Over 30 years ago, when we first visited the Luberon, we took to our bikes, cycling the back-roads to explore the beautiful, historic villages, and we remember riding over an old bridge across the Calavon river, below Bonnieux, when we were making our way to Roussillon. What we didn’t realise at the time, was that … More Exploring the History
Before we bought the house here, I used to get my ‘fix’ of Provence and The Luberon, reading Peter Mayle’s ‘A Year in Provence’ and watching the film ‘A Good Year’, based on one of his books, and set all around the area that we love so much. Directed by Ridley Scott, it’s a step … More A Good Year … Ridley Scott’s Domaine in Provence
We often find ourselves sitting on the wall at the front edge of the pretty village of Menerbes, whilst we’re out exploring the area on our bikes. In fact I think we must seem like part of the furniture there, and have been recognised a few times now, as we have been sitting absorbed by … More Menerbes, a historic, beautiful village
The first time we visited Provence, over 30 years ago, we arrived in a desperate effort to escape the rain that always seemed to dog our snatched, two week holidays in France. At that time we were simply ‘holiday cyclists’, and with a busy working life at home, we only really got out on the … More Cycling the back roads of Provence
As you have probably guessed, I am a little bit restricted at the moment after my tumble a couple of weeks ago and am already missing being able to get out on the bike. I have very quickly realised that I am really not very good at being sedentary and know that I will be … More Croissant-Chasing… 4 great places to sit for breakfast
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
Today was just one of those beautiful Spring days that just fill your heart with joy and make you start thinking of the long summer days ahead, so my thoughts of perhaps popping across to L’Isle sur La Sorgue market went out of the window as soon as I threw open the shutters. It was … More The Paris-Nice cycle race is coming to our favourite roads
There is one ride we do again and again, the only thing that alters is the way round we do it and where we have breakfast. It’s a ride that takes you to some of the prettiest villages in the area, pottering along the quiet back roads, with incredible views and lots of places to … More Beyond the Véloroute #15.. A ‘Welcome to the Valley’ ride
I have to start by saying that I really dislike January. I know it’s a a quiet time of year after the excesses of Christmas and a time for looking forward to the year ahead, also my birthday happens to fall within it too, but I still find it the most depressing of months. Despite … More Beating the January Blues in Provence
Time is a very strange thing indeed, I have been back in the UK for less than 4 weeks and although the time has flown by, it feels as if I have been away from France for so much longer. I am sure there is some psychological explanation for this, but I wouldn’t have any … More Settling in after a few weeks away…..
Vaucluse Dreamer 