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
I love our little corner of Provence, all year round, but there is something incredibly special about the time of year, when the area turns purple, with the Lavender fields exploding with colour, filling the air with scent as the flowers gently brush against each other in the breeze. The fields look beautiful, even in … More Purple Provence. Lavender Season in the Vaucluse
We’ve just returned from our 3rd visit to the Cote d’Azur for our February fix of colour and fun at the Carnaval de Nice and (of course) the superb Fete du Citron that takes place in the beautiful setting of Menton from mid February until early March each year. If you haven’t read one of … More Lemons and Lights in Menton & tips for visiting the Fete du Citron
I honestly thought we’d tried all possible options to get back to Provence, but it appears now that we may have found another route that is a bit bonkers, but seems (so far) to have been quite fun. This time we have incorporated a couple of market visits into the trip, which has not only … More Back to Provence…. Day 1… Exeter to Paris via Portobello Road Market
It’s been a long time since I last posted about a cycle ride in the area, that’s not because we haven’t been cycling, in fact the opposite is true. This area is so good for cycling and even though we thought we had been along most of the main routes, we continue to find new … More Beyond the Veloroute #12 – Over the top to Cucuron
Last year we visited the Fete du Citron for the first time, 40 years after I’d first seen postcards of the incredible structures when I’d visited the town as a child. It was well worth the wait and the event exceeded my expectations and we had a fantastic time. Bollywood in France -Incredible Fête Du … More February Fun on the Cote D’Azur – Part 2 – The Fete du Citron at Menton
I have always loved gardens, although I have to admit to not being a great gardener myself. A summer garden with deep herbaceous borders, filled with the scent and colour of roses is always a delight and we have some delightful ones around us in the UK, such as this one at Coombe Trenchard just … More The incredible gardens at Valsaintes Abbey
Vaucluse Dreamer 