Provence History

The Plague Wall of Provence – Mur de la Peste

May 9, 2019

Provence’s Plague Wall When most people hear of “the Plague,” they shudder and think of the Black Death that killed nearly a third of Europe’s population in the 1300’s. But did you know that as late as 1720 an outbreak in Provence took the lives over 100,000 people? And that the Pope and the King …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Explore · Villages Towns and Cities

Understanding The Merindol Massacre and Provence’s Dark Religious History

August 15, 2018

Plenty of villages in the Luberon Valley lay claim to les plus beaux villages de France (the most beautiful villages in France), and many of those proudly display Villages Fleuris (flowering villages) emblems on local street signs. Enchanted by weather-worn scenes of charming hilltop hamlets and gently numbed by a glass of chilled local rosé, it would …

Keith Van Sickle

The Legends of Provence: Monk Romée de Villeneuve a Fable

August 7, 2018

The following is my interpretation from the book “Legendes de Provence” by Eugene Bressy. This book is a series of short stories about the legends of Provence. I let you decide whether you choose to believe this fable or not. “There is no rampart against gossip.”—Molière Falling for Gossip One bright day in the 13th century the …

Inspire · Keith Van Sickle · Provencal History & Traditions

The Legends of Provence: The Tarasque Monster of Tarascon

July 12, 2018

During our last visit to Provence, I picked up a book called the “Legendes de Provence” by Eugene Bressy. This book is comprised of a series of short stories about the legends of Provence. In this series of posts, I will dive into some of these stories and let you decide whether you believe the legends …

Explore · Guest Post · Villages Towns and Cities

Step Back to The Beginning of Time Back at Musée d’ Histoire de Marseille

May 28, 2018

Marseille is the oldest town in France, so when you walk along by the Vieux Port, you are following in the footsteps of Greek fishermen, shopkeepers, sailors and traders who established their colony in 600 BC. They, and the Romans who arrived later have left traces that emerge so often when a new building takes …

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Airing Your Dirty Laundry, the Lavoirs of Provence the Place for Washing and Gossip

May 11, 2018

Kneeling on a garde genoux (wooden knee protector) by the edge of the public wash basin, local peasant-class women exchanged tidbits of town gossip as they worked tirelessly to brighten their laundry. Their weathered hands vigorously scrubbed away at stubborn stains as water sloshed against the shallow stone sides of the village lavoir in Provence. Before communal lavoirs, personal …

Ashley Tinker · Inspire

Provencal History Tale of The Sardine that Blocked the Port of Marseille

May 9, 2018

Do you know about the sardine that blocked the port of Marseille? As I was perusing local postcards at a local flea market in Provence, I came across a curious image. The postcard depicts an enormous sardine blocking the port of Marseille. The seller, taking advantage of my ignorance and confused expression, insisted that this …

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Seaside Villefranche 1-Bedroom Apartment

Sur le Toit is a charming, remodelled 1-bedroom vacation rental in Old Town Villefranche-sur-Mer with gorgeous views.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Holiday Cottages Near Toulon

Near Toulon and its Mediterranean beaches, Villa Bernice has 3 cottages available for holiday rentals. There is an apartment with two bedrooms suitable for 4 people and two studios for 2 persons.

Var
One Bedroom
Two Bedrooms

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Luberon B&B Absoluut Valvert

Exclusive and charming, this 5 room B&B is surrounded by nature yet is only a stone's throw from historical Bonnieux.

Luberon
Vaucluse
Bed and Breakfast

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Villefranche-sur-Mer Gem 1-bedroom holiday rental

Le Petit Bijou is a 1-bedroom apartment on Villefranche's waterfront. The apartment is fully outfitted, ideal for a Riviera holiday.

Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)
One Bedroom

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Charming Farmhouse In The Alpilles With Private Tennis Court

Les Oliviers is a restored Provencal farmhouse near Eygalières in the Alpilles. This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home comfortably sleeps 6 to 8 people. Explore the Alpilles villages or enjoy the extensive property, private tennis court and pool.

Alpilles
Four Bedrooms

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Provence Marketplace

Lavender Field Room Mist

Okanagan Lavender Field Room Mist is naturally scented with pure lavender essential oil and hydrosol, no synthetics or artificial fragrance. Spray in a room or directly on your bed linens, then lay back, close your eyes and breathe in the calming aroma of a beautiful field of lavender. (Shipping in Canada only).

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Maison Pichon Braided Ceramic Baskets

My French Country Home is showcasing Maison Pichon braided ceramic baskets. These decorative pottery stands are beautiful decorations but equally practical on your kitchen counter for fruit or other objects. Available in two colours, the Maison Pichon products are handmade in Uzes.

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Shallot Vinegar from Chateau d’Estoublon in Provence

Chosen by My French Country Home at the famous Château d'Estoublon in Provence’s Alpilles, this white vinegar is carefully mixed with fresh shallots. A key ingredient in classic French vinaigrette, shallot vinegar adds a touch of elegance to green salads. Drizzle gently over oysters or shellfish for a special touch. Try it now to bring real French style to your kitchen.

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Table and Home Decor Collection in Jacquard Fabric

Fresh and bright, a lovely magnolia pattern adorns the jacquard weave fabric, a sturdy blend of cotton and polyester for durability. The collection includes a table cloth, table runner, placemats, and cushion covers.

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Hand Rolled Beeswax Candles

Lucienne is one of the signature candles fabricated by Apis Cera. Rolled by hand these 100% pure beeswax candles come in a box of 9. The honeycomb wax is rolled around a cotton wick with an approximate burning time of 5 hours.

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Extra Virgin Olive Oil from the Alpilles in Provence

Château d’Estoublon located near Fontvieille produces an exceptional olive oil from olives grown on the estate in the Alpilles. Harvested and produced on the property, this premium olive oil showcases Mediterranean terroir, making it a must-have for any kitchen. Available in 4 flavours.

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Eco-friendly Wine Cooler Bag from Provence

Le Rob'Fresh is a chic, lightweight (200g - 7 oz) cooler bag for transporting your wine bottle or beverage. The cooler bag can hold 1.8 kg, is available in a collection of motifs, and is machine-washable (in cold). The fabric is OEKO-TEX® certified, and the bags have an environmentally-friendly kraft gel pack. The small Rob'Fresh version is L 36 cm (14 in) x H 19cm (7 in) x W 9 cm (3.5 in). Price is 23€ + shipping.

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Ceramic Baskets by Maison Pichon

Maison Pichon is known for its distinctive corbeilles tressées, intricately braided ceramic baskets made nowhere else. These delicate creations are meant to serve as fruit bowls but can also be dressed with dried flowers to make a centrepiece. Made by hand, each basket can take up to a month to complete.

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Glass Pitcher for your Table

Fill this pitcher with water, lemonade or your favourite cocktail, and it will brighten your table. Made in France by a long-standing glass manufacturer, the bee pattern is a nod to Emperor Napoleon.

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Provence History

The Plague Wall of Provence – Mur de la Peste

Understanding The Merindol Massacre and Provence’s Dark Religious History

The Legends of Provence: Monk Romée de Villeneuve a Fable

The Legends of Provence: The Tarasque Monster of Tarascon

Step Back to The Beginning of Time Back at Musée d’ Histoire de Marseille

Airing Your Dirty Laundry, the Lavoirs of Provence the Place for Washing and Gossip

Provencal History Tale of The Sardine that Blocked the Port of Marseille

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