Visions and Videos of Perfectly Provence
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Find out more about Perfectly Provence in this interview with Rebecca Ronane, the founder of both Network Provence and Forward after Fifty:
After discovering Equiblues, a Rodéo américain that takes place around the August 15 public holiday, we drove to the Ardeche to see what it was all about. The initial event in 1996 drew a crowd of 6,000. Today, the festival in Saint Agrève attracts over 27,000 with live country music acts and North American rodeo events. Le cow-boys (and gals) participate in le roping, le team penning, le bareback bronc riding, le saddle bronc riding, le barrel racing and les bulls. The stands were packed with spectators, for the finals. Fans wore jeans, western shirts, large belt buckles and hats. The events were adapted for a smaller arena. Dancing girls and a live band kept the audience engaged during the transitions.
Understanding the Equine Culture in Provence
Twenty-three Formula One (F1) cars, 800 horsepower V-8 engines spooling, it’s the start of the Monaco Grand Prix (GP). Deafening! Full ear protection is essential. Within the confines of the city of Monte Carlo, the towering hills a natural amphitheatre, magnify the sound of the race circuit. The idiosyncrasies of the Monaco GP circuit truly test drivers’ skills. Cars come to a virtual standstill on some hairpin corners, head through a tunnel and then accelerate to breakneck speeds on the straightaways. If a F1 race were proposed in Monaco today, it would be considered unsafe. Former world champion Nelson Piquet described driving in Monaco as, “like trying to cycle round your living room.
In Monaco, track corners such as Tabac, Louis Chiron, and Piscine have their own names. Many car aficionados only know the course by the names of the corners. Torrid action usually occurs at Sainte Devote, the turn located before the long uphill straightaway towards the Casino. This corner is named after the small church dedicated to a Christian martyr from the 4th century, whose treasured bones are thought to have protected the Monegasque locals from invasion for centuries.
If you are looking for a fun and unique experience in Provence. Rent a 2CV for a day from Yes Provence and explore. The Citroën 2CV was produced from 1948 to 1990. Technically well built and engineered, the 2CV was affordable and designed to move the French rural population from relying on animals (horses and carts) to the automobile. The car continues to be iconic. It is minimalist by design, lightweight, offers easy serviceability, and consistently reliable. In 42 years of production, over 3.8 million cars were produced.
A winding road leads us from the sunny French Riviera coast to the Alpes Maritimes village of Gréolières, which has existed since 1033. Gréolières comes from the old French word “greolier,” meaning “crow.” We start our adventures in Gréolières at 850 meters, and we are greeted by a breathtaking view over the Loup Valley, which continues its path to the Mediterranean Sea. Discover a heritage trail that leads through 800 years of history. Informative signs accompany significant landmarks, such as the ‘lavoir,’ the communal washhouse. This washhouse was an essential facility for the locals in the past, where people gathered to wash their clothes and socialize. The route also passes the 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre and the ruins of the Gréolières Basses castle; each step feels like a journey back in time.
Elusive Truffles Hunting for Black Gold in Provence – Searching for and finding Tuber Melanosporum (black truffles) requires a combination of well-trained animals and local knowledge of the terroir. Its rarity and distinctive earthy aroma make the black truffle the equivalent of culinary gold for many chefs. In France, the black diamond (diamant noir) has been considered a luxury gourmet ingredient since the 18th century, thanks to the fact that King Francois 1er insisted that truffles be served in his court at every meal. Richerenches is a quiet agricultural village, in the Vaucluse, complete with the elements you expect to see a stone church, a tree-lined main street, and a few shops. However, on the 3rd Sunday in January, the town is anything but sleepy when crowds gather for the annual Messe aux truffes (Truffle Mass) in l’Église Saint-Denis. Since 1952, this service has honoured Saint Antoine, the patron saint of the trufficulteurs (truffle farmers). As an outsider, you can expect to stand outside the church, stamping your feet to keep warm or squeeze into la Maison Templière, where the mass is broadcast on a big screen. Here is the video:
Discovery Walk Cap d’Antibes: A Jewel on the Glittering Côte d’Azur – When exploring the stunning Côte d’Azur, visiting the captivating Cap d’Antibes is a must. This enchanting coastal path, the Sentier de Tirepoil, offers an unforgettable 5-kilometre hike, where each turn reveals breathtaking views. Nestled away from urban life, this path is perfect for adventurers wearing sturdy shoes, ready to embrace the refreshing sea breeze that gives the trail its name, “Tire-Poil”—the wind sweeps your hair in a delightful dance. Enjoy this video of beautiful Cap d’Antibes:
Not helped by its setting for gangster and crime movies, France’s second-largest city – Marseille – used to have an image problem. However, ask any local; this city is pure magic. Situated on the Mediterranean, Marseille residents can swim at their favourite beach before work and watch the sunset over the water with a glass of pastis. The culinary “home” of bouillabaisse is a gastronomic paradise with daily markets carrying a cross-section of exotic and local food. This article covers some of the must-see highlights of Marseille, a city its residents adore. Enjoy the short video below – Summer Fun in Marseille.
