A few thoughts on what has changed and what has stayed the same in Provence over the last 30 years, since our first visit and the publication of A Year in Provence … More A comforting book and a reflection on 30 years of Provence
Having arrived back in Provence a few of days ago I’ve been really surprised at how much things have changed in the last 5 weeks. First, and probably the biggest surprise, is that everything is looking incredibly lush and green. This a such a stark contrast to the bleached colours and dry fields and verges … More Poppies & Cherries – Provence has turned red.
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
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!
Once again we have flung open the shutters on the house, switched the hot water on, filled the fridge & checked the tyres on the bikes. Over the last year (and it really is nearly a year since we bought the house) it feels as if we have been here in Provence more than … More It’s nice to be back & Spring has arrived!
I make no bones about it – I love a good coffee stop and La Vie en Rose at Coustellet has to be one of my favourites. The tea shop isn’t exactly in a perfect location as it’s situated on the side of the road just behind Super U in the village, nor is it in a traditional … More A perfectly quirky coffee stop
I always love Sundays in and around the Luberon, whether it’s an early morning start in the summer to head off bargain-hunting at the vide-grenier in a nearby village or a gentle cycle out for breakfast at the wonderful ‘Farmers’ Market’ at Coustellet. In January too there’s plenty to do to keep me busy and today was … More A Winter’s Sunday pottering in Provence
This last week has been lovely – the house has been full (a great test of the temporary fabric walls & open plan bathroom!) Not only has my eldest son been visiting with his girlfriend, but also my mum, so all the rooms have been put to good use. Of course my son knows the … More A 3 day taster trip to the Vaucluse – where do I start?
For a long time the only market we tended to go to on a Sunday was the massive event that packs the narrow streets and pretty squares of L’Isle Sur La Sorgue. We would cycle in (early) and have breakfast at the wonderful Café de France, before wandering around the town browsing the huge number … More Food, Flowers & Fashion -Sunday in Coustellet
Vaucluse Dreamer 