There is something wonderful about a traditional French market and over the years we’ve spent a considerable amount of time ambling around them in different towns across the Country.The lively Saturday Market in AptThe nice thing is that each area expresses its own identity through its markets – with the wonderful seafood stalls, full of … More 3 ‘Small but Perfectly Formed’ Provence markets
Since arriving back in the UK after Christmas it seems that it hasn’t stopped raining and most days we appear to have moved directly from dawn to dusk with what appears to be no actual sunlight in between. It just hasn’t got light and to be honest it’s felt as if we have been in … More Coming out of hibernation – February sun in Provence
The last couple of days I’ve been settling back into life in our little house in Provence and enjoying catching up with our eldest, who arrived in May & is still here – I think it’s fair to say he loves it and would love to make a life for himself here! Of course there … More Beautiful light, colours, peace and quiet – it’s Autumn in Provence
Over the last 3 weeks Andy & I have covered nearly 2000 kilometres & climbed nearly 26 kilometres between us on our bikes. That’s not through us setting out to do anything particularly and it certainly hasn’t been as a result of us setting ourselves a target, but simply because we like to go out … More Cycling, Coffee & Croissants!
Over the years I’ve wished (many times) that we could just chill out and effectively lie by a pool and relax for a holiday. But to be honest despite our best efforts we’ve found it’s just not for us and that after a hard few hours of trying we’re all ‘champing at the bit’ just … More Active Provence
Last weekend we decided to potter off to enjoy a couple of Brocante markets and Vide Grenier events being held in the area. The last time we’d gone to one we’d found a wonderful French Military History chart for our youngest, Tom, who’s passionate about history, so he too thought it sounded like a reasonable … More Brocantes, Silver & an antique Musket!
Last year when The Tour De France visited Provence I was down here on my own and still waiting for the boys to arrive from their rather epic cycle ride from Dartmoor to Sète. I grabbed the chance to watch The Tour finish on the iconic Mont Ventoux, only for the summit finish to be … More ‘Chapeau’ to The Tour de France
What we’ve realised since we bought the house this time last year is that there is no really bad time to cycle in Provence. Yes Summer is hot, but speaking as a ‘mad dog’ I’m very happy to go out in the mid-day sun and to be honest it gives us a great excuse for … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #9 – Roussillon, Bonnieux & an Elephant!
When I packed my cycle kit to come over this time I put in enough layers to keep me warm in the expected arctic temperatures, hoping to snatch a few precious moments out on the bike before dashing home to thaw out in front of the fire. I think in hindsight I rather over-packed … More Beyond the Veloroute cycle #8 – Through the Vineyards
There is something about arriving in the Vaucluse that just makes the stress slip from our shoulders and today’s arrival in the depths of winter was no different. Travelling at this time of year is a little bit more complicated than during the summer as at this time of year there are no flights from … More Mid-Winter break in Provence
Postcards from Provence and beyond 