Contributor blog post by Jemma: This Saturday the roads in France are meant to be black. That’s what Bison Futé forecasts, anyway, in its annual summer traffic forecast, Le Panorama de l’été 2016. Saturday, July 30 – Saturday, August 6, too – are the summits of a French summer season …

Summer holidays call for easy recipes and portable meals that work just as well at the beach as on a buffet table. This summer picnic menu is inspired by the endless sunny days and cicada-filled symphonies of Provence. Enjoy summer dining al fresco with these simple to make, easy to pack and delicious …

Contributor blog post by Caroline Longstaffe: What is it that consistently draws people to Provence and to the Luberon in particular, that special ‘je ne sais quoi’ which make this region so utterly captivating? Aside from its natural beauty, perhaps its enduring appeal is, that it remains one of the …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: For 3 weeks each year everything in our house slows down, the TV is on all afternoon as we all get our annual hit of two of our favourite things – France & cycling. For us the Tour de France is just compulsive viewing, …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Ways to Stand out as a Tourist in Provence… Other than the Obvious Language Issue (disclaimer: these are gross generalisations made from our personal observations. If you’re feeling judged- don’t worry, I’ve been guilty of many of these) In a Restaurant You show up too …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: July 14th is the National Holiday of France (Bastille Day). To celebrate, you would think that in the spirit of Liberté, égalité, fraternité all French people would celebrate this holiday in the same way… It is true that there will be fireworks set off …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: My favourite painter that sells in Provençal markets is undoubtedly Grigore Dontu. This handsome Moldovian is a little camera shy (the mysterious silent type); however, since I see him so often (as I wander the markets so often) we’ve come to know each other. …

Inspired by the scenery to let out your inner artist the Ateliers Fourwinds Artist Retreat located just outside of Aureille it is a perfect venue for aspiring artists of all types. Or perhaps your inner artist could gain inspiration from American artist Jill Steenhuis who now paints Cezannes Provence. You can …

Bastille Day Celebrations Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille in Paris. Two years running, our village attempted to host fireworks on the 14th only to be stymied by the wind. Leave it to the Parisians to have their traditional parade on the Champs-Élysées. Eygalières was …

Did you know that wild strawberries grow in Provence? I couldn’t believe it when Robin first pointed them out to me. In this climate, you’ll often find the plants taking refuge in the shade, but they can be quite abundant. Once you recognize the distinctive toothed foliage, you’ll be seeing. …