How do you spend an autumn week in the south of France? Visiting beaux villages; going to brocante stores and outdoor markets; dining with friends and eating great food. That’s how! Have I told you lately how much I love France?After spending a few stressful months in the States, I was …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Octobre en Provence With the grape harvest long done due to a very dry summer, locals are concentrating on the olive harvest this month. You’ll drive by olive groves and see wooden ladders hidden among the trees. Furthermore, the olives vertes cassées made by many …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: This is the month where just about the whole of Northern France descends onto the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. On the radio, they announce “black weekends” which signify lots of Parisians heading south causing a rather lot of traffic. Everyone is finally on …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: Spring is in the air in Provence: Once again we have flung open the shutters on the house, switched the hot water on, filled the fridge & checked the tyres on the bikes. Over the last year (and it really is nearly a year since …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Punnets full of the best tasting strawberries you’ve ever imagined have arrived at the local veg shop. There are new leaves on the trees and yes, it’s my birthday month! The locals say that the season officially starts at Easter. To mark this, it …

As long as I can remember I’ve dreamt about Antibes. When thoughts of the tiny dot-of-a-place on the French Rivera came to my mind, I’d imagine myself lounging on the deck of a massive yacht. Sipping champagne. Dining in the moonlight. Sigh… Little did I imagine that I’d live within …

Contributor blog post by Vaucluse Dreamer: Where do I start? This last week has been lovely – the house has been full (a great test of the temporary fabric walls & open plan bathroom!) Not only has my eldest son been visiting with his girlfriend, but also my mum, so …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: This is the month where just about the whole of Northern France descends onto the beaches of the Cote d’Azur. On the radio they announce “black weekends” which signify lots of Parisians heading south causing a rather lot of traffic. Everyone is finally on vacation. …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: May in Provence is the continuation of annual flower markets and the beginning of the abrivado season. Horse festivals, running of the bulls…For me, the season really starts with the 1st of May celebrations in Arles where the Fête des Gardians …Continue reading here for Ashley’s …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Is it just me or does anyone else feel a slight lull after Festival February that saw some major events here on the French Riviera – Nice Carnival, Fête du Citron, Fête du Mimosa etc?? Personally, I enjoy that each month there is always so …