The cuisine of France is renowned for many reasons – across the country menus offer tempting regional dishes. The taste of the south though is very different from that of the north, influences from neighbouring Italy and from Spain and North Africa have left their mark. The sun drenched French Riviera, lapped by the Mediterranean […]
The city of Avignon played an important role in the 14th century. Though nowadays, it’s mostly known for its bridge, the Pont d’Avignon, the city was once a residence for pontiffs who made their home at the Palace of the Popes. Besides its historic significance, Avignon has much to offer. Reasons to fall in love […]
What could be more special and memorable than learning French on a truly exceptional authentic residential immersion course where you stay with a French teacher in her home in lovely Provence. Cassis, Sanary-Sur-Mer, Bandol, Les Calanques, La Ciotat – the names trip of your tongue to conjure up images of the most beautiful of Provence’s […]
“Grasse didn’t always smell this nice. It used to stink,” my Nose told me. “It was a leather tanning town and the stench was unbearable. The first fragrance produced was for designer gloves. Rose water to mask the ghastly smell. Catherine de Medici endorsed them. And Grasse quickly became the perfume capital of the world.” […]
Provence is a beautiful region, rich in history, gastronomy and wine, It’s also a playground for families. The limestone landscape is ideal for both big and small explorers with walking, cycling, mountain-biking, climbing and canoeing – and even caving experiences to enjoy. Daniel Wrightson of www.invitationto.com holiday villas in Europe shares some of his top […]
Discover the history and background of the historic and beautiful Abbey of Senanque Provence. Famous for its lavender fields and tranquillity, it has become a top visit in Provence… Where is the Abbaye de Senanque Located near Gordes in Provence, the abbey is occupied by a community of Cistercian monks. The Roman Catholic Cistercian Order […]
Provence is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its long history, a legacy of art and architecture, the most beautiful landscape of lavender, sunflowers and poppies, of vines and seaside towns, perched villages and ancient cities – there’s much here to fall in love with. Travelling in Provence Getting about on public […]
The gastronomy of Nice is part of its heritage. It’s one of only two cities in France to do so. Lyon, often called the gastronomic capital of France, is the other one. Lyon had better look out though because Nice is catching up. And, if you ask a Nicois, they will of course assure you […]
Provence has it all. Beautiful beaches, secret coastal bays, spectacular countryside peppered with lavender fields, fruit and olive orchards, magnificent towns and perched villages. The locals wines are delicious, especially sipped under the stars. Provencal gastronomy is superb. The history and culture of Provence is famous the whole world over. And, it makes for the […]
If you’re looking for a ski experience with lots of different runs, plenty of snow, fabulous view and a lot of fun, Montgenevre might be just perfect. In the French Cottian Alps, Haute-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur, it’s not well known and that gives is extra charm. Maybe you’ve skied the ‘Big’Uns’: The Three Valleys, Tignes/Val d’Isère, […]
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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 […]
“When I move to France I only want to have French friends”. This was a line in an email I received from a couple of Brits. They wanted advice on where to move to in France and this was one of their criteria. They also wanted to be near a town that has a market, […]
June 2005 was a difficult month for Peter Friend and his partner Mark. After a change of jobs, relocation and redundancy they decided they didn’t want the sort of stressful lives they were leading in marketing and business development for much longer. Considering their skills, passion for travel, good food and wine, setting up their […]
Stephen Solley, an expat from the UK lives in Beaujolais, Burgundy and says, not only is it a great place to live but it also offers opportunities for would be wine-makers… There must be so many couples, frustrated by all the stresses of daily life, who in an ideal world would like to move their […]
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most famous characters in French literature. But how did he get the unusual name of Quasimodo? For centuries, French law strictly limited the names that families could give their babies. They had to come from an approved list made up mostly of Catholic saints. The laws […]
We talk to Suzanne Sutton who left the UK for Languedoc Roussillon, southern France. She’s an agent for the award-winning Leggett Immobillier French Estate Agents and says this sunny area is great for expats to live. Where do you live in France? I live in a little village of around 90 residents, called Granès, in […]
Mike Collins from the UK went to France as a young man to study languages. He got a job with a large company and in his job he travelled a lot around France. He loved discovering new places and new tastes and developed a penchant for snails, the very French foodie favourite. On a whim, […]