One could say that Lyon is at the intersection of France. Lyon is France’s third-largest city after Paris and Marseille. Located almost in the country’s centre, the drive from Marseille takes a little over 3 hours and 4.5 from Paris. However, the travel time is cut considerably on the train …

It’s a toss-up between coquelicots (red poppies) and lavender, but probably no other scent or sight says Provence better than the pungent aroma of a purple field of lavender growing in mounded rows under a brilliant blue summer sky. We were lucky that it was the lavender season when we …

Contributor blog post by Keith Van Sickle: The Wednesday morning market in St.-Rémy is one of the best in Provence. And it is very popular, which makes parking a challenge. There are a few spots available in the pay lots and on the street, but they tend to fill up …

Contributor blog post by Ashley Tinker: Juillet/July Events in Provence 2017 It’s full summer here in Provence. The cigales are singing (quite loudly I must say!) and the sunflowers and lavender are in full bloom. The ballet (or science?) of knowing when to open and close your shutters has been mastered for all …

Contributor blog post by Keith Van Sickle: One of the glories of Provence is the fresh produce. And in St.-Rémy, the best place to get it is at the Wednesday market. Every week, dozens of vendors set up shop throughout the charming town center, selling fruits, vegetables, olives, cheeses, lavender …

Contributor blog post by Aixcentric: Sunday really is an ideal time to visit Toulon as the traffic is lighter, it’s easier to park and the market is in full swing. It’s a good market with the top part North African stalls, leading down to the fruit and veg section, ending in …

I am often asked if I could help plan a stay in Lourmarin, so voilà! This itinerary would work from any of the nearby Luberon villages. I’ve planned it around my favourite market days, listed below. But don’t rush around too much. Allow yourself to simply ‘be’ ~ to enjoy …

Contributor blog post by Access Riviera: Monaco has a reputation as a place of luxury, superyachts and supercars but I’m going to shatter the myth that you need to have lots of money to enjoy Monaco as a tourist. Monaco/Monte Carlo is spread over a lot of hills, so if …

The French Riviera has over 40 museums with rich collections often set in picturesque locations overlooking manicured gardens, village squares or the sea. From Belle Époque paintings to modern sculptures, visitors to the region will find enough cultural places of interest to entertain them for a day, week or longer. …

Contributor blog post by Michel: In the morning we walked across the Pont du Gard and then hiked up the trail to get an “aerial” view. After a light meal consisting of food and drinks from the Canteen at the Pont du Gard visitor center, we headed to Collias for …