life, renovations and just getting under the skin of Provence
After a busy week back in the UK, when we fitted so much in, that it felt as if we kept meeting ourselves coming back in the opposite direction, we are finally back home in Provence, and starting to plan for the next stage of work on the house, finally decorating the living room. It … More Bikes, Fifi and a smile on our faces
It’s now nearly 2 weeks, since Andy’s little ‘finger’ incident happened and we’ve been settling into life without cycling, as riding with a heavy duty bandage protecting the stitches, doesn’t really make gear-changing particularly easy. I know I can go out on my own, but somehow, it just doesn’t seem right, so the bikes have … More Autumn walks in Provence
It would probably be right to say that we have had more than our fair share of accidents and incidents over the years, from falling off bikes (me), suffering torn Achilles whilst doing a spoof ‘Riverdance’ routine (me again) and breaking bones windsurfing (yes – that’ll be me again). We’ve certainly been regular visitors to … More French Healthcare – Here we go again
Over the last few weeks, we have got a little bit further under the skin ofthe local area, and it’s taken us to some very different places, most recentlyon a guided tour of the Cathédrale Sainte Anne, in the heart of Apt, focusing on its medieval history. Each year the weekend of the ‘Journées du … More The incredible story of Apt, a Queen and the birth of The Sun King
Life here is never boring, and sometimes, even the simplest of things takes a twist, which leaves us wondering how we manage to get through a day without some disaster, or another. Take this weekend as an example. On Saturday, we headed out on the bikes, on one of our favourite little rides, that takes … More Figs, a lost phone and cake
A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to do a pop-up event with my jewellery, in the cellar of our friends’ newly restored town house and apartments in the centre of Apt Cent Cinq . I say cellar, but this was the most beautiful, vaulted stone room, set below the house on the … More Apta Julia – The hidden history of Apt
This time last week, Andy was back in Exeter, making sure that everything was ready for his return back to France. He had his sheaf of paperwork ready, his European vaccine passport on his phone, and his rucksack packed for the train journey home to Provence. After trying just about every possible way to travel … More Making the most of life in Provence
There is something simple and peaceful in finding a perfect picnic spot for supper, whilst watching the sunset in Provence….. … More Perfect Picnics in Provence
It’s just before 7am and after an unexpectedly longer stay in the UK than planned, I am finally en route home and back to Andy in Provence, and if all goes well, he should be waiting for me at Avignon just after 9.15 tonight (hopefully in Fifi, as that would be even more perfect) It’s … More Homeward Bound, London, Paris, Provence
So the day has finally dawned and today saw the Tour de France head to Provence for an epic stage, which would see the riders tackle the ‘Giant of Provence’, Mont Ventoux twice in a day’s stage. As I started writing this, it was 7.15am in Devon, and I got my first message from Andy … More An Epic Day – Tour De France on Mont Ventoux
Vaucluse Dreamer 