Grasse: A Day in the Perfume Capital of the World. When you find yourself on the stunning Côte d’Azur, set aside a day to explore the enchanting town of Grasse, renowned as the perfume capital since the 18th century. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this picturesque region boasts the perfect climate for cultivating fragrant flowers for perfume production. Don’t miss out on an immersive experience capturing the essence of Grasse. Watch this video by Christine van de Linden and Haas Zeegers featuring a visit to the enchanting flower gardens, where you’ll witness an insightful interview with the head gardener.
Guide to French Riviera Gardens
Nestled just a short ferry ride from the glamorous shores of Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Riviera. Of these islands, Île Sainte-Marguerite stands out as a haven of natural beauty and tranquillity. The 15-minute journey is a feast for the senses, offering panoramic views of the Cannes lighthouse, the charming old town, and the famed Boulevard de la Croisette with its luxurious hotels. Discover the Lérin Island in this video by Christine van de Linden and Haas Zeegers.
Cannes is a city you probably recognize because of the famous Festival de Cannes red carpet and star-studded festival attendees. A former fishing village, Cannes has grown in about 200 years into a city with 75,000 inhabitants and 3 million visitors per year. It has many facets, from local markets, authentic spots, and artisan bakeries to harbours with luxury yachts and events full of glitz and glamour. Discover the allure of Cannes and enjoy this video by Christine van de Linden and Haas Zeegers.
Tips for Surviving the Film Festival with the Red Carpet
Just an hour north of Cannes, nestled in the rolling hills, lies the enchanting La Réserve des Monts d’Azur. This natural reserve offers a perfect getaway for families, couples, and friends looking to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Provencal wilderness. Accessible via a picturesque route, this park is a sanctuary where wild animals have been reintroduced to their natural habitat, promising a day or weekend filled with wonder and discovery. The Réserve is a chance to immerse in Provence’s remarkable natural environment. Please enjoy this video by Christine van de Linden and Haas Zeegers.
Villages of the Var: Charming Tourrettes. Escaping from the vibrant Côte d’Azur to the serene countryside is always refreshing. Less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, you’ll find the charming medieval village of Tourrettes, nestled in the Var department. This village is one of the nine (9) ‘villages perchés’ of the Pays de Fayence, along with Mons, Fayence, Seillans, Callian, Montauroux, Tanneron, and Saint-Paul-en-Foret. Their elevated locations historically protected them from enemy attacks. In the video below by Christine van de Linden and Haas Zeegers, find out more about Tourrettes, a lovely village in the Var.
Meet the Founder: I enjoyed interviewing Martine Bertin-Peterson, the founder of boutique travel company Goût et Voyage. She started the company in 2014 by creating small group tours based on her travel preferences. Her vision was to develop slow-travel experiences that feel like a journey with friends.
Witness 1000 animals, 200 men and women on horseback as they head to Saintes Maries de la Mer on November 11th each year. This abrivado (or more precisely 11 of them in a row) is the season finale, takes place along six (6) kilometres of beach in the Camargue.
Course Camarguaise in Noves. If you see a flyer for a course camarguaise head to the local arena to witness this combination of animal strength and male agility. It’s great fun for the whole family.
Dancing under the stars in Salon-de-Provence. We were lucky to see this group dancing one summer night in Salon-de-Provence.
St Agrève American-style Rodeo. An August visit to the Ardeche for the annual country music and rodeo event.
Whether you are a race car fan or not the Monaco Grand Prix has something for everyone.
Provence is all about slowing the pace. What better way to do that than to rent a 2CV (Deux Chevaux) for a day of touring the countryside.
Once a year the town of Richerenches in the Vaucluse gathers to celebrate culinarily gold the Black Truffles of Provence (market list).
Cycling races in Provence – La Ronde d’Aix.
La Fete des Lumières in December is a perfect excuse for a road trip to the gourmet capital of Lyon.
But, it can be a bit hard to sleep: