Now is the time to pick wild figs in Provence. White and violet figs alike are ripe on the wild ‘figuier’ trees that grow anywhere close to water sources here in Provence. I’m always amazed how these resistant (almost invasive) trees can root themselves between rocks and grow 30 feet …

The summer truffle-hunts have wound down, and it’s too early to look for the black diamond beauties, but the Pepins refuse to take a break! Instead, they invite you to come on over and get your feet dirty…or rather purple. For some background on this Franco-American truffle-hunting couple, please read …

This beautiful art book illustrates the many different ways people choose to live in Provence. It is part of a “Living in…” series of publications about living in different parts of the world including places like Tuscany or Bali. This particular volume was published in 2012 to celebrate the 25th …

The Luberon in Provence is best known for its beautiful ‘villages perchés’ which visitors flock to in large numbers especially during July and August. Many are unaware of the existence of Pont Julien and indeed some visitors simply stumble upon it while visiting the most well known of these villages, …

By Krista Bender Ok. If there was heaven on earth this is my slice of it. Today we arrived at the Chateau at 10 am. We took a tour of the property. Acres of land. Beautiful majestic land. Patricia told us she starts her day by jumping in the pool …

Millions of years of seismic activity, tectonic plate movement and freeze-thaw cycles created the diverse geology of present-day Provence. The region is also known as the Bouches de Rhône where the Mediterranean shoreline runs the gambit of beaches, brackish wetlands and vertigo-inducing cliffs. Other natural phenomena in the area include …

“Someday you’ll be glad you’ve seen this,” was the theme of a recent tour of Nimes and Pont du Gard with my 10-year-old visitor, McKenna. As spectacular and amazing as seeing an ancient Roman aqueduct or coliseum might seem, most children would rather …Continue reading here

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer I had to laugh this morning when my eldest asked what letter of the alphabet I’d reached in my A-Z – I replied M, he then started to ask what I was going to write about then checked himself by saying ‘Stupid Question….. It’s …

The south is a world of light. Luminescent brightness is the first, clearest and most lasting impression it makes when you arrive, and its absence is what hits you when you go back north. For a painter, the challenge is somehow to evoke this world using colours and canvas. It’s …

Epicureanism evolved as a philosophy from the teachings of Epicurus who lived around 307 BC. The Epicurean view included friendship and living a virtuous and temperate life. What are some ways to lead a simple life? We love the idea of enjoying food, specifically food from our gardens. Learn more about Epicurus …