To many, the sound of gypsy jazz, or Jazz manouche in French, is the quintessential sound of France. Upbeat, uplifting, joyful and oh so French. When you hear the lilting music, it instantly conjures up an image in your mind of a 2cv clattering down an empty road, chickens at the window, sunflowers in the […]
A trip to Provence is often the trip of a lifetime. It’s a very special place and when you visit, you want to have a very special time and to create unique experiences and memories that you’ll cherish for ever. Martine Bertin-Peterson at Gout et Voyage puts it this way “if you want to experience […]
Avignon has plenty to offer everyone whatever their age. From the Palais to the Papes to the famous Pont d’Avignon there are grand monuments and small in this lovely ancient city. If you’re looking for family activities for you and the kids, Avignon doesn’t disappoint. Little train tour of Avignon Visit Avignon in a fun […]
Join a once in a lifetime experience. Exclusive, luxurious with the best French wines, gourmet food and Michelin star restaurants in enchanting Burgundy and Provence. This is a 6 star trip for those who really want to experience the luxury lifestyle. Don’t expect a regular cruise with half a day at a port here […]
The photos show the colours of the lavender growing in its gorgeous surroundings in Provence but there’s nothing quite like seeing it – and sniffing it – in person… Go in June to enjoy the lavender fields before the summer crowds arrive. At this time of the year the purple flowers begin to share their […]
You’re sitting in the office, or watching the TV or on a train or bus dreaming of being somewhere else. Somewhere sunny, where the food is great and the wine is chilled and you can sit outside relaxing. Avignon in Provence offers all these things and a whole lot more… Cultural fix in Avignon The […]
Autumn in the south of France is a great time to take a visit and enjoy the sights without the summer crowds. The weather is mellow and warm, the light is soft and the locals go about the business of real life. Touring in the south of France in Autumn If you’re into wine then […]
I could tell you that Avignon is the heart of Provence – it is. I could tell you that it’s a place of history and culture – it is. But what you might not know is that Avignon is a place to savour – quite literally I mean, because this is a town that’s full […]
Avignon is a fabulous foodie destination. The sunny city, the heart of Provence has bars, cafes, bistros and restaurants galore. Just wander and you will find places that are feast for the eyes and the soul as well as the stomach, such as these 10 restaurants and bars that the locals love… Appeals to all […]
Historic, gastronomic and beautiful – the top things to do in Avignon Provence to make the most of your time in this fabulous city. Palais des Papes The UNESCO listed Palace of the Popes is quite simply awesome in its immensity and sheer presence. It’s not hard to imagine the effect seeing it must have […]
Tim and Ingrid Bell moved from Lancaster, UK to Auvergne… They took over the Auberge de Chabanettes which has a long and colourful history, a familiar landmark in this part of rural France for over 150 years. In bygone years, it served as a butchers shop, an abattoir and a petrol station, but never lost […]
Author Antony Mason shares his reasons to love France and though there are many, the culture, Paris and Ile de Re have a special place in his heart… Where was your first visit to France? Paris, or Maisons-Lafitte to be more precise. I was born in the UK but christened in the Anglican Church of […]
It is often said that to really get to know a place you must get off the main roads and take the quiet detours instead. This is especially true of France, where the main roads are so very efficient at whisking you through whole regions, and where the detours are truly quiet and have many […]
Monday 4 September signals la rentrée in France. I love this time of the year even though it means the summer is over. It’s when everyone returns to work, to school and normality after the long summer holidays and there’s a feeling of enthusiasm and joy in the air. Better yet, the shops are all […]
10 years ago, we found it, the house of our dreams, and, from time to time, nightmares! Perhaps I should back up and explain where we were coming from. I had spent 30 years of my working life in the Pharmaceutical Industry, a job which had taken my wife and I, and our children, all […]
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast It doesn’t just stay with you, you hanker after it forever more… What makes us fall in […]
On a warm sunny day, there’s no better way to get around Paris than with a Velib bike. Bike friendly Paris has installed hundreds of Velib bike rental stations for locals and tourists alike. Author Michael Barry shares his bike riding in Paris experience… Velib bikes in Paris For a small daily or weekly fee, […]
Bonjour I’m astounded to find that it’s almost the end of summer. How did that happen? I feel like it’s gone by in such a whirl this year, perhaps because I didn’t take a break. It’s been that sort of year for me. What with writing a book and getting it published which takes time, […]