiful Bird Homes Thousands of pigeonniers, or pigeon towers, dot the landscape of the south of France. If you look for them, you will quickly realise that they come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Arguably, no creature has had more beautiful homes built for it than …

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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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