Customs and terminology can be confusing in a foreign country, and France is no exception. North Americans and other international travellers might not understand (or search for) terms like gîte, mazet, chambres d’hôtes, or hôtel de charme. What is a Gîte? A gîte is a terrific option for holiday rentals …

Finding the perfect holiday rental for a large group of family or friends is daunting. Balancing the group’s desires for comfort, privacy, and proximity to attractions takes research and a stroke of luck. Ferme du Val hits all the high notes with accommodation for 14 people in seven (7) double …

Surrounded by olive trees, grapevines and backing onto a private woodland Les Vallons has jaw-dropping views in every direction. Once part of a hamlet, the home was fully restored by the British owners to create a holiday rental home that can sleep 12 comfortably. Les Vallons was constructed in traditional …

A decade after the publication of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence, Georgina Causton and her partner took a sabbatical year in Provence. Instead of returning to London, they bought three properties creating luxury rental villas that they call Paradis en Provence. Luxury Holiday Villas Situated in the heart of …

December Holiday Shake-up Christmas holiday routines can get a bit tedious, and for many people, overwhelming. Why not mix things up this year and book a week in Provence near Isle sur la Sorgue? Delightful Domaine de Palerme, near Isle sur la Sorgue, is available for Christmas or the New …

Back in October, our lovely foodie friends Alexandra Dudley, Laura Jackson and Billy & Jack visited us (see Cooking up some serious sunshine in Cotignac) and stayed just outside Cotignac in a beautifully renovated farmhouse from the 17th and 18th centuries, the Domaine Saint Joseph. Its owner, Charlotte Baring, is a talented …

I really don’t want to share this one, I really don’t. But it’s pure kindness that makes me not withhold. In the Luberon valley, just below Bonnieux and Lacoste, lies an oasis of perfection called Mas des Sens. Le mas is a gorgeously manicured property in a quiet, rural location and …

Head to the South of France After years of the same old holiday routines, the Christmas stockings are looking a bit ragged and plum pudding it still not your favourite dessert. Why not change it up this year and spend a week in Provence? Domaine de Palerme is available for a …

Last year, about this time, my daughter and I were on our way from Lourmarin to Château d’Esclans in La Motte, about 150 kilometres away in the département of the Var. There, we were to meet with Tom Schreckinger, Communications Director for the Château, and Patrick Léon, chief oenologist for …

That Provencal vacation that you have dreamed about is finally going to happen! You have tackled the family calendar, arm-twisted a friend into dog sitting and booked the flights to the South of France. Now what? With beautiful images of lavender fields, azure waters and chilled rosé floating through your …