UK arts writer, Tony Cooper, looks in on the Picasso Museum in Antibes on the French Riviera. It’s an area that was loved by the iconic and controversial 20th-century artist… I’m a regular visitor to France and I’m off on yet another great adventure to what I class as my adopted country travelling to Antibes […]
Of course, one day in Provence is never enough but, for those who really only have one day – it can still be super special and leave with you with memories that last forever. Beware, you’ll want to return and stay for a lot longer! We asked Emily Durand of My Private Chauffeur Provence how […]
Marseille is one of those places that you simply can’t visit just once. There’s so much to discover, so many facets to this bustling cosmopolitan city that you find you just have to go back. 5 million people a year visit the city. It’s the second largest and also the oldest city in France, a […]
One of the charms of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is the river that runs around and through it. This river, the Sorgue, is a favorite of tourists and fishermen alike, with its crystal-clear waters sparkling in the sun. The source of the river lies just five miles east of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue in one of the most beautiful spots in […]
Montauroux is a small hilltop village in the department of Var, Provence. From its elevated position, surrounded by forests there are fabulous views over the gorgeous countryside. One of 8 traditional Provencal villages in the Fayence area, it is ideally situated between the mountains and the sea (Cannes beaches are only 25km away) and close […]
Discover the mouth-watering markets, captivating cuisine and wonderful wines of Provence when you experience the authentic ambiance of this most beautiful corner of France. Join a personally guided, bespoke, extraordinary and luxury small group tour that’s off the tourist track – and every bit as good as it sounds. Markets and Meditation holiday in Provence […]
Provence is a land of tiny medieval villages, with buildings of warm, worn stone walls covered with abundant, beautiful blooms, especially in the spring. Guest photographer Renata Haidle shares her favourite photos of Provence and the south of France… Colours of Provence The bright, vivid colours of towns and villages contribute to a lively atmosphere […]
There’s something about Provence. Those who visit, long to return, charmed by its beauty, wowed by its markets, awed by the sight of fields of lavender, poppies, sunflowers… and much much more. We asked long term expat in Provence, as well as renowned tour guide, Emily Durand of Your Private Provence to share her top […]
Picture-perfect lavender fields, quaint and pretty street markets. Exquisite little cafés where you can sit and watch the world go by, chilled wine and magnificent architecture. Provence is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Blessed with a wonderfully sunny disposition, it’s also one of the best places to take a holiday… Unique […]
Marseille is not like other cities… On the edge of the Mediterranean in the far south of France, Marseille is steeped in history. In the past it’s had a reputation for being a bit gritty. It’s a thrilling, friendly, fun and fabulous city… But, before you dive into Marseille, here’s a tip: even though it’s […]
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Sur le Pont d’Avignon L’on y danse, l’on y danse Sur le Pont d’Avignon L’on y danse tous en rond Many of us learned that song as kids, about the famous Pont d’Avignon in Provence (real name: Pont Saint-Bénézet). For those of us lucky enough to visit Avignon and see the bridge in all its […]
I love all my animals, five cats, three dogs, four geese, 13 ducks and 25 chickens. They’re part of the family though the birds don’t live in the house with us. At least not permanently. When they’re a bit poorly, I’ll bring them in for some TLC until they’re well enough to go out. Sometimes […]
I live part of the year in Provence and one day I was reading Le Monde and a headline about a “sexy politician” caught my eye. “Well, those are two words you don’t see together very often,” I thought. So I read the article and found out that there had been a poll asking French […]
It was lunchtime in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area of Paris, and I was ravenous looking for a place to eat away from the usual tourist traps. I turned down a quiet street and saw the most unassuming bistro. In fact, I wouldn’t usually have considered going in but I decided to take a chance. As soon […]
Catharism has been described as “the most successful heresy in history”. In Languedoc, “Pays Cathare” signs dot the countryside. One cannot drive far in any direction without coming upon the ruins of a Cathar fortress. Who were the Cathars? “Cathar” is allegedly derived from the Greek word, katharos, meaning “pure”. The Cathars were also known […]
The people of Provence have been raising sheep for centuries. You see flocks of them all over the countryside, grazing under the watchful eye of shepherds. But Provencal summers are scorching hot and sheep have heavy wool coats so they’re moved to cooler pastures. The transhumance in Provence The answer to dealing with the heat, […]
There have been many famous families in history. Take the Curies, for example: Marie Curie won two Nobel Prizes and her husband, daughter and grandson each won one. Quite the talented family! And then there are the Wright brothers and the Brontë sisters. And let’s not forget those comic masters, the Marx brothers. But imagine […]
“They are NOT babies, they are chickens” remonstrated my French neighbour Jean-Claude. He had come to inspect the eight point of lay hens and two “babies” with which I had returned from the local street market. “I’m going to call that scrawny baby one Eaglet” I said “Non, non, non” came the emphatic response “You […